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A look into the storied history of Roxas Boulevard

BY Lifestyle Inquirer.net

• 4 min. read

Over the years, plenty of structures have come and gone along Roxas Boulevard. Considerably one of Metro Manila’s most iconic strips of land, it’s an epicenter for both culture and recreation – harmoniously marrying everything that makes Manila a beaming city with life.

The latest addition to the iconic bayside promenade’s roster of structures? SMDC Sands Residences – a luxurious 51-floor vertical community that presents you the rare opportunity to build your very own home over a significant piece of history. With glorious views of Manila Bay, stunning sunsets, and endless accessibility to various landmarks, SMDC Sands Residences offers a glistening array of opportunities right at your doorstep.

Nestled in the heart of Roxas Boulevard, surrounded by some of the Metro’s most historic structures, SMDC Sands seamlessly marries heritage with luxury.

Whether it’s the Club Intramuros Golf Course where you are quite literally surrounded by the walls our ancestors built, or the Cultural Center of the Philippines where you are immersed in some of the Philippines’ most historic artistic triumphs, Roxas Boulevard’s undoubtedly ties to heritage remain one of its most alluring traits.

Below, find some of the boulevard’s most celebrated structures that have helped etch its name into Philippine history.

Baclaran Church

Iconic Baclaran Church, a place of worship and pilgrimage, adorned with intricate architecture and surrounded by a devout atmosphere located along the strip of Roxas Boulevard.

Designed by renowned Filipino Architect Cesar Concio and his associate Jesse Bontoc, Baclaran Church’s modern Romanesque design remains one of Roxas Boulevard’s most recognizable structures. With hundreds and thousands of religious devotees visiting the church regularly, the 65-year-old church is home to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. It enshrines the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.

National Museum of Natural History

National Museum, a cultural treasure trove showcasing rich history and artistry, inviting exploration and learning amid impressive exhibits located along the strip of Roxas Boulevard..

Originally built as the Agriculture and Commerce Building back in 1940, the National Museum of Natural History as we know it today weathered plenty of changes before it opened its doors in 2017. Prior to its renovation and construction, it was also occupied by the Department of Tourism Building until 2015.

Six years since its inauguration, the National Museum of Natural History has undoubtedly become one of the most visited structures along Roxas Boulevard, if not all of Metro Manila. Apart from the artifacts and cultural rarities it houses, it’s also hard to miss the “Tree of Life” centered within the museum. Designed by Dominic Galicia Architects and interior designer Tina Periquet, the glass dome structure was inspired by DNA.

Palacio de Memoria

Palacio de Memoria, an opulent blend of history and grandeur, adorned with timeless architecture and surrounded by lush gardens located along the strip of Roxas Boulevard..

Originally a pre-war mansion, Palacio de Memoria was restored to its old-world glory back in 2019 by the Lhuiller family. Now, the 7-story mansion serves as an events place and recreational venue complete with bars and restaurants within the property.

Apart from the structure’s stunning façade, the current pièce de résistance of Palacio de Memoria is the Mosphil Lounge – a stunning retrofitted for ground, decommissioned Antonov 24 B Russian aircraft now designed for guests to unwind while sipping on their favorite cocktail.

Palacio de Maynila

An elegant landmark, harmonizing classic and contemporary architecture, set against a picturesque cityscape located along the strip of Roxas Boulevard.

On the off chance that you might be on the lookout for a venue, Palacio de Maynila is a mere 53 meters away. That’s a one-minute walk! A short walk to Malate Church, Palacio de Maynila also has an open-air lanai with a cinematic view of Manila Bay.

The 800-square-meter tent has also hosted hundreds of events from weddings to debuts, and even concerts. In 2019, French musician, record producer, and DJ Breakbot made his Manila debut in Palacio de Maynila.