Casino Español de Manila

Casino Español de Manila is a club established in 1893 by Spaniards living in the Philippines as their exclusive venue for recreational and social activities. It later opened its doors to Filipino members to foster Spanish-Filipino ties in the country.[1] The club is located at 855 Kalaw Avenue, Ermita, Manila.

The facade of Casino Español de Manila

History

Spanish period

Earlier records show that Governor General Narciso Clavería y Zaldúa formalized the foundation of the casino in Manila on October 31, 1844,[2] the date which is celebrated by the casino as the year of its founding.

American colonial period
Aerial view of the Casino Español de Manila (1930)

The first building of the Casino Español de Manila was built in 1913 but formally opened in 1917. It was designed by architect Juan Arellano,[3] incorporating influences of neo-renaissance style.[4]

The structure used to occupy the whole block from Taft Avenue to San Marcelino St. and housed the offices of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and the Consulate General of Spain. As the official clubhouse and social venue of the Spanish community, the building’s reception and banquet halls hosted parties, celebrations and balls. Among the noted events in this venue in the 1930s was the extravagant party held to celebrate the birthday of the King of Spain. Apart from attending parties in its halls, guests could also view the garden from the terrace while members could play tennis and pelota games in its courts.[1]

In 1945, the structure was destroyed in World War II during the Liberation of Manila. The club was temporarily moved to a two-story house along Apacible St. (formerly Oregon) and Perez St. in Paco, Manila.[1][3]

Post-War period
Main lobby that leads to the inner courtyard.

In 1951, Casino Español de Manila was rebuilt on its original site through the help of Ignacio Planas.[3] Parts of the property were sold and the new structure was built facing San Luis Street (now Kalaw Avenue).[1] The new clubhouse was designed by architect José María Zaragoza using the prevalent post-World War II “Filipino-California-Spanish style”. The structure has arched verandas surrounding an inner courtyard.[5]

The new clubhouse was inaugurated on November 3, 1951 with President Elpidio Quiríno and Vice-President Fernando López in attendance. In 1962, it played host to Infante Juan Carlos of Spain (later King Juan Carlos I) and Princess Sofía of Greece and Denmark (later Queen Sofía). Queen Sofía visited the club once again in 2000 during an official visit to the Philippines.[1]

Present-day club
Arched terraces surrounding the courtyard.

While Casino Español de Manila caters to its members only, it now welcomes guests and visitors to its compound. The club holds events in its open-air Patio de Orquidias. It has a restaurant that offers Spanish food in its menu. At the back, it has a fronton that is used for jai alai and pelota games. Right beside the casino is the former site of the Instituto Cervantes Manila where Spanish classes were held, promoting the Spanish culture in the Philippines.[1]

Football

The club has organized a football team. Casino Español fielded a team at the 1935 Philippines Football Championship.[6]

References
  1. Torres, Jose Victor. "The Iberian Social Club". Metrozines: Metro Society. Metro Society. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  2. "Casino Español de Manila – Metro Manila". PHelpy. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  3. "National Registry of Historic Sites and Structures in the Philippines: Casino Español de Manila". National Registry of Historic Sites and Structures in the Philippines. National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  4. Villaruel, Nicole (22 November 2013). "American Colonial Contemporary Architecture". Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  5. Villalon, Augusto (28 August 2006). "Spanish heritage complex in the heart of Manila". Heritage Conservation Society. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  6. Stokkermans, Karel. "Philippines 1935". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 25 March 2015.

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