President Duterte commends restoration of Rizal Park Hotel, vows support for nat’l heritage sites

Notes how US property now being restored by Filipino-Chinese

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is given a tour inside Rizal Park Hotel in Manila during its grand opening on July 26, 2017. Touring the President is Rizal Park Hotel Chairman Simon Paz. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

 

(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte assured his government would continue to support initiatives aimed at preserving the country’s national heritage, as he graced the grand opening of Rizal Park Hotel in Ermita, Manila on Wednesday, July 26.

The hotel stands at the site of the iconic Manila and Army Navy Club, the first American social club to be established in the country in 1898. When the Army and Navy Club was completed in April 1911 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, it was reserved only for the exclusive use of U.S. military personnel and civilians. Not even noted Filipino politicians were allowed to step inside its premises.

Duterte said it was noteworthy that this once U.S. property — where Filipinos had been banned from even entering during the American occupation — is now revived and restored by a Filipino-Chinese businessman, Simon Paz, for use by Filipinos, and essentially everybody.

“By restoring the building’s former grandeur, we are not only preserving a piece of our history but we are also embracing a clear national identity,” he said.

The revival of the historical landmark was a project of Simon Paz of the Oceanville Hotel and Spa Corporation. He is also the chairman of the Rizal Park Hotel.

Duterte: US property now restored by Filipino-Chinese

“The American-owned Army and Navy Club, it’s now so beautiful, much, may be prettier than the original one,” the President said.

“The revival and restoration of this iconic and historical landmark are the manifestations of our common desire to promote and preserve our vibrant culture and rich history,” he said.

“What is very consoling is that all of the American properties are already in the hands of the Chinese,” he said. “Very good.”

Duterte, who had earlier called for the return of the Balangiga bells by the US government in his earlier State of the Nation Address (SONA), said the conservation and restoration of our national heritage sites was very important.

President Duterte commended the “truly admirable” vision and effort to conserve the site, adding that the company regained and added more value to the “long neglected” place.

“It is likewise noteworthy that this project was undertaken considering the tremendous cost and risk it might incur,” he added, noting that restoring a building is more generally expensive than constructing a new one.

The Chief Executive also cited the retention of some of the original designs and interiors.

He said this signifies the emphasis on the protection and enhancement of the heritage aspect of the hotel.

He said the government is taking steps to make the Philippines a more attractive place for tourists and investors.

The President also vowed that the government would pursue measures to make the Philippines a “safer, more convenient, and more attractive” place for both tourists and investors.

“Together, let us open new doors of opportunities so that we can usher in a lasting and greater prosperity for all,” he said.

After his speech, President Duterte was given a tour of the hotel.

Also present in the event were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chair Dr. Rene Escalante, Oceanville Hotel and Spa Corporation President Simon Paz and Executive Vice President Brian Paz.

Filipinos banned in property during US colonial period

During the American colonial period, Filipinos were not allowed in this exclusive Manila Army and Navy Club. This was described by the late US Senator Hiram Bingham in a speech in Hawaii cited by a 1922 New York Times article.

A portion of the said article, lifted by Wikipedia read: “Mr. Bingham’s audience [during a speech in Hawaii] was all attention as he proceeded to relate how, a few weeks previously, he had been invited as guest of honor to a banquet in the Army & Navy Club of Manila. Mr. Bingham had asked whether outstanding native politicians, such as President Manuel Quezon of the Philippine Senate or Senator Sergio Osmena, independence leader, would be present; ‘Certainly not,’ snorted the Army & Navy Club of Manila, and proceeded to instruct Mr. Bingham that no Filipinos (except, of course, servants) were admitted within the doors of the Army & Navy Club of Manila.”

(with a PND report)