PHILIPPINES ~ City Hall - Manila ~

... First of two more nice Philippines views... the city hall of Manila is one of the iconic landmarks in the capital.... the most prominent feature is the Clock Tower, the largest clock tower in the Philippines, reaching close to 100 feet in elevation... this hexagonal tower features three red-faced clocks and is beautifully illuminated at night... the bell is rung three times every hour continued by a melody...  Manila City Hall has a curious shape when viewed from the top... it looks like a coffin with a cross... rather than the coffin it closely resembles, it’s actually in the shape of the shield of the Knights Templar to symbolize the great influence of Catholicism in the Philippines.... Thanks a lot Jobbo!!ヽ(ヅ)ノ (think the p***s look as you mentioned is only your own interpretation😉)

From backside postcard:

"The Manila City Hall was originally part of Daniel Burnham's masterplan for Manila, of which only a few buildings actually got constructed. The structure was designed by Antonio Toledo, and the construction on the City Hal started in the 1930's, and was finished in 1941, just before the Japanese invaded Manila.

Manila City Hall sustained major damage during the Battle of Manila, but was more or less still standing by the time the fighting ceased."

The clock tower was first renovated during the time of Mayor Atienza. The second time was after Estrada won in 2013. He had the clocks upgraded and digitalized so that it will always be synchronized with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration for Philippine Standard Time. He plans to convert it into a coffee shop and the first two floors of the tower had been turned into spacious halls.

Stamp:

Marine Life
(05-05-2011)