Another Death Blow to Manila's Heritage

The oldest Chinese temple in Manila was demolished on March 15, 2015 — another sad incident in the life of the city's heritage buildings.

Chong Hock Tong Temple, built in 1878, was one of the very few remaining pre-war structures in Manila. Closely associated with the Tsinoy community, it was never declared a historic landmark by the government.

Located inside the Manila Chinese Cemetery, it's architecture has been described as "reminiscent of those in Fujian province as well as those in Singapore and Malaysia with their colorful friezes and uniquely upturned eaves."

The images that used to be inside the temple have been stored inside a tin shed next to the cemetery's administration building. Also in storage is the statue of Gobernadorcillio Carlos Palanca Tan Quien Sien, who has been credited for building the temple.

Before and After [Photos from Coconut Manila.]

[See: Exclusive! Demolished: Manila's oldest Chinese temple, it was 137 years old ]

*Good thing that I was able to see the temple on November 2014 before it was demolished. How sad.