The historic Army and Navy Club (ANC) in Manila, one of the best known landmarks of Manila and the first American social club to be established in the Philippines in 1911, has been restored into an elegant five-star boutique hotel reminiscent of the city’s glorious past as the ‘Paris of Asia’.
Originally built as a rest and recreation facility for the exclusive use of US military personnel and civilians, the Army and Navy Club was the site of many important events in Philippine-American relations. The building was designed by none other than Architect William Parsons known for his trademark use of arches and neoclassical style.
For decades, the club was one of the centers of a beautiful city once regarded as the “Paris of the East.” By the 1980’s, however, the building—one of the few remaining pillars of Manila’s glorious past—started showing signs of deterioration. National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on April 26, 1991 declared it a National Historical Landmark.
After years of neglect, the Oceanville Hotel & Spa Corporation saw it fit for the building for restoration. Oceanville had strictly retained the old Club’s architectural design, distinctive features, layout, room dimensions, and interior motif during the course of its restoration. It also retained the building’s trademark arches as originally designed by Parsons.
“So far, Oceanville is the only Filipino company that has undertaken a restoration project of such cost and scale,” Simon Lee-Paz said, adding that Oceanville “is out to bring about the renaissance of Filipino architecture.”
Reviving the old Army and Navy Club is just the first step, he pointed out. “Oceanville would be open to helping government rehabilitate more historic buildings around the country.”
The hotel features 110 beautifully designed rooms with unique colonial-era motif that takes its guests to a trip down memory lane in comfort and luxury. Its all-day dining restaurant, Café Rizal, offers a delectable selection of international cuisine through a buffet spread and a la carte menu. It also has fully-equipped entertainment facilities such as a spa, a courtyard, and a casino. Function halls, a swimming pool, gym and lifestyle centers, marina, and a Chinese fine dining restaurant are also expected to open by the end of the year.
The Rizal Park Hotel stays true to its motto of offering its guests an experience of “History In Style”. By mixing the old with the new, the Rizal Park Hotel is a symbol for a new generation of Filipinos who value their rich cultural heritage but also promote economic progress and development for the country.
For more information about the Rizal Park Hotel, please visit www.rizalparkhotel.com.ph. For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 804 8700.
