A rare copy of Angus Campbell’s 1993 book, The Manila Club: A Social History of the British in Manila, was recently gifted to The Manila Club by British national Michael Whitehead.
Founded in the 1840s by a group of British expatriates, The Manila Club holds the distinction of being the oldest private membership social club in the Philippines. Campbell’s book chronicles the club’s storied past within the broader context of Manila’s social, commercial, and political landscape throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
The book captures vivid, first-hand accounts of life at the club and beyond, offering glimpses into offices, streets, and shops of historic Manila. It also highlights the experiences of foreigners who lived and worked in the city, many of whom built lifelong connections and families within the local community.
Today, The Manila Club remains a vibrant hub for British expatriates and other nationalities, hosting social and business events in the heart of Makati’s bustling business district. One of its enduring traditions, the Curry Tiffin lunch—introduced in 1893—continues to be a celebrated part of the club’s heritage.