The Spanish colonized the Philippines for 333 years beginning in 1521, greatly influencing its culture. The Laws of the Indies established guidelines for governing colonies, including the gridiron city plan with a central plaza. Molo Plaza in Iloilo City dates to the 1800s and was renovated in 2012. Nearby Molo Church was built in 1831 and has also undergone renovations. Effective plazas consider accessibility, aesthetics, cost, function, safety, and sustainability to serve the community. Public plazas in the Philippines represent local identity and history while hosting events.
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Spanish Colonization History in The PH
The Spanish colonized the Philippines for 333 years beginning in 1521, greatly influencing its culture. The Laws of the Indies established guidelines for governing colonies, including the gridiron city plan with a central plaza. Molo Plaza in Iloilo City dates to the 1800s and was renovated in 2012. Nearby Molo Church was built in 1831 and has also undergone renovations. Effective plazas consider accessibility, aesthetics, cost, function, safety, and sustainability to serve the community. Public plazas in the Philippines represent local identity and history while hosting events.
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Spanish colonization history in the PH
- The Spaniards first came to the Philippines in 1521 when the Portuguese sailor Ferdinand Magellan landed on the coasts of Cebu. King Philip II, the king of Spain from whom the Philippines is named after, then made it his mission to turn the country into a Spanish colony which lasted for 333 years and greatly influenced the country. Such influence is manifested in the various cuisines, art, music, culture, beliefs, government, and even architecture found in the Philippines. 2. Laws of the Indie - In 1537, during the height of Spanish colonialism, the Laws of the Indies was drafted and implemented to serve as a guide in colonizing the American regions. Commonly known as the “Settlement Ordinances” today, the laws provide various guidelines as to how to govern a country without damaging its location, government, interaction with natives, and native populations. One of the sections of the Laws of the Indies that is strictly enforced is called the gridiron plan that features a central plaza where the rest of the neighborhood is built around the plaza. This structural plan allows the city to have a central area for them to carry out their political and religious agendas. 3. History of Molo Plaza - The Molo Plaza, one of Iloilo’s most popular attractions, sits at the heart of Barangay San Pedro, Molo District. The construction of the Plaza dates backs to the 1800’s and its rehabilitation worth 7 million Pesos was completed in August 2012 to commemorate Iloilo City’s 75th Charter Day. The rehabilitation paved the way for restoring the plaza’s landscaping, pathways, statues and gazebos, playground, and provided better lighting. 4. History of Molo Church - Built in 1831, the St. Anne Parish Church or commonly known as the Molo Church, is a Gothic inspired church that is famous for its pyramidal red spires and coral rock and limestone walls glued together using egg white with sand. The church suffered numerous damages from wars, calamities, and old age but it was renovated along with the Molo Plaza, without compromising its former features. 5. Elements of a Plaza - In designing a plaza, the following aspects are very important: accessibility, aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, functionality, productivity, security and safety, and lastly, sustainability. A plaza should artistic and should be accessible for all – landscaping, level changes, and other barrier must be thoroughly checked to make sure that they do not obstruct the use of the plaza’s amenities. The use of sturdy materials for the plaza’s amenities is important in making sure it is cost-effective. Maintenance, seats, and furniture make a plaza functional and operational. A plaza is productive when it meets the needs of its community and security teams and the double checking of any dangerous areas help maintain the safety of the plaza-goers. Lastly, proper water and waste management and site planning help in making sure that plazas are sustainable and eco-friendly.
6. Purpose of Public Plaza in PH urban setting
- A public plaza can represent a city or municipality’s identity as well as advance its political, social, cultural, and religious aspects. The public plaza serves as the common area of an urban or rural place, where its people, government, and guests can convene during special events such as fiestas and other public gatherings. Furthermore, a public plaza is a testament of the city or municipality’s history and culture and can also be a venue for recreation for the community.