Casino Español de Manila

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In walking through the Casino Español de Manila, there is so much life and history reflected and safely kept and nurtured in this “home away from home.” Beyond the grandeur it exudes, there are the stories on the walls of the club that make it a classy choice, or, more often than not, the only choice among its members.

Meeting the club’s board of directors, we were welcomed by an incredibly warm and accommodating group of men and their tempting spread of authentic Spanish cuisine.

Though at some point we could barely understand their animated conversation with their classic perfect Spanish accents, we were made to feel a part of their family.



Casino’s rich history

OLD documents reveal that Casino Español de Manila has been in existence since 1832. While the club’s library does not have proper documentation of the date, there is a written account from a Royal Navy surgeon, Alick Osborne:

“A club of these foreign gentlemen have [sic] a billiard table where they meet every evening and enjoy an hour or two of social converse; they play for amusement [no betting permitted] who are exclusively selected, only admitting strangers by introduction of a member on Tuesdays, Fridays and holidays.”

The description fits that of the club, which back then was simply referred to as the Casino.  Documents provided after a few years reveal that “Intramuros felt itself upstaged by the incomers, this was the reason why in 1843, the Real Sociedad Economica de Filipinas founded in Intramuros the Sociedad de Recreo [believed to be the original name of the Casino].”

The foundation of the Casino was formalized on October 31, 1844, by Governor General Narciso Claveria y Zaldua. That makes the club now 166 years old.

Casinos back then strictly functioned as clubs, ideal for interaction and relaxation, but not for gambling. Senior people with considerably high salaries joined the nonprofit organization. Soon after, the Casino attracted both Spaniards and foreign traders as members.

Up to 1851, the members of the Casino exclusively catered to Spanish peninsulares and insulares and the foreign community. In time, the club then admitted mestizos to its membership.

The present Casino was the brainchild of Don Antonio Melian y Pavia, the Conde de Peracamps who stood as its first president. As a tribute to the man who unselfishly devoted his time to the welfare of Casino Español de Manila, he was bestowed with the title of Presidente de Honor a Perpetuidad (president for all time).

In an oil painting by Maestro Oscar Navarro, it depicts the façade of the Casino Español de Manila built by architect Don Juan Arellano in 1916. On January 21, 1917, the Casino Español at the corner of San Luis Street (now T.M. Kalaw) facing Taft Avenue was inaugurated.

Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas’ then-general manager Don Carlos de las Heras, then-Senate President Manuel Luis Quezon, then-American Governor General Francis Harrison and then-House Speaker Sergio Osmeña were some of the high-profile dignitaries who attended the club’s inauguration.

In the last months of World War II, heavy artillery devastated the club. Barely anything was left but for a few pieces of furniture and several valuable works of art. Fortunately, these were saved and moved to a Tabacalera warehouse for emergency storage.

The club officers eventually found a temporary place in a two-story house at the corner of Oregon (now Apacible Street) and Perez streets in Paco, Manila. Don Ignacio Planas, the president of the Casino, was able to generate funds for the reconstruction of the club in 1951.

With the support of various social groups, the club brought itself back on top as the “hub of Spanish social and cultural life in the city.” More improvements were done to the Casino. It expanded its facilities by building tennis courts and bowling alleys.

It was the Spanish game of pelota which became the most popular source of sporting entertainment in Casino Español, especially before the Jai-alai was erected adjacent to the club in 1940.

In 1962 the club reached its crowning glory as it welcomed royal dignitaries in the presence of Prince Don Juan Carlos de Bourbon and his wife Princess Doña Sofia to Manila.

Adding to the colorful narrative of the Casino, its corporate life was extended in July 1963. The board of directors sought an extension of another 50 years. The immediate approval of the petition by the Department of Trade and Industry attested to the good relations between Filipinos and Spaniards.



Spanish feasts

AMONG the feasts celebrated by the Casino is Dia de Santiago, or the Feast of St. James, the Patron Saint of Spain, held every July 25. Male members and guests gather for drinks at the bar, followed by a sumptuous lunch.

Funds generated from the luncheon are donated to Hospital de Santiago, a residence for old and poor Spaniards in the country.

Dia de Hispanidad, another festive celebration, is observed on the Feast of the Virgen del Pilar. This is Spain’s national holiday honoring Spain and also all its former colonies which share a common history, culture and religion. In times past, the club held a dinner dance.

Other memorable celebrations of the Casino include the annual celebration of Fiesta de los Tres Reyes, or Three Kings. The Three Kings festivity is an old tradition which serves to mark the end of the Christmas holiday. Three young men garbed as Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar ride on horseback from St., Vincent Church in San Marcelino to the club premises to distribute gifts.

The Three Kings is a festival of giving that everyone in the club looks forward to, moreso the members’ children, as they are treated with special gifts, great entertainment, exciting games and an array of delicious delicacies.



Philippines and Spanish ties

Casino Español de Manila maintains its good relationship among its membership, and plays a key role in fostering Filipino-Spanish culture. In the past, membership was done on an individual basis through invitation and sponsorship by an active club member.

Men who have made their mark in the Filipino-Spanish community were accepted. In time, a special resolution by the Casino’s board of directors finally opened its doors to both individual and corporate membership.

The policy will ensure the club’s stability and growth. Today one can be a member of the Casino either in one’s private capacity or upon sponsorship of a company.

The Philippines has had a long history with Spain. The club tries to preserve Spanish traditions, and makes sure that these are still maintained. Even the architecture of the club has been maintained.

Though left unsaid, membership is open to any person who is qualified. Even the late President Corazon Aquino recognized this strong affiliation between Filipinos and Spaniards when, during the club’s diamond anniversary, Aquino wrote: “I am pleased with the continuing efforts of this club in fostering camaraderie among its Filipino and Spanish members, as well as in strengthening the historical ties between the Philippines and Spain.”



The Casino in the modern times

THE club has blended perfectly with the changes brought about by technology. It has installed a Wi-Fi connection for the members’ convenience and integrated its accounting software. Also, the Casino’s web site is now on live and ready for easier access. It has also upgraded the amenities, improved the catering services and added structures in the club.

Despite these changes, the club remains committed to foster Spanish culture and the exquisite and authenticity of Spanish cuisine.

The current composition of the club’s directors and officers:

Sr. Don Francisco Gomez de Liaño, president

Sr. Don Manuel Igual, vice president

Sr. Don Jose Luis Romero-Salas Jr., secretary

Sr. Don Gabriel Ripoll Jr., assistant secretary

Sr. Don Antonio Alumno Jr., treasurer

Sr. Don Jose Miguel Cabarrus, assistant treasurer

Sr. Don Francisco Eizmendi Jr., director

Sr. Don Jack Arroyo, director

Sr. Don Ernesto R. Jalandoni, director

Sr. Don Francisco Magsaysay, director

Sr. Don Francisco Tankiang, director

Sr. Adolfo Manatad Jr., general manager

Sra. Sheena Karen Ojeda, chief finance officer

Sra. Atty. Rachelle Padre-Isip, corporate secretary

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