give back the glory

*photo courtesy of TrekEarth

the Beaux Arts Luneta Hotel is my absolute favorite building in manila. i saw it when i first moved to the big city and stayed in a nearby hotel. it was old, it was dilapidated, it was beautiful. i fell in love with it immediately.

every time i pass by roxas boulevard, i'd risk whiplash just to get a glimpse. i fall more and more in love each time. i harbored a secret wish of one day owning this building or at the very least, living in it. in my fantasy, i had the moolah to restore it to its former glory with all the modern conveniences, of course. only beautiful and artistic people can live in it and i naturally have a whole floor all to myself. *sigh*

there was an unvoiced fear that the powers that be might decide--stupidly--to demolish it and turn it into a parking lot. so it is with utmost relief to discover that that will not happen. beaumont properties, the new owner, plans to restore the entire building, preserving the hotel's facade and identity.

i am disappointed that i am not its savior, but still i am more than happy that my beloved is safe.