The Manila Film Center in Pasay City, Philippines, was built to host the 1st Manila International Film Festival.
During construction on November 17, 1981, tragedy struck. Nearly two hundred workers fell into wet cement when scaffolding collapsed, causing many to drown and be encased as it dried.
During construction on November 17, 1981, tragedy struck. Nearly two hundred workers fell into wet cement when scaffolding collapsed, causing many to drown and be encased as it dried.
A Not Too Uncommon Tale
The Manila Film Center at dusk. A stranger walks past the abandoned Manila Film Center in the mid 1990's, when he is approached by a man who gives him a calling card. The man then tells this stranger to call his family, to tell them he is alright and that he will be free soon. The stranger follows the mans instructions.
You have probably guessed what happens next – the stranger calls the mans family and recieved the shocking news that her husband had died, at that location, about a decade earlier.
This is apparently not a too uncommon event in and about the Manila Film Center.
You have probably guessed what happens next – the stranger calls the mans family and recieved the shocking news that her husband had died, at that location, about a decade earlier.
This is apparently not a too uncommon event in and about the Manila Film Center.
Unsafe Conditions
Imelda Marcos. The Film Centers imposing structure was completed in 1982, to serve as the main theatre for the 1st Manila International Film Festival. The film festival was the brainchild of the then first lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos.
Marcos liked to live an extravagant lifestyle, and wanted that lifestyle expressed in her works, her legacy, and the look of her country. Some would say Marcos was a little too ambitious, with the project giving not enough time for the structure to be built in order to host the film festival, but plans went ahead anyways.
The look of the building was inspired by the Parthenon, and was built on reclaimed land by the ocean, on the edge of Pasay City. This 'new land' was not quite solid enough for such a massive structure, so more than 900 'piles' (essentially support structures of steel and concrete) were laid through the ground, to rest on the bedrock below.
Construction was going ahead as planned, but Marcos made changes to the plans and layouts, causing delays and some say bypassing safety regulations. However, with money in hand, miracles can happen, and soon more and more workers were brought to the site. A barracks was set up, a place where workers (and in rare cases their families) could stay, in order to be on the sight at all times.
At the height of constructions, in order to meet such a tight deadline, over 4000 workers were employed in three shifts, working 24 hours a day. Parts of the building that were expected to take six weeks to build were being finished in just three days. Surely, with that many people on the one worksite being pushed to work that fast, something would have to give?
And give it did.
Marcos liked to live an extravagant lifestyle, and wanted that lifestyle expressed in her works, her legacy, and the look of her country. Some would say Marcos was a little too ambitious, with the project giving not enough time for the structure to be built in order to host the film festival, but plans went ahead anyways.
The look of the building was inspired by the Parthenon, and was built on reclaimed land by the ocean, on the edge of Pasay City. This 'new land' was not quite solid enough for such a massive structure, so more than 900 'piles' (essentially support structures of steel and concrete) were laid through the ground, to rest on the bedrock below.
Construction was going ahead as planned, but Marcos made changes to the plans and layouts, causing delays and some say bypassing safety regulations. However, with money in hand, miracles can happen, and soon more and more workers were brought to the site. A barracks was set up, a place where workers (and in rare cases their families) could stay, in order to be on the sight at all times.
At the height of constructions, in order to meet such a tight deadline, over 4000 workers were employed in three shifts, working 24 hours a day. Parts of the building that were expected to take six weeks to build were being finished in just three days. Surely, with that many people on the one worksite being pushed to work that fast, something would have to give?
And give it did.
Tragedy Unfolds
Scafolding collapsed. At about 3am on November 17, 1981, a tragedy unfolded. A large portion of the scaffolding collapsed, and sent at least 169 (actual number is unknown, but this is often cited as the best estimate) workers tumbling into a large amount of quick drying cement that had been freshly laid.
Typically, the immediate reaction would be to set out and rescue those who had fallen, call ambulances, and save as many as possible. Unfortunately that was not to be, as Imelda Marcos and her administration put a security blackout on the area – noone was to enter, no rescuers, no ambulances, noone.
This imposed no entry zone stood for nine hours until finally people were allowed to enter, in order to rescue those still living. Some of the workers were completely encased in the concrete, others partially submerged. Many had died as a result of the initial fall, and more as a result of rescuers not being able to access the area.
Typically, the immediate reaction would be to set out and rescue those who had fallen, call ambulances, and save as many as possible. Unfortunately that was not to be, as Imelda Marcos and her administration put a security blackout on the area – noone was to enter, no rescuers, no ambulances, noone.
This imposed no entry zone stood for nine hours until finally people were allowed to enter, in order to rescue those still living. Some of the workers were completely encased in the concrete, others partially submerged. Many had died as a result of the initial fall, and more as a result of rescuers not being able to access the area.
Platforms workers stood on went to ruin. There is a lot of discussion as to what was taking place over those hours, noone was to enter the scene. Some say it was an immediate and abrupt investigation into the cause of the collapse, Marcos feared it was sabotage, and the buildings contractor attested to this, saying thirteen of the scaffolding supports had been sawn through.
Other people tell how Marcos was afraid the building would not get finished in time, and that her 'Cannes of Asia' would have to be cancelled. Fearing this embarrassment, she ordered more concrete poured, in a attempt to hide evidence and prevent any ideas of further rescue taking place, that would further hold up construction – essentially, turning the building into a tomb. Even so, some of the bodies were still recovered, the ones who could be easily gotten too.
Other people tell how Marcos was afraid the building would not get finished in time, and that her 'Cannes of Asia' would have to be cancelled. Fearing this embarrassment, she ordered more concrete poured, in a attempt to hide evidence and prevent any ideas of further rescue taking place, that would further hold up construction – essentially, turning the building into a tomb. Even so, some of the bodies were still recovered, the ones who could be easily gotten too.
Rescue efforts were late coming. As for the numbers of people who fell, or were otherwise injured or killed in the the tragedy – A lot of workers on site have stated that there were more than the estimated number involved. The scaffolding had fallen, and crushed the barracks, killing several other workers and some family members. These too may have been encased in the new concrete ordered to be poured over the site.
All of this is, of course hearsay, but you never know. It would not be the first time a government covered up the truth in regards to a tragedy involving loss of life, potentially at their hands...
Eliodoro Ponio, another contractor, was interviewed on a television show, and he did state that all the bodies were recovered, and that "not even a finger nail was left in there".. all the workers were given proper burials.
All of this is, of course hearsay, but you never know. It would not be the first time a government covered up the truth in regards to a tragedy involving loss of life, potentially at their hands...
Eliodoro Ponio, another contractor, was interviewed on a television show, and he did state that all the bodies were recovered, and that "not even a finger nail was left in there".. all the workers were given proper burials.
Bodies removed from the tragedy. The number of fatalities is thought to have been between 12 and 15 – depending on sources. This story seems to be confirmed in a later television show that sought to find and account for all the workers. Their families all stated they had been returned.
The construction of the Manila Film Center was completed in time for the film festival. Movies such as 'Body Heat', 'Gallipoli' and Indias '36 Chowringhee Lane' were played – Indias movie won best picture.
The construction of the Manila Film Center was completed in time for the film festival. Movies such as 'Body Heat', 'Gallipoli' and Indias '36 Chowringhee Lane' were played – Indias movie won best picture.
The Haunting
Festival goers wait to see competition entries. After the festival, the center served as a sort of national film archive, until an earthquake hit in the 1990's. The center was so damaged that it was abandoned, and remained so for a decade, until it was used as a performance theatre for the all transgender 'Amazing Show' by the Amazing Philippines Theatre.
Many who visit the show are probably unaware of the buildings history, of the tragedy of loss of life, and the possibility that there maybe lost souls buried beneath their feet.
Strange encounters with the paranormal are not limited to just random people asking visitors to call their homes, to tell their families they are ok.
Many who visit the show are probably unaware of the buildings history, of the tragedy of loss of life, and the possibility that there maybe lost souls buried beneath their feet.
Strange encounters with the paranormal are not limited to just random people asking visitors to call their homes, to tell their families they are ok.
The film center today. Moans and wails have been reported, coming from the concrete foundations of the structure, and apparitions seemingly partially sunk into the concrete have been witnessed. Late night rehearsals and cleaning is always reportedly a time of fear for those present, who feel a crushing sense of claustrophobia as they work.
Are there still bodies buried in the concrete of the Manila Film Center?
Are the hauntings perpetrated by those who had safety and trust taken from them?
Are there still bodies buried in the concrete of the Manila Film Center?
Are the hauntings perpetrated by those who had safety and trust taken from them?
Ashley Hall 2013
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