Photographed by Ed Simon
In preserving the past, the historical building opens its doors to future generations.
At golden hour, the Ramon Magsaysay Center takes on a cinematic glow. In a shoot with Vogue Philippines, model and actress Tweetie de Leon posed against its pillars, her silhouette mirrored in its brutalist geometry. Its facade caught the shifting light of Manila Bay, highlighting ensembles that look as if they were taken straight from the era the building was built. For many, this center is a living landmark; one that carries decades of history and meaning.
Built in 1967, the Ramon Magsaysay Center once stood as the tallest building in the Philippines. Today, nearly six decades later, it remains one of Manila’s most recognizable brutalist structures.
“Since its construction, the Ramon Magsaysay Center has been celebrated as an architectural marvel and a cultural icon,” says Susanna B. Afan, president of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation. “It paved the way for the era of high-rises, but more than that, it stands as an exemplar of how spaces should be built with the public in mind, both in function and in form.”
Architecture enthusiasts, both local and international, often make it a point to stop by. Yet for the foundation, its value extends beyond the structure’s appearance. “What separates us from other buildings is our spaces that are designed with the public in mind,” Afan explains, with many Filipinos spending time by the plaza on weekends and holidays.
It also carries the legacy of the Philippines’ seventh president it’s eponymously named after. Within its walls, the Ramon Magsaysay Award continues to honor individuals and organizations across Asia who embody these values. From annual presentation ceremonies to youth forums and cultural showcases, the site has become a stage for stories of courage and leadership.
Like any building of its age, the structure has also faced the challenges of preservation. “It is now nearing 60 years old, a senior citizen, yet it continues to stand as one of Manila’s architectural landmarks.” she adds. And over the past five years, they have invested in modernization, from upgrading air-conditioning systems with a new central chiller to refurbished interiors for comfort and sustainability.
Still, efforts go beyond utility. Plans are underway to preserve the tower’s travertine marble and to reopen the Magsaysay Laureate Library and Museum in 2028, timed with the 70th anniversary of the Awards. This was initially sparked during the pandemic, providing a moment for reevaluation for Afan and her team to reimagine the building with a “vision is to make it Asia’s Center of Inspiration and Hope, anchored on the transformative leadership of the Ramon Magsaysay Awardees.” Renovations have already transformed public spaces like the Ramon Magsaysay Hall and the Innovation Hub into venues for dialogue and collaboration, with new conferences, leadership forums, and even international fashion shoots now breathing new life into its halls.
This balance between heritage and relevance stands at the heart of the foundation’s work, withstanding major earthquakes and the shifting tides of the city. Yet its greatest strength lies in its ability to evolve while keeping the values of service at its core.
“We envision the center as a place where people feel part of something bigger than themselves,” Afan says. “A place where ideas are exchanged, where quiet reflection is possible, and where even something as simple as sitting in the café or browsing in the library can spark inspiration.” And in Manila, where glass towers rise and fall with the times, the Ramon Magsaysay Center endures. It’s a reminder that above height or design, there is purpose. Just as Tweetie de Leon’s editorial cast it in a new light, the site continues to reveal new facets of itself for the future.
