I was fortunate enough to take home a copy of “Endangered Fil-Hispanic Architecture” in last year’s Día del Libro. It is a selection of papers read at the First International Congress on Fil-Hispanic Architecture. The 270-page book contains descriptive essays and accompanying photos of architectural heritage from Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Macau and Vietnam. One of the featured photos is a colored picture of Christ Church in Melaka. When I saw the Christ Church and the surrounding buildings in 2012, I was awed by the vibrant red popping from the ground and glistening in daylight. I thought it is apt to write an entry about the third smallest Malaysian state today, a Thursday, to coincide with Throwback Thursday.
Christ Church in Melaka, Malaysia. This Dutch colonial-styled structure is the oldest functioning Protestant church in the country. Photo by Edsel.
The construction of Christ Church started in 1741 and ended in 1753. The red color of the church and its neighboring buildings has become their definitive feature.
Queen Victoria’s Fountain is located in front of Christ Church. It was built in 1901 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The inscription on the body of the fountain says, “Victoria Regina 1837-1901 Erected by the People of Malaysia in Memory of a Great Queen 1904”.
This dragon of prodigious proportions welcomed visitors to Melaka. It floated like feather and coiled around several buildings like a graceful snake. Photo by Edsel.
Of course, I did not pass up the chance to have a photo opportunity with the non-fire breathing dragon. It looked like it was going to eat me alive. Photo by Edsel.
A Famosa Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1511. It was heavily damaged during the Dutch invasion of Melaka. On the photos are the walls, the interiors and some historical tablets.
Replica of 15th-century Istana Kesultanan Melaka or Malacca Sultanate Palace. The structure has seven enclosed porches and sloping roofs which represent Malay arts and crafts. The amazing thing is NO NAIL was used in its construction! Photo by Edsel.
Melaka has its own Chinatown - Jonker Walk. Jonker Walk is home to temples, mosques, museums, restaurants and dozens of shops that sell antiques, souvenirs and clothes.
Mr. Universe Statue in Melaka. This is a statue of Datuk Wira Dr. Gan Boon Leong, the father of bodybuilding in Malaysia. He won the titles of Mr. Melaka, Mr. Malaysia, Mr. Asia, and Mr. Universe.
Before we left, we had Melaka Sundae on one of the stores in front of Christ Church.
Gula Melaka Sundae is akin to Philippine halo-halo. Melaka Sundae has chin chow, palm sugar, red beans, chendol, pandan and ice cream. I liked it because it did not have any superfluous ingredient. Photos by Edsel.
Melaka seems like the combination of our Manila near Jones bridge and Binondo… I am fascinated with their Chinese temple… Meron din pala mala-Arnold Schwarzenegger body na nag-exist dun…
hahaha…
Emee, you will be happy wandering through the streets of Jonker Walk to satisfy your Chinese cravings. Hehe.
Yes, Mr. Universe din si kuya.
Bagay kayo ni Mr Universe… 😉
Hahaha. Kailangan ko munang magka-abs.