Information about Teodoro San Luis Street

Teodoro San Luis Street

Teodoro San Luis street in Pandacan, Manila is located right next to the Estero de Pandacan or estuary. Due to its close proximity to the body of water, one of the oldest districts in the country began in this location, having been an established community dating back to 1574.

Pandacan has been called “little Italy” during the 19th century because just like Venice, it had numerous canals leading up to the Pasig river. Another reason it was touted as such can be attributed to the fact that literary figures and talented musicians also flourished during that era. 

Today, a reminder of Pandacan’s rich cultural past can be found in the area, where monuments of important historical figures and ancestral houses can be found, especially along this street. Among the monuments are a marker honoring Ladislao Bonus y Mariano, a composer and musician born and raised in Pandacan who is also known as the Father of Filipino Opera. There is also a monument honoring Fr. Jacinto Zamora, in memory of the martyr’s role in upholding the rights of Filipino priests during the Spanish colonial period. 

Best time to visit

The street is open all year round, and is most picturesque in the dry months (December to May), when there is less rainfall.