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 In our Filipiniana library is a treasure trove of images of Philippine life, history and culture from the 15th century to the early seventies. The 4" x 5" black and white photos include reproductions of engravings, lithographs, drawings, and other modes of visual representation, as well as original photos gathered and annotated by the Ayala Museum research department over several years.
We have over 35,000 photos at the moment and are expanding the collection.
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Read more about the Retrato Project:
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![[ Monthly Feature ]](images/monthly/August.jpg)
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Banco Español Filipino de Isabel II
(Now Bank of the Philippine Islands)
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In 1828 King Ferdinand the VII ordered the printing of paper money and the establishment of a public bank in the Philippines. However, it wasn’t until 23 years later when the orders were carried out. In 1851, the first batch of paper money (called pesos fuertes, or “strong pesos”) was printed. Also, the first bank in the Philippines—and the rest of Southeast Asia—was founded. In honor of the reigning queen of Spain, the bank was called Banco Español Filipino de Isabel II. The bank was located at the Royal Customs House (Real Aduana) in Intramuros, Manila.
The first managers were Jose Maria Tuason and Fernando Aguirre, while civil and ecclesiastical officials comprised the bank’s highest policy-making board. One of the board members was Antonio de Ayala of Casa Roxas (precursor of Ayala y Cia., now Ayala Corporation).
1868 saw the Spanish Revolution and the exile of Isabella II to Paris. Because of this, the Banco Español Filipino de Isabel II changed its name to Banco Español Filipino the following year. The bank also moved to Binondo, where there was greater business activity.
During the American Period, the bank changed its name once again. Starting in 1912, the bank became officially known as the Bank of the Philippine Islands (El Banco de las Islas Filipinas).
In 1969, the Ayala Corporation became BPI’s dominant shareholder. After this, BPI became the flagship financial institution of the Ayala group of companies.
Now in its 157th year, BPI remains one of the leaders in Philippine banking. It has garnered awards from many local and international publications and rating agencies. In the recent Wall Street Journal Asia survey of most admired companies in the Philippines, BPI emerged on the fifth spot. It was also recently named the best sub-custodian bank in the country by Global Finance magazine.
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