page six: MS PHILIPPINES Ship Tour, ctd. Aft Promenade Deck to midships Upper Deck.

 

The Sampaguita Smoke Lounge facing forward/starboard and (right) a detail shot of one of the original Italian Line lighting fixtures. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

Continuing aft on midships Promenade Deck, the next room is the 150 seat Sampaguita Smoke Lounge. Originally the cabin class (and later tourist class) Lounge, it is perhaps the most altered of all the public rooms, although the three recessed portions of its deckhead are left intact. In the center bay of the forward bulkhead, a 70s style poster of the UN building replaces Ugo Carra's mural of Venice. There is a circular dance floor and small bandstand aft, and the new, high-backed, cushioned chairs provide formal seating. The old chairs from this room are now located on the port promenade.

 

The Seaview Coffee Shop, shown facing aft/starboard, was used during our visit for buffet brunches that featured Western and Asian cuisine as well as local Philippine specialties. At right is a detail of one of its original Italian Line gilt fixtures. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

Next aft is the 200 seat Seaview Coffee Shop, which was frequently used for afternoon buffets catered by the Manila Hotel. Formerly the cabin (and later tourist) class Smoke Room, the only major post-Italia changes appear to be lightweight orange plastic chairs and a set of nature scene murals on the forward bulkhead. The rich wood paneling, backlit gilt metal "amoeba-style" wall fixtures, fixed wood and Formica tables (latter day Italian Line), and ceiling fixtures are magnificent.

The Seaview Bar facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

In the aft/starboard corner, the lovely Seaview Bar still has its carved wood facade, abstract 50s style ceiling, and stylized Formica portrait of Columbus.

Facing aft in the aft Promenade Deck foyer. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

A small lobby follows, linked by a modest but elegant stairwell to the deck below. Here, vestibules exit to either side. A carved wooden panel from the ship's early years is mounted on the aft bulkhead. On the starboard side, the tiny cabin class Card and Writing Rooms were replaced with restrooms, while on the port side, the Children's Playroom became a pantry and the Reading Room and Gymnasium have been replaced with a kitchen.

The former Chapel, shown facing starboard/aft, is now a small meeting room. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

The Chapel at the aft end of the deckhouse now is an empty space, presumably for meetings. The elliptical ceiling recess is in typical early 1950s Italian style.

The stained glass panels as seen from aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

Its original stained glass panels are mounted on the outside doors.

Facing forward from the fantail toward the MS PHILIPPINES' wonderfully terraced aft superstructure. Fresh wood decking has just been laid down over the newly extended area aft of the pool. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

The aft portion of Promenade Deck had just been extended to the ship's fantail, utilizing the railings (including the wooden cap rails) from the now enclosed Upper Deck, just below. The tiled basin of the pool was extended forward from its original configuration with a curious lack of conformity to the ship's pronounced sheer, the result of which has the water level practically lapping over the forward lip and a foot or two below its after end.

The same view at night. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

Recalling many a balmy night in the tropics during the AUGUSTUS' heyday, the aft lido was brilliantly lit during our visit even though the hotel was not yet open.

The view aft from the MS PHILIPPINES' fo'c'sle is surreal in the twilit mist of Manila harbor. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

Upper Deck (5) begins at the fo'c'sle head, which is long and steeply sheered. Although it is green with age, the original AUGUSTUS bell still hangs from its mount. Holds one and two follow, separated by a small deckhouse at the base of the attending kingposts.

Cabin 534, a triple, with fresh paint, new soft fittings and fixtures and original wooden dressers and mirror frames. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

This level continues inside with a selection of renovated former first class staterooms. Samples were open for display, revealing new carpeting, bedding, and freshly painted bulkheads.

Cabin 546, a large double bedded outside. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

Aside from vivid orange Naugahyde back boards, they looked stunning, with original wooden cabinets, desks, and wood-framed mirrors. As an added bonus, some still had wooden Italia coat hangers in their closets!

The forward port annex to the Luzon Saloon Room, facing port. Formerly the captain's private dining room, its corresponding space on the starboard side was once the Children's Dining Room. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

Amidships, Upper Deck begins with the two private dining rooms that adjoin the former first class Luzon Saloon Room. Photo murals have either replaced or have been pasted over the original Pulitzer panels.

The Luzon Saloon Room facing starboard. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

The 220 seat Luzon Saloon Room, the former First Class Restaurant, is situated amidships. The murals by Gustavo Pulitzer have been covered or replaced with more poster-style images, and the aft bulkhead now sports mirrored panels.

 

The marine-themed Pulitzer screens (left) are still discretely located in recesses by the banks of portholes on either side. Backlit by the sun or fluorescent lights, they could be drawn over the portholes during rough weather to help passengers "forget" they were on a ship. The lily-like lighting fixtures have also survived from the Italian Line era. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 1999.

However, vintage Italia abounds with quadrants of portholes alternating with wood-framed glass panels (with fishnet-style imprints), bronze and etched glass ceiling and bulkhead fixtures, and heavy original velour chairs.

Continue here for page seven of Maritimematters' tour of the MS PHILIPPINES.

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