Club Filipino (pronounced klub, Tagalog:[ˌklubfɪ.lɪˈpiː.n̪o]) is the first exclusive social club in the Philippines, founded on November 6, 1898 by Filipino high society, including Spanish mestizos and members of the native aristocracy.[1] It is located between North Greenhills subdivision and the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan.
The club's present amenities include a swimming pool, tennis, badminton and squash courts, bowling alleys, outdoor restaurant, salon, and "Kalayaan Hall," an indoor events/reception room.
History
Originally an elite Filipino country gentlemen's organisation, it was originally called Club Filipino Independiente, later changed to Club Internationale and finally, Club Filipino. The club has developed a reputation for being a meeting ground for Filipino political progressives throughout its history,[2] and was the site of several political events immediately prior and during the country's Post-Martial Law Era.
Prior to its current location in Greenhills, San Juan, the club was located at the Bachrach Mansion along Manga Avenue corner Buenos Aires Street in Santa Mesa, Manila. At the said location, President Ramon Magsaysay inaugurated it on September 21, 1956, after arriving directly from a very rough flight from Davao City. The President himself joined the exclusive club the very same day.[3] The said house was owned by Russian-American Jew Emil Bachrach, who was a successful businessman in Manila during the Philippine Commonwealth. During World War II, the house was commandeered by Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita upon his assignment in the Philippines, and later on was taken up as residence by Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his family.[4][5]
