“Did you know this busy street was once called Balic-Balic?” That’s right we are standing in front of Lokal ng G. Tuazon. Today I will tell you about the fascinating history of this place. The land where Lokal ng G. Tuazon stands has a rich past.
G. Tuazon Street is a bustling part of the Sampaloc district. It is known for its economic activity and jeepney routes to Quiapo. But before it was named after the Tuazon family, old residents called it Balic-Balic. This name dates back to the 19th century.
Old maps show Calle Balic-Balic existed as early as the 1890s. It connected A.H. Lacson Avenue and Calle Santol. A key development in the area was the Cementerio de Balicbalic. The cemetery began operations in 1890.
The need for the cemetery arose from a severe cholera outbreak in 1882. A storm worsened the situation, leading to more deaths. The existing cemetery in La Loma was not enough. Father Ramon Caviedas, the Sampaloc parish priest, petitioned for a new cemetery. Despite some opposition, the city government approved his request in 1884.
The cemetery’s opening in 1890 led to the creation of the road. The road was also named after the barrio. Balic-Balic grew from 400 residents to about 2814 in just seven years. It became a community for prominent Sampaloc residents.
Although Cemeterio de Balicbalic closed in 1924, the chapel remained open. Neighbors requested that Mass be celebrated there. Historian Benito Legarda organized fundraising for a new church. In 1932, the small chapel became the Most Holy Trinity Parish.
The street’s name changed. But the spirit of Balic-Balic lives on in the hearts of Manileños. The Tuazon family played a significant role in this area. Gregorio Tuazon, for whom the street is named, was the younger brother of Don Antonio Tuason. Antonio Tuason was a Chinese trader who gained wealth from the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. He proved his loyalty to the Spanish during the British Invasion. As a reward, King Charles III gave him nobility and large lands. These lands stretched to Marikina and Quezon City.
Before G. Tuazon, the street was Balic-Balic. One account suggests the name came from funeral processions moving back and forth. Another says it was because the street was a dead end. A third account refers to the balik-balik tree.
So next time you pass by Lokal ng G. Tuazon remember its layers of history. From a cemetery to a bustling street, it carries stories of Manila’s past. The name may have changed but the spirit remains.