Juliana (center) and Rudolfo Panganiban (far right) with friends in front of the Manila House, 1944.

Juliana (center) and Rudolfo Panganiban (far right) with friends in front of the Manila House, 1944. (Source: University of Maryland Libraries, Special Collections)

A Filipino Literary Landmark: The Manila House in D.C.

2422 K St. NW, nestled in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood just down the street from the George Washington University, looks like any other D.C. row house. But for the Filipino community in D.C. during the 1930s through the 1950s, it was a haven — a source of culture, community, and comfort. As those who remember it fondly today can testify, 2422 K St. NW wasn’t just a row house; it was the Manila House.

Last Updated: November 21, 2023