Club History and Milestones
Our History
Milestones
In 1909, William Cameron Forbes bought a prime parcel of land situated at the corner of F.B. Harrison and Dewey Boulevard in Pasay and there built the Manila Polo Club. From the time of the Club’s incorporation on August 18, 1909, developments took place rapidly, with the polo field as the main feature. The Manila Polo Club was inaugurated on November 27, 1909, a few days after the inauguration of William Cameron Forbes as Governor General of the Philippine Islands.
On January 18, the board of directors planned the details of the First International Polo Tournament on the Manila Polo Club polo field.
This year also saw the first Annual meeting ever held in Manila Polo Club, where the election of officers for the coming year was plunged into.
The year in which the long-planned-for purchase of the Club from Governor Forbes resolved into action.
The “First meetings” were held after World War II. In 17 meetings held during the year, the more important deliberation centered on: reconstruction of the Club records; negotiations for leasing of old site to the U.S. Army; development of plans to re-establish the Club on a permanent site.
On July 4, 1949, the Manila Polo Club formally opened at its new site in Forbes Park, Makati with the inauguration of the Sports Pavilion, swimming pool, badminton courts and bowling alleys.
For the first time since World War II and for the first time on the new Club grounds, polo was played early this year. The polo grounds and stables committee, chaired by J. de Mendezona, was convinced riding and polo would soon be one of the major activities of the Club.
The 50th Year of the Manila Polo Club. The Club’s corporate life having expired, a new Manila Polo Club, Inc., a stock corporation came into being.
Manila Polo Club reverted to a non-stock, non-profit club. It was decided that reverting to the old status of a non-stock, non-profit club was in the best interest of the Club and its members. The Club’s Articles and By-laws were revised, and the Rules and Regulations to fit the present situation and to conform to the actual objectives and intent of the Club.
Manila Polo Club became a proprietary club. It was felt that the Club would best be defined as a proprietary share club to give more value to its membership and to enhance its social purpose as a family club.
The 75th Year of the Manila Polo Club, marked by the issue of the book Manila Polo Club 1909-1984, which encapsulates 75 years of tradition and remarkable milestones.
Manila Polo Club celebrated its 100th Year anniversary, having transitioned from its humble beginnings in Pasay to the burgeoning Makati and had met the challenges of time and change. With world-class facilities and top-notch service, the Club remains as a renowned membership club shaped by its rich historical roots and guided by its vision, mission, and core values.
