10 Spots Not to Miss in Intramuros

Intramuros is a Spanish term which literally means, “within the walls”. Thus it is also called, “Walled City”. It was built in 1571 by the Spaniards when the Philippines was under their colony. The walled city was a seat of their power and was erected to protect the place from foreign invasion.

Today, the city is a charming site that owns an architecture of the 16th century - different from the modern extramuros (the places outside the wall). Intramuros, still holds its glory, owning universities, churches, hospital, gardens, shops, golf course and government establishments.

As a former student from one of the university within the wall, few of my favourite sites are listed below:

1. Baluarte de San Diego

The Baluarte was created and erected in a sturdy manner for the purpose of sheltering the people in times of war. At present, the administration of the city had preserved and beautified the place with a garden which welcomes the visitors.

Entrance Fee: 75 Philippine peso (US$1.50) for adults, 50 Php (US$1) for students.

Suggestion: Go up the wall at the second level of the site to get the best view of the Club Intramuros Golf Course and the oldest premier hotel in Manila, the Manila Hotel.

2. Fort Santiago

The Fort Santiago is actually the main tourist attraction of the city. It is built as a defence citadel that was later on converted as a military barracks during world war. The site also plays an important role in the history of the Philippines as it is where the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was kept captive by the Spaniards.

Today, the fort serves as one of the most important historical landmark of the country. Tourists enjoys the attractive manicured garden, poignant ruins, and the Rizal shrine and museum inside the park.

Operating Hours: 8AM - 7PM.

Entrance Fee: 75 Philippine Peso (US$1.50) per head.

Suggestions: Stand atop the Postigo de la Nuestra Senora del Soledad or the Falsabraga de Media Naranja located at the north east end of the park to observe the iconic Pasig River.

3. Palacio del Gobernador

A government building with reddish facade that houses the Intramuros Administration and the country's Commission on Elections.

Suggestion: Bank and ATM machines surrounds the area for any of your financial needs as well as convenience stores.

4. Casa Manila

A cultural house museum with a colonial and charming edifice presenting the lifestyle of the Spaniards during their occupation. Casa, which means ‘house’, portrays an actual picture and paraphernalia of their home.

Operating Hours: 9AM- 6PM.

Entrance Fee: 75 Philippine peso (US$1.50) for adults; 50 Php (US$1) for students, senior citizens and teachers.

Suggestions: Try checking out interesting souvenir shops around the Casa.

5. Puerta del Parian

'Puerta' is a Spanish word for opening or gate. The Parian gate is built to serve as a passage to connect the city to the Chinese merchants that are housed adjacent to the gate. To date, it is an interesting site to behold. It also owns the ASEAN garden with sculptures of important leaders.

Suggestion: Check out shops and cafes located at the wall just before going out the gate. The cafeteria caters cheap student meals of various selections.

6. Puerta Real

Puerta Real is another gate in Intramuros originally built facing the Bagumbayan, now called Luneta. During the Hispanic period, it holds events for the state’s governor general.

To date, still, a charming garden embraced the area and is managed for exclusive beautiful outdoor events (especially weddings). However, only the puerta is passable for the public.

Suggestion: Try passing to the gate during the weekend night where you can take a glimpse (or gatecrash) an ongoing lovely wedding or reception to get inspired.

7. Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao

Located just above the front of a prominent engineering school. The space was originally laid as a defence against the Chinese inhabitants living around the exterior of the city. It showcases canyons used during the war.

Suggestion: It is awesome to view the sunset, Manila City Hall, golf course and Manila skyline by climbing up the wall. Also, try to go from either both sides of the alley. The North will lead you up to Puerta de Isabela (another interesting gate facing and leading to the famous Chinatown) and the South will lead you up to Baluarte de San Deigo - and maybe further ahead since the wall encircled the city. Along the way, there will be little and nice interesting spots.

8. Manila Cathedral

The cathedral, was built in 1571 and still holds its prestige after numerous restorations from war and damages because of natural calamities. It is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Suggestion: Plaza de Roma is just across the cathedral where you can toss a coin and make a wish or prayer at the fountain. Also, you can meet the statue of King Charles IV of Spain.

9. San Agustin Church

San Agustin was constructed in 1720 during the Spaniard occupation of the country. The church was tagged as UNESCO world heritage site in 1993 and was also a National Historical Landmark. Its symmetrical interiors doesn’t fail to amaze both the parishioners and the visitors. During the World War II, it was used as a concentration camp and was the only structure left standing after a massive destruction of the walled city. In addition, the church was also labeled as the wedding capital church of the Philippines as hundreds of vows took place here every year.

Suggestions: Consider attending a mass which mostly held in English and be blessed.

10. San Agustin Museum and Father Blanco’s Garden

The museum is located beside the San Agustin Church and it keeps church’s and religious artefacts, painting and statues. Whilst, the little garden is constructed in honour of a botanist priest also known as the ‘Father of Philippine Botany’. The spot is lovely for photo-taking.

Operating Hours: 8AM - 12NN and 1PM - 6PM.

Entrance Fee: 200 Philippine peso (US$4) for adults and half the price for students who have their ID’s.

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Addendum:

Intramuros had been greatly damaged by wars and natural calamities and was rebuilt every now and then to preserve its historical prestige. Some of the edifice are actual ruins, some areas are renovated using bits and pieces of the originals and some are replicas.

Nevertheless, the city looks lovely with portions of streets made with cobblestones. It  is mainly appreciated and toured by foot as there were no public vehicles allowed inside. Other option is to take a kalesas (a horse ride using a two-wheeled carriage). They roam around for a fast track street tour.

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*information confirmed via internet research.

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My Sanctuary

It may not be the best places on earth, not the most cleanest or attractive, not the most picturesque and all. But, the walled city of Intramuros had impacted my life the most. In fact, much of my teenage years are spent in this place - probably, more than my time at home. In Intramuros, I met friends whom I still see until now, treasured joyful memories which I still considered as my peak, and built wild dreams and crazy goals which I believe was already half met to this date.

I often met up with friends early in the morning atop the wall of Baluarte de San Diego. Friends who are inspiring, encouraging and fun. Whom, came from different universities in and out the great wall. Normally, we will just sit in circles and sing our hearts out. And since we don't have enough money 'cause we were all students, we always tried our best to share what we brought for breakfast.

Afterwards, we will separate ways going to our respective classes. My university is located within the walls. Not surprising as Intramuros is a cradle to several prominent universities in Metro Manila.

Every lunch time, I will always go out with my peers to join the crowd of students queuing up for a meal of chicken or pork and rice along the wall of Intramuros. But when at times our allowance wasn’t enough, we will settle in some of the cheapest canteens at the back of our university.

Whenever the dismissal bell rang, my friends and I will gather at the entrance gate of our school, so together, we can walk at Puerta del Parian. There we will sit facing the golf course and discuss about our day.

Normally, before the sunset, we will transfer at the nearby engineering university to meet up other fellows. There, we will again gather up the wall with mini canyons and Manila City Hall as our view. We generally laughed, played and just talked about everything.

To break our gathering routine, we will sometimes roam around the mini city. Usually, we will admire the Manila Cathedral from the front yard fountain. Other times, we will go for a bowling at Knights of Columbus, museum tour at San Agustin and just walk along the cobble stoned street of Intramuros while admiring the remains of colonial houses. If someone is celebrating their birthday, we will always go at Fort Santiago to have picnic party. For a few times, we will crash weddings at Puerta Real. If rain unfortunately poured down, we will ran at the Dungeon. It is a bit scary and filthy there but it always saved our day.

At night, me and my friends liked to chill at Baluarte Plano de Santa Isabel, located at the back end of the wall. Frequently, we will spent the whole night celebrating our carefree days there. We will often play games like Baka ng Baka (Cow of Cow - a follow the leader kinda group game), Tag of War, Charades, or Truth or Dare. Those times still heightened my emotions each time I reminisce it.

The walls of this little city within Manila had been a witness of my euphoric youth, the relationships I had weaved and the best version of my teenage self. Yes, my memories in the place is something that is not quiet. It will always be vivacious, colourful and exciting. But as I aged and moved on to my next milestones, I kept on coming back with recollection of happy faces and feeling the warmth of each scene.

In Intramuros, I had set fearless goals and dreams. Although many of it are not related to what I am doing these days, my restless self always find solace each time I go back to this place. Re-exploring the city while unwinding my past always rekindled a spark in me and motivates me to keep going. Simply because the walls echoes my younger self - unafraid, tireless, open and courageous.

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My Favourite Hotel Resort in Manila

Many years ago, it is used to be Westin Philippine Plaza. Now, it is called Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Regardless of its name, the hotel is close to my heart.

it is hard to find a 5 star hotel that has a good view of nature amongst the concrete city of Manila

What I like most about this hotel is its resort ambience. Truly, it is hard to find a 5 star hotel that has a good view of nature amongst the concrete city of Manila. The hotel’s amusement such as the swimming pool and the lawn is overlooking the iconic Manila Bay. Most importantly, the magnificent sunset is viewable from the breakwater and it never fails to amaze.

The hotel is also famous for both indoor and outdoor wedding venue. In fact, each time I spend some time in their vicinity, there are love vows recited.

My favourite activity in the hotel is to dine at the lobby’s restaurant. I particularly liked the bakery section especially their muffins. I also fancy the magnificent sunset while sitting quietly at the lawn located outside and at the back end of the hotel.

At night, I enjoy settling down inside the lobby while appreciating the soothing sound of the piano being played. However, I always make sure to double the money I bring for the an average tropical juice cocktail.

grace under pressure is just the ability of handling it

The hotel had been my favourite hang out as a stayed-out guest. Personally, it has been my sanctuary amidst all my life’s constraints. It is also where I always come to my senses and realise that grace under pressure is just the ability of handling it. And because I find it quieter to spend quality time with my loved ones in this place, some of my significant memories are carved in its structure.

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