Gail Travels: Intramuros, Inside the Walled Mini-City of Manila

We were all in a hurry to follow our itinerary faithfully so we were not able to enjoy the place. I was not also able to bring a good quality camera but a Nokia powered with Zeiss camera instead so the photos were not that good to share with you all.

The moment we left the place, I told myself that I needed to come back to this place. There are a lot of things to learn and relearn as well particularly the Philippine History during the Spanish colonization period. And after four years, I made my wish granted.

Anyway, can you believe it I was still 18 years old at that time?

Inside the Intramuros are different establishments that were built during the Spanish colonization era in the Philippines. The Manila Cathedral (which is inviolable) and the Fort Santiago will be discussed on other future blog entries. I hope you will get hooked in reading!

Intramuros was created in 16th century and is situated near or even adjacent to the Pasig River. Its name is derived from the Latin word Intramuros which means within the walls. According to the video presented to us inside a theater inside the Audio Visual Room of Fort Santiago, it consists a lot of entrances which were made through time because of the need that arose in terms of security and development of the economic activities inside and in the nearby areas.
Source

Intramuros is just a walk away from the Rizal Park . It was just a walk away but it was tiring since it was already almost nine (9) in the morning and the sun rays are not good for the skin. My skinned actually turned three tones darker after successive walks durinh our trip and the four hour walkthrough inside Intramuros.

Scared that you might get lost?
You would know when you reached one of the entranced as you would be welcomed by this writing. You can also ask the locals or MMDA personnel for directions.

The exterior is comparable to some historical sites in Europe particularly Western Europe culture. I know I have not been there but I hsve seen some photos and video clips of those historical sites. This entire has been fortified with bricks and other materials. It was able to withstand during attacks but some parts were destroyed during the British invasion in Manila.

Transport Services It is pivotal to know that Intramuros is not just a tourist site but also houses different government offices and non-governmental organizations. No wonder there are a lot of cars inside parking lots.

If you want, you can actually try to ride the Calesa or Kalesa . The image I took is of a calesa which was customed design to give you more vibe of what it was and how it has been during the 16th until ther19th century. The payment for the calesa varies though per thirty minutes.

There are also electronic motorcycles that could send you to any point inside Intramuros. There is a booth near the entrance.

I seriously wanted to try both but my family and I supposed that we would not enjoy much of the view if we do not look deeply into the buildings particularly to the history that lies ahead.

Buildings / Infrastructures

As written on the wall, this building is where once stood the Lourdes Church and Convent in 1892 which was the first permanent house of the Franciscan Capuchun friars. The chapel was built on the succeeding year.

The Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes was carved in 1892 by a Filipino sculptor Manuel Flores and the Church was then designed by Federico Soler.

In present time, the new building is called the Galeria des las Islas or Kayamang Asya which houses Asian Collectibles.

Aside from the history that lies behind every establishment, with the right angle and framing, the buildings are worth taking of photos.

The guards wearing costumes of guardia sibil add up more feel to the surroundings. The Palacio del Governador used to be the office of the Governor General who was assigned as one of the highest government official in the Philippines. In addition, there are a lot of government agencies situated inside Intramuros. Despite that it is Post Cold War era, it would be a great idea to have government offices designed in such manner.

Other Services and Features
There were trees that would give you a fine shade whenever you get tired from walking a lot. Intramuros is indeed a fortified "city"

Souvenir Shop
While walking around Intramuros, I discovered that there were theme cafes and souvenir shops. This Souvenir Shop is one of my favorites as it sells paper crafts.

I also got to know the artist who is a man and he shared that most of the items are handmade!

Do these souvenirs make you want to buy one? Well, I felt it too. Since most of the items cost a thousand and up, I opted to buy a handmade notebook for Php100.00.

It is Memorial made by Peter de Guzman. As written:

The Central Figure id a woman quite large, dominant in size and proportion. She is the motherland- she weeps as she holds an infant, the symbol of hope, but the infant is dead- it represents lost hope.

The female figure on the right side is a victim of rape. There is an infant glancing to her. On the left side is a man, still alive, looking confused and disoriented - despair on his face. The young boys are dead - representing the youth, the country lost. The dead man lying infront portrays the elderly who were caught in the battle.

The sculpture clearly says that indeed, in war, nobody wins. Every one loses themselves, their loved ones, and their friends.

In addition, there is also a memorial dedicated to those who were massacred in 1945 by the Imperial Japanese forces in Manila. The places include Ermita (German Club, San Marcelino Church, St. Vincent de Paul House, and etc.), Intramuros, Malate (De La Salle College, St. Paul's College, Scottish Rite Temple, Dr. Nicanor Reyes Jr., Concepcion Campus, Mendoza Guanzon Compound, Syquia Apartments, and Herran Corner Kansas) , Paco (Paco Commercial Center), Mandaluyong (National Psychopatic Hospital), Santa Ana (La Concordia College), Tondo (Dy Pac Lumberyard and Juan Luna Corner Moriones St.), and Pasay (Pay Residential Court, Perez Rubio Family Res., Gana Perfume Factory).