Going back to Intramuros is visiting also a home. I have spent my high school and college days here in Intramuros way back when I was studying in Letran.
When I found out to my wife that she will have have a tour in Intramuros, I am interested to revisit it again and reminiscence the glimpse on what happen 20 years after I was been.
We took our historical tour by riding in a tranvia – some sort of a streetcar during a pre-war era.
Our first stop was Fort Santiago – oldest Hispanic stone fortress in the country where they still relive the Kalesa riding around which even the drivers are in uniforms. Fort Santiago is also transformed into park with greenery along the area amidst its historic ruins.
We got a tourist guide – Mr. Jeff Velasco of Mabuhay Guides,which explained more each places that let me appreciate the history of Intramuros.
Enter the site which believe to be the fort of Rajah Soliman and was continued to modernized by other governors as their line of defenses. Inside was the Rizal Shrine and Baluarte de Santa Barbara which was reconstructed to give tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal where he was detained during his trial. This served also a gathering of Rizal’s collection from his books, furniture and even dresses he used.
Infront Fort Santiago is the famous Manila Cathedral which was said to be rebuild eight times – from earthquake, typhoons and war just to rise again and again its structure. It is officially named Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
Palacio del Gobernador which said to be state residence of the Governor General of the Philippines and office of the Supreme Court. It also housed shelter to civilians during World War 2. It was reconstructed last 1976 for government offices.
San Agustin Church is the oldest church in the Philippines which was declared by UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
After our whole day escapade with Intramuros, it is glad to know that our government has the effort to preserve the Walled City and still revive its illustrious structure. It is really nice to come back and return to relive historical value in this present generation.
This is a Travel Write-up entry to the Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 organized by IntramurosManila.Asia.
IBC 2012 is fully supported by the Intramuros Administration, Barbara’s Restaurant, Celdran Tours, Mabuhay Guides, Pilgrimage Pilipinas, Castillan Tours, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc., DigiEntrepreneur, DigitalFilipino, Third Team Media, Payless Pancit Shanghai, Ruthilicious, Ruthilicious Fanpage and GadgetGambit.com.