Happy New Year, my loves! 💖 Since this is the first Features-section post for 2019, I decided to share something that is connected to my brand -- Manila! I want to welcome the year by embracing my identity and true self. It took me some time, but, at least I am doing something now. Better late than never, here is also the first part of my fun Intramuros day trip that happened last September of 2017! :) INTRAMUROS
HOW TO GET THERE
Know that a trip to Intramuros is equated to a walking excursion. This Intramuros walking tour is an established fact. So, before going there, prepare your mind and body that you would do a lot of strolling -- because there are a lot of places you can visit! Even though you are wearing flat shoes, lurking around these streets might give your feet some beating. But no worries! If ever you get tired, you can rent bamboo bikes or ride calesas, pedicabs, and e-trikes though. This Intramuros post will only have three main points: the streets, Bahay Tsinoy, and Fort Santiago. The Cobbled Streets Intramuros is a .67-square kilometer walled community. It is packed with establishments like restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops. Big schools like Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Lyceum of the Philippines University, and Mapúa University are inside the area as well. There are government agencies such as Palacio del Gobernador or Palace of the Governor, Department of Labor and Employment, National Commission for Culture and the Arts that you can see, too. In the present day, you can find two churches here: Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church. Originally, there are eight. However, due to the Battle of Manila, all but one of these religious places were destroyed. It is only San Agustin Church that remained after the war. While Manila Cathedral was reconstructed in 1958. Both of these majestic churches are then indeed, considered historical landmarks and national treasures that Filipinos should be proud of. Since the location itself is based on the facts of the past, Intramuros contains lots of monuments and structures that commemorate the wonderful things that happened in the old days. Just walking through the streets, you would feel like you are transported back to the 1500s to 1800s. And my favorite space hole? The ruins of Aduana Buildings! Also called as Intendencia, this used to be a Customs House that attracts merchants to stay their businesses within the walls, instead of the extramuros. Got v attracted to the architectural style of Aduana, which is Neo-Classical. Based on my research, this edifice was made of adobe stones. It may be the reason why it is still standing strong until now. Also, reports said that a reconstruction of this site has commenced already. Yay, right! Bahay Tsinoy The Bahay Tsinoy is a Filipino-Chinese museum that is located in Anda corner Cabido Street. It shows documentation of the culture and lives of the ethnic Chinese people regarding their history and impact in the Philippines. Meant to envision patriotism to the country and promote cultural understanding between the two communities, this structure was advanced and raised as generous contributions for the Fil-Chi society. Bahay Tsinoy museum is a fully air-conditioned three-storey building which houses a library, auditorium, seminar rooms, and heritage halls. It has different sections like the early civilization, the parian, and colonial influences in the Philippines. It also shows the emergence of the Chinese community in the country, their roles in defending freedom, and life throughout the years. There is a room dedicated to the leaders and artists with Pinoy and Chinese roots who lead in the Philippines' nation-building. The ceramics and shell collection, as well as a gallery of rare prints and photographs, are some of the segments you should look forward to in this museum, too. To be honest, this was not listed in our itinerary. If I would be asked, I really do not want to go inside. I was already satisfied with Fort Santiago. But then, Dada persuaded me. How can I say no to those big, puppy eyes? So, for the love of museums! And for learning new things! And for blogging! And for seizing the moment! This happened. Dada and I had some spare time anyway. All of my issues aside, and talking about the museum per se, I am still glad I got dragged inside. Like what I said, for my passion! And, knowing facts about the Tsi-Noy relationship since then, my irate for them lessened a bit. Plus, it feels nice that I got a more opened mind with the history and culture of both races as well. Fort Santiago Of course, the highlight of this trip: Fort Santiago!!! It is not an Intramuros tour without a visit to Fort Santiago. As you walk down the memory lane beyond the big walls, rediscover this ever-atavistic and ever-enchanting Fort Santiago that would fulfill your nostalgic dreams. Although a little far from the main gate, head to Sta. Clara corner General Luna Street to find this iconic landmark. Its mesmerizing, rustic charm could totally feed your Instagram. At the same time, feed your mind. Built since the 16th century, Fort Santiago is known to be the oldest Hispanic stone fortress in the Philippines. This famous, memorial figure has been hailed as a National Historic Landmark since 1951. Preserving its historical and cultural purpose, Fort Santiago has theaters and halls inside that can make you understand Philippine history more. This fortress narrates real stories during World War II. Thus, lets you explore brings you back where our history happened. Fort Santiago acquired heavy damage during the Filipino-(American)-Japanese battle. However, thanks to the government, some of the key portions of the compound were restored. One of which is the classic gate that features the sculpture of St. James, the Moor-slayer. Apart from being the patron saint of Spain, it is where this fort's name got derived. Santiago Matamoros is the official translation of St. James in Spanish. Families and friends can definitely bond their ties here at Fort Santiago because it is also a big park and a vigorous garden that everybody would love. Folks can totally hit two birds in a stone here -- a good quality time while having an educational trip. Amazing, right? But, do you really know the main reason why Fort Santiago is considered a very popular tourist spot? Because... This is the place where the Philippines' national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal was imprisoned prior to his capital punishment. Fort Santiago played an important role in the history of the Philippines. Entering the premises, you shall easily notice some footsteps imprinted on the grounds of the fort. Those steps represent Dr. Rizal’s way to his execution. These steps would then lead you to a cell which bears a sculpture of Rizal. He also has a monument inside, the first thing to see when you pass St. James' gate, that commemorates Rizal's heroic death. A few walks from the Rizal Shrine, you can also pay a visit to the Dambana ni Rizal. It is a museum that depicts his life through paintings, photos, and artifacts. There is also the Rizaliana Furniture Exhibit that showcases the furniture and paraphernalia of the Rizal family. In that public display, you can see the authentic copies of Rizal's literary masterpieces: Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. So you know now, why you should not miss Fort Santiago on your Intramuros trip? Okay, understood. As quoted from the Philippine Information Agency, Fort Santiago is a fortress that has stood and continues to stand to the ever-changing time of the past, present, and future. And with that, cheers! Or should I say, tagay! At mabuhay! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas -- magpakailanman!!!!! A year after college graduation, I suddenly felt this longing in my heart. I do not know, too, but I missed the hustle and bustle in Manila. I then realized, I never had a full Intramuros tour during my undergrad years. Well, it was given, since I still have to ride another jeep if I would be coming from my university. And that, that was how I asked Dada if he can join me. Thought we could roam around the whole place in just a day, but nah, bitin pala ang isang araw! So yes, this is a developing story. I will try to complete this Intramuros tour because Ela Manila, remember! 💖 My/Our Intramuros 2018 is up next. It features more picture-perfect tourist spots. Hit it up, too! :)
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THE BLOG-GIRLE L A M A N I L A Ela Mones, a Filipina girl,
is a passionate lifestyle blogger who loves to express her unforgettable life experiences and best moments through words, photos, and videos 💖
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