Story by Japheth Tobias
Longing for a relationship that is pangmatagalan? Then maybe you and your jowa/future jowa should do something beyond your usual movie/study dates and try visiting pang-matagalan places that have already stood the test of time. Visiting historical places may make you feel like you have gone back to the significant events in our history that you have once heard, or perhaps slept through during your history classes in school. Imagine time-travelling to all the historical places that allow visitors to look at the past with the eyes of our former martyrs, soldiers, revolutionaries, and heroes - probably the kind of date you would love to try, be it with your friends, your partner, or maybe with your family. Well, for starters, you need not fly all the way to Europe just to experience such kind of date, because the Philippines on its own has historical places to offer that not only are budget-friendly, but are twitter- and instagram- worthy as well. Where to? Consider our Intramuros. Tucked in the metropolis is a 64-hectare walled district called Intramuros which literally means “inside the wall”. Intramuros has been witness to what the Philippines has gone through over centuries--from how the various historical events that took place during the Spanish occupation up to the daily carmageddon this place is experiencing today. While many may have considered their history classes “boring,” a tour of a historical place like Intramuros would surely be a fun ride to try. Here are 5 reasons why you should visit Intramuros soon: 1. Fort Santiago Well, given that the entire Intramuros is filled with the colorful history of the Philippines, why not drop by the place where our very own hero, Jose Rizal, was imprisoned prior to his execution?
Fort Santiago was built by the Spaniards in 1571, and served as their headquarters during the British occupation. When the Americans conquered the City in 1778, they renovated Fort Santiago and converted it to the Command Center of the U.S. Army Philippine Division. With such kind of historical background, it is actually noticeable that the place looks like those skirmish maps in your favorite army shooting games like Counter Strike.
Trip Tip: When you visit Fort Santiago, try to spot some cool artifacts such as a bone with a bullet wound enshrined in a glace urn. Do not forget as well to try retracing the footsteps of Jose Rizal!
2. Kalesa Rides
Ever thought of riding those elegant carriages you see in films? Well, you can ride the Pinoy version of those in Intramuros. Similar with the Kalesas you can find in Vigan, these horse-drawn carriages can take you to places in Intramuros for a considerable amount of cash.
Kalesas were a common mode of transportation back in the Spanish occupation period, now they are the go-to ride of tourists for sightseeing around the walled city of Intramuros. Not to mention that their Kutseros are insightful too, as they share lots of facts about the place while showing you around.
Fun fact: Sometime in 2016, the ride-hailing app Grab offered an exclusive GrabKalesa promo.
3. Museum hopping
Within the cobble-stoned streets of Intramuros are several museums that preserve and promote Filipino heritage. These museums surely won’t fail in giving you a glimpse of the past as they showcase various exhibits about Philippine history. Among which you have to try are Bonsai Library and Museum, Light and Sound Museum, Bahay Tsinoy, Casa Manila, and the Rizal Shrine Museum.
Although visiting all these museums would cost you some amount for their entrance fees, the experience will surely be worth it, as stories of our past will not only be narrated through various artifacts, but rather through the entire museum visit experience.
Trip Tip: After visiting these museums, you can try some local craft beers around. Don’t forget to buy pasalubong from the memorabilia stores as well!
4. Visita Iglesia
Being a seat of religious and political power during the Spanish colonization, Intramuros is home to several grand churches that you would not want to miss out.
If you are up to Church hopping or which we refer to as Visita Iglesia, try visiting the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Catholic Church. Not only do they exude art, but also historical relevance. The Manila Cathedral managed to be merited by three Papal endorsements, while the San Agustin Church is said to be the oldest Philippine Church standing up to date. Fun Fact: This 2019, nine Intramuros chapels will be opened for the Holy Week to accommodate the 1 million expected tourists and visitors who will observe their Visita Iglesia.
5. Lit Interiors!
Intramuros is too IG-worthy not to try. Having stood the test of time, Intramuros homes mementos not only of historical significance, but also of aesthetic value. The buildings’ baroque design, ceilings, Castilian-like flooring, lights, and even their wood furniture sets would certainly leave anyone in awe.
Aside from the interiors of the buildings, there are also spots around the walled city that one has to see to complete their Intramuros trip, such as the ruins located at the bastion of Baluarte de San Diego.
Trip Tip: Be careful though, you may be too busy with your phones and cameras that you might fail to appreciate these things with your own eyes! Remember, digital photos may be deleted anytime, but images that are stuck in your mind may be kept forever.
There are countless reasons why you should try visiting Intramuros, and there are numerous ways, as well, to enjoy such a historic place. However, while such place should be enjoyed, always remember to be respectful in every place that you visit !
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