Of TRIPS: Intramuros, Manila (1)
Probably one of the most famous tourist spots in Manila is the Intramuros. A Spanish phrase which means “The Walled City”, this used to be the fort of the Spaniards where the palace of the Governor-General was located. It was the seat of government and political power when the Philippines was a component realm of the Spanish Empire. It was also the center of religion, education and economy. The standard way of life in Intramuros became the standard way of life throughout the Philippines.
It was Friday (July 14, 2017) when I decided to tour Intramuros all by myself. It wasn’t my first time, as back in 2011, we’ve done a little tour in some of the spots here. And also last year, I accompanied my cousin who had some stuff to do in the Palace of the Governor which now houses the Central Office of the Commissions on Elections. But still, this trip would be different since I’ll be roaming the place alone. I kind of thought this would be a good practice in solo trips or travels. This would be my first solo trip.
From Quezon City, I took a UV Van that would drop me off in Lawton as it would be starting point. In here, I passed by the (Kalayaan monument) and took good photos of it.
Also, I took new photos of the famous bell tower of the Manila City Hall. Over the years, my shots of this clock tower improved. Yay!
Right then, I crossed the underpass to get to the Intramuros and emerged in Victoria Street entrance, the one where The Bayleaf and Mapua Institute are the landmarks.
A lot of trisikads are waiting there to give you a tour for P300…per half an hour. Fortunately, my officemates already warned me about this, wherein you’d thought the whole trip would be for P300 when in fact, your minutes are being numbered and calculated. So, I declined whatever offers they have, determined to walk around the place and tour it without much help.
First, I stopped by the nearest 7-Eleven to get a drink and carefully study the map of the city and plan my trip. What’s creepy is that, the trisikad was still lurking around the store. So, I hid a bit in one of the racks and only came out when he was gone, thinking maybe I had went on my way. Oh, thank God. He was so persistent.
So, I started my little trip! I walked around the block so that I could really disappear, and got to Gen. Luna St. until I reached the Muralla (Wall) part.
I followed the length of the wall until I reached the Puerta Real, which was built in 1663 for the exclusive use of the Governor-General for state occasions. This was destroyed during the British invasion in 1762. The Ravelin, along with it, was used as prison cells and barracks during Japanese occupation.
Then, I walked some more until I reached the Japanese Cannon.
Continued in my next post.
