Pretty long post hiatus post, I know. haha
Let me share to you the beauty of Intramuros. Probably some have visited this place at one point in their lives, some of you haven't, and some just never had the chance to do so.
Being the TV and Pinoy movie enthusiast that I am, I know for a fact that Intramuros has been a venue for so many movies such as Mikee Cojuanco and Aga Muhlach's Forever, and Aga Muhlach and Dayanara Torres' Basta't Kasama Kita, Albert Martinez's Rizal, Kristine and Jericho's teleserye Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas and lots more. Grabe noh? haha
It may seem like a huge place during your first visit but once you're familiar with the roads and landmarks, it'll be easier for you to navigate and you'll realize there's no need to ride the Kalesa other than the tourist-y effect.
Plaza Roma right in front of the Manila Cathedral
Manila Cathedral- Sharon-Gabby wedding, Cory's Wake
You'll find at least one Guardia Civil in each major place of attraction.
Don't hesitate to ask them for suggestions or directions. Most, if not all are very nice.
Ana & Carms; Casa Manila- Basta't Kasama Kita and Jose Rizal
Casa Manila's guardias double as tour guides. They are very accommodating and suuuuper funny! they have jokes about the places they are assigned to. You have to visit to experience the humor. Fifty pesos entrance fee applies.
Inside Casa Manila there's a cafe called Barbara's.
It's a very cute place- perfect for coffee or dinner dates. They serve pasta and I dunno what else. My friends and I just ordered soda because it was a hot day.
Beside Barbara's is a quaint shop called The Papier Tole Shop. The store keeper greeted us as we walked by. He invited us to see his store but we declined. But when Ana and Carmela stopped by the art gallery (can't blame them...they're fine arts students hehe), I went back to the shop. Interesting finds- I got a woven paper wallet and an organic anti-stress rub. Well, my real mission was to just see what's inside. Simply put, I wanted the store keeper to feel that his job is important and people appreciate it. But it turned out to be a worthy visit. He chatted with us, told us about the stuff they sell, how long they've been there. Being a business graduate, I was naturally curious who buys from the shop. Manong said most of his customers are balikbayans and locals (like me, haha).
From Casa Manila, you'll see the San Agustin Church and museum. this church seems to be very in demand for weddings. Every time I visit, there's a wedding. hehe We didn't enter the museum anymore because we were excited to visit other places. (Museum: Fifty pesos entrance fee)
Fort Santiago. 50 pesos entrance fee for students. 70 for adults.
Manila Cathedral in the afternoon sun.
The Arc (main entrance) in Fort Santiago
Inside the Rizal Shrine in Fort Santiago
At the dungeons. That's Pasig River behind us.
Off to THE view.
At Ravellin de la Puerta Real de Bagumbayan. This is the location of Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas. And also the Ateneo Blue Eagles' cover for Lifestyle Asia.
The view from Muralla: Intramuros golf course and The Manila Hotel
From Intramuros, take a cab to Mall of Asia and revel in A nice sunset at Manila Bay to cap off the day. This is the view from the mall's bay area.
For a day trip getaway, visit Intramuros and learn more about our history.
*photos of me are by Ana Gagarin. Thanks Ana! :)
