At dahil wala akong magawa sa rest day ko, napag-usapan lang to, tapos ayun, umalis ako kinabukasan - my destination - Intramuros, Manila. Intramuros, or the "Walled City," is one of the sites that has huge significance in Philippine history. I was captivated by the structures inside these walls, kaya kailangan ko talagang malibot ito. Good thing, nagkaroon ng Open House in Celebration of World Tourism Day so the entrance fees of Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, and Casa Manila are free. Not only that, there are also free bicycle tours around Plaza Roma, and difference performances, food, and art at Baluarte de San Diego.
Commute to Intramuros
My route to Intramuros was a bit challenging dahil maraming sakay. From my apartment, took a jeepney to LRT 2 Santolan Station, rode LRT to Recto, crossed to the other side, and lastly, LRT 1 to Rizal Park. Nakalimutan ko na yung title nung station. Instead of taking the streets near the National Museum, I passed on the long stretch of the highway from Kilometer 0 passing Manila Hotel, Port area, and to the entrance Fort Santiago.
For Santiago
The Fort Santiago is one of the oldest fortifications in Manila. Built in 1571 on the side of the native settlement of Raja Soliman. The first fort was a palisaded structure of logs and earth but was destroyed in the Limahong attack in 1574. Then, a stone fort built between 1589 and 1592 but was damaged in the 1645 earthquake. Repaired and strengthened from 1658 to 1663 and became the headquarters of the British occupation army from 1762 to 1764. Repaired and renovated in 1778.
It was a former headquarters of the Philippine Division of the U.S. Army. Occupied by the Japanese military in 1942 where hundreds of civilians and guerrillas were imprisoned, tortured, and executed. Destroyed in the Battle of Manila in 1945. Used as a depot of the U.S. Transportation Corps before turnover to the Philippine Government in 1946. Declared a Shrine of Freedom in 1950. Restoration and maintenance of the fort began in 1951 under the National Park Development Committee. Management was turned over to the Intramuros Administration in 1992.
Ang daming tao! Kaya, ang hirap kumuha ng mga photos. Ayun, ni enjoy ko nalang ang lumang walls ng Intramuros. Then I left and headed to my next destination, pero biglang umulan. Next is Plaza Roma where the grand Manila Cathedral is situated.
Manila Cathedral
Formerly called Plaza Mayor. Converted into a park in 1797. Renamed Plaza McKinley after U.S. President William McKinley in 1901. Renamed Plaza de Roma in 1961 to honor the Sacred College of Cardinals in Rome following the elevation of the first Filipino cardinal, Rufino J. Santos. A bronze monument to Carlos IV of Spain was erected in 1824 as a tribute for the introduction of the smallpox vaccine in the Philippines. The fountain was built in 1886. The statue was replaced by the Gomburza monument in the 1960s. Statue returned in 1981.
On the other hand, the Manila Cathedral, officially known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, is the premier Roman Catholic church in the Philippines and the seat of the Archbishop of Manila. Situated across Plaza de Roma along Cabildo Street in Intramuros, this grand sanctuary serves as both the spiritual heart of the nation and a masterpiece of mid-20th-century Neo-Romanesque architecture.
I continued walking kahit medyo umambon. Wala akong pake! Sobrang mahinang ambon, kaya ok lang. Then, I passed by Casa Manila. Ang gaganda ng mga old looking buildings sa part na to.
San Agustin Church
Using Google Maps, I walked on the streets to the spot where San Agustin Church. Continue walking lang daw sabi ni Google Maps. Tama naman ni suggest nya. Hahaha. Upon arrival, there was a wedding in San Agustin, as a respect, hindi na ako pumasok, baka makita ako sa video nung ikinakasal, tapos naka short short. Dahil nga ang daming tao, hindi rin ako pumasok sa Casa Manila. Ayoko kasi ng masikip, ayoko ng maraming tao - dun ko lang na relaise na, free entrance kasi, kaya maraming tao. Next, I proceeded to the highlight of today's travel - Baluarte de San Diego, just a few meters away from San Agustin.
San Agustin Church (officially the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Consolacion y Correa) is the oldest stone church in the Philippines, located along General Luna Street in the heart of Intramuros, Manila. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 under the "Baroque Churches of the Philippines" collective inscription, this Spanish colonial monument stands as an architectural triumph.
Baluarte de San Diego
Baluarte de San Diego is the oldest stone fort in Manila. Built in 1586, it was called the Nuestra Señora de Guía. Designed by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeno. Fell into disrepair and was renovated in 1593. Incorporated as part of the walls but was later abandoned due to its unstable foundations. Baluarte de San Diego was constructed with orillons (curved corners) masking cannons on the flanks. Destroyed during the British invasion in 1762. Repaired and renovated in 1764. The American Army ordinance section was built on site during the American occupation. Destroyed during World War 2 and is now a major tourist attraction of the Walled City.
My first step inside the walls of Intramuros was in 2012, and finally, after five years, I was able to complete all parts of the walled city. Because of this free entrance, I am happy to know that a lot of Filipinos are still interested about the history of the country. I am hoping that moving forward NCCA, Intramuros Management, National Museum and other organization in charge of the artifacts and historical spots will let the Filipinos witness the ancient wonders without entrance fee.
Medyo hapon narin, kaya nag jeep na ako papunta sa nearest LRT 1 station. Tapos tawid pa LRT 2, and a jeepney to Cainta. Ayun, ayun ang araw ko today.
Where to Stay Nearby
Accommodations near Quiapo and Sampaloc put you within easy distance of Manila's historical landmarks, vibrant street markets, and transit stations. Recommended stay options include:
Shandong Residences
Shandong Residences features apartment-style lodging ideal for long-term stays. It combines comfort and practicality for travelers seeking extended accommodations. Book Shandong Residences here while the price is 833 pesos per night.
👉 Find more hotel options on Trip.com
Hotel 99
Hotel 99, in Quiapo, provides affordable rooms with essential amenities. Its central location near Quiapo Church makes it convenient for pilgrims and city explorers. Book Hotel 99 here and get a discounted price of 845 pesos per night.
👉 Find more hotel options on Agoda
Arzo Hotel Grand Lodge
Arzo Hotel Grand Lodge offers cozy accommodations with a homelike atmosphere. Guests enjoy easy access to Manila’s cultural landmarks and transport hubs. Book Arzo Hotel Grand Lodge here for as low as 857 pesos per night.
8378 Apartments
8378 Apartments provides modern units with spacious layouts. It’s perfect for business travelers and families looking for convenience and privacy. Book 8378 Apartments here and get a discounted price of 960 pesos per night.
👉 Find more hotel options on Booking.com
Town and Country Hotel
Town and Country Hotel, in V-Mapa, offers budget-friendly accommodations with reliable service. Its accessible location makes it a practical choice for short stays in Manila. Book Town and Country Hotel here and get a promo price of 1,168 pesos per night.
👉 Find more hotel options on Klook
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Please note that rates are subject to change without prior notice. Always confirm prices directly with the booking platform or hotel.
Airbnb
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Klook.comAs someone who has visited all provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines Provinces Travel Guide here.
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