Intramuros holds a lot of wonderful memories for me. My parents used to take me there when I was growing up but it was during my college days when I discovered most of it.
So, when the Department of Tourism (DOT) sent me an invitation for the Intramuros Christmas launch, I immediately confirmed. I have not walked those streets in awhile, and it would be nice for me to see, breathe and feel the Walled City again, and not just pass through them.
I do not know if the Rizal Park can be considered as part of Intramuros because of its proximity, but that is the one place I love the most as a child. It seemed like my parents used to take me there every weekend.
Raise your hands if you still remember those double-deck buses that go around Roxas Boulevard. Do you still remember the Planetarium in Luneta? How about the Chinese Garden?
Those were the good days when kids run freely on Luneta’s open grounds or just try flying kites, which, honestly, until now, I still do not know how. If only the world today would be just as simple.
Then, in college, the walls of Intramuros became the go-to place for me and my friends in late afternoons after classes. I really cannot remember what brought us there in the first place, but, from the top of those walls, Manila gives a different vibe.
From there, the traffic chaos and undisciplined jeepneys near the Manila City Hall present a different look. It is there where we see people playing golf and thinking to ourselves if it is really fun playing the sport. It is from those walls where we, the hopeless romantics, used to do a lot of girl-watching.
But more than that, the cool breeze, even if maybe it is polluted, gave a sense of calm and relaxed us after long hours in classrooms. We talked about bands, new music being played on the radio and the concerts we want to watch. We talked about basketball and swimming. We talked about the future and staying together after college.
Then Intramuros became a regular part of our family’s Visita Iglesia during Holy Week, with Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church located inside the Walled City.
I was in Intramuros early for the DOT event, and one of the places I went to see first was the San Agustin Church. On a weekday there was a wedding taking place. I said my prayers, and then watched the proceedings. They were a lovely couple, and there were happy faces all around. Now, that is a sight worth seeing.
Already way past lunchtime, I walked a couple of blocks, and found my way to Patio de Conchita. I still remember the place and back in college it had delicious and affordable food. I went inside, and the place still looked the same but maybe because it was already midafternoon then, the quality of the food I saw was probably not good anymore.
So, I ended up in a basement canteen in a nearby building. Management was probably different now, as it had a different name. The food was passable and it was really inexpensive.
Afterward, I continued my walk around Intramuros. I saw Bahay Tsinoy, one of my favorite places in Intramuros. I did not set foot inside that time but, hopefully I can get in touch again with Meah See soon.
And then there was Fort Santiago for me. The place is undergoing some renovations but, honestly, it is one place where you can spend your whole day. It is one ideal place to go if you have nothing on your calendar.
This trip down memory lane was magnified, as Tourism Assistant Secretary Ricky Alegre read Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo’s speech.
It made me smile when Alegre mentioned how Intramuros rose to prominence some 15 years ago because of the activities that were held there.
He talked about rock concerts being held in Baluarte Plano Luneta and how yuppies, it is either you hate or love that term, enjoying cheese and wine while listening to violins being played at the Santa Lucia Barracks.
Alegre went further by mentioning about lovers singing along to acoustic singers at the Secretary’s Garden. Then, he said there was Pook Alitaptap for a round of beer after office or dinner and show bands at Plaza San Ignacio.
Alegre also mentioned about the tapas row on General Luna Street, which was filled with different restaurants for those who prefer to dine in a quieter setting. Oh, and from there, he said church bells could be heard pealing every hour.
There was also the Bagumbayan Light and Sound Museum, which gave a glimpse on the life of national hero Jose Rizal and fireworks display on weekends.
And then there was also the clamshell pavilion, where all the different regions in the country were featured along with their products and tourism destinations.
On queue later, Sen Richard J. Gordon followed it up by boldly saying that Intramuros is a center of the country’s tourism. He also said that Intramuros is a history town in the country.
Gordon then rattled names of schools that were built in Intramuros, including Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Santa Isabel College and Ateneo de Manila University. He said some of the country’s past leaders have studied in schools in Intramuros.
Then Gordon talked about San Agustin Church, Unesco named World Heritage Site, being one of the oldest churches in the country. He followed this up by saying the Walled City was also the home of priests, including the Jesuits, Dominicans and the Augustinians.
Looking to the future, Gordon said there is a need to restore Escolta to its original glory, converting the Philippine Post Office into a six-star hotel, and bringing back the movie theaters that lined Rizal Avenue in the past.
I totally agreed and clapped my hands when Gordon said that our country does not need more shopping malls. Yes, we need more places like the Wonder of Walls.
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Image credits: Rodel Alzona