A Trip to The Past

Ever since I started working along with photographers, I have been constantly curious about this activity they conduct which they call "Photo Walk". Because one of my colleague is a well established photographer, he had taught me some of the basics needed to take some shots that are quite pleasing to the eyes. So when Jem's mom bought a mirror-less camera, we took it out to check its abilities and put our amateur skills to the test by doing our own "Photo Walk" inside Intramuros.

Intramuros!

Intramuros, also known as the "Walled City", is located in Manila and was built in the late 16th century to protect the city within from foreign invasions. The Spanish Colonial Government ordered its construction and it eventually became the seat of the government when the Philippines was a component realm of the Spanish Empire.

Getting to Intramuros is quite easy; since we came from Cubao, we simply took a jeep bound to Quiapo. After catching all of Quezon City's and Manila's pollution, we got off along Taft Avenue and crossed the street using Manila's underground tunnel and we're right in front of one of the entrances of Intramuros.

Calle Victoria (CTTO)

We entered Intramuros through Calle Victoria and started our tour from there. Getting around was quite easy since we downloaded a map beforehand. For your reference, here's the map we used:

Intramuros Map (CTTO)

If you have some cash with you and you don't want to walk around, there are kalesas and padyak along the entrance who offer a tour around Intramuros.

Since we already had the idea that we wouldn't be able to complete the tour in a day, we decided to just walk along the side streets until we reach Fort Santiago.

For the first part of our tour, we walked along Muralla Street and toured Baluerte de San Francisco de Dilao, Puerta del Parian, Revellin del Parian, up to Baluarte de San Gabriel.

Good thing, the camera can be connected to a phone hehe

#Nakikiuso

New year, new me. CHAR. HMU by wind and usok of Manila 📷 @jemroxas

A photo posted by JustineDELEON (@tatinzkii) on Jan 2, 2017 at 6:24am PST

Over exposed, lels

Probably, our sweetest picture EVER

After that, we proceeded walking along the same street until we reached the ruins of Aduana  which was the old Customs House. There are signages in front of all historical spots so you can be educated while walking around.

Right in front of Aduana situated a tiny park named Plaza de España. It houses the statue of King Felipe II; the king of Spain where Philippines was named after.

We turned to Andres Soriano Jr. Street then to Cabildo Street until we finally reached Fort Santiago!

#Artsy

Fort Santiago is a citadel built by Miguel López de Legazpi for the new established city of Manila. This is the defense fortress that guard the entrance to the Pasig River.

They have a 75PHP entrance fee with a 50PHP discounted price for students who present their ID.

Check out this meme! It's lit HAHA

There were areas of Fort Santiago being renovated when we visited but worry not since this does not pose any problem with all the ruins located inside it. After passing through the very famous gate of the fort, you'll be entering an area which centers mostly around our very own National Hero, Jose Rizal. These areas are the Rizaliana and the Rizal Shrine.

Rizal's traced footsteps as he walks the grounds of Fort Santiago going to Rizal Park

Unfortunately though, the Rizaliana was closed during our visit. Still, we were able to roam around Rizal Museum.

Reading through the last letters Rizal sent to his family and close friends

Illustrado

Aside from the museums, there are also other spots in the fort good for some relaxation and of course, picture taking.

The inside of Fort Santiago, overlooking the Manila Cathedral

Pasig Rivah

Awkward hands are awkward

Before it gets dark, Jem and I decided to head out of Fort Santiago and tour the rest of Intramuros.

 One last shoot before going out!

Right in front of the gate there are many vendors of various sweet stuff you can indulge in after a tour around Fort Santiago. Here are some pictures we took right in front of the fort's entrance:

Horsey doesn't like his picture taken :(

After eating our ice creams, we proceeded walking along General Luna Street until we reached the Palacio del Gobernador.

Right across the Governor Palace is the Plaza de Roma and Manila Cathedral.

We rested along the park's fountain and waited till it got dark since we noticed that there were different parol displayed around the area. After that, we entered through the side gate of the church.

She was like the moon - part of her was always hidden away. 📷 @jemroxas

A photo posted by JustineDELEON (@tatinzkii) on Jan 3, 2017 at 7:55pm PST

After our tiring yet exciting tour around Intramuros, we exited through Andres Soriano Jr. Street and walked along Roxas Blvd. until we reached Rizal Park. Quite a long walk if you ask me HAHA.

We didn't get to take that much picture cause the camera was already running low in battery. We did stay at the park and ate dinner at one of the carinderias and briefly watched the dancing fountain. We headed home some time after 8PM by riding a jeepney along Ma. Orosa Street.

Jem and I returned to Intramuros a week after, but that's another story to tell ;)