I still remember, it was on the month of April, 2007 when I flew to Manila to pick my husband Gary, which was my fiance’ at that time in the airport. To pick him up was not only the reason why I had to fly there where in fact he doesn’t want me to even step back the crowded Capital of the Philippines. Our real purpose was to get his None Marriage Certificate from the Embassy, which is a prerequisite in getting married. We planned on staying just a week but he heard about this historic place Fort Santiago lies in the historic walled city, Intramuros, Manila. Intramuros is the oldest district in Manila. It was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century located in the southern bank of Pasig River. The name Intramuros is a Spanish name means "within the walls" as it is surrounded by thick high walls and moats.
Horse Carriage
Riding a “karetela” or horse carriage, the tour guide showed us the Manila way back in the 16th century. The paved streets welcomed us, which is covered with Spanish colonial buildings, churches, plazas and restored gates and battlefields. The ticking sound of horseshoes on the ground accompany us in reminiscing Spaniards time. The historical pieces have been nobly preserved as a reminder of Spaniard’s reign and colonization of our country on the year 1521 by the discovery of a Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan who claimed some parts of our land for Spain which is the beginning of their power over Filipinos.
There are so much to know about our country's history but for now let's go on to our tour. We went first to San Agustin Church, a Roman Catholic Church and the oldest church standing in the Philippines completed in 1607. San Agustin Church is now a popular venue for weddings.
SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH
Next place we explored was the Barbara's Barracks.
A picture with one of the guards at the exit.
A picture taken at the entrance. Entrance fee was Php50.00.
House of the Spaniards; the Exit.
We were really amaze with what we saw inside. The styles and the arts are quite impressive; from the old style rooms and windows to the old style bathrooms and ceilings. The antique kitchen utensils and pots; you would really like to have. I'm sad i was not able to take pictures of those because it was highly forbidden to take photographs. Anyway, it would really be better to witnesse the beauty of its arts yourself.
At the Cannon field.
Take a peep of this caged cannon. Do you see the traces of bullets on the wall? There was the area where prosecutions were done. Scary isn't it?
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