Intramuros in Manila
Historic Intramuros
For a long time, I only saw the blackened walls of Intramuros from the outside. Whenever my family drove through the famous Roxas Boulevard ( I believe it is not called by this name anymore), we passed by it. I knew it had a story behind it and that once upon a time the very core of Manila used to be surrounded by these walls before the second World War. It is a by product of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. A number of Spanish cities after all are surrounded by similar walls, Avila, Caceres, and Extremadura among them. I just loved the houses inside Intramuros as they are so reminsicent of the Spanish colonial period. Having lived and studied in Spain, I could not help but see the relationship between the Philippines and Spain in many respects. I am so glad not all of the walls had been destroyed and that some are still standing.
The moat that surrounds part of the walls of Intramuros
Inside Intramuros
This is the view that you see as soon as you go through the gate of Intramuros. The statue of Jose Rizal stands right in the middle of the garden
Now this is the view of the Intramuros gate from inside the walls.
A close up iew of the Statue of Jose Rizal inside Intramuros
Inside the Rizal Shrine. The lady he's with in the picture is supposedly his love, Josephine Bracken. Modesty aside, I am really proud to say that I too attended the schools Jose Rizal attended. We both went to Ateneo de Manila and we both lived and studied in Spain. I first went to the Universidad Complutense de Madrid for my graduate studies in Spanish but I actually received my second Master's degree from Spain's oldest and most top ranked university, Universidad de Salamanca. My first Master's degree I got from the University of San Francisco.
I had to take a picture of this tower. It reminded me of a similar tower we visited in Puerto Rico's Old San Juan years ago.
Here we are enjoying Intramuros with the beautiful view of Manila's Chinatown in the background
Magnificent Binondo Church
I heard of Binondo Church while still living in Manila decades ago. However, that was as far as it went. I knew there was a place called Binondo somewhere in Manila but I never really saw it for myself nor visited it until last December 2010. It's sad how we take many things for granted thinking that the attractions in our backyard are not beautiful or interesting as those in foreign countries. Well, I am embarassed to admit it but that is exactly how I used to think while still a resident of the Philippines. How mistaken I was when I toured my partner, Marc, around and saw how plentiful the beautiful places in Manila are. Sure there is a lot of poverty in Manila, but this city has many things to offer its visitors as well. That's a fact.
That's us in front of the beautiful and historic church of Binondo right in the heart of Manila's Chinatown. I must say, this is one place I would like to visit again when I return to Manila.
Here I am with Nori in front of Binondo Church. She acted as our tour guide in Manila. She was absolutely wonderful. We hope to see you again Nori! Thanks a million.
This is how Binondo Church looks on the inside. I love the paintings on the ceiling. Simply amazing!
Manila Chinatown's Ongpin Street
