A Different Perspective of Manila : Inside the Walled City
- Leiain Enriquez
- Feb 2, 2020
- 3 min read
Manila is known on its hustling and busy streets, soaring skyscrapers and crazy traffic. It's one of the most densely populated city in the Philippines and was recently reign as the second most traffic-congested city in the world. No doubt its the capital and center of our country's economic and political activities. But what lies within this bustling city are the historical places and museums whom we almost forgot.
Lets look at Manila with a different point of view. A quick guide to explore the New Manila.
January 30 2020, Thursday. We decided booked a stay-cation on Selah pods via Zen rooms to spend quality time together and have more time to roam Manila. This is the time of the year where Department of Health ( DOH ) announce and confirm the first case of the infamous Novel Corona Virus ( NCov ) in the Philippines, what a nice time to roam the streets of Manila ( Just kidding, not being ignorant with the situation but just to enlighten and look moreover to the brighter side ) It was undeniably alarming, most of the people wore face mask since the news spread, despite the fear life still goes on. Moreover, After we check in and left our luggage in the hotel we head over to our first stop, Intramuros.
Intramuros ( Latin for "with in the walls" ) also known as the "Walled City" It is a historic wall within the modern city of Manila that was built in the late 18th century. This historical wall witness the great Spanish-era and withstand up until the modern time. It was my first encounter at this historic structure and Oh God It feels like I was transported back to time.
( I know I live in the PH I grew here but spare me I live in a box. So don't get me wrong )
We roamed around the oldest district of Manila and was surprised how such great historical place is hiding amongst the tall buildings. The city is filled mostly college students during the afternoon inside the walls you'll find famous universities like Colegio de San Juan de Letran and truly they preserved the old-fashioned structures.
Unfortunately Puerta Real Gardens is closed when we visit so we took a quick snapshot on this cinematic view. It's just undeniably incredible how these structures withstand wars, earthquakes and stand thru time. It was just quaint and picturesque.
As we continue to explore the walled city, It's just fascinating walking on the streets that are made with cobblestone while looking at the old and noblest structures. You can also rent bamboo bikes to explore the city, "Bambike" beside Casa Manila is open 8AM to 6PM
unfortunately we came a bit late to rent one.
Casa Manila is one of the many museum in Intramuros, with its Spanish colonial architecture you will definitely feel that you've been transported back to time. Unfortunately we haven't got a chance to enter the museum because it's already 6PM. Museum opens 9AM to 6PM only.
Also the place is very instagrammable lol, with the lanterns everywhere and beautiful landscape. It was really worth the snap, many friends asked me if I was in Ilocos or Vigan and they were surprised knowing I was only in Manila and Yes even I was a bit astonished that Manila offers an amazing tour down into its rich history.
We decided to visit the famous and old churches around the city which is the San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral Basilica which stood for more than 400 years. I am not a catholic nor a religious person but yes it did amuse me, how massive and beautiful this architectures are. You will marvel and wonder how much details and labor they put into this sacred places. And as it was getting dark, the dimmed lights make the cathedral stand out.
It's fascinating, how a rich and historical place like this is hiding in a contemporary city, It did change my perspective of Manila of being loud and busy, It is true that even in the bustling place like this you can still find beauty and peace.
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