Stone Walls and Horses

We wanted to do something different for our Valentine's date. We didn't want to have the expensive, fine dining dinner since we were already doing that with my family. I also couldn't go out of town, so after much thought, we realized... Why not tour Manila? 


With the pollution and the overcrowded streets, we tend to forget what a beautiful place this city is.


We have been hearing a lot of raves about Carlos Celdran's walking tour of Old Manila.  It is said to be very witty and highly informative-- a controversial guide giving you a tour which he calls, "Intramuros: If these walls could talk". Wouldn't you be intrigued?

We had to use Google Maps to find our way around Intramuros. Haha and I'm pretty sure you'd get lost too! It's time we get to know this country better!


The meeting place was outside Fort Santiago. We all expected to start the day with a quick tour of the fort, BUT our beloved president's family had the place closed down for a wedding. Or so we were told. Urk.


We all walked to the Manila Cathedral for the first part of the tour. And let me warn you, if you do not have a good sense of humor, you probably should not take this tour. You might end up whacking Carlos Celdran on the head. Otherwise, this is the best way to learn about our history. I promise you, you will not fall asleep.

First built in the 1500's, it has been destroyed and renovated a number of times already.

We needed to ride a Kalesa (my first time) in order to get to the next stop of the tour, Baluarte de San Diego. You have to move fast though, so many people would join the tour and there aren't enough Kalesas to accommodate everyone. The others had to take a pedicab.

Baluarte de San Diego is one of the oldest stone fortifications in Manila. We were given a few minutes to go around and take pictures.

This kind of looks like a miniature version of Rome's Collosseum! haha

A nice view of the Manila Hotel. You have to be really careful about taking pictures in this area. A girl lost a slipper. hahaha She was probably taking jump shots!

I hit my head when i stood up. haha

You won't have to worry about getting dehydrated. They carry around coolers with drinks that you can buy!

Before leaving Baluarte de San Diego, we all gathered for Carlos Celdran's discussion on the American Period of the Philippine History. I've always loved history, but I was never so fond of the stories on American Colonization. I just never had any interest in politics and the government-- but Carlos Celdran's lecture changed all that! He sure got me to listen. He's VERY entertaining. I learned so much that day!

Walked past Victoria Street for the lecture on the Japanese Colonization of the Philippines. 

Second to the last stop was the San Agustin Church. It's the oldest standing church in the country, it was able to withstand earthquakes and the war.

We ended the tour by heading to one of the small inns across the street. After almost 3 hours of walking, we were finally able to rest our tired feet. And the best part is, we were all given refreshing Halo-Halo to eat while Carlos Celdran ended the tour. 

All in all a great learning experience! I now wish that all of Manila still looks like Intramuros, stone walls and all!