A Cultural Venture into the City of Manila

The City of Manila is one of the seventeen cities that made up Metro Manila. It is continuously teeming with growing populations and new developments at every expandable inch in all the surrounding area. Words that often describe this city consist of noisy, dirty, dense, polluted, congested, dangerous, poor… but put aside these sorrowful descriptions, Manila can be vibrant, exciting, intense, luxurious, lavish, and filled with fun things to do too. Just like any other countries in the world, Manila also boasts many places that are of showcase quality worth visiting.

Welcome to the Walled City of Intramuros

The City of Manila can be separated into 16 districts. The oldest of all is called Intramuros -“The Walled City”. Built in the 16th century by the Spanish, it was once considered Manila City itself. Now, after the devastation of war, this city has become exclusively the only district of Manila where the old Spanish ruling influences were retained as modern development skipped over this district. Within the massive walls of this city stood old vanquishing government buildings, former stately homes, still splendid churches, aged convents, moss-covered monasteries, distinguished educational institutions, and reverberating cobbled plazas. What used to be the old moats were long gone as it is now filled up and serves as a golf course.

Manila Cathedral

Casa Manila (photo by mrbinondo)

To explore Intramuros, head first to the visitor centre at the entrance to Fort Santiago at Santa Clara Street and grab a map and guide book. Exploring The Walled City by foot will bring you on a 4.5 kilometer journey of unearthing the old stories when the Spanish rules. Every square foot of this city holds a unique historical tales of trades even before the Spanish empire’s reign. Spending a full day wandering along the Spanish-named streets is the best way to see things as it is. There’s the Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila, San Agustin Church, Father Blanco Garden, Museum and Library of the National Centre for Culture and Arts are among the few must-see. Just remember that the walk is more advisable to be done during the day as access is limited at night.

San Agustine Church (photo by ~MVI~)

Father Blanco's Garden (photo by twistedhalo)

After a walking trip at Intramuros, next we’ll go to the prowling markets and backstreets of Quiapo, the ‘old downtown’ of Manila. What used to be a thriving fishing village among a complex intersecting rivers, canals, and marches has turned itself into a flourishing center of commerce filled with trade stores. However, the main attraction in Quiapo is not the old streets. It is the Black Nazarene which is housed in the Quiapo Church that draws thousands of devoted worshipers and tourist alike.

Guiapo Church (photo by chicodj)

The best day to visit the Quiapo Church is Friday. Countless devotees will crowd at this church to pay homage to the Black Nazarene. It is touching to see the open humility of the worshipers down on their knees at the alter, fervent in prayer, seeking for a favor, miracle, penance or just praise and thanksgiving. Outside the church is a market place where everything is cheap. Merchandises range from pirated CDs and DVDs, imitation of branded goods, and many local delights. It is exactly the same version of ‘pasar pagi’ in Malaysia, only exchange the goods to Philippines wares, salvation needs products, and many local trinkets. There you can be adventurous and try the wide choice of local street cuisine too.

Religious business (photo by Au Lim)

A trip to the City of Manila can truly be a cultural venture that will open your eyes to the vibrant colours that only it can offer. It is a place that let you feel so deeply, sense so widely, and experience literary exchange of what it truly means to be cultured. Book the trip here and experience that feeling of cultural satisfaction in The Philippines.