• Follow Me on Twitter!
  • Like Me on Facebook!
  • View My Channel!
  • View My Snapshots!

Main menu

Skip to content
  • Home
  • No Access
  • Shop
  • About Me
  • Archives
  • Bucket List
  • Links
  • Contact Me

10 New Learnings in Intramuros

Posted on February 2, 2012 by journeyingjames 31 Comments
Share
Tweet


I’ve been to Intramuros countless of times before and was able to tour some foreign backpackers around but the Walled City is a place of learning new lessons every time I go.

Here’s 10 new lessons I got on my latest visit. Special thanks to Ivan of ivanlakwetsero.com for guiding the group and sharing amazing facts during the photo-walk.

 

1. Intramuros = Manila, before.

The Old Manila in only the walled city, everything outside the wall is considered province. Meaning even if you live in the poshest condominium in Makati right now, it is considered “probinsya” before. Intramuros is a Spanish term that literally means “within the walls” any place outside is “extramuros.”

Jeff, Melody, Elmer, AR, Dexter, me, Leon & Ivan are considred "promdi" if we live during the old times of Manila.

 

2. The original Km.0 is the Mania Cathedral’s dome not in Luneta.

Well, I know this already but most of the people who joined me on my first day of #isangdaan just knew that the original Km.0 is the Manila Cathedral and not in Luneta where Rizal Monument is. This is also the reason why I started my journey in Intramuros, it is Km.0.

Manila Cathedral, where the original Km.0 was (the dome)

 

Km.0 is the basis of all kilometer markers you see on the road. So next time you see a kilometer marker, say Km.64 (UPLB) that means that it is 64 kilometers away from Manila.

 

3. There are 7 Great Churches inside Intramuros.

So I guess almost all religious orders are represented in the Old Manila. Agustinians have San Agustin; Seculars built the Cathedral (the most garbed and grandiose of all); Dominicans have Sto. Domingo Church which was transferred to Quezon Avenue after WWII; Franciscans, Recollects, Jesuits and Franciscans also added their church buildings inside the Old City.

You want the complete number? 28. There are twenty eight churches and chapels inside Intramuros. Speaks of a very populous and bustling city huh?

My friends Ivan and Estan wrote something about this too-

  • A Walk Tour in Manila
  • Pre-War Visita Iglesia in Intramuros

 

4. All structures inside Intramuros are destroyed after WWII, except for San Agustin Church.

Blamed it on the Americans?! They bombed the whole city during the war against the Japanese in 1945. San Agustin was spared because there was Red Cross and many American soldiers are there. One account says that blood in San Agustin was 1-inch thick because wounded people are brought inside. Imagine the stench of blood inside that church. Now, it is one of the UNESCO-stamped church in the Philippines.

 

5. Only Letran and Colegio de Sta. Rosa are the only original colleges left. PLM, Mapua, and others came after WWII.

Colegio de Sta. Isabel

 

6. Here stands University of Sto. Tomas where Jose Rizal studied college.

Jose Rizal should have studied in Letran (do I hear Aribba?) but his father, Don Francisco Mercado said that Letran has a poor system of education so he studied in Ateneo during highschool and then transferred to UST Intramuros for his college education.

 

7. One bulwark is called “Baluarte de San Franciso de Dilao.”

De Dilao literally means ‘of the Yellows’ because it is where most Chinese were living (Parian). This part of the wall is one of the most fortified because of the Chinese uprising.

 

8. The golf course are actually moat.

Same as what you see in the castles of Europe, the Walled City is surrounded with a moat. There were even drawbridges that is open 4:00am till 11:00pm.

The Americans converted it to a golf course because they say its unhygienic, as the stagnant waters are breeding ground of mosquitoes carrying Malaria and other diseases. And maybe they love to play golf too! 🙂

 

9.  The bricked path on some parts of the wall are from 1981 not 1861.

During the time of Pres. Marcos, some parts of the wall are restored. So the bricks used are dated 1981 (Marcos regime). Maybe these bricks came all the way from Ilocos, home province of  Marcos?

1981 or 1861? Now I know!

 

10. It is a skaters paradise now.

This is one of my fave spots in Intramuros because of contemporary art. Everytime I go here, I see a different design, a different graffiti. Skaters from near and far pay a visit in this place to play and do some tricks.

 

___ ___ ___

Day 1 of 100. Intramuros, Manila. 9:00-11:00am.

This is post part of ISANG DAAN Journey. ISANG DAAN is a personal journey and challenge to backpack around the Philippines the cheapest way possible for 100 days.

If you want real time updates, you can check my facebook page: www.facebook.com/journeyingjames or follow me on twitter: @journeyingjames

You may also watch my teaser vid on Youtube: ISANG DAAN CHALLENGE

Related Posts with Thumbnails
This entry was posted in 100 Days, Featured Posts and tagged 100 Days Challenge, Intramuros, Manila. Bookmark the permalink.

Post navigation

← 7 Best Experiences during Lakbay Norte 3 according to Travel Bloggers
The Need to Lessen My Load: A Reflection →

31 thoughts on “10 New Learnings in Intramuros”

  1. Journeys and Travels said:
    Reply
    February 2, 2012 at 3:32 am

    I studied at the Lyceum of the Philippines University in Intramuros and never had been to those you mentioned here James. Time to retrace my steps back again.

    See you on the road bro.

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 2, 2012 at 5:23 am

      ooh really doc? how come?
      see you, matagal-tagal pa un

  2. Marco said:
    Reply
    February 2, 2012 at 3:46 am

    Great!

  3. Joy S. said:
    Reply
    February 2, 2012 at 4:05 am

    Very informative!

    I just blogged about Intramuros (here: http://cjsallegue.blogspot.com/2012/02/after-watching-several-episodes-of.html) and I’m so glad to know that I’m not alone in rediscovering Old Manila. I hope more people will visit ‘unnoticed’ destinations like Intramuros and retrace our roots. I love Fort Santiago ang Baluarte de Dilao.

    Btw, have you ever blogged about Baler? I plan to go there on April and would like to know more about the place.

    Looking forward to more of your posts. 🙂

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 2, 2012 at 5:22 am

      sorry, i have yet to write something about baler. im going there in the 26th of feb…
      thanks joy!

      • Joy S. said:
        Reply
        February 2, 2012 at 8:49 am

        Yey! At least mauuna ka. Hehe… May added reference na ako. 🙂 Thanks!

  4. Dave (Trails & Lifestyle) said:
    Reply
    February 2, 2012 at 4:17 am

    Hi James, Im Dave from Davao. Been to Manila for several times but never been to Intramuros. My next trail is Palawan, surely I will pay a visit there before heading to PPS.

    I like your blog. You guys inspire me to continue my newly started blog. I will add you now in my blog roll. Keep traveling! 😉

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 2, 2012 at 5:20 am

      nice choice, palawan!
      hope you find amazing facts in intramuros. thanks for adding me on your blog roll.

  5. Natthan said:
    Reply
    February 2, 2012 at 5:07 am

    A very informative post. Ingat sa biyahe! 🙂

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 2, 2012 at 5:19 am

      thank you! and thanks to ivan!

  6. Dave (Trails & Lifestyle) said:
    Reply
    February 2, 2012 at 5:31 am

    Hi James, I just added you here: http://www.trailsandlifestyle.blogspot.com

    Keep your trails going! Im following you 🙂

    -Dave

  7. Rhona said:
    Reply
    February 2, 2012 at 9:54 am

    Wow.. very informative! Thanks for sharing madami dami pa akong aabangan na post mo..
    I miss Baluarte in Intramuros tambayan during college days.

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 2, 2012 at 12:35 pm

      thanks rhona! madami pa din akong kailangang matutunan.
      so san ka nag-college? Mapua?

  8. Christian | Lakad Pilipinas said:
    Reply
    February 2, 2012 at 12:00 pm

    okay ang take mo sa intramuros ah. following you on your 100+ days james

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 2, 2012 at 12:34 pm

      anung klaseng take pre?
      ikaw ang astig na take sa intramuros eh, pang LP!
      take-out lang ako, hahaha

  9. ian | going places said:
    Reply
    February 2, 2012 at 4:20 pm

    I want to revisit Intramuros again and blog about it becuase I want to promote Manila as good destination of choice too in the Asian region just like the other cities especially after visiting Manila Ocean Park and Star City…

    This is good start and eye-opener for your 100 Days Challenge. Travel should not be expensive nowadays but at the same time enjoyable too to gain experiences of a lifetime.

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 2, 2012 at 11:40 pm

      amen!

  10. mar cay said:
    Reply
    February 2, 2012 at 6:02 pm

    hi james! im planning to go to sagada ilocos this may. any idea about the cheapest way to go sagada. i want to explore sagada in 3 days. do i need to hire a tour guide? kindly regards.

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 2, 2012 at 11:44 pm

      sorry, haven’t been there myself… maybe after i visit on next next week.

  11. Photo Cache said:
    Reply
    February 3, 2012 at 1:23 am

    oh you’re starting your 100 days challenge. i envy you. you can just take off and travel. i have to make arrangement and make sure the boss signs off on my vacay request.

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 3, 2012 at 3:03 am

      🙂 its not that easy din sir.. need to sacrifice a lot.
      maybe its time to get a new boss? or be the boss yourself?

  12. Gladys | WanderingTandem.com said:
    Reply
    February 3, 2012 at 7:59 am

    great info about intramuros… makes me feel guilty that in the many times i’ve been there, i know so little. great photos. my son and i will be there this weekend so i can teach him more about photography ^_^

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 7, 2012 at 3:19 am

      naks! i know he will get nice photos too, mana yan sayo gladys!

  13. Eric said:
    Reply
    February 4, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    Been to Intramuros once, went around with a Norwegian friend. I compare our Walled city to an Old Town here in Europe. Every capital cities in Europe has their own Old Towns preserved.

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 7, 2012 at 3:13 am

      really? now, i have to visit Europe soon and see for myself na din

  14. Condo Rental Makati said:
    Reply
    February 5, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    This place has so much history. It reflects so much of our past! Great post and information…..It’s definitely more fun in the Philippines! Wonderful!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 7, 2012 at 3:10 am

      thank you! it never fails to amaze me!

  15. Erwin said:
    Reply
    February 7, 2012 at 6:38 am

    very informative James…i’m following your updates on your isang daan challenge…be safe..XD

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 8, 2012 at 8:31 am

      thanks for that! really appreciate the support

  16. lady said:
    Reply
    February 16, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    We are going home to the Philippines soon and hope to visit Intramuros…Thanks to your blog!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 20, 2013 at 3:40 am

      glad it helped! welcome back in advance 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CAPTCHA Image
Refresh Image

*

Search

Like Me?

PRESS & MEDIA

Back-to-Back GMA News TV Interviews
Cebu Pacific's Featured Article: Around the Philippines for 100 Days
Manila Bulletin: Around the PH for 100 Days
TV 5: ISANGDAAN Journey Interview
ABS-CBN News Channel: ISANGDAAN Journey Live Interview
GMA News To Go: ISANGDAAN Journey Live Interview
Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho: Hidden Paradise Feature
ABS-CBN Southern Mindanao: Short Interview
Living Asia Channel: Watch Me Dancing
Radio Guestings
Cebu Pacific’s Smile Magazine: Bacolod on a Budget
Cebu Pacific’s Smile Magazine: Zamboanga City on a Budget
PAL's Mabuhay Magazine: Tacloban on a Budget
PAL's Mabuhay Magazine: Not Your Ordinary Palawan
PAL's Mabuhay Magazine: Iloilo and Guimaras Travel Guide
8 Travel Tips to Save Money While on the Road
How to Start Your Own Backpacking Trip

Top 25 Posts

  • No To Mining in Palawan- A Petition Letter (313)
  • 100 Days of Backpacking the Philippines- The Cheapest Way Possible (240)
  • My Top 10 Philippine Travel Destination (167)
  • ISANGDAAN: The Most Epic Travel Challenge in the Philippines- A Success! (138)
  • Calaguas Islands Trip Guide: The Cheapest Way Possible (125)
  • Puerto Princesa City to El Nido Travel Guide (114)
  • Do-It-Yourself Puerto Princesa City Tour (86)
  • No Money, No Honey or Why I Travel Solo? (84)
  • Hundred Islands Travel Guide (83)
  • Cheap Accommodations in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (81)
  • Panampangan Island: Tawi-Tawi's Finest White Beach (80)
  • Why You Should Date a Traveler? (79)
  • Surigao Nature Fuck: The Most Depressing Road Trip Ever (76)
  • Dear Reader, I'm not a snob... (75)
  • Wrap Up of Mindanao 400 Challenge (73)
  • Cheap Accommodations in Camiguin Island (71)
  • Puerto Princesa City: Benchmark Of What Paradise Is (70)
  • I’m on TV! Thanks Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Summer Special (70)
  • Boracay Cheap Accommodations and Rates (68)
  • September-October Travel Plans in Bicol, the Visayas, and Ilocos (62)
  • 10 Travel Secrets of JourneyingJames (61)
  • 10 Things to Do in Quezon Province (58)
  • GMA News To Go Interview about ISANGDAAN Journey (58)
  • How to Fund Your Wanderlust? (58)
  • On Pursuing My Passion (58)
Copyright 2012 | Journeying James Designed by: Regine Garcia