I don't have any idea how will I going to celebrate my birthday. Ideally, it should be a birthday climb in Mt. Ugo, but it was scheduled for the next long weekend. However, my friend, Crissa Alcaraz insisted to join me in attending mass in Manila Cathedral in Intramuros then grab the chance to visit Fort Santiago.
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| Intramuros |
MANILA CATHEDRAL
One of my favorite churches in the country is Manila Cathedral. The first time I visited the church was about 6 years ago during my college days in TIP. The structure of the church is very fascinating and inviting. When I came back, it felt like it was still the first time. Manila Cathedral is one of the holy beauties here on earth.
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| Manila Cathedral |
After the mass, we went to Fort Santiago as a sidetrip. I didn't know that it has an entrance fee. The fee for adults is P75 while P50 for students. It was raining lightly. We didn't know where to go first, so I insisted to visit the main part of the Fort Santiago. I was really surprise when I saw a lot of foreigners inside, but there are also Filipino students. In all fairness the place is neat, very well maintained.
FORT SANTIAGO
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| Fort Santiago |
We first took photos in Rajah Sulayman Theater. The theater is really old but for me it is fascinating. We also walked in the vicinity following the footsteps of Dr. Jose Rizal. We've visited almost all the historical places in Fort Santiago. It would really make you feel like you're wandering in old Manila. The place makes me think of the happenings on the past that leads to our country's triumph for freedom.
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| Inside Fort Santiago |
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| Rajah Sulayman Theater |
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| Rajah Sulayman Theater |
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| An open are inside Fort Santiago |
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| Gazebo inside Fort Santiago |
DAMBANA NI RIZAL
We also visited the Dambana ni Rizal or Rizal Shrine. Aside from my father, Dr. Jose Rizal is one of the heroes that I admired the most. I had watched the Jose Rizal - The Movie starring Ceser Montano many times during my school days and staring in his things inside totally gave me goosebumps.
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| Inside Rizal Shrine |
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| Paintings along the stairs |
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| Rizal's fencing vest |
There's a lot of historical and old things inside Rizal's Shrine. Like the paintings of Rizal and the paintings of the characters in his novels, the Noli Me Tangere and El Felibusterismo. You can also see the medical tools of Dr. Rizal as an ophthalmologist and Rizal's fencing vest.
I hope every Filipino must visit this place and take a tour on the past. Let's remember our heroes who gave their lives for our freedom.
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| Thanks, Crissa! |
I'm happy that I celebrated my 22nd birthday with this kind of day trip. It couldn't be more happier if I've done it alone. So I would like to thank Crissa for joining me. Until our next day trip.
Fort Santiago
Intramuros, Manila
August 23, 2015
Entrance Fee:
P75 - Adult
P50 - Students
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