Intramuros and Rizal Park

INTRAMUROS

Many of us has been to different parts of the world but have not gone to our very own heritage site. One is the WALLED CITY OF INTRAMUROS. The 'Walled City"was built in 1571 and served as the business district during the Spanish era.You can tour the city by foot or you can hire a Calesa.

In Intramuros, you will find FORT SANTIAGO. It was the military headquarter during the Spanish, American and JApanese occupation. Inside Fort Santiago, you will find the Rizal Shrine which showcase the memorabilia of our National Hero Jose Rizal.You can also follow the printed footsteps of Rizal from his cell to his place of death, Rizal Park

Across the Fort Santiago is the Manila CAthedral or Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. I was one of the lucky who got married in this church.

Just a few steps away is the San Agustin Church, Manilas oldest church built in 1571 and was declared a UNESCO Heritage site. The church and convent is the repository of the most priceless collection of religious arts and relics.

There are also the Palacio del Gobernador which houses the COMELEC office. Casa Manila is a popular gift center. Some places inside Intramuros are favorite for wedding venues.

You can also find school and offices within the area.

You can reach Intramuros by jeepney flying the Manila City Hall. It is just a few meters aways from the jeepney stop.

RIZAL PARK OR LUNETA

Rizal park is the national park named after Jose Rizal our National Hero.I can't forget my grandmothers story about the plants in LUneta designed as a watch. And the second hand was moving!

When I had the chance to visit Luneta, I started in Taft Avenue where you can find the map of the Philippines. Then walked thru statues of carabaos, bahay kubo and the botanical garden.

Accros is the Statue of JOse Rizal where 2 guards are on standby without moving. I wonder how they do it despite of the hot sun or rain.

Next to the statue is the Quirino Garndstand which served big events and programs.

I still remember the visit of Blessed John Paul 2 during World Youth Day in 1995 where I got the chance to see him in person. It was in Quirino Granstand.