Let's go beyond Fort Santiago...

               Hey travel buddies! Are you excited for our  today's travel? Okay so we're bound to the capital city of the Philippines-Manila City! Woohh! Just like what Dora the Explorer always sings, "Come on, vámonos! Everybody let's go!" So what are you waiting for amigos and amigas? Let's go!

              The city of Manila is rich in many historical sites, since the day it was founded on June 24, 1571 by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. One of the historic tourist spot that can be found in the heart of Manila is the glorious citadels of Intramuros also known as la ciudad murada or "The Walled City."

               Inside the walls of Intramuros lives the rich ancient story of Manila. Unfortunately, due to Second World War that happened in our country the fortress of Intramuros came to an end, only the church of San Agustin survived the destruction and remained intact. After the destruction takes place, the reconstruction and renovation of the structures inside Intramuros begun with the support coming from the Spanish government.

               Okay so there you go, a short background on the history of Intramuros. But wait, actually it's not our main destination for our second expedition. It's really about Fort Santiago which is one of the main attractions inside Intramuros. Me and my friends decided to explore it, not only to have fun but also to commemorate our great heroes who died just to protect our beloved country to the Spanish conquistadors.

               In order to explore Fort Santiago, of course, first we need to pay for the entrance fee which costs 75 pesos, and only 50 pesos for students..yay! Upon entering Fort Santiago you'll see horses on calesa, so if you want to experience what it feels like to ride on one of the pioneer mode of transportation in our country then go hitch a ride and break free!

     Me and my friends also enjoyed feeding pigeons inside the fort where you can touch and play with them,  just be careful and stay alert for their flying bombs!

              Located inside Fort Santiago is Rizal Shrine, a small museum that exhibits some of the works of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. In a short span of time I wander around the museum, I had the chance to know more about one of the greatest and bravest Filipinos that ever lived.

       Inside the museum are some of  Rizal’s literary works engraved on metal plates, sculptures, sketches and other artifacts that will surely help you know him more and travel from the past.

 

           As we go beyond the walls of Fort Santiago we discovered the rich history of our national hero, and as these walls will stay stronger the story will remain forever.
             

How to get there?

You can ride jeepneys bound to Pier-Lawton to reach Intramuros. While via LRT, the nearest station is Central Station then you could just walk towards the gate of Fort Santiago.