Thursday, May 3, 2012

Fort Santiago Intramuros: Walk This Way Tour By Carlos Celdran

Two months ago, we Travel Tripsters got to visit Fort Santiago with the Walk This Way Tour by Carlos Celdran.  Having lived in Manila my entire life, its quite surprising that this is the first time for me to visit the walled city of Intramuros.

fort santiago intramuros
The admission fee is really cheap.  Just line up by the entrance to purchase.  If it's your first time, the directory near the entrance can come at handy.

calesa
Calesa
You can either walk or ride in style with your choice of calesa.

fort santiago
Admire the old walls structures and follow the steps of Dr. Jose Rizal through the Last Walk to Martyrdom Trail.

There are many monuments and structures to observe.  Each of them has their own story to tell.

jose rizal museum
Don't miss the Dr. Jose Rizal Museum.  It contains many artifacts that belongs to Dr. Jose Rizal.

intramuros dungeon
Dungeon
Get to see the Memorial Cross, Dungeon, Baluarte De Santa Barbara, Media NaranjaFalsa Braga De Santa Barbara and Postigo de la Nuestra SeƱora del Soledad.

fort santiago intramuros
See where Dr. Jose Rizal was imprisoned.
fort santiago intramuros
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is one of the oldest fortifications in Manila.  Thus, it has a long timeline as follows:

  • 1571: built on the site of the native settlement of Raja Soliman
  • 1574: destroyed in Limahong attack
  • 1589-1592: stone fort
  • 1645: damaged by earthquake
  • 1658-1663: repaired and strengthened
  • 1762-1764: British headquarters
  • 1778: renovated 
  • 1942: Used as prison during Japanese occupation
  • 1945: Destroyed in the Battle of Manila
  • 1946: Depot of U.S. Military before turnover to the Philippines
  • 1950: Declared as Shine of Freedom
  • 1951: Restored by the National Park Development Commission
  • 1992: Management turned over to Intramuros Administration

Spain's Logo for the Philippines
carlos celdran tours
Carlos Celdran
We had a big tour group with both locals and foreigners.  Carlos Celdran was prepared with his materials and "chocnuts" which he claims is the catnip for the Filipinos.  His tour was very informative and fun.  But, it is also opinionated.

kundiman
Kundiman
For the special event, there was a kundiman show.

lantern lighting
Lantern Lighting
There was a Lantern Lighting after the kundiman show.

Fort Santiago Intramuros Fort Santiago Intramuros Map
Price Per Person 50-70
Payment Options Cash
Business Hours 8am-6pm
Reservation Required No
Contact
Other
Address
123 Abanao Extension Brgy Rizal Monument, 2600 Baguio City, Philippines
Transportation to Attraction
Taxi, Jeepney