Manila is the capital city of the Philippines known for its historical and cultural landmarks in the country. Based from my experience, I never wanted to travel to Manila, because of its heavy traffic and people swarm like bees everyday. Not to mention the heat of sun that will annoy you when summer's coming. But despite it all, I have found the secret to enjoy my travels in Manila. By travelling on foot, I enjoyed every detail of the places that I have seen and Intramuros is one of the best places I have been too.
Intramuros is the oldest district in Manila hiding behind the walls when the Philippines was under the Spanish regime. The construction of the defensive walls started during the 16th century to protect the city from foreign invasions.
The he"ARTS" of Intramuros
The Manila Cathedral is the most visible structure that most tourist visit. It is a very solemn place dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Lady of the Immaculate Conception, The Principal Patroness of the Philippines. The cathedral is was originally a parish church owned and governed by the Archdiocese of Mexico in 1571. It was damaged so many times since it was built in 1581 and was completed at 1598.
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| The Manila Metropolitan-Basilica
It feels like Rome when you get inside the Manila Cathedral. I get to see the“La Pieta” by Michelangelo, which is one of the most recognized work of art in the world. And most of the designs that we have seen inside the church, has a lot to tell. The Bamboo Organ is also found inside the church, but I wasn't able to capture it because tourist were not allowed to get near the Bamboo Organ.
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| Michelangelo's "La Pieta"
Before I left, the door of the Manila Cathedral Church caught my attention because of its design which depicts Jesus' stories.
 
The Manila Cathedral underwent repairs for earthquake retrofitting and subsidence prevention in 2012 and reopened to the public last April 9, 2014. On January 16, 2015, Pope Francis celebrate his first Papal Mass at the cathedral as part of his Papal visit in the Philippines.
Silahis Center Intramuros
The two-storey Bahay na Bato is more than just a shop-selling for tourist. Its museum like ambiance will take you into places that you have never been to. It is dedicated for us to have a deeper understanding about the rich heritage of our country, the Philippines. Inside the museum, you’ll get to see traditional artifacts and cultural crafts and accessories. It has four different sections namely: The Silahis Arts and Artifacts which showcases cultural artifacts, fine crafts and folk arts; The Chang Rong Antique Gallery which displays oriental ceramics, textile, maps and primitive arts; The Tradewind Bookswhich features old and new cultural publications from the Asia-Pacific and the Philippines; and The Galeria de las Islas which exhibits fine arts, paintings and sculptures. The combination of the old and new expresses the taste of Philippine life. 
The Silahis Center
The Stone Walls of Intramuros
The heat of sun did not stop me from wandering around Intramuros, which was built into three-quarter miles of walls that surround the old capital of the Philippines. The historic part of Manila is surrounded by impressive stone walls, like the miniature version of the great wall of China, the 400 year old stone walls are well-preserved. Like the buildings inside the walls, it underwent modification and repairs too. Gov. Sabiniano Manrique de Lara(1653-1663) had the walls repaired as a consequence of the damages wrought by the 1645 earthquake. Before I reached the Baluarte de San Diego, I have noticed that there are many changes inside the walls of Intramuros. There were schools situated insidenamely: Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Mapua Institute, Lyceum University of the Philippines and Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila. They have preserved the cleanliness of the place that made me think if they can, why can’t we? The Bayleaf Intramuros is one of the traveler’s choice. It is a hotel for tourist who love to wander around Manila which is prestigious in the Philippines, and so as the Manila Bulletin known as one of the best leading newspaper in the Philippines situated inside the stone wall of Intramuros.
Baluarte de San Diego
With a minimum entrance fee of P75.00 only, you will get to experience the Baluarte de San Diego. The place is also designed for wedding celebrations and parties. The Baluarte de San Diego was designed and built by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeno from 1586 to 1587. It is one of the oldest stone fortifications in Intramuros. Began as a circular fort called Nuestra Senora de Guia, renovated in 1593 to join the walls of the city. Fort fell in disrepair and in 1644 construction began for a new baluarte which was completed between 1653 and 1663. Resembling an ace of spades, it housed a foundry during the 18th century. The Baluarte was breached by British force with cannon fire in 1762. Restored and strengthened after the British occupation but was damaged during the earthquake in 1863. It was then condemned by the Spaniards. It was totally destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945 Restoration began in 1979 and completed in 1992.  
The Hidden Garden
Time has challenged the walls of Intramuros, scores of gunfire and bombs, earthquakes, fires, and one world war and it is highly surprising that it still stands today. The efforts of preserving the walls of Intramuros is stronger than ever. The present generation of Filipinos value the history behind the Stone Walls of Intramuros. Indeed, it is a priceless treasure we have in the Philippines. Visit Intramuros and have a glimpse of the 400 year old history, religion, politics, arts and culture. A good stamina, lots of water, light clothing and a lot of leg muscle is needed to tour around Intramuros to survive the day.
My indomitable strength carried me here. Headstrong. Meditate.
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