Who wouldn’t remember the walled city of Intramuros in Manila? Known as the bastion of the Spanish culture back in the 16th century, its centuries-old walls, churches, bulwarks, and plazas can truly make visitors feel and relive a part of the Philippine’s rich history.

As a grade school student, I frequented Fort Santiago, one of the oldest bulwarks within Intramuros where the memorabilia of Dr. Jose Rizal can be found. I had also seen the Manila Cathedral with its magnificent architectural design, its main door made of bronze, stained glass mosaics depicting different Philippine Madonnas, and rosette windows.

Then there’s the San Agustin Church, the oldest church structure in Manila constructed back in the late 1500s. The main door of this church was carved out of molave wood representing Augustinian symbols and figures. It houses the remains of some illustrious Spanish leaders of the time.

I had visited all there was to visit in Intramuros for the nth time throughout my childhood years – or so I thought. Now all grown-up and married, I said to myself that I will visit the Walled City again, somehow feeling a fresh stream of nationalism. As a child, I remember Intramuros as a boring lecture in history. Now, I see it as an interesting glimpse of the Filipinos’ experiences and struggles in the olden days.

Only, Intramuros revisited is somewhat different this year. The Visit Philippines 2003 program has made Intramuros – History Town Philippines – a one-stop tourist destination meant to show foreign and local tourists all the beauty the country has to offer.

One-stop tourist destination
If you can’t go to the provinces, the provinces will go to you. This is what the all-year-round celebration at Intramuros aims to do. The Department of Tourism made Intramuros the centerpiece of Visit Philippines 2003, and as such has been groomed to host the best of the different regions of the country – from tourist destinations to music, dances, fiestas, culinary delights, and arts and crafts.

When I visited Intramuros in February, the Southern Tagalog Region was the featured area. The provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Quezon, Palawan, and Rizal showcased their products, customs, and traditions.

Throughout the day is a good time to watch the different parades and fiesta celebrations along the streets of Intramuros. Seeing the Pahiyas Festival of Quezon Province without having to go out of the city was truly a treat for local tourists – complete with the traditional decorations known as kiping – leaf-shaped rice wafers in brilliant colors which hang like lanterns.

The Moriones Festival of Marinduque was also brought to Intramuros for the month of February. Characterized by colorful Roman costumes, painted masks and helmets, and brightly colored robes, the festival – which used to make the towns of the island of Marinduque a gigantic stage – transformed Intramuros into Marinduque for the day.

Then there are craft demonstrations – woodcarving of Paete, Laguna and Maragondon, Cavite; kiping-making of Quezon; embroidery of Batangas and Laguna; suman-wrapping of Rizal; pottery making of Calamba City, Laguna. One can simply watch to know how some of their favorite products are made. But for the more entrepreneurial ones, these demonstrations can actually help them start up their own crafts business.

Another must-see at Intramuros for the whole year of 2003 is how it transforms into a party place at night. It probably won’t resemble the usual gig places around Metro Manila, but Intramuros definitely offers a different twist to one’s evening – with the rustic ambience of its walls and plazas.

Big concerts are held for free at the Baluarte Plano Luneta de Sta. Isabel – some evenings with an entire philharmonic orchestra serenading the crowd, and other evenings with bands featuring Manila sound.

Of course, nothing beats traveling around the country to see all the beautiful sights, but while my busy schedule cannot accommodate many out-of-town trips, it’s comforting to know that Intramuros is there to give me a tour. For as the DOT’s advertisements say, you can “take a trip to a few provinces in one day and be home by midnight.”