Since I am already starting my travel blog, I started reading stories about their personal travels, and there are a lot. I am glad I have met some of them personally and online. I was fascinated with their journeys and I must admit, I envy them. Honestly I do not know where to start, or how will I start. Having a not-so-good working schedule and a tight budget hinders my plans. So I think of an idea why not start with the places near my area. That is how I came up with PROJECT: TOUR MANILA.
I would like to start the first leg in the walled city of Intramuros. I’ve been thinking to visit again the place which I think has remain forgotten by time and by most of us. I’m curious how it looks like now and how modernization changes its face of history. I was been there twice,educational trip in WOW Philippines way back in college and the other one was two years ago, when I asked my friends (The TRIPOD) to accompany me. But unfotunately, we failed to see the famous landmarks in the walled city because they only allowed people until 6PM so we just walked along Muralla and head our way to the nearest streetfoods stall.
It was after work when we started our trip. We first went to Luneta Park because I have never been there and I was curious to see the shrine of our national hero, Rizal. I even want to see how passionate those soldier guards in standing still beside the shrine for a long hours without talking and moving. I am wondering what if something bit them, will they move? The water fountain with a huge Philippine map was not working and already polluted with trash and algae. It doesnt look the way it was shown in some local and international features before. The garden which I forgot the name was also closed. Beggars and by-standers loitering and littering. Couples cant resist from showing their intimate affection. The historic landmark where Rizal was gunshot was closed that time and there was an annoying smell. I dont know where it came from but it bothered me so much. Did the our local government atleast tried to check the place. Shoutout to all concerns, Luneta Park is not just a simple park. It reflects the famous page of our history. It is a national symbol of heroism and identity of patriotism by those who dedicated their lives for our freedom. I felt very disappointed with what I’ve witnessed that night. I may sound so exaggerated with my feelings, I may not the most patriotic and a perfect model of a law-abiding citizen but I am just a fellow showing my concern. Respect people, respect. That I would like to ask.
I hope as I start my PROJECT: TOUR MANILA, I would not want to see the place as I’ve seen it the first time. I’d like to see Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago. That’s one of those that I want to visit. And honestly those are the only places I know and I believe there are still more places in Intramuros that I must see.
Travel bloggers, please help me with my project and lead me the path. I will really appreciate your suggestions of where to go in Manila. It can be a place enrich with history, old houses and temples, museum, a street of local foods and delicacies, traditional arts and crafts shops, past plazas and ruins or anywhere you find interesting. Do you know where can I get a reliable and detailed map of Intramuros and its nearby area? Please let me know of that. I heard of some who conducts Manila tour but as I’ve said I’m considering my budget. So I’d rather do the tour with myself. Exploring alone is kind of exciting, even more worth it when you discover something interesting. But If they will let me join the tour for a negotiable price or for FREE, who am I to refuse?(lol) I will really THANK them a thousand folds.
Fellow travel enthusiast please guide me as I start my urban adventure. Ready, Set, Go!