Lady at the End of the Tunnel

The place within the fort is called Reducto de San Francisco Javier. Guess where this tunnel is heading to?

This tunnel and ravelin were added in 1773 during renovations in Fort Santiago. This area protected part of the riverside and the seashore.

Ravelin 

Ravelin, another entrance after the tunnel. Then, come to read those familiar lines.

Then to Our Lady of Guadalupe..

A quaint chapel in the Reducto de San Francisco Javier constructed in 1773.

This fortification was restored in the 1980's and has been converted into a shrine for the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

A boy sits in a cannon on top of Reducto  de San Rancisco Javier in Fort Santiago, Manila.

Cannons were placed on platform on top. Gunpowder and ammunition were stored in chambers below. 

Reducto de San Francisco Javier is part of Fort Santiago. Once a Spanish fort during the colonial period formed part as protection during the war and now included in the long history of Manila City. 

Visit Fort Santiago. Visit the City of Manila, whose present Mayor, Joseph Estrada, was once President of the Republic of the Philippines. 

Welcome to Fort Santiago

If there will be a place to visit that I will surely enjoy, that is a museum. In one of my visits to the historic fort in the Philippines, I got a lot to share and let me do it little by little.

Although the flyer I obtained may not be enough to tell the volume of stories that this generation needs to know, let me welcome you to Fort Santiago!

"Kuta" means fort.

Fort Santiago is open daily at 8:00 a.m.

Walk into one of the oldest Hispanic stone fortresses in the Philippines. Fort Santiago is located in the northern part of the Walled City. In pre-colonial times, this was the site of Raja Soliman's "kuta" or fort. The Spaniards under the term of Governor General Gomez Perez Dasmarinas fortified what was originally stone structures. Other governors general continued to modernize Fort Santiago's defenses which makes it probably the best laid-out portion of the walls. 

While inside Fort Santiago one can ride a kalesa. Kalesa, used as means of transportation in the colonial era, remains part of the historic Intramuros which tourists can try for themselves. In some parts of Manila, kalesa can still be seen as means of transportation like what I saw in Recto.

Comfort room labeled in Spanish with English translation.

Guardia Civil

Instead of wearing modern day uniforms, security guards around the Fort Santiago wear the colonial design of the guardia civil. The same holds true for security guards along the Intramuros area.

Visit the Fort Santiago and there will be more to know.

For inquiries:

Intramuros Visitors Center, Fort Santiago, Fort Santiago Office, Plaza San Luis Complex cor Real & Gen. Luna Streets, Intramuros, Manila

Telephone: (632) 527-4084/ 527-4088

A European Spirit

After 333 years under the Spanish colonization, who can tell that we do not have a European influence? The longing for European things and symbols remains with the Filipino culture as always. Even having the longest tradition of Christmas, we still don't forget to accentuate places frequented by people with something that reminds us of the west. Just look at this bridge. This foot bridge connects garage and transport terminal to The Block, part of SM North Edsa. 

A touch of London

Missing the Golden Tara

While the Golden Tara is no longer in the possession of the Philippines, it will always be remembered by the people of Agusan. This landmark of the Golden Tara in Butuan City remains as a reminder that there was once a Golden Tara in this part of Mindanao.

Note: The original 21-karat gold figurine is presently kept at the gem room of the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History in the USA.  -Butuan Branch Museum, www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph

Paseo de San Franciso Suites

Paseo de San Francisco Suites, one of the accommodations I stayed in recently. I stayed in one of the rooms facing the National Highway. In the afternoon, aircon cannot overcome the heat from a setting sun. Curtains cover the windows facing the west. Makeover in the evening because the highway outside is a nice view. I like the sliding windows because those are another form of fire exit in case of an emergency aside from the regular door.

Location: National Highway, Barangay 4, San Francisco Agusan del Sur

Email: paseo_suites@yahoo.com
Telephone: (085) 343-8048
Mobile: 0999-309-1065/ 0919-470-6363