Intramuros Photowalk

Intramuros also called the walled city is a favorite destination not only for pre-nuptial pictures but for photowalk as well. The walled city is still able to hold some of its ancient features and structures even though human negligence and advancement has transformed some of its parts.

I was able to do photowalk for two consecutive weekends in Intramuros. The first was with my sister then the second was with my colleagues. The two photowalk has different routes which was so good because so I was able to take pictures of the place in different angles. I also got very good advice from my colleagues who are really into photography. It was nice because they teach you the techniques and show you how it is done.

The photowalk with my sister started near Mapua. Our first stop was the Baluarte de San Andres. Actually we really don’t know where we were going but just decided to follow the street of Muralla which we realized was a long stretch and cover most of the Baluartes. My sister asked directiona to a guard dressed in guardia sibil and he pointed us the way to Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao and Baluarte de San Diego.

We went to Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao where most canons are located. There were tourists on the place and students practicing for their school declamation or play. Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao gives you a view of Manila City Hall and SM Manila. You can also see the photo bomber Torre de Manila. 

Next stop is at Baluarte De San Diego which is popular for pre-nuptial pictures and wedding events. You have to pay an entrance fee of P75.00 to get inside the baluarte. The place is also well-known for its unique structure. I began imagining how soldiers would hide and fight behind that fortress. The place has lots of flowers and they even have a pavilion.

Looking our map, we saw that Silahis Arts and Artifacts is just near so we decided to visit the place before going for lunch. You will surely love Silahis Arts and Artifacts if you are an art lover. The place is just overflowing with artistry. There are furniture and other items being sold on the first and second floor. The third and fourth floor is full of drawings and paintings.

We searched for a place to have our lunch and we ended in a hotel near San Agustin Church. After having some rest we immediately went inside the San Agustin Church and Museum. The entrance fee for the museum is P100.00. San Agustin Church is another place for art lovers. Large paintings are hung in the hallways of the place. It took as an hour to fully tour the place.

We went to Manila Cathedral after San Agustin Church however we didn’t go inside the church anymore. After taking some pictures of the exterior of the church we head to Fort Bonifacio.

Fort Bonifacio is one the popular place to go in Intramuros. Adults have to pay P75.00 for entrance fee while students have to pay P50.00. Before getting to Fort Santiago you will pass Plaza Moriones where there are lots kalesa to tour you around the place. There is also a museum inside Fort Bonifacio that shows the life of our National Hero, Jose Rizal, before he was killed.

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On my second photowalk, this time with my colleagues, we took a different route. We started first at Manila Cathedral and passing Fort Bonifacio however we no longer went inside the place. We went on the other side of Manila Cathedral and one of my colleagues showed us how beautiful the Cathedral was at the side. 

After taking some street photography we went to the Graffiti Wall. We just stayed for a couple of minutes to take some pictures.

We continued our walk going to San Agustin Church where we saw some tourist riding the bamboo bike. There was also a wedding happening in the church so the place was really full of people.

We passed by Silahis Arts and Artifacts going to Baluarte de San Andres. My colleague started to explore my DSLR and showed how me how I can maximize its special features. Our walk led us to Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao where we took our own places to capture some photos. We stayed there for a while before going back to Manila Cathedral to take our ride going to Harbor Point for the sunset.

Unfortunately, the weather was so gloomy. I and one colleague were able to reach Harbor Point before the heavy downpour so I was able to still to take pictures. Our other companions arrived at Harbor Point in the evening and wasn’t able to follow us on the restaurant where we decided to have some early dinner.

Both photowalk was very amazing. I’ve learned a lot and was able to see the different sides of Intramuros. I can’t wait for another photowalk!