Walk this way (Intramuros-Carlos Celdran tour)

This is already a late post but i still want to share my experience with my Intramuros walk.

I lived around Manila in my college days. Its quite a shame that i never had the time to wander around the area during those days. BUT its still better late than never..

Meet our tour guide:

The legendary Carlos Celdran

The tour started with us singing Lupang Hinirang. (The Phil. National Anthem). And then he explained how Manila started. Back when we were still being ruled by datus, rajahs and sultans to Spanish and american colonialism to Japanese occupation (World War 2). He also described how we are at present days.

Carlos Celdran explaining while a crowd of  around 20-30 people are listening. Mostly are foreigners and balikbayans. A free choc nut is given for those who can answer his questions.

Carlos Celdran is so funny. The tour is educational in a humorous way. A lot of intriguing trivia from our history were also discussed.

- Do you know that we have the first airport in southeast asia?

-How Rizal ended as our national hero and not Bonifacio

-why we are not mestizo and mestiza if we were invaded by spaniards for 300 yrs. -its because only priest and governor generals are being sent here. :)

-we were sold by Spain to US for 20M along with Cuba,West Indies,Guam,Puerto Rico under the treaty of Paris

Manila Cathedral Dome- Previously referenced as Km zero during spanish colonialism

Entrance to Fort Santiago

Rizals footprints on his march to Bagumbayan. 

Intramuros wall

Mac Arthur ordering the bombing of city - contrary to what we believed that he opposes the bombing. While the Japanese soldiers needing to redeem themselves massacred innocent civilians. This battle leaves 100,000 dead

Free Kalesa ride around the city

Structures around Intramuros Old site of Ateneo de Manila and Adamson University

Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church - Two of the seven churches located in intramuros that still remains  in the area.

San Agustin church which according to him is also an illusion of a nipa hut. Also notice its pillar that supports nothing.

Lastly, there were free halo halo for all. He compared Filipinos with halo halo. We are a mixture of several cultures. Nothing really is a distinct of our own.

Just like as what he describes himself in his blog site: " A man who is trying to change the way you look at Manila. One step at a time." He has been successful because this tour made me appreciate the  culture and history of Manila.

Walk this way tour costs 1100 (Adult) and 600 (Students).  Carlos Celdran will infect you on his love for his country and will make you proud of Manila. 

However, if you are thinking that the tour is quite pricey.. There are  other available tour guides along intramuros. I think they charge 600 including the kalesa ride. A visit about Intramuros is a must for every Filipino.