MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Built in the 16th century, Intramuros in Manila was the center of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines for over three centuries. It thus rightfully gets the attention it deserves from government as an important place of history. Aside from its well preserved ruins, what was once Manila’s walled city also has the best documented stories of its past as told in museums, in its online sites, and by its cultural tour guides.
Adding further to preserving Intramuros’ rich heritage is a newly created three-video series that gives a comprehensive walkthrough of three of its most notable historical sites – Baluarte de San Diego, Casa Manila, and Fort Santiago.
The brainchild of Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, the #IntramurosVirtualTours project was conceptualized and executed by integrated PR solutions firm Ripple8, a DDB Group Philippines company, in line with the Intramuros Administration’s “Travel From Home” campaign and in partnership with the Philippines Department of Tourism.
“The virtual tours bring the old and the new together. Even if the pandemic has restricted tourism activities, technology has its way of ensuring that the wonders and finds in Intramuros will still be enjoyed by the public. Just like how technology has enabled us to do our work from home. We thus invite Filipinos and even foreign nationals interested in Philippine history to come walk with us in these captivating virtual tours,” said Secretary Puyat.
There are three sites to visit in the Intramuros Virtual Tours. The first one is the Casa Manila in Intramuros’ cultural-commercial complex called Plaza San Luis. Casa Manila is a remarkable house that takes us back in time to experience a principalia’s domestic life in the 1800s. Take the virtual tour of Casa Manila here:
The second video features the Baluarte de San Diego, one of the several centuries-old fortifications within the vast walls of Intramuros. A spade-shaped bulwark with a rich history, Balarte de San Diego was built by the Spaniards to protect Manila at its bayside. Tour Baluarte de San Diego here:
The third video released under the project features Fort Santiago, a national shrine and a landmark today that has stood witness to numerous events in our pre-hispanic and colonial history, as well as our people’s journey to our hard-won independence. Tour Fort Santiago here:
Travel from your home now and enjoy the beauty of Intramuros’ historic, centuries-old sites now at your fingertips.
