October 23, 2023, Manila- The four of us arrived in “Old Manila”, by taxi, and by vote of 3-0, with this one abstaining, out of being totally at a loss, we headed to Manila Cathedral. En route, we were stopped, briefly, by an elderly beggar, who ended up going on to a group of men, who gave him two boiled eggs. That is something I will always gladly do, if I have food to share. Money? Nah.
Manila Cathedral has been visited by several Popes, most recently Francis I. We found it sparsely occupied, and in need of some repairs, but worth visiting, nonetheless, because of its historical value.
The Manila Cathedral, from the east.History of Manila Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of the Immaculate ConceptionFriezes of the Passion of Jesus the Christ, fronted by a sculpture of Mother MaryInterior of Manila Cathedral
Chinese merchants were allowed into Intramuros, during daylight hours. Spanish law required them to leave at sunset. One merchant left this inscription, just outside the gated heart of Intramuros.
Partial inscription at north door to IntramurosThe guided tour to the interior rooms of Intramuros is not offered on Mondays. The scene above does show the substance of this magnificent complex.Wrought iron gate, to inner garden of Intramuros.Peak inside a “closed” room of IntramurosInner garden of IntramurosFunction room at White Knight Hotel, IntramurosHallway of White Knight HotelFern and orchid garden, IntramurosMy three kind guides, and the moss-covered wellThe rainbow-stone interior of the well at IntramurosSilver Grand Mirror, outside Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, IntramurosAfter innumerable selfies of my friends, we continued to San Agustin Church. Here is the patron of the church.Interior of San Agustin Church, IntramurosSanctuary and lectern, San Agustin ChurchHere are some views of the wall itself (above and following)Atop the wall around Old ManilaThe long rampartOutside the wallSet cannons, in wall portalsThe full tableau of Spanish defenses, atop the wall.
Once we left the wall’s ramparts, it was time to pay respects to the Philippine national hero.
I have pointed out to my hosts that Intramuros is very similar to places in North America, such as Santa Fe’s center, Tucson’s Old Pueblo, St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos, San Antonio’s walled missions and San Diego’s Old Town
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A Sagittarian Seeker 
I love the photos! The doors to the cathedral are beautiful!
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I have pointed out to my hosts that Intramuros is very similar to places in North America, such as Santa Fe’s center, Tucson’s Old Pueblo, St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos, San Antonio’s walled missions and San Diego’s Old Town
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