One way to unwind is to reflect on the past. Visiting Intramuros is a wonderful illustration of this.

Intramuros
was the center of Spanish political, religious, and military power in the region. Before entering the Walled city,
we were welcomed with the Intramuros Gate which had the description the Walled City and Manila were both
terms that were interchanged during the Spanish colony; the Latin word "Intramuros" approximately
translates as "within the walls.”

The Manila Cathedral, also known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the
Immaculate Conception, was the first place we went. The Manila Cathedral is one of the important and
magnificent churches constructed during the Spanish colonialism. The dome-shaped roof, stained glass
windows, mosaics, rich symbolic representations, marble floors, marble columns, and renovated walls are
some of its attractions. The Cathedral is home to numerous ancient religious works of art as well as holy
treasures that date back many centuries.

After that, we went to Fort Santiago, which had a large courtyard surrounded by old ruins, canons,
and artillery. It had previously been a fortification against invading Chinese pirates, a prison for political
prisoners during the Spanish era, and a Japanese torture chamber during World War II. There are World Battle
II war machines and a museum dedicated to our national hero Jose Rizal on the side to the left of the entrance.
There was a collection of Rizal memorabilia waiting for us as we entered the shrine, including his garments, a
lamp, pens, a cap, and many other items. After making our way around the home, we reached the courtyard,
where we saw that the house where Rizal was imprisoned was located next to the Pasig River. The memorial to
the 600 bodies that the Japanese interred in a mass grave during World War II is nearby, and you can access it
by going through an underground tunnel. The Fort Santiago is, all things considered, a must-visit location for
learning, unwinding, and interesting unique experience that must be shared with others.

Next, we visited the Buluarte de San Diego, which I initially mistook for a garden because that's what
we saw when we first arrived. However, after climbing up to its walls, we learned that it was one of the earliest
forts in Intramuros and was constructed in the late 16th century. Nuestra Seora de Guia, a circular fort, was
what it was at the time. Its main purpose in being constructed was to protect this area against attack.

Our next stop was the Silahis Center, a multi-story store that specializes in selling antiques as well as
Philippine arts and crafts. The building has a bahay na bato-like facade and a showroom-like interior with a
distinctive floor layout.

Next, we visited Casa Manila, where the streets were made of cobblestones and gave off an old-
fashioned, inner-city vibe because they weren't as smooth as the concrete ones we have today. There was a
replica of a Spanish home's interior inside the museum. Even the smallest elements were included,
demonstrating how carefully thought out the show was. Each room in Casa Manila is furnished with antique
furniture, fittings, and artwork and is arranged in a classic manner.

After that, we went across the street to the San Agustin church, the oldest structure still in existence
in the Philippines, but we were unable to enter since a wedding was taking place. The church exhibits
distinctive features such high Baroque retablos, wall buttresses dividing chapels, the fusion of styles is also
visible in the building of bell towers, and lastly, trompe l'oeil ceiling paintings. Additionally, they possessed a
museum where statues of the Holy Family, saints, apostles, and other religious figures were displayed.

My experience during our tour provided a pretty good picture of what life was like during the Spanish
era, even though it was really exhausting, and our feet hurt from walking. Even though it might have been a
very difficult moment for our nation. It has a significant impact on our history. As in the days of our ancestors,
the current generation of Filipinos has learned to understand its value as a national heritage. This leads to my
 A Reflection of the Past

opinion which is that Intramuros is the greatest spot to visit in Manila to experience a glimpse of the past and
its beauty. Intramuros is a priceless gift that must be shared with the world.