Intramuros: Old Manila, New Approach

By Maria Criselda Pamela A. Galindez

We had our photo shoot at Intramuros, Manila last January 26 this year, in preparation for Le Vogue 2010, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – College of Communication’s (PUP-COC) own version of runway fashion show.

Intramuros is the perfect location for it showcases the historical value that we needed, given the time frame from Philippines under 1800’s to 1890’s fashion.

Intramuros once quoted in Jose P. Rizal’s famous novel “Noli Me Tangere” as Old Manila. It is known for its huge walls (resemblance to the Great Wall of China) and churches built by friars of Spanish occupation. By the time of 1945, some buildings were destroyed due to Japan-American war.

From wikipedia, intramuros literally means "within the walls", meaning within the wall enclosure of the city/fortress, also describes its structure as it is surrounded by thick, high walls and moats.

The churches mentioned still stood and preserved by the government of Manila. Famous churches are San Agustin church and the Manila Cathedral.

Old Manila or now known as Intramuros, was built by the Spaniards in 16th century. Features of it were old gunpowder rooms used as recently as World War II, seminaries and chapels, the Manila cathedral and museums.

It is a cultural heritage and should be revived forever. Our heroes fought to save the country from Spanish, Japanese and American occupations. Intramuros witnesses these events and symbolizes the country’s courage above all.