Ciudad Amurallada: Intramuros de Manila

[Culiat]

at last a seperate thread for Intramuros!

[Culiat]

at last a seperate thread for Intramuros!

[Culiat]

gr8 pictures dancethingy!

[Culiat]

gr8 pictures dancethingy!

[kalabaw]

Originally Posted by Lili

Thank you for the sharing the wonderful pictures Ben. There is one picture there with just a shell of the building. What is that building?

I forgot the name of the building. I initially thought it was the Ayuntamiento, but when I googled it, I found out that Ayuntamiento was the ruined building near Plaza Roma. Oh well, all I know is that the building was supposed to be a museum. Restoration started during the Ramos administration but I don't what happened next.

My university was inside the Intramuros. Whenever I have free time back in college, I always stroll around the streets of Intramuros. I think the Gral. Luna, especially the cobbled-stone portion of the San Agustin Church (from Sta. Potenciana to Real Streets) and the Sta. Lucia Streets are the best. You can really feel you're being transported back in time. Buildings in those streets were restored to resemble Spanish-era architecture.

When I graduated back in 2002, Mr. Atienza already started his (grandiose, if I may say) plans for Intramuros. After a year, when I went back to get some documents from the university, General Luna street was very beautiful, maybe because that was the time that they're preparing for the arrival of the Spanish King or Queen (or is the Prime Minister?). There were also some instances when restaurants close the streets for some al fresco dinner!!!

Btw, do you know that there's a hotel inside Intramuros? I just don't know if people really check-in there.

[kalabaw]

Originally Posted by Lili

Thank you for the sharing the wonderful pictures Ben. There is one picture there with just a shell of the building. What is that building?

I forgot the name of the building. I initially thought it was the Ayuntamiento, but when I googled it, I found out that Ayuntamiento was the ruined building near Plaza Roma. Oh well, all I know is that the building was supposed to be a museum. Restoration started during the Ramos administration but I don't what happened next.

My university was inside the Intramuros. Whenever I have free time back in college, I always stroll around the streets of Intramuros. I think the Gral. Luna, especially the cobbled-stone portion of the San Agustin Church (from Sta. Potenciana to Real Streets) and the Sta. Lucia Streets are the best. You can really feel you're being transported back in time. Buildings in those streets were restored to resemble Spanish-era architecture.

When I graduated back in 2002, Mr. Atienza already started his (grandiose, if I may say) plans for Intramuros. After a year, when I went back to get some documents from the university, General Luna street was very beautiful, maybe because that was the time that they're preparing for the arrival of the Spanish King or Queen (or is the Prime Minister?). There were also some instances when restaurants close the streets for some al fresco dinner!!!

Btw, do you know that there's a hotel inside Intramuros? I just don't know if people really check-in there.

[Hawayano]

Originally Posted by kalabaw

I forgot the name of the building. I initially thought it was the Ayuntamiento, but when I googled it, I found out that Ayuntamiento was the ruined building near Plaza Roma. Oh well, all I know is that the building was supposed to be a museum. Restoration started during the Ramos administration but I don't what happened next.

My university was inside the Intramuros. Whenever I have free time back in college, I always stroll around the streets of Intramuros. I think the Gral. Luna, especially the cobbled-stone portion of the San Agustin Church (from Sta. Potenciana to Real Streets) and the Sta. Lucia Streets are the best. You can really feel you're being transported back in time. Buildings in those streets were restored to resemble Spanish-era architecture.

When I graduated back in 2002, Mr. Atienza already started his (grandiose, if I may say) plans for Intramuros. After a year, when I went back to get some documents from the university, General Luna street was very beautiful, maybe because that was the time that they're preparing for the arrival of the Spanish King or Queen (or is the Prime Minister?). There were also some instances when restaurants close the streets for some al fresco dinner!!!

Btw, do you know that there's a hotel inside Intramuros? I just don't know if people really check-in there.

That shell is the former Intendencia building, kalabaw. After the war it was shortly used by the Central Bank (don't ask me what they used it for, though), But if you wanna go back to Spanish times, it was the customs house or Aduana . The parcel where it stands was, up until the American times, walled in as the baluarte or bulwark that even had its own two gates to the Pasig. Does anyone know what agency has jurisdiction over it now? They really should restore/rehabilitate it!

[Hawayano]

Originally Posted by kalabaw

I forgot the name of the building. I initially thought it was the Ayuntamiento, but when I googled it, I found out that Ayuntamiento was the ruined building near Plaza Roma. Oh well, all I know is that the building was supposed to be a museum. Restoration started during the Ramos administration but I don't what happened next.

My university was inside the Intramuros. Whenever I have free time back in college, I always stroll around the streets of Intramuros. I think the Gral. Luna, especially the cobbled-stone portion of the San Agustin Church (from Sta. Potenciana to Real Streets) and the Sta. Lucia Streets are the best. You can really feel you're being transported back in time. Buildings in those streets were restored to resemble Spanish-era architecture.

When I graduated back in 2002, Mr. Atienza already started his (grandiose, if I may say) plans for Intramuros. After a year, when I went back to get some documents from the university, General Luna street was very beautiful, maybe because that was the time that they're preparing for the arrival of the Spanish King or Queen (or is the Prime Minister?). There were also some instances when restaurants close the streets for some al fresco dinner!!!

Btw, do you know that there's a hotel inside Intramuros? I just don't know if people really check-in there.

That shell is the former Intendencia building, kalabaw. After the war it was shortly used by the Central Bank (don't ask me what they used it for, though), But if you wanna go back to Spanish times, it was the customs house or Aduana . The parcel where it stands was, up until the American times, walled in as the baluarte or bulwark that even had its own two gates to the Pasig. Does anyone know what agency has jurisdiction over it now? They really should restore/rehabilitate it!

[Lili]

^ Thanks for that information Hawayano. You are a veritable treasure trove of information.

What about the squatters living inside Intramuros? Is there anybody in the forum who know if there plans to relocate them?

[Lili]

^ Thanks for that information Hawayano. You are a veritable treasure trove of information.

What about the squatters living inside Intramuros? Is there anybody in the forum who know if there plans to relocate them?

[Culiat]

If the Intendencia was used by the Central Bank, is it the building at the reverse side of the P100 bill (aside from the current central bank buildings)?

[Culiat]

If the Intendencia was used by the Central Bank, is it the building at the reverse side of the P100 bill (aside from the current central bank buildings)?

[dancethingy]

what does tendencia look like. I may have the pics for it. Actually i have tons more pics.


I also have pic of Fort Santiago, which is inside Intramuros i think. I'll post that tomorrow. I'm also going back there on a date. so i'll take more pics

[dancethingy]

what does tendencia look like. I may have the pics for it. Actually i have tons more pics.


I also have pic of Fort Santiago, which is inside Intramuros i think. I'll post that tomorrow. I'm also going back there on a date. so i'll take more pics

[dancethingy]

Ate Marites, the informal settlers are still there and as much as i want to sympathize with them, the city really needs to get them out of there and help them out. They can revitalize the place and even hire them as tourist guides or street maintenance workers.

[dancethingy]

Ate Marites, the informal settlers are still there and as much as i want to sympathize with them, the city really needs to get them out of there and help them out. They can revitalize the place and even hire them as tourist guides or street maintenance workers.

[marites4]

I agree dancethingy they just need to relocate them. It's for their own good too. One thing i like also are the calesas in intramuros.

[marites4]

I agree dancethingy they just need to relocate them. It's for their own good too. One thing i like also are the calesas in intramuros.

[sugarboy]

Play a Round With History in Manila
Thomas E. King



Shortly after 10 AM on May 21, 1571 the calm of a Manila morning was broken by the sound of artillery heralding the first arrival of foreign forces.

The construction of a towering 4.5 km long stone wall and invincible bulwarks surrounded by a wide moat soon followed for a bastion that was to securely contain the seat of Spanish sovereignty in the Orient for over 300 years.

The exploits of those who lived, worked and indeed died within the old walled city known as Intramuros can only be hinted at in legend and song. The solid stone wall still stands, however, as a tangible testament to the extent of a once-vast Spanish empire.

While golfers recognise the heritage of the encircled colonial quarter, they also acknowledge that the moss-covered obstacle is as much of a hazard to a perfect game today as it has been ever since the establishment of the 9 hole Municipal golf Links just outside the walls in area dubbed the 'Sunken Garden'.

This was when land was first reclaimed from the most to create a course with considerable character on land reclaimed form the moat surrounding the enclave in the early 1930s.

Rebuilt after comprehensive damage during World War 11, expanded to 18 holes that snake almost the entire way around the ancient but somewhat reconstructed wall, Club Intramuros 2000, as it is now officially known, is not only one of the most historic golf grounds in Asia, it is also one of the continent's most unusual courses.

For starters, the par 66, 4125 yard course is the shortest of the numerous 18 hole layouts in capital.

Its compact nature has a distinct advantage because it's possible to play a round with history in well under two hours. If you are staying at the nearby Holiday Inn you can literally walk to the course for an early morning start, be finished and changed and ready for breakfast back at the hotel by 8 AM, and still make your first business meeting or conference session an hour later.

Golf has been a way of life in Manila for well over 110 years as the game was first introduced to city society in 1886 by British working for the Manila Railway Company. They built 3 hole course in paddy fields south of the walled Intramuros. By 1901 there was a 9 hole course adjoining the railway station. This was the beginning of the Manila Golf Club.

Ninety something years ago many aspects of life in the capital were quite different. For golfers it was a time when they used golf clubs with wooden shafts, called three iron "cleeks" and referred to seven irons as "mashies". Nine irons were known as "niblicks". Regardless of the era or the environment, the object of the game has always been the same: to break par.

At Club Intramuros this isn't the easiest thing to do. Studded with numerous lagoons and various other water hazards, all eager to 'swallow' golf balls, and haunted by the ever present wall which is every ready to reflect them, many golfers find the course very hard to play, especially for the first time as they are forced to shoot precisely along its tight, flat fairways and confront a few one-off peculiarities.

A good example is the par 4,337 yard 4th, which is considered by many players to be course's most difficult hole. Instead of just one wall to contend with the formidable 4th has stone on two sides. There's the high wall of Intramuros to the left plus the inconvenience of one of the walls of a former ammunition warehouse to the right. The first shot must be arrow straight from the tee and down the narrow channel between the two structures. The second must have enough power to cross a lagoon yet to be controlled enough to reach the elevated green yet avoid its four surrounding bunkers. The difficulty of the 4th hole is compensated by the ease of the 6th. This flat - except for its large highly elevated green - 152 - yard hole has recorded the most hole in ones.

Another hole of distinction is the 164 yard 10th. The signature hole of Club Intramuros features its green on an attractive, manmade island.

Beauty has a price, thought, as this, the first hole of the back nine, is the second most difficult on the course.

Further down the back nine is the nerve racking 15th, a par 3, 276 yard stretch. The reason for its notoriety is because its green is sandwiched between two big bunkers while to right of the fairway is a large lagoon.

And at the 18th, just when you think about relaxing, this 158 yard hole has stands of well matured trees on both sides of its very narrow fairway.

As well there's a wall of the Guadalupe Shrine and four bunkers guarding the elevated green that must be avoided to even come close to achieving a par 3.

This then is the golf scenario that greets golfers today. While the setting may be well over 60 years old the 'icing' on the course is relatively new as Club Intramuros was closed in mid 1996 for a total 'facelift'.

International golf architect and consultant, Andy Dye, closely supervised the redesign of the course in a makeover that also called for the debut of additional facilities including an environment sensitive clubhouse and the installation of an irrigation system using recycled water. Even before its reopening Dye said it was his best effort to date.

March 30, 1997 marked the reopening of Club Intramuros 2000 with the then President Fidel Ramos celebrating the ceremonial tee-off on a course that is also now fully flood lit for night play.

With fewer demands on his time these days and as an ardent golfer used to the Intramuros layout, the former President is now regularly able to take 'tee' after dark!.

(27 June 1998)

[sugarboy]

Play a Round With History in Manila
Thomas E. King



Shortly after 10 AM on May 21, 1571 the calm of a Manila morning was broken by the sound of artillery heralding the first arrival of foreign forces.

The construction of a towering 4.5 km long stone wall and invincible bulwarks surrounded by a wide moat soon followed for a bastion that was to securely contain the seat of Spanish sovereignty in the Orient for over 300 years.

The exploits of those who lived, worked and indeed died within the old walled city known as Intramuros can only be hinted at in legend and song. The solid stone wall still stands, however, as a tangible testament to the extent of a once-vast Spanish empire.

While golfers recognise the heritage of the encircled colonial quarter, they also acknowledge that the moss-covered obstacle is as much of a hazard to a perfect game today as it has been ever since the establishment of the 9 hole Municipal golf Links just outside the walls in area dubbed the 'Sunken Garden'.

This was when land was first reclaimed from the most to create a course with considerable character on land reclaimed form the moat surrounding the enclave in the early 1930s.

Rebuilt after comprehensive damage during World War 11, expanded to 18 holes that snake almost the entire way around the ancient but somewhat reconstructed wall, Club Intramuros 2000, as it is now officially known, is not only one of the most historic golf grounds in Asia, it is also one of the continent's most unusual courses.

For starters, the par 66, 4125 yard course is the shortest of the numerous 18 hole layouts in capital.

Its compact nature has a distinct advantage because it's possible to play a round with history in well under two hours. If you are staying at the nearby Holiday Inn you can literally walk to the course for an early morning start, be finished and changed and ready for breakfast back at the hotel by 8 AM, and still make your first business meeting or conference session an hour later.

Golf has been a way of life in Manila for well over 110 years as the game was first introduced to city society in 1886 by British working for the Manila Railway Company. They built 3 hole course in paddy fields south of the walled Intramuros. By 1901 there was a 9 hole course adjoining the railway station. This was the beginning of the Manila Golf Club.

Ninety something years ago many aspects of life in the capital were quite different. For golfers it was a time when they used golf clubs with wooden shafts, called three iron "cleeks" and referred to seven irons as "mashies". Nine irons were known as "niblicks". Regardless of the era or the environment, the object of the game has always been the same: to break par.

At Club Intramuros this isn't the easiest thing to do. Studded with numerous lagoons and various other water hazards, all eager to 'swallow' golf balls, and haunted by the ever present wall which is every ready to reflect them, many golfers find the course very hard to play, especially for the first time as they are forced to shoot precisely along its tight, flat fairways and confront a few one-off peculiarities.

A good example is the par 4,337 yard 4th, which is considered by many players to be course's most difficult hole. Instead of just one wall to contend with the formidable 4th has stone on two sides. There's the high wall of Intramuros to the left plus the inconvenience of one of the walls of a former ammunition warehouse to the right. The first shot must be arrow straight from the tee and down the narrow channel between the two structures. The second must have enough power to cross a lagoon yet to be controlled enough to reach the elevated green yet avoid its four surrounding bunkers. The difficulty of the 4th hole is compensated by the ease of the 6th. This flat - except for its large highly elevated green - 152 - yard hole has recorded the most hole in ones.

Another hole of distinction is the 164 yard 10th. The signature hole of Club Intramuros features its green on an attractive, manmade island.

Beauty has a price, thought, as this, the first hole of the back nine, is the second most difficult on the course.

Further down the back nine is the nerve racking 15th, a par 3, 276 yard stretch. The reason for its notoriety is because its green is sandwiched between two big bunkers while to right of the fairway is a large lagoon.

And at the 18th, just when you think about relaxing, this 158 yard hole has stands of well matured trees on both sides of its very narrow fairway.

As well there's a wall of the Guadalupe Shrine and four bunkers guarding the elevated green that must be avoided to even come close to achieving a par 3.

This then is the golf scenario that greets golfers today. While the setting may be well over 60 years old the 'icing' on the course is relatively new as Club Intramuros was closed in mid 1996 for a total 'facelift'.

International golf architect and consultant, Andy Dye, closely supervised the redesign of the course in a makeover that also called for the debut of additional facilities including an environment sensitive clubhouse and the installation of an irrigation system using recycled water. Even before its reopening Dye said it was his best effort to date.

March 30, 1997 marked the reopening of Club Intramuros 2000 with the then President Fidel Ramos celebrating the ceremonial tee-off on a course that is also now fully flood lit for night play.

With fewer demands on his time these days and as an ardent golfer used to the Intramuros layout, the former President is now regularly able to take 'tee' after dark!.

(27 June 1998)