Royal Heritage Tour and Intramuros Pasyal!

It was another time of the month for a trip down old Manila and experience it from different angles, and I never get tired of joining them. Last year I was part of the Royal Heritage Tour in January 2013, now after the busy schedules and hell weeks, I got the chance to join the FREE tour conducted by Rence Chan (http://renz15.wordpress.com/), who loves collection (especially stamps) and Philippine heritage. 

The Royal Heritage Tour is conducted every 3rd Sunday of the month with attendees comprising of history lovers, bloggers, students, and even professionals who are into exploring Manila at its roots and its famed places. The tour itinerary would comprise of the Post Office Building in Lawton, The Maestranza (The Royal Warehouses), Pasig Riverside, Intramuros and finally the Manila Metropolitan Theater.

However, for this tour, there were several changes due to unexpected events like a commercial filming at the post office which led to enter the MET (Metropolitan Theater) first on the list. Usually the last stop and the most creepy because it has been abandoned and left in ruins, the MET is a ghost structure. With no electricity inside, it is really dark and would require the touring guest to bring flashlights or use their mobile phone. Since we when to the MET on a afternoon, the gruesome scenes were a little bit toned down, but nevertheless eerie and breeds fear and curiosity.

Last time I went in here was at night time and saw the theater at its very dark form. Well I will not go to the details yet, but probably subscribe so that you will be notified.

Then we got inside the huge Philippine Post Office which dates back to the times of the Americans. Badly damaged in the Second World War and was restored after years of reconstruction and  modifications. It still has its old ambiance with its high concrete columns and has windows that would process postal services and the purchase of stamps.

Speaking of stamps, the tour inside the Post Office also entitled us to a postal and stamp seminar which the participants were given free stamps to start a collection. Stamp collecting is a struggling hobby of many people as the digital age has greatly affected the traffic of postage mail and post cards. But the most interesting part would be how stamps are actually great 

Next was the Pasig Riverside around Intramuros where the Philippine Press Club, The statue of Isabelle II, and Plaza Mexico is located. And then the group proceeded to Maestranza or the Royal Warehouses which some parts are still under restoration.

After that we went to Bahay Tsinoy inside intramuros which is a museum that cradles Filipino Chinese heritage and dioramas that will definitely educate the role of the Chinese in building the country. It was also Pasinaya 2014 at that time which they have set up activities for Chinese games like Bipao.

The next in the list was Manila Collectible Co., which started operations 8 months ago and located behind Manila Cathedral which the roofdeck is just meters away from the Cathedral. The shop is full of all thing Filipino, from indigenous materials and textiles, pots, dolls, shirts, chocolate, coffee, and many more. You can't find a shop more Filipino than this! I just found my new favorite Filipino shop! :)

And for the final stop, we head over to Intramuros Pasyal located at General Luna st. starting at Memorare Manila Monument until Plaza Ruiz along San Agustin Church. This once-a-month Sunday street market showcases art, music, and bargain goods and foods that will definitely make anyone entertained and stuffed. Poetry sessions, Yoyo trickers, mini-tiangge, street performers and interesting finds which you will never see in malls. Intramuros Pasyal will happen again on April 27 and May 25.

I guess this is all I have to share for a summary of the tour on that day, you can check out more pictures in the facebook page of LakBayani. See you on the next Royal Heritage Tour in April 27!