Intramuros ,In Retrospective: Its influence on Filipino History and Culture.
Philippines was colonized by Spain for almost 400 years, thru a flag and a cross. They engaged the early
Filipino in an armed struggle at the same time exerted its most dominant contribution . . . The Roman
Catholic Religion. Since then, Spain has radically changed or influenced our government, education
system, faith, culture ,architecture , ways, perception in life, and most probably every facet of our
society.
Intramuros . . . the walled city used to be the center of power during the Spanish Regime. The edifice
that stand to this day is a monument to that effect. The place has stood the test of time . . . earthquake,
typhoons, fire and wars ; it was destroyed, rebuilt, rehabilitated and preserved. As a researcher looking
at the grandeur of the relics, walking at its wall and streets had lead to think back of history as far as 15th
century and contemplating what do I fell as an “Indio” or the confiscador or Fr. Damaso of that time.
Then I have to come back to my senses and ask the most relevant question “How did Intramuros, the
Seat of Spain’s Power had influenced our society today. I should be extra careful of my own biases and
put all the knowledge and perceptions in the right perspective.
The Philippine Post
The Phillipine Post built in Maynila 1767 is the most effective way to communicate across distance and
space. It was huge, artistic and well built building with huge pillars and post. It is strategically located in
front of the Plaza and a commercial district. It was recognized by the Distrito Pangkoreo na Espanya in
1779 and Universal Postal Union in 1877. It was damaged during World War II but was rebuilt with the
help from the government of the United States of America by virtue of Phil Rehabilitation Act of 1946.
The same year, it was named Postal Services Office.
We be forever thankful for Phil Post that has put Philippines in the world’s map since 1767. It allowed
communication to flourish inside and out the country. It replaced the traditional horse men or
emissaries as messages, letters , packages are sent and received at the most convenient and probably
cheaper ways. In one way or another, it had helped commerce to flourish as businessmen can
communicate and send goods through couriers. In the advent of new technologies as E-mail, fax
machine, etc., the Postal Services Office continued to play its role. It has transformed its functions to
serve specific needs and market.
The Postal Office chronicles the events of our society through stamps commerative of our history,
culture and country. If looked closely, it has thematic approach. There are different kinds of stamps
showing a certain period of history from past history to the present. Examples of the most recent are
Apo PHilantropic Society of the 60’s, Remember Pope John Paul and World Youth Day in 1995, Sheer
Realities “Clothing and Power” of the 2000, Commemorations of the late President Corazon Aquino.
There are occupational stamps, mourning stamps, tropical winter, and stamps that depict Philippine
Biodiversity and culture.
The Churches:
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Manila, presently known as Manila Cathedral was built in 1581 during
the reign of King Carlos IV. It was damaged by typhoon in 1582 and fire in 1583. The Cathedral was
rebuilt several times in 1592,1614,1879 due to typhoon, fire and earthquake. It was also damaged by 2nd
World War in 1945 and was reconstructed in 1954-1958. This is part of the Arch Dioceses of Manila
famous by the name of Immaculate Conception because of its dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Center of the Cross found at the dome of the building is the reference point of Astronomical
Longitude of the Archipelago. Aside, from the antiques, images, bamboo pipe and distinct Spanish
design, the Manila Cathedral has expanded to host the Jaime Cardinal Sin Ground Bellary built on 19742003 in honor of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin. In store, within the Bellary are 7 big bells from the church
when it was destroyed during the war.
At the sides of the Cathedral are prominent government offices Bureau of Treasury, COMELEC and the
Palacio del Gobernador presently used by different agencies. The “Center” in front of the church has a
statue of King Al Rey D. Carlos IV. It used to be the place for public meetings , discussions, and other
activities. Now, it has become a tourist destination with horse –drawn calesa to take the visitors around
Intramuros. Vendors sells wooden beads, crucifix, wallets and other souvenir items.
We interviewed, Nanay Carmen , one of the vendors who had been selling there for 30 years. She said
that they used to sell sweepstake tickets and she earn well because the Chinese buy tickets in bulk.
Now, she sells the goods (crucifix bracelet, etc) on a consignment basis and earns at least 300 pesos a
day. I asked for her observations on people’s perception of the Manila Cathedral. She said, that people
in the past, mostly come for religious reasons . . . to pray and perform other religious rites. Now, it was
mainly tourism by local and international tourist. Wedding reservation must be placed at least a year
ahead.
The 2nd church we visited is the San Agustin Church with a Museum at the side. One is greeted with a 4
ton bell at the entrance of museum. It’s an overwhelming sight with its centuries old elaborate artifacts,
artworks, paintings, images, furniture, bamboo pipe, baroque pulpit, chandeliers. The wood used was
molave and some artifacts are overlaid with silver, brass and ivory.
The number of visitors daily ranged from 1,000-5,000 ; its higher on peak seasons. Simultaneous
activities are going on, wedding, tourism, and burial. Wedding service cost a minimum of P 24,000.00.
Exclusive or close door weddings are more expensive. The church has a burial site for cremated loved
ones. At the back is the Fr. Blanca Botanical Garden, used to be a vast collection of plants by the
renowned Botanist Fr. Blanco.
Two things struck me. The Botanical garden was lost since it was converted into reception area and
Seminary. What a tremendous loss to the knowledge on Philippine Flora and biodiversity in general.
Second, is an interview with the lady, Flor Castillon, who had worked there for 15 years. Workers
receive a minimum salary of P 382 per day. It helps but does not suffice to daily needs. What a contrast
if you look at economics and value of the property. The church is earning millions considering that
P100.00 entrance fee, yet low workers pay -typically Spanish style. Yet, Flor is happy, taking this as
vocation and service to God.
Casa Manila
Casa Manila is a replica of the house of Melchor de los Santos of Binondo. Most of relics and artifacts
were donated by the family of Dr. Hidalgo from Quipo. It depicts a “ colonial lifestyle”, how the rich
families had lived in the past. The sections in the homes has stories of each own. The furnitures and
household things are elegant and artistic. On top are tour guides that wear Spanish type clothes.
Structurally, old homes are made of hard wood ,mostly molave which cannot be done now as those
forest are almost gone. Surprisingly the comfort rooms has toilet bowls with a very nice chair. This
structure allows 2 persons to chat or play inside. Multitasking indeed or maybe a way for parents to
teach their children on how to use toilets.
Commendation to the Intramuros Administration for this project as it provides tourist and students a
glimpse of Spanish homes.
Fort Santiago
This fortress was built in 1571 and has served as garrison, battle field, and prison cell during the Spanish,
American and Japanese regime. It is a place where Dr. Jose Rizal, Elpidio Quirino and other known and
unsung heroes had proved their patriotism and reckoned with destiny and history. The dungeons made
of massive iron bars and outer doors of iron plate are cold, wet and dark are witnessed to the tortures
and deaths of thousand soldiers and prisoners of war . Many were drowned when water from the Pasig
river flows to the area.
The collection of Rizal’s writings, artifacts, and cell will remind us of the Filipino spirit and fight for
freedom. In his writing “ I have always loved my poor country and I’m sure I shall love her until my last
moment, should men proved unjust to me, I shall die happy satisfied with the thought that all I have
suffered, my life, my loves, my joys, my everything. I have sacrificed for the love of her.
An application to researchers of local knowledge, the quote “ To foretell the destiny of a nation, it is
necessary to open the book that tells of her past.”