This morning we traveled into the old section of Manila called Intramuros –within the walls. Most of Intramuros was destroyed and reduced to rubble during World War II. Much of it has been restored or rebuilt. Our first stop was to the Basilica Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Then on to Fort Santiago where the history of José Rizal was shown. We could follow in his footsteps to his execution and in the Rizal Shrine we saw the artifacts of his life. Rizal was the man who inspired the Philippine nation to revolt against the ruling Spaniards. It was his execution which initiated the revolt which ultimately lead to their declaration of independence in 1898. However, because of treaties between Spain and the United States that independence was never fully realized until 1947, when the US released control of the Philippines to the Philippine government.
In the afternoon, we went to Malacañan Palace. Here, more history of the Philippines was seen. Many State gifts to the current president were on display, including a golf bag from President Bush. We saw a couple of Emelda Marco’s shoes (The entire collection was somewhere else) and were able to sit in the office of President Marcos and at his desk. Since he was removed from power, no president of the Philippines has wished to use this office or desk because of the vivid connotations of his rule with martial law.
Our day ended with a simple meal in Makati in the Greenbelt Mall area.
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