Integration Paper
Lakbay Aral
Walled City – Fort Santiago
Intramuros, Manila
Submitted by:
Monica Sofia P. Almero
Submitted to:
Professor Jasmine Nadja Pinugu
DF1
A85
October 7, 2018
Fort Santiago is one of the most known historical sites in the city of Intramuros, Manila.
It was built in 1590 by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Little did many people know that many lives
were taken away before in its dungeon cells during the Spanish colonization and the period of
which the World War II took place. This fort inside the old walled city played a part as a defense
against pirates and bandits. Fort Santiago was named after the patron saint of Spain, St. James
the Great. There were many soldiers and prisoners who were convicted at Fort Santiago. In fact,
one of our well known heroes in the Philippines, Jose Rizal was put inside the cell of Fort
Santiago after being captured and before being slain. The cell in which Rizal was put up at
present time has his statue which is believed that it has the same actual height of Rizal. From the
cell, his footsteps made from gold steel can be discovered.
Inside the corners of the fort, the Rizal Shrine can be visited. This museum exhibits Jose
Rizal’ memorabilia and gives the visitors a glimpse of his life.
This museum displays historical artifacts and things that may pay tribute and
commemorate Jose Rizal’s journey of the olden days. Taking pictures with camera flashes and
video recording in any part of the museum are not allowed. Speaking out controllably instead of
clamorously shall be practiced while roaming around the museum. It is important that we abide
by the rules and regulations of the museum not only to pay respect and to preserve it relevance,
but also because it is considered as one of the most important museums in the Philippines.
Inside the museum are Jose Rizal’ clothing during the time when he was still living, his
composition of literary works, and many other significant contributions he left to honor the
Philippines. It is also said that what lies here is a portion of Jose Rizal’s bone remains of a part
where the bullet from where he was shot ended. His literary piece Noli Mi Tangere and El
Filibusterismo also has a place in the museum. The museum exhibits a copy of his works as well
as his other belongings. Rizal’s biography can also be seen inside the museum which gives the
viewers information about his experiences before.
Even though Jose Rizal does not exist anymore, the Rizal Shrine is a living proof that he
has a place in our hearts and all his works in arts and literature remains remembered.
For the reason that Fort Santiago is now considered as a tourist spot, the area also contain
some souvenir shops, snack bars, and a place where families can hang out and bond with each
other. If you plan to unwind and learn at the same time, this is a perfect spot to be
I. Experience and Insight
Intramuros has a transportation system in which passengers are fetched from a point and be
brought to the desired drop-off point. E-trike, an electric vehicle is one of the options to get to
Fort Santiago which would only cost around 20 to 25 pesos. Another way in getting there is to
rent a pedicab, a tricycle which is pedaled for control which would cost around 150 to 300 pesos
depending on the tour package you opt to have; or to rent a kalesa, a horse-drawn calash which is
a go to option of tourists for experiential and observation purposes. Kalesa would cost around
500 to 1000 pesos depending on how long the trip is and the head count of the passengers.
Others on the other hand prefer to just walk it off in order to enjoy the rest of Intramuros.
Lots of realizations hit me as I ponder things about
Fort Santiago. Being able to have the opportunity to pay a
visit to a place where it is rich in historical abundancy is
extraordinary. A step closer to the museum is like a way to
travel back aforetime. The land where I stepped my feet on is
the same zone where memories of hardships and trials from
lots of different people took place. It may have been a tiring
trip because of the heat, it is nothing compared to the
experiences the people have gone through before in this fort
during the Spanish occupation. Despite the dark past this
place has to tell, the story it has equates to the beauty of how
it has been over so many years.
A trip is not solely intended for the sake of
entertainment and of collecting photographs, as history is not
only about documenting but must also be considered as a learning and remembering. It is
important that a person knows how to take the opportunity as an edge to discover new
information and benefit from it.
II. Observation and Problems
A typical Filipino is undeniably used to the foul smell of Manila. However, this particular
instance does not go the same with the tourists. Some parts of Intramuros
III. Room for Improvement
