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Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Life begins where WIFI is weak

Published on: January 4, 2018

Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete

A new café in Dumaguete

Chapters Café

The entrance

A world of childlike dreams

That's their motto according to the menu. In a way I agree because when you enter the place the ambience is very special. The walls are painted with motifs from foreign places like Venice in Italy, Taj Mahal in India, some place in France I think and Machu Picchu in Peru. The ceiling is like a starry sky ornate with books, playing cards, tea cups, cakes, dolls, chairs and a plane. There are sofas with different colors and chairs with different makes, well to make a long story short it's a mixture with a little bit of everything. But the redline is travel, books, coffee & tea and cakes in a cosy atmosphere created in a playful and creative way. So yes... a world of childlike dreams.

Review of Chapters Café, Interior, Dumaguete, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Creative and playful

A plane in the ceiling

The entrance

A Cheese Sandwich and Latte

On their menu they had a variety of salads, pastas, burgers, soups and Filipino breakfasts. They had many beverages hot and cold. When I was here they unfortunately had ran out of beef patties for the burgers so I ended up order the Bill Chapters Cheese Sandwich and a Cafe Latte.

Review of Chapters Café, Menu, Dumaguete, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The menu

Entrees

Burgers and sandwiches

Soups and salads

Chapters Café approved by me

I was disappointed that they couldn't offer any burgers and the cheese sandwich wasn't really what I had been looking forward to. However the sandwich turned out to be delicious and the cafe latte was also approved. They offered iced service water without the need to ask for it. The WiFi was free and it worked good. I could work without any interruptions. They didn't have many electrical outlets to connect the laptop but the staff was very helpful and let me connect to one of the few outlets which were available. At lunch time Chapters Café quickly filled up with guests so obviously it's a popular place which I can understand. Chapters Café is approved by me and I will be back.

Finally the WiFi gave up

I did this review when I actually was sitting here in Chapters Café. At the end of my session the WiFi finally gave up. So I had to connect thru my 3G connection on the phone to finish this review. This is really a common problem, not just at the Chapters Café. Why is the infrastructure for internet so bad in the Philippines? Grrr!!

Review of Chapters Café, Cafe Latte, Dumaguete, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

I ordered a Cafe Latte

Review of Chapters Café, Cheese Sandwich, Dumaguete, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Bill Chapters Cheese Sandwich

Rating:
1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Food
5 Service
5 Value
5 Atmosphere

Chapters Café
Sta. Catalina Street, Dumaguete
Negros Oriental, Philippines
Phone: +63 995 85 55 888

Published on: December 29, 2017

Day trip to Isola de Francesco

Beloved island has many names

Pungtod Island or now known as “Isola de Francesco” or Virgin Island, a seventeen thousand square meter privately owned island off the coast of Panglao. It's named after Francesco Forgione, widely known as Padre Pio. The island was conceived by the owners to serve the growing number of Padre Pio devotees in Bohol and promote devotion to the Italian Capuchin monk who is the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Church.

Virgin Island Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Isola de Francesco is a very small island

How to get there

Just take one of the free yellow shuttle boats near the St. Agustin Catholic Church in Panglao.

Isola de Francesco, The pier, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

At the end of the pier we got the free shuttle boat

This is the moment when you feel you need to keep the balance

Isola de Francesco, Going there, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Other expectant passengers

60 s video clip

Make sure you go with the yellow boats

Isola de Francesco, Arrival, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

After 20 min we were near the island

The kids were first on land...

Isola de Francesco, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Nice views everywhere

Highlights of Isola de Francesco

One of the higlights is of course the long sand reef where you can take a swim or just enjoy the white sand and the beauty of nature. You should also challenge your taste buds with fresh sea urchins directly from the sea. Season with vinegar to taste. Then maybe it's time to visit the comfort room. Don't hesitate, it's clearly one of the nicest comfort rooms I ever been to here in the Philippines. So try it out!

Virgin Island Sand Reef Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The beautiful sand bar

Virgin Island comfort room outside Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Philippines nicest comfort room

Virgin Island kayaks Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

There are kayaks to borrow

Everything is for free but small donations are welcomed

There are also kayaks you can borrow and explore the waters around the island. Or why not just grab a regular Filipino snack near the entrance and relax in the shadow, listen to the doves... there are for some reason many doves here. I guess they have found a quiet refuge here in this peaceful environment. And yes, everything is for free here... boat ride, sea urchins, kayaks and snacks but of course small donations are always welcomed.

Isola de Francesco, Sea Urchins, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Let your taste buds try the fresh sea urchins

Isola de Francesco, The sand bar, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The sand bar where you can sun bath and swim

Someone is enjoying the sun

Isola de Francesco, Under water, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

There are no corals here, just white sand bottom

Published on: December 24, 2017

The Hills

Day trip to Chocolate Hills in Carmen

The Pier in Baclayon

If you are in Bohol and never been to Chocolate Hills then you should go there. We went by hired motorcycle from Tagbilaran and our first stop was the pier in Baclayon. We admired the nice view and took some photos. We also asked around about the boats going to Pamilacan Island. It's funny coz we started ask one guy about this and that and soon there was a bunch of friendly people around us, all smiling and chatted with us. In Baclayon they have one of oldest churches in Bohol, well worth a visit if you are interested.

Baclayon, Bohol Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The pier in Baclayon

Man-made forest

At Loay we left the busy Tagbilaran East Road and turned left towards Loboc. The traffic is less here and the landscape is beautiful. At Loboc you can do lot's of stuff. Everything from cruise the Loboc River to be adventurous at Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park. We did nothing of that, we just took a short break for lunch since someone was hungry despite breakfast. Kinilaw, lumpia and ampalaya with rice and suddenly someone become happy again. On our way to Carmen we passed the cool and beautiful man-made forest. Cool in the sense not hot. So for me it was a blessing to cool down here for a while in the shadow.

The man-made forest

Carmen and Chocolate Hills

We went on straight for Carmen and the Chocolate Hills. We passed the Tarsier and the Butterfly sanctuary on our way. But we didn't stop there. Finally we arrived at the hills, the entrance fee is 50 PHP per head. You can go with the motorcycle almost all the way up to the observation deck. But the last bit you need to walk. Be prepared for roughly 250 steps in a steep staircase, so load up with water and be handy with your camera. There is an astonishing view waiting for you at the top.

The Chocolate Hills, Carmen, Bohol Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The entrance up to the observation deck... 250 steps to go

The hills

An explanation how the hills were formed

This is heaven for all selfie photographers

Also heaven for me...

Urduja and Vinta

The typhon Urduja which had hit Philippines a bit more than a week ago and also just the other day, it was the Severe Tropical Storm Vinta which struck in the Northern Mindanao. We here in Bohol were lucky, we had just a couple of days with rain. Today, the day after the storm Vinta, it was sunny, clear and very hot weather here in Bohol. Our thoughts are with those who suffered so hard from these disasters.

Butterfly, Bilar, Bohol Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The butterfly sanctuary

On our way back to Tagbilaran we passed the Butterfly sanctuary again. This time we stopped and paid a visit, the entrance fee was 45 PHP per head. It included a guide who will teach you about the butterflies and will help you with your selfies. It was nice and interesting to get to know the butterflies a little bit more. There are 10-15 species of butterflies and moths there in the sanctuary. They also have a restaurant where you can refresh your self so you can load your batteries before the next stop which would be the Tarsier Sanctuary.
When we arrived at the Tarsiers, it was too crowded with people so we just sat outside and had some fresh and delicious buko juice. Just 30 PHP each. After finishing our drinks we went straight back to Tagbilaran.

Butterfly Sanctuary, Bilar, Bohol Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The biggest butterfly of them all

Our conclusion

We did this tour in a relaxed pace but expect to allow a whole day for doing this depending on how many of the attractions you like to experience.

A 60 s video clip showing the Chocolate Hills

Published on: December 19, 2017

The Christmas House in Dumaguete

Dr. Rico Absin, the master of Christmas decorations

We are all used to Christmas decorations before Christmas, right? But at this house in Dumaguete, they take the Christmas decorations to the extreme. I have never seen anything like it, except maybe on movies. This house is just 5-10 minutes walk from the Silliman University and the entrance fee is 25 PHP / person.

The Christmas House, Dr Absin, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The house itself is outlined by many thousands of tiny bulbs giving it a fairytale-like quality.

The balcony was crowded with selfie photographers.

A passion for art and decoration

This is the Dr. Rico Absin’s house, a former anesthesiologist in his late 50s. He has created an institution out of a genuine passion for art and decoration. This is actually his private residence and it’s well known as the Christmas House in Dumaguete and Negros Oriental. In December his house will be the brightest and merriest, illuminating the quaint old house which he has dwelled in most of his life and in which he now occupies alone after inheriting it from his parents.

The fairy tale castle was popular for those who wanted to take pictures.

Dr. Rico Absin's Christmas house.

The Christmas House, Reindeers, Dr Absin, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Even in the Philippines they have reindeers.

A little bit surreal

For me it’s a little bit surreal to see all this and it raises some questions. Who is Dr. Absin? And why is he doing this year after year. Inside the big house which of course was full of Christmas decorations in every room and corner, there were also many personal things which like proved that someone actually was living there. For example there were lot’s of old photos from different episodes of his life, from his younger days until now.

There were many personal photos from his past life.

The Christmas House, Christmas tree, Dr Absin, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Dr. Absin’s house was filled with things that he had collected over the years.

In every corner of the house there were Christmas decorations.

Even in the ceiling there were personal things as well as decorations.

For a good cause

It has become an annual custom for this Doctor to share his blessings during the season to some 300 less fortunate children in the city which he throws a party for their benefit. He never forgets to wrap up gifts to be given away and makes sure that not one child leaves without getting any. Also a member of the City Tourism Council, Dr. Absin holds benefits and fund raisers for this particular cause.

Bring joy to the children

Asked why he had pursued this hobby, Dr. Absin quickly answers that it “gives me great satisfaction to see all the happy people’s faces when they come and I also feel good knowing that I bring joy to the children and the people of Dumaguete”.

The Christmas House, The garden, Dr Absin, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The garden outside the house was filled with visitors.

Published on: December 16, 2017

Tarbush, a story of love

Review of Tarbush, a Lebanese restaurant

The Tarbush Restaurant, Outside, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The Tarbush, located 10 min walking distance from the Silliman University

The Tarbush Restaurant, Entrance, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

You could also sit outside if you like

Love for good food

The Tarbush story is a story of love: a love between man and wife, the love between a mother and her children, love for country and love for good food. All this according to their menu and that sounds promising so far. But the question remains, is that true?

The Tarbush Restaurant, Interior, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

This day it was quiet here

The Tarbush Restaurant, Interior 2, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Since 1983? But according to the menu the story unfolded 2014...

The menu

The Tarbush is not a big place, it reminded me of a smaller fast-food place. It was only one other guest so it was quiet and relaxing. They offer a variety of Shawarma and sandwich in different combinations. There are also options with hummus with meat or chicken, salads and a veggies sandwich. Unfortunately they had run out of chicken so we ordered beef shawarma.

The Tarbush Restaurant, Menu, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The Tarbush menu

The menu, where you can read about the love story

Mucho Gusto and Spicy Beef

We ordered a Mucho Gusto with beef shawarma, garlic sauce, grilled tomato, potato fries, Mexican pepper, fried onions, pickles and chili sauce. Then a Spicy Beef, with beef shawarma, garlic sauce, fresh tomatoes, potato fries, white onions, parsley, pickles and chili sauce. Fries and Coke were included.

The Tarbush Restaurant, Chubby Beef, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The Mucho Gusto with less spicy sauce

The Tarbush Restaurant, Spicy Beef, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The Spicy Beef with more spicy sauce

Conclusion

Honestly the appearance and the taste of the two dishes was almost identical. Basically the only difference we could make out was that the Mucho Gusto had a more red sauce with less spicy taste and the Spicy Beef had less red sauce but with more spicy taste. But the food was very fresh and the taste was good. The portions were enough for us and the service was good so we both felt satisfied when we walked from there.

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Food
5 Service
5 Value
4 Atmosphere

The Tarbush
Corner E.J. Blanco Exit, Barangay Piapi, Dumaguete City, 6200 Negros Oriental
Philippines
Phone: +63 917 987 6524

Published on: December 13, 2017

The boulevard in Dumaguete

The boulevard, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Look at those majestic trees...

Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City

Rizal Boulevard or more commonly known as just the Boulevard is the heart of Dumaguete. It's here everything happens. I love to stroll here specially in the evenings when the air is cooler and you can feel the ocean breeze. Many they are doing their exercises here as well, jogging and walking back and forth the boulevard. Some days of the week they arrange Zumba open for everybody brave enough to participate.

The boulevard, Nice view, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The port and in the distant you can see Cebu Island.

The boulevard a popular landmark

The boulevard, The port, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

This is from where you enter to Dumaguete, the port.

The boulevard’s stretch is immediately visible when coming into the Dumaguete port via any sea vessel. From the white lamp posts lining up the stretch to the stately trees swaying with the sea breeze, Rizal Boulevard holds a big part in the city’s provincial charm and has become a very popular landmark.

The boulevard, Bo's Coffee, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

My favorite coffee shop in Dumaguete, Bo's

The boulevard, Food market, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The night market, where the brave can try balut

Plenty of restaurants

There are plenty of restaurants here to choose among and I usually end up here at the boulevard having my dinner. Included in the price is the ocean view and sea breeze. When I go budget I like to visit the little night market towards the port where I use enjoy tempura and balut. What is tempura and balut? >>>

The boulevard, View from Sans Rival, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Nice view from the veranda of Sans Rival

The boulevard, Two men in a boat, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The sky, the sea and two men in a boat

The boulevard, Bethel Guest House, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Bethel Guest Hose

The boulevard, Sunset, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

There are always nice sunsets over the boulevard

A lazy afternoon at the boulevard. (60 s video clip)

The boulevard, Tree, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The majestic old trees steadily growing along the boulevard. So fantastic and beautiful.

Named after the great Philippine national hero

Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City was named after the great Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, marking it as one of the historical sites found in the city. It has been said that he had made a brief visit and took a stroll here before departing to the neighboring island of Dapitan, Dipolog City where he was exiled for four years.

The boulevard, Kids playing, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The kids are enjoying themselves

A venue for leisure and recreation.

Rizal Boulevard is definitely one of the city’s best loved places. It has become a landmark as well as a venue for leisure and recreation.

Published on: December 12, 2017

Where to eat the fiery style in Manila?

Review of Fiery Style Restaurant

The staff was eager to promote the place

A new Eat in MOA

When I was wandering around in Mall of Asia, hungry and starving searching for something to eat, I suddenly discovered they were renovating a part of the North wing where Starbucks and TGI Fridays used to be located. Instead they have opened a new area which they call the New Eats, where you can find new exciting restaurants. The one which stood out most was the Fiery Style Restaurant.

The bar

Review of Fiery Style Restaurant, The Interior, Mall of Asia, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

It was quiet here today

Mexican fusion dining

It's a Mexican fusion dining restaurant that serves fiery Mexican cuisine and quick bites. Ideal for Mexican food lovers and others too of course. They offer a wide selection of Mexican dishes comprised of burritos, steaks, fajitas, and everything in between. Among all of their special dishes, the visitors are raving about their BBQ Pulled Pork Quesadilla, Southwest Platter and their Bottomless Cocktails Promo.

Review of Fiery Style Restaurant, The menu, Mall of Asia, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

They offer a wide selection of Mexican dishes

Many exciting dishes which I would like to try out

Bursting Burritos

Since I wanted something fiery I ordered the Bursting Burritos with grilled jalapeños and lime chicken. It was a freshly rolled floured tortilla loaded with rice, beans, peppers and sweetcorn in a Louisiana-style sauce, mixed leaves, cheese and sour cream. It may not look that much and maybe they could have added more chicken inside the burritos. Nevertheless the taste was good and the portion was enough for me so my conclusion was, that it was a good eat! By the way, nice with those colored nachos, I never seen that before.

Review of Fiery Style Restaurant, Burritos, Mall of Asia, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Bursting Burritos with grilled jalapeños and lime chicken

Thumbs up!

I will definitely come back. There are many things on their menu I would like to try. The staff was very nice and service minded and the ambience also nice. A plus is that vegetarians also can find something to eat here all though the variety is limited though. Anyway keep the good work rolling and thumbs up for the Fiery Style!

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Food
5 Service
4 Value
5 Atmosphere

The Fiery Style Restaurant
North wing, Mall of asia, Pasay city
Manila, Philippines
Phone: + 63 920 896 5555

Published on: November 12, 2017

Images from Calayan Island and Luang Prabang

Calayan Island, Philippines

This girl is collecting sea urchins on the beach in Calayan Island. The image to right is behind the scenes, when I took this shot of her. Read more about Calayan Island and the review of TPS Homestay.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Night market in Luang Prabang Laos

Girl in Luang Prabang, Laos © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Such a cute girl in the car

Nice pool for swim in Luang Prabang, Laos © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

This is really nice for swim, Luang Prabang Laos

Swimming in Luang Prabang, Laos © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

A garden of Eden in Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang 1, Laos © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Luang Prabang and the Mekong River

Mekong River Laos © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

River cruise at Mekong River

Published on: November 5, 2017

Mixed delicacies

Chili ice cream, bagoong and sea urchins

When you travel around in the Philippines you will have the possibility to encounter food experiences unlike what you are used to from back home. So what can you expect? It's of course depending on your own curiosity and where and how you travel. Here I share just a few examples of my own experiences. But remember, be brave and stay curious... always!

Chili Ice Cream

Hot and spicy but still cold. How is that possible? This is really a perfect combo to enjoy the spiciness of the chili together with the mild taste and coolness of the ice cream. The scoop with two chili fruits is the most spicy one.

Chili pepper

Chili and Calamansi Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

This is filipino chili which is smaller but more spicy than thai chili. You often mix the chili with the juice from the calamansi and some vinegar.

Chili peppers have been a part of the human diet in the Americas since at least 7500 BC. The substances that give chili peppers their intensity when ingested or applied topically are capsaicin and several related chemicals, collectively called capsaicinoids. The thai chili pepper or the bird's eye chili is small, but is quite hot and spicy. It measures around 100,000–225,000 Scoville units, which is at the lower half of the range for the hotter habanero chili but still many times more spicy than a jalapeño.

Bagoong or shrimp paste

It's primarily made from finely crushed shrimp or krill mixed with salt, and then fermented for several weeks. Some versions are in its wet form and other versions are sun-dried and either cut into rectangular blocks or sold in bulk. It's an essential ingredient in many curries and sauces. Shrimp paste can be found in many meals in the Philippines for example in the Bicol Express. It's also often an ingredient in dip for fish or vegetables.

Bagoong Shrimp paste Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Bagoong Shrimp paste with Mango Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Bagoong with unripe mango, red onions and bell peppers. So delicious. Can be served together with grilled fish or meat.

Fresh sea urchins

Sea urchins Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Fresh sea urchins

Sea urchins are small, spiny, globular animals that inhabit all oceans from the intertidal to 5,000 metres. The shell of sea urchins is round and spiny, typically from 3 to 10 cm (1.2 to 3.9 in) across. Sea urchins move slowly, feeding primarily on algae. The name "urchin" is an old word for hedgehog, which sea urchins resemble. They are a delicacy for your taste buds to eat fresh with a little bit of calamansi juice and vinegar. You can also eat it as sea urchin sushi or uni sushi.

Raw sea urchin, how does it taste?

Sea urchin, also known as Uni, is loved by chefs and features heavily on tasting menus around the world. The delicacy of the ocean has a strong flavour and a strange texture if you're not used to eating it. Raw uni has a fresh ocean taste, briny and slightly minerally but not salty or "fishy". The flavor is mildly nutty with a slight sweetness similar to raw scallops. The texture is smooth, wet and custard-like. While the flavor of uni isn't particularly strong or sharp, the combination of the briny ocean taste and creamy texture is definitely not for everyone.

Guy prepare Sea urchins Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Preparing it is simple. Just scrape out the content, add some calamansi and vinegar to taste.

Sea urchin ready to eat Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Now it's ready to eat!

Published on: October 4, 2017

What to see in Manila city

Visit Intramuros in Manila

Intramuros, The entrance Puerta del Parian, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Puerta del Parian, one of the gates to Intramuros

Intramuros, the original Manila

In 1571 to the end of Spanish rule in 1898, Intramuros was Manila. It's also known as the Ciudad Murada (Walled City) because of its most famous feature: a nearly three-mile-long circuit of massive stone walls and fortifications that almost completely surrounds the entire district.

The 18-hole, par-66 Club Intramuros Golf Course

Intramuros Golf Course

Just outside the walls of Intramuros in a uniquely urban environment, on what used to be the moat surrounding the city, you can play golf at the 18-hole, par-66 Club Intramuros Golf Course. The club was established already in 1907. Caddies cost P300. Almost every hole includes either water hazards, out-of-bounds, or both. The golf course can be played in just over two hours.

Intramuros, The defense wall with canons, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

On top of the old wall fortified with guns

Intramuros, Photographing tourists, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Ancient walls vs modern houses

The wall of Intramuros

History and mystery are built into the two and three-quarter miles (around 4,4 km) of walls that surround the old capital of the Philippines. The first wall, built in 1570 was made of logs. Today the construction bears evidences of many builders and widely differing plans of defence.

Getting around Intramuros

Once inside the Intramuros you will not get lost, coz you are surrounded by the walls. A nice, old-fashioned way to get around the area is by calesa. These horse-drawn carriages can usually be found waiting for passengers near Fort Santiago. Since Intramuros is a limited and relatively small area, walking from one attraction to another is also a popular way to get around. For me walking was the perfect alternative, then I could discover all the attractions in my own pace.

Intramuros, Calesa horse-drawn carriage, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Calesa, a horse-drawn carriage

Intramuros, Fontain, Plaza Moriones, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The beautiful fountain in the Plaza Moriones

Intramuros, Girl talking to a statue 2, Plaza Morione, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

This girl is trying to ease up her quiet friend

Pain and sacrifices

When wandering around in this area and reading about all those important historical events which took place here you get a feeling of humbleness. There have been so much pain and sacrifices inside and around these walls of Intramuros. For example, Jose Rizal the national freedom hero of the Philippines was imprisoned here. He was later executed in Bagumbayan (now known as Rizal Park) just outside the walls of Intramuros on December 30, 1896. Or in 1945, during the fierce Battle of Manila between American, Filipino and Japanese forces, where so many soldiers paid the ultimate price and Intramuros was almost completely destroyed.

Intramuros, Fort Santiago Photo shoot, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The main gate of Fort Santiago

Intramuros, Fort Santiago Sign, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Fort Santiago was first built by the Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi

Intramuros, Photo Shoot, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The model in question obviously suffers from the heat this day

Fort Santiago and the Rizal Shrine

Fort Santiago, the former military headquarters of the Spanish colonial government. Although the fort sustained very heavy damage during the 1945 Battle of Manila, several key portions of the compound were subsequently restored. It's now considered a major landmark and one of Manila's most popular tourist attractions, partly because José Rizal - the national hero of the Philippines - was imprisoned here prior to his execution on 30 Dec 1896. The Rizal Shrine, a small museum dedicated to his life and work, is housed in a restored section of one of the fort's former barracks.

Intramuros, Rizal Shrine, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Rizal Shrine, José Rizal was imprisoned here

Intramuros, Plaza De Armas, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The beautiful Plaza De Armas

Intramuros, Cat, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

I get a suspicious glance from this cat

Intramuros, Pasig River, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Pasig River marks the border in the north of Intramuros

Intramuros, Dungeons, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Intramuros, Cross, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

In memory of those 600 hundreds who died in the dungeons the very last days of WWII

The Dungeons

During World War II, Fort Santiago was captured by the Japanese Imperial Army. They used the dungeons as prison cells for captured Filipino and American soldiers. Around 600 bodies were found inside these dungeons and they probably died of starvation and suffocation on the very last days of the Battle of Manila.

Restoration

At the end of World War II, virtually all of the structures in Intramuros were destroyed, with only the damaged Church of San Agustin still standing. Since 1979, the Intramuros Administration has been slowly restoring the walls, the sub-features of the fortification, and the city within. The remaining five original gates have been restored or rebuilt.

Intramuros, Girl talking to a statue, Manila, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

How to get to Intramuros

Nearest train station: LRT1-Central Terminal
Or my personal recommendation, get off at United Nations Avenue and then take a 10 minutes nice walk. You will pass the Rizal Park and among others the National Museum of Fine Arts, which both are well worth visits.

Patrik Lord Travel Blog

A new café in Dumaguete

A world of childlike dreams

A Cheese Sandwich and Latte

Chapters Café approved by me

Finally the WiFi gave up

Beloved island has many names

How to get there

Highlights of Isola de Francesco

Everything is for free but small donations are welcomed

Day trip to Chocolate Hills in Carmen

The Pier in Baclayon

Man-made forest

Carmen and Chocolate Hills

Urduja and Vinta

The butterfly sanctuary

Our conclusion

Dr. Rico Absin, the master of Christmas decorations

​A passion for art and decoration

A little bit surreal

For a good cause

Bring joy to the children

Review of Tarbush, a Lebanese restaurant

Love for good food

The menu

Mucho Gusto and Spicy Beef

Conclusion

Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City

The boulevard a ​popular landmark

Plenty of restaurants

Named after the great Philippine national hero

A venue for leisure and recreation.

Review of Fiery Style Restaurant

A new Eat in MOA

Mexican fusion dining

Bursting Burritos

Thumbs up!

Calayan Island, Philippines

​Luang Prabang, Laos

Chili ice cream, bagoong and sea urchins

Chili Ice Cream

Chili pepper

Bagoong or shrimp paste

Fresh sea urchins

Raw sea urchin, how does it taste?

Visit Intramuros in Manila

Intramuros, the original Manila

​​Intramuros Golf Course

​The wall of Intramuros

Getting around Intramuros

​Pain and sacrifices

​Fort Santiago and the Rizal Shrine

​The Dungeons

​Restoration

How to get to Intramuros

Archives

Categories

A passion for art and decoration

The boulevard a popular landmark

Luang Prabang, Laos

Intramuros Golf Course

The wall of Intramuros

Pain and sacrifices

Fort Santiago and the Rizal Shrine

The Dungeons

Restoration