
MANILA, Philippines — As part of the National Arts Month opening in Intramuros earlier today, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Intramuros Administration announced the upcoming developments of new attractions in the country’s capital that would make Manila and Intramuros no longer just a “one-day” tourist destination.
In her speech during a short program in Centro de Turismo, an immersive museum in Intramuros and one of the walled city’s newest museums, Intramuros Administration Administrator Atty. Joan Padilla shared that the historic district “is a new canvas” where “tradition and innovation” will converge.
At his speech during the program, NCCA Executive Director Dr. Eric Zerrudo elaborated on the new developments in and outside the walled city.
“Darating po, sa mga susunod na buwan, marami pang mga ganitong gusali ang lalabas dito sa Intramuros. At malulula na po kayo, hindi na po kakasya ang isang araw para ikutin ang Intramuros. Darating na ang ating malaking convention center,” he announced.
According to him, alongside the new convention center are new facilities also under construction, including the renovation of the historic Almacenes Reales into a retail area with parking spaces.
“Darating pa po ang Alacenes na may retail shops na may parking,” he said.
A more-than-2,000-square-meter landmark inside Fort Santiago, Almacenes Reales was built in 1591 as a storage facility for discharged cargo from the Pasig River. The area was then converted into the riverfront facility Muelle de Almacenes. Following the 1863 earthquake, the area served as soldiers’ quarters.
Soon, a seamless connection among Manila’s landmarks inside and outside Intramuros would be on its way, said Zerrudo.
“At lahat po ito ay lalabas na po sa ating walls ng Intramuros. Ididikit na po sa ating National Museum. Ididikit na po sa ating Metropolitan Theater. Ididikit na po sa ating post office. Ganyan po ang pagpapalawak ng ating mga gusali, mga espasyo, para marami tayong iikutan dito sa siyudad ng Maynila,” he said.
He invited everyone to visit and enjoy Intramuros’ new attractions so far, the museums Centro Turismo and its adjoining Museo de Intramuros.
Centro Turismo, NCCA said in a statement, offers an immersive experience into the rich history, vibrant present, and sustainable future of Intramuros. Exhibits and historical artifacts will take visitors on a journey through the Walled City’s pre-colonial roots, its role as a Spanish colonial center, the devastation of World War II, its ongoing revitalization, and its future development.
“Ang kuwento po ng Centro de Turismo ay ang kuwento po ng walls – paano nabuo ang siyudad ng Intramuros mula sa panahon ng Kastila hanggang sa kasalukuyan,” Zerrudo explained.
Meanwhile, Museo de Intramuros is composed of two important reconstructions: the San Ignacio Church and the Mission House of the Society of Jesus. As the name denotes, the complex now houses the vast ecclesiastical collection of the Intramuros Administration.
“Maganda na sabay niyo pong mabisita ito, sabihan n’yo po ang inyong mga kaibigan, pamilya, para mas lalo nating mapaginting ang ating pagtangkilik sa ating sining, kultura, pamana, kasaysayan,” Zerrudo urged.
This National Arts Month, Intramuros is among those that reflects the country’s artistic soul, said Padilla.
“The Filipino spirit is unique in expression yet united in purpose. The arts tell the Filipino story in all its richness,” she affirmed. “Art is a breathing reflection of the Filipino soul, capturing the essence of our history, struggles, and triumphs. Today, we celebrate these diverse artforms as powerful tools for cultural preservation, nation building, and creative innovation to provide a platform where artists can really express themselves and contribute to shaping our shared future.”
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