" Manila Cathedral in Renovation "

Tourists and Locals won't be able to visit one of the oldest churches here in Intramuros- The Manila Cathedral Church.

I can only count the times i've been there and never seen its interiors yet!
The basilica's facade ( i think) is a neo-romanesque inspired architecture dating back during the spanish times.

you can learn about its history in this Link. which is its official site.



According to recent news, it will temporarily shut down for at least a year, as the structure is in dire need of renovation, in fear that it may not be able to withstand, in case an earthquake shall occur. ( God forbid, knock on wood 3x)



the Latin inscription reads:
Tibi cordi tuo immaculato concredimus nos ac consecramus.
We consecrate to your immaculate heart and entrust to you (Mary) for safekeeping

credits: Wikipedia






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" 3 sided figure "

This is one of the structures inside the walls of Intramuros that is along Cabildo street.
How old this is, I don't have an inkling really.
I like the irregularity of its shape that connects with another old tenement.



Btw, I have been missing out on daily life lately, the rains keep pouring and it's hard to go out for a
walk without getting yourself wet or your feet be soak in water for that matter. ^0^
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" DOLE "

Inside the walls of Intramuros is where the Dept. of Labour and Employment is located.
Not much to blog about its department,
except at one point or another, the structure must've been interesting.




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" Sketchy "

could he be the future Van Gogh in the making... ^-^


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" Wired "

Manila's usually covered in cables and tons of wires. ^0^


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" Too many walls "

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" Dated "

This is an old edifice in Intamuros that is currently occupied by a local bank.


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" Queen Isabel II "

a bit of history...



the main statue of Queen Isabel II was originally
unveiled at Plaza Arroceros or what is now called
Central, but was removed and stored in 1868,
and placed in front of Malate Church
until 1970.
It was again moved to this present site
along Magallanes road in 1975 till present.





Opened in 1861, this is the last gate that was built in Intramuros,
( the back of the stature)
It was part of the tranvia ( streetcars ) in the 19th century but
was heavily damaged during the war (the battle of Manila)
and was restored in 1966.
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" Plaza Mexico "

- at the end of Magallanes drive and right along Pasig river, situated in an incongruous spot
stands the plaque of Plaza Mexico.



What used to be an original port of the galleons many years ago.
This monument commemorates the Phil.-Mexican friendship and was installed some 45 years ago by
the late Pres. Macapagal and the former Pres. Adolfo Mateos of Mexico.



Imagine what this place would've been like years ago...^0^
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" Barbara's "

Barbara's is a name of an old resto here in Intramuros that serves authentic
Spanish-Filipino cuisine.

Haven't tried their food yet, some said it's delicious, others don't.

Me, I just like its exterior, as if transported back in time.
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" San Juan De Letran "

Tucked inside the walls of Intramuros as a historical landmark and also
one of the oldest universities here in Manila.



San Juan de Letran - used to be headed by the Dominican friars.



I'm not sure if this is the front or the back part of the school, as I was zooming in pretty close.
But the whole look of it suddenly transports you out of Manila and that's what I love about it. ^0^
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" Intendencia - the ruins "

continuing Yesterday's post...



This ruined and unrecognizable structure was once called Intendencia
and is located at the end of the road
of Magallanes, here in Intramuros.
Not too touristy for that matter,
an ordinary passer-by wouldn't be familiar with this place.




It was built around 1823-29 by a Spanish engineer and was severely damaged
during the war between 1941-1945, it was then restored to its original state,
but in 1979, a heavy fire left this structure yet again in ruins.






Until today, plans for restoration is still on hold.



* the empty space may well be a jungle, as plants and unknown sorts are sprouting out of nowhere.






Looking closely at the doors and windows,
I was drawn to its grilled ironwork and craftsmanship during that time.
I couldn't make out what inspired this structure,
it seems to be a melange of
neo-classical with a bit of industrial or maybe it's just the way it is.





Browsing through google and wikipedia,
the place used to be an Ayuntamiento or city hall.




notice that despite the monsoon and heavy typhoons, some of its architectural details remained intact.


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" Brick Lane "

Once a upon a time, it used to be a structure that was in tiptop shape.
But now, it's decayed and rotten.



It doesn't help when the government leaves it behind and
abandons the whole structure.

I was particularly drawn at its details,
meanwhile,
will be sharing more of this tomorrow.

despite my absence,
thanks dear bloggies for visiting and saying hi! ^0^
really appreciate your thoughts.

Happy easter all!
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" What a view! "

Nothing could stop this guy from catching a good view of the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.



and I think it was worth it. ^0^
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" on architecture "

its looking at its details that one can appreciate its beauty.

seen around the streets of Intramuros.
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" Repose "

If you want to catch a partial view of the bay,
head to the top deck, there are some comfy cushioned seats,
and what i'm showing right now is a glimpse of the
Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters.

In b*w


a word of caution though, the smell emanating from the bay can be quite
disturbing. ^-^

In colored


for more inspiring weekends: visit Newton Daily photo

happy weekend all!
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" attention please "

Inside Cafe Ilang Ilang is a smorgasbord of different cuisines and delectable desserts.

I was so busy getting small portions of this and that, plus the talking while dining that I completely forgot to take photos on some of the dish.

But I hope you like dessert... ^0^
Here's a scrumptious strawberry dessert.



for those conscious on their weight.
a sugar free pudding delight.


more sweetness and love the arrangement.


the bread portion, they looked like donuts but they're bagels.


a bigger view of the dessert area.


Sorry, I'm bad at remembering the name of the dishes,
but I think it's greek.


and i'm sure there's something that will suite your palate.


the main area of the buffet,
from Mexican burritos, to Chinese Pekin duck, to Japanese tempura and sashimi, to Italian pasta and Greek and Indian and Korean. ^-^ told you there's plenty.



Not only does it have a warm ambiance but the food was great as well.
In my opinion, better than Hotel Sofitel's Spiral or Hyatt's Market Cafe.
But as always, they only look good for now,so we'll see what happens in the
months to come. I hope it stays delicious. ^0^
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" Cafe Ilang Ilang "

Cafe Ilang Ilang as the name suggests is a resto that offers buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
But nothing seems stunning when the lights go dim and the dining experience becomes interesting as its interior.
I've never been there before, so I don't have an inkling what it looks like then, but the newly decorated furnishings was a definite masterpiece.

The one bit that I found most intriguing is this dome shaped room,
for those who wanted less noise outside and more privacy.
It looks small in this foto but has quite a room for at least 20 people.




and on the left is an array of delectable selections.


the place seems like a maze at first, but in every corner you turn are different kinds of cuisine for you to choose.


another passageway into another area, guests dining in.


From the outside looking, another dining area.


and the entryway to Cafe Ilang Ilang.


more about its food tomorrow. ^0^
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" Manila Hotel "

Before the grand lobby, the guests are welcomed with these imposing arches.


and yet another arch going up.


the Roma Salon - which serves as a function room for events, etc.
and I can't stop admiring the dark wooden details of the ceiling,
it suddenly feels as if you're somewhere in Europe.


trivia:
some of the famous foreign dignitaries who stayed in this hotel, to name a few...
Ernest Hemingway, President John F. Kennedy, The Beatles, King of Pop Michael Jackson entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr.
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