Intramuros comes to mind whenever we have foreign visitors to take around Manila. Over the years, I’ve lost count of foreign guests and “balikbayans” I’ve toured around the former walled city and nearby historical and cultural spots. But today is different. We have a free day and we’ve decided we’d check out the now pedestrian zone around Plaza San Luis Complex where you’d find San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, Casa Blanca, Barbara’s, Cafe Intramuros, Batala Bar, and not too far away, the Centro de Turismo and Museo de Intramuros. I’m only too happy to stroll along the cobblestoned General Luna Street devoid of motor vehicles and the ubiquitous pedicabs and tricycles. Now you’d find visitors on bamboo bikes, segways or horse-drawn calesas competing for space with the pedestrians. It even felt strange to find the San Agustin Church without cars crowding its beautiful frontage. Such scenes completely changed, nay transformed Intramuros. About time!

The coffee scene in Intramuros now counts Batala Bar and Cafe Intramuros alongside Barbara’s. We started our day with brunch in Batala Bar. From its windows, we have views either of the San Agustin Church or the Plaza and Casa Manila. There were not too many visitors but I need to mention that despite the summer heat, it was such a pleasant experience to go around the area. The service crew and the security staff are very friendly, accommodating and generous with their knowledge about the place. When people go out of their way to please, it is always a sign of good training and work ethics. 👍

Casa Manila gives a glimpse into the lifestyle of the “illustrados” — Filipino families who enjoyed affluence during the Spanish times. The Casa or house is actually a mansion bearing the colonial style of architecture and taste — in stark contrast to the more modest “Bahay Kubo”. The antique furniture, wide windows, huge kitchen with antique cauldrons is a trip down memory lane. Like as far back as the 1850’s. Easily, one can spend an hour here. Around the Casa, one is never short on dining options. The cafes and restaurants are to be found just as soon as one exits Casa Manila via the staircase from the kitchen spilling into the plaza with the fountain at the center. There are also souvenir shops though I think they can improve in this department.

The Centro de Turismo is under renovation so we spent an hour or so instead in the Intramuros Museum. Housed in what was then the San Ignacio Church and Convent, it is a treasure trove of historical and religious artifacts. For sure, the Intramuros Admin did a terrific job on this project. A half day itinerary for tourists may include visits to San Agustin Church and its Convent cum Museum, Casa Manila, followed by lunch in any of the cafes and restaurants within the Plaza San Luis. And there’s also Ristorante Delle Mitre across the street where there’s a good assortment of desserts and baked goods.

Now if you still have energy and time left, you can always proceed to Manila Cathedral and Fort Santiago. We did, but not so much to tour around but to check out Papa Kape inside Fort Santiago. We heard so much about their Black Gulaman Americano Coffee and the Tahoat Coffee — a concoction that blends “taho” and oat milk cafe. Both iced, we enjoyed our bev as well as the resident cats within the cafe. Not a bad day to spend like “local tourists” in our own city!