INTRAWALK: A Guide to Becoming a Certified Intra-Kid

BY LOUISE LIZAN & DANIELLE MACADANGDANG

It is without a doubt that Intramuros has been a home for most of the Philippines’ history. Its sturdy walls withstanding time itself is seen all throughout the place. However, no matter old and faded these marks are, the famous walled city still manages to be one of the country’s beautiful heritage. Colegio de San Juan de Letran stands high and mighty for four hundred years and has witnessed the change Intramuros have gone through as time passes by, also serving as a temporary home for Letranites. Letranites are used to eating and going around Intramuros, exploring historical places and discovering hidden gems along the way, finding affordable food shacks and leisure trips to pass the time. It is normal to have circled the Intramuros walls during their stay in the Colegio. Now as the newest addition to the Letran community, also given the cost of having a lot of vacant hours, the new breed of Letranites can enjoy these places that are just within their reach, and they’ll probably get fed up of, but it’s a start anyway. What’s a better way to start than on food, right?

DELICIOUS FOOD, AFFORDABLE PRICES

1. KANTUNAN

Kantunan’s (yes, it’s not a drill, Kantunan is an actual real name) line of carinderias offer inexpensive but delicious food fit for a student’s budget. Found between Mapua University and Lyceum of the Philippines University, students flock around the stalls for a muchdeserved breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. With its jolly servers, students from all over Intramuros are in for a treat with affordable rice meals to keep them at bay.

2. BATCAVE

Time constraint? There’s a much nearer place if Kantunan’s too much of a walk. Batcave is located just beside Letran, under the shade of trees is another line of carinderias that students can enjoy, offering budget-friendly meals partnered with a cool soft drink to ease up a hot day. Their famous lechon kawali is a best-seller, making bypassers stop and have a taste of their own.

3 & 4. J’S AND ALYSSA’S

J’s and Alyssa’s are two of the most popular places when it comes to sisig around Intramuros, and giving these places a try might result to multiple orders of rice and a full stomach, especially with J’s unli rice promo. The sisig, (and their dishes) are something to die for, probably the reason Letranites and other students from around Intramuros drop by all the time.

5. FAST FOOD CHAINS (JOLLIBEE, KFC, MCDONALD’S)

It’s still okay to go with the basics, though. There are several fast food chains all around Intramuros for some go-to and quick meals – Jollibee, KFC, McDonald’s, Chowking, Greenwich, ChickBoy, name it – everything’s probably inside the walled city. It just needs a couple of patience to walk around what it seems like a small area, but it’s far wider than it is expected.

6. WALLS

This is probably self-explanatory. Various food stalls are lined up and welcome students of all universities and colleges to take a seat beside the historical

foundation of Intramuros. Located just in front of Lyceum of the Philippines University, students of all levels sit down and eat to their heart’s content. This will get new Letranites on a new level of closeness with the core foundation of Manila’s history, literally.

Speaking of history, Intramuros is known for its scarily beautiful ruins.

HISTORY HAS NEVER FELT SO GOOD

7. FORT SANTIAGO, BALUARTE DE SAN DIEGO, ETC.

As history books come and go, it’s true that the walled city is famous for the ruins of the colonial and World War aftermath. Along with fascinating structures, it is also a place for parks such as Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego and many hidden parks scattered around Intramuros would give the enchanting vibe of experiencing history at its best. It could be hot, sure, but it’s an unforgettable experience to go around and explore with these places with future friends in tow – just make sure not

to bother anyone or anything.

8. NATIONAL MUSEUM

For more serious history trips, the National Museum is there to cater to every curious person’s needs. A must-visit trip requires every or soon-to-be Manila kids to a trip to the country’s museums, now that the newest addition of the National Museum of Natural History has opened for the public this year. There are lots of historical trips in and outside the famous walled city, but just within the students’ go-to list.

9. In addition to the museums, there are also various places that students can visit anytime! From Bahay Tsinoy, Casa Manila to some of the jewels of the Philippines; the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church.

However, not only do Intramuros stays in the past – but it has also changed throughout time with new infrastructures that cater to the students’ needs.

10. INTRAMALL

Don’t worry about having to walk in the heat as Intramuros’ ‘minimall’ will give the students a taste of their different amenities to cater to everyone’s boredom. From a sleeping zone to a milk-tea house, name it, IntraMall probably has it. A great stress-reliever for those who need it, just don’t spend four hours or more inside, they’ll probably have to close soon.

At least have the enthusiasm to try and endure the long walks and scorching heat for an all-around trip in the city of history – Intramuros. For the duration of the stay in the Colegio, maybe there will be new gems to be discovered by you – new Letranite.

Whatever it is, make sure to tick these places off the list once school starts! A hidden treasure hunt to remember the days by, and for a better choice in choosing where to eat or to chill after a stressful day in Letran, because it’s a must need.