Fort Santiago (Intramuros, Manila)

If I remember correctly, the first time I set foot on Fort Santiago inside the walled city or “Intramuros”, Manila was during my elementary days. I can still recall that it was a trip organized by the school as part of their method of introducing history.

But we were so young then. We even have nameplates tagged on our uniforms as we lined up while walking inside this fort. At that time, our minds were so young to care about the atrocities that occurred inside this fort or its significance in Philippine History. All I can recall is that we were amazed at the gigantic and very old walls of Fort Santiago.

As the country celebrated National Hero’s Day that fell on a Monday – resulting in a long weekend – gave us time to revisit Fort Santiago.

Entrance of Fort Santiago

There were so many horse-drawn carriages known as “Kalesas” lined up and waiting for patrons at the entrance of Fort Santiago. The carriages are well decorated to attract tourists. I think their rate is negotiable.  I saw some tourists on board these carriages enjoying the ride as they tour Fort Santiago. The “Cochero” or driver of these carriages also acts as a guide in narrating historical accounts of Fort Santiago.

A guard whose uniform resembles that of the “Guardia Civil” during Spanish times mans the gate of the entrance.  I think the entrance fee is reasonable. The amount may not even be enough for the maintenance of the fort and to pay for the salaries of the employees who work here. Without the support of the national government, the survival of Fort Santiago is definitely in peril.

Please keep Fort Santiago free from all forms of garbage! All visitors should have the discipline to throw their trash at the garbage bins. It is very appalling to see pieces of plastic wrappers on this historical place. If we cannot find a garbage can, it is better to put those plastics inside our pockets rather than throw it without due regard to the sanctity of this fort.

Avoid vandalism! As we moved around Fort Santiago, the various vandals on its walls are very noticeable. There are writings of visitors that are even engraved and etched on the walls.  It is really difficult to comprehend the callousness of some. Fort Santiago is a sacred place and a part of Philippine history. It is our obligation to protect and preserve it for posterity.  

We noticed a lot of visitors in Fort Santiago. Again, thanks to the very long weekend. But perhaps there are really those who are genuinely interested in history and the life of Rizal. We noticed a lot of foreigners during our visit. It is really heartwarming to know that foreigners are interested in the history of our country and the life of our national hero. If these foreigners are concerned about our history, we Filipinos should be more than interested. We should take pride of our culture and our past.

A marker reads: "Prison Cell of Jose Rizal -  In this cell, Jose Rizal was detained prisoner from 3 November to the morning of 29 December 1896 falsely charged with rebellion, sedition and formation of illegal societies. After the reading of the court sentence at 6:00 a.m. 29 December, he was kept in an improvised chapel until his execution at 7:03 a.m. 30 December 1896 on the Luneta, Bagumbayan Field, Manila."

Steps taken by Rizal to his Execution

It is in this fort that Jose Rizal spent his final night. I can imagine how difficult and stressful it was for Rizal and his family. Rizal knows that at the early morning of December 30, 1896, he would be executed by firing squad at Bagumbayan or Luneta and now Rizal Park. He however courageously and calmly faced death. A true mark of a hero! It is in this light that Rizal deserves to be the Philippines’ national hero.

View on top of Punta Baluarte

View of the Pasig River from Fort Santiago

Old cars used by former Philippine Presidents were used to be on display near the entrance of Fort Santiago.  Where are those cars now? I hope that they did not end up as scrap iron. The area where these cars were displayed has been renovated to give way for a canteen, souvenir items store, and a mini-theater. We never had the chance to see what is shown at this theater but it may be safe to presume that that film showing which last for a few minutes is about the life of Rizal.

There is a beautiful view of the Pasig River from Fort Santiago. It is easy to imagine how this river looked like during the time of Rizal. Maybe during his time, the Pasig River is clear and clean. There are no buildings and informal settlers near and beyond this river. 

I really hope that we can still save this river which is a major waterway and part of Philippine life. It is about time that we take care of this river for the benefit of future generations. Let us avoid and  totally refrain from throwing any form of garbage into the Pasig River.

A walk in Fort Santiago is like walking back in time. How I wish that this fort would be maintained as a reminder of our rich historical past.