Jose Rizal @ Fort Santiago - Manila

Everywhere you go in Philippines, you will see landmarks, roads and buildings being named after their National Hero - Jose Rizal (1861 - 1896)

Jose Rizal was a man of incredible intellectual power, with amazing artistic talent as well. He excelled at anything that he put his mind to - medicine, poetry, sketching, architecture, sociology... the list seems nearly endless. 

1. We are glad that our tour guide driver brought us to visit Fort Santiago 

which is located in the historical area of Intramuros in Metro Manila.

2. There is a nice landscaped park outside the Fort with horse carriages. 

When you see horses anywhere in Manila, that is definitely a touristy area.

3. In the nice green landscaped gardens, my wife sat down in deep thoughts 

with the heroes of Philippines. 

4. Some cute Pinoy gals were playing with birds. 

I was also looking at different birds. 

Do you know that 99.9% of the ladies in Philippines have straight permed hair!

It must be a trend there to have neat and straight hair.

 5. The pools of emerald green water at the gates leading to Fort Santiago.

6. The ruins of the fort as it is today.

7. I have the habit to snap their sign boards to remember the facts

for my blog writing.

8.  Fort Santiago is a citadel first built by Spanish conquistador, 

Miguel López de Legazpi for the new established city of Manila. 

The defense fortress is part of the structures of the walled city of Manila.

 

9. The prominent statue of Jose Rizal.

 He was imprisoned and kept inside the prison cell at Fort Santiago

from October till December 1896.

10. The entrance leading to Jose Rizal's memorial museum.

11. As you know, I snapped a 100 photos since the digital camera requires

no films but I am just posting what deems as interesting

enough to be shared with my dear readers.

12. The First Day Covers that commemorated Jose Rizal heroic deeds.

13. Old bank note currency of Philippines which included the

Japanese's Banana Money. I have a few of them too.

They might be more valuable than our ailing  ringgit. 

14. On the roof top of the Fort Santiago, there is a panoramic

view of Metro Manila.

15. The whole roof top was an escape exit and storage area for the soldiers.

16. On my way out, I spotted some ancient cannons and bombs.

17. This old canon is huge.

18. An old historical complex outside the Fort Santiago.

19. If I don't jump, I could stand on my toes!

I think I can dance ballet.

20. The official office of the Governor of Manila.

21. The beautiful Manila Cathedral. I did not snap photos inside

as there was a mass prayers inside with many people.

22. The famous old Augustinas Church is just nearby too.

It was built in the year AD1571 and that makes it 444 years old.

23. The old giant door with beautiful carvings still looks strong
and good after surviving many harsh wars and typhoons!

24. This must be the Holy Saint.

25. This must be the Holy Mother Mary. 

26. We ended our tour at the Jose Rizal Monument.

Jose Rizal had to march from his prison cell at Fort Santiago 

to this spot several kilometers away where he was sadly

executed by the Spanish Firing Squads.

That was the early morning of 

December 30, 1896.

*********