Intramuros

The Spanish colonial quarter of Manila in the Philippines, and the touristic heart of the city. Its defensive walls, built by the Spanish in the 1500s, run the whole way around — which is where the name comes from. Harry is told that Intramuros was once the entirety of Manila, a city that now holds around 25 million people, and that the Spanish built seven churches in this small area as part of spreading Catholicism. Walking in, he describes it as being transported back to the time of Spanish rule: cobbled streets, colonial balconies, and old churches, one of which he’s told dates to 1571.

Just outside sits Rizal Park, named for Jose Rizal, the nationalist who fought for independence from Spain.

What Harry did

Walked in from the Manila Post Office — gutted by fire a week or two before filming — and staged a gag attempt to enrol at the University of the Philippines. He then met John, a local guide offering an hour’s pedicab tour for 100 pesos, took the tour, and ended up driving the pedicab himself and touting for passengers at 100 pesos a lift.

Practical facts

• A pedicab tour of the quarter runs about 100 pesos for an hour.
• The pedicabs have improvised brakes — the one Harry drove braked with a foot lever.
• This is the tourist district, and the contrast with the settlements elsewhere in the city is stark.
• Churches are the main sights; one Harry visited is dated 1571.

Harry’s tips

• Take the pedicab tour. It’s cheap, and the guides will tell you the history as you go.
• Do it as part of crossing the city rather than as a standalone stop — the jump from the dense districts into colonial cobbles is the point.

Source

• Looking For Love in the Philippines! 🇵🇭 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToCePYZJ_q8