First time HISTORICAL photoshoot for beginners in Fort Santiago, Intramuros

Mitch taking pro

I cannot remember when was the last time I visited such historical landmark like the Fort Santiago. Fort simply means in Filipino as Moog or Moog ni Santiago and in Spanish, Fuerte de Santiago. It is a defense fortress built for Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi.

The main entrance of Fort Santiago towering 40 feet (12 m) high

Originally, the site of the old Fort of Rajah Sulayman Fort Santiago was rebuilt in stone during the governorship of Santiago de Vera (1584 - 1580) and Gomez Perez Dasmarinas (1590 - 1593). The baluarte de San Miguel, Baluarte de San Lorenzo and Falsabraga de Sta. Barbara strengthened its defenses.

Fort Santiago is located at the Intramuros Wall in Manila.  This fort is very famous because this is where the Philippines' National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution in 1896. He spent his last days here and wrote the "My last farewell". It was indeed a refreshing moment for me revisiting a slice of our Philippine history with my friends Mitch and Joann.

Pinkish Water Lily at the Fort's stone walled moat

Let me share with you the story behind this photoshoot.  So, eto na nga, Mitch and I were not only carrying the same (first) name but also we both decided to finally buy SLR (separately) with the same specs. (oe anu connections?) I already  tried to have a few shots for myself, (syempre ako din model. I'll post it soon, quite scandalous, hehe).  Then after, Mitch and I agreed to try more creative shots thru a photoshoot in Manila particularly nga in Intramuros.

A few circular benches around the Fort

We were only three who went out (Michelle Anne, Joann and yours truly).  Our first stop, Fort Santiago.  From the Manila Central LRT Station, we rent a cab and gora na sa shooting location (ay, artista?!) hehe.

Lapit lang pala, a few minutes at andun na kami sa entrance ng Fort.  Bago pa kami magsaya sa kaka picture, we shell out P75.00 entrance fee thats for adults. P50.00 naman for kids/ students.  Ay, hindi pala ako nagbayad, si Joann. (Style!) Thanks Jo!. Bawi nalang ako, picturan kita to the max!

Expressive Eyes

Oh, yan ha, we're quits na Jo....:p

But seriously, you need to ask for authorization first to the Fort's management before taking any pictorial at the said place, like the commonly, pre nup. That was the advised by the Spanish looked like security guard when I first visited the place.
Pero kung tamang picturan lang at no costumes required eh pede ka na umariba sa loob at magpose ng walang hanggan na parang ginawa ni Mitch at ni Joann. :)

Cge, kayo na talaga!

Rizal's Shrine

The statue at the end of the lawn, which is called the Plaza Armas, is of Dr Jose Rizal. It is a shrine of remembrance and stands on the site where he was imprisoned.

On the right of the photo is the Dulang Rajah Soliman, which is now used as a theatre. The left hand side of this building is the now chapel, then cell of Dr Jose Rizal, where he spent his last night on earth. 

Fort Santiago Park and the Philippine Flag

Perfect pose at the wall;  just before you pass the arch gate of Fort Santiago

The gate of Fort Santiago was built together with the military barracks in 1714. It was destroyed by the battle of Manila in 1945.

If I'm not mistaken, the Fort has 3 to 4 gates

We had so much fun, having a trial test for our SLR kahit feeling malalaki ang lente namin. hehe..Marami kang padeng gawin dito. Aside from picture -picture at picnic at the park itself, meron din silang gallery, playground for kids, canteen and stall for souvenirs. Sa harapan pa lang ng Fort, marami ding mga nakaparadang mga magagarang kalesa or calesa (sometimes called a karitela) is a horse drawn calash (carriage) used in the Philippines. You have an option to ride with it and wander around the Fort with an extra cost in a few minutes. 

You'll see alot of students wandering at PLAZA ARMAS

The three of us noticed that the atmosphere was too humid.  Makulimlim pero mainit.  Eh, wala naman masyadong araw nung time na to'. pero tuloy pa rin kami sa pictorial. 

Joan, pagod knb kaka smile? 

Today the fort serves as a museum which houses well-preserved legacies of the Spanish government, the Rizal Shrine, and the prison dungeons for criminals used by the Spanish officials. Kung i- imagine mo, medyo nakakatakot dito kase dito talaga kinulong at dito na rin namatay ang mga pinatapon na mga kriminal nung panahong iyon. Yikes...Buti na nga lang ngayon, ito ay na preserve at ginawang tourist spot.  Marami ngang koreans ang nandito.  안녕하세요...

Took outside the room of Rizal

Inside Fort Santiago is the Rizal Shrine that houses the memorabilia of our National Hero. We also witnessed the play going on showing Josephine Bracken and Jose Rizal on the eve of Rizal's Execution.  It was a long day full of experience, fun and learning. Natututo na kami sa History way back at nahahasa kami sa pag pose at pag picture. Hehehehe...

I'll swear, I will show it you that part of our itinerary on my next post..