After the Manila Cathedral and small parade, we walked to the Battle of Manila memorial in Intramuros. The monument and area commemorates the more than 100,000 innocent Filipino civilians who died during the brutal Battle of Manila in February and March 1945, a key event in the World War II liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation. (Sept. 12, 2025)

A close-up of the Battle of Manila monument in Intramuros symbolizes the suffering and is a powerful reminder of the civilian sacrifices and the gruesome atrocities of war. (Sept. 12, 2025)

The stone San Agustin Church in Manila’s Intramuros was physically built by the Spanish Augustinian friars and initially completed in 1607. It is considered to be the oldest stone church in the country. (Sept. 12, 2025)

The stone San Agustin Church in Manila’s Intramuros was physically built by the Spanish Augustinian friars and initially completed in 1607. It is considered to be the oldest stone church in the country. (Sept. 12, 2025)

The Casa Manila or “Manila House” in Intramuros across from San Augustin Church. It is a living museum that features the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family during the late Spanish colonial period. (Sept. 12, 2025)

The stone San Agustin Church in Intramuros was constructed between 1586 and 1607 by Spanish architect Juan Macias, under the supervision of the Augustinian friars. The Philippines reinterpretation of European Baroque was built by both Chinese and Philippine craftsmen with architectural elements like the guardian lions outside the church, which are Chinese in design. (Sept. 12, 2025)

Walking towards another entrance into the Casa Manila or “Manila House” in Intramuros across from San Augustin Church. It is a living museum that features the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family during the late Spanish colonial period. (Sept. 12, 2025)

The patio entrance to the Casa Manila or “Manila House” in Intramuros is a living museum that features the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family during the late Spanish colonial period. (Sept. 12, 2025)

The interior decor of the Casa Manila or “Manila House” in Intramuros follows the taste of the early 1800s where furniture and furnishings were sourced from Europe and China. The wooden louvers are called persianas which allow air to circulate inside rooms while blocking the glare of direct sunlight. (Sept. 12, 2025)

The second flight staircase inside the Casa Manila or “Manila House” in Intramuros. This was actually my first ‘red carpet’ experience since all guests had to walk only on the red carpets. (Sept. 12, 2025)

The comedor or dining room inside the Casa Manila or “Manila House” in Intramuros
features a long dining table that can comfortably seat 18 people. The top of the table is made from a single plank of narra wood. (Sept. 12, 2025)