What you need to know about the Intramuros passport that gives you access to 5 heritage sites
Intramuros—dubbed the Walled City that's home to several national shrines, essential government offices, grand churches, and beyond—is a must-visit place for all.
It's an embodiment of Filipino history, culture, and tourism. Gastronomy is also in the mix with its unassuming yet delectable offerings from several kiosks and restaurants. Hollywood stars like Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, and Carly Rae Jepsen even made sure to drop by this place during their visit to the Philippines.
If you have yet to fully explore Intramuros or simply want to revisit it, you might want to own an Intramuros passport that will give you a one-time pass to five heritage sites: Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, Casa Manila, Museo de Intramuros, and Centro de Turismo Intramuros.
The passport, aside from promoting the exploration of heritage sites and supporting heritage preservation, makes things easier and smoother for visitors.
You will receive stamps upon visiting the aforementioned sites. After completing five stamps, you'll get one free guided tour of Intramuros aboard the Tranvia, the defunct tramcar from 19th-century Manila that's now specifically used for the tour.
To book slots for the guided tour, you must send a message to the Intramuros Administration, the Department of Tourism agency tasked with managing the Walled City, via Facebook or Instagram.
During the media launch attended by PhilSTAR L!fe, IA Business Management Division Head Dang Mendoza noted that the passport has no expiry, since its shelf life depends on its stamps.
"Once it's all stamped, that's the time you'd buy another passport," Mendoza said.
Additional visits to the same sites will require separate tickets and fees.
In the meantime, only the five heritage sites will be honored in the passport, but she said they're looking to add other stops in the near future, like restaurants and other partner establishments.
The passport is non-transferable, and only the individual whose name is written in it may use it.
It's now available for pre-order here. It costs P350 (regular) or P280 for PWDs, seniors, and children below 13.
Intramuros Summer Festival
The Intramuros passport will officially be launched on Saturday, April 26, which the IA has set as the Intramuros Summer Festival, a day-long celebration marking the organization's 46th anniversary.
The first-ever summer festival seeks to breathe new life into the historic district with several activities involving art, health, food, business, and music.
Only those who hold the Intramuros passport, which can also be bought on-site on the same day, may attend the summer festival.
Starting at 7:30 a.m., Pambansang Fitness Coaches ng Pilipinas Jim Saret and Toni Saret will lead a Zumba session. It will be followed by a colorful parade featuring Intramuros-based school students in their traditional and creative costumes, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. They're set to march to the beat of the songs of BINI, SB19, and other P-pop acts.
Participating schools include Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Manila High School, Mapua University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Lyceum of the Philippines University.
From 8 a.m. to noon, meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas Health Service will offer free screenings and dental services to the local community.
More historical and cultural activities are happening in the afternoon.
At Centro de Turismo Intramuros, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Jeralyn “Ate Posh” Develos of Ang Pinoy Storytellers will animate Filipino folklore and values among children.
At Casa Manila, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., the place becomes a Living Museum where reenactors from IA, along with Historia Viviente Manila, will stage scenes from the Spanish colonial era, with period costumes and all that jazz.
After the intellectually stimulating sessions, attendees are set to get their dose of entertainment at the Sinag concert, which will feature performances from Itchyworms, Over October, and Earl Agustin, as well as student talents from the Intramuros-based schools.
The concert, held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Plaza Moriones, will be hosted by I Can See Your Voice contestant Sephy Francisco and comedian Boobay.
All day long, meanwhile, a pop-up market will stretch along General Luna Street, Fort Santiago, and the Riverwalk. It will showcase regional delicacies and handmade crafts from local vendors.
During the media event, IA Administrator Joan Padilla assured attendees bringing their cars that there are enough parking facilities within the district.
Mendoza, meanwhile, said passport holders who'd complete their stamps will get more "surprise" rewards.
IA Tourism Promotions Division Head Rhea Kristine Cy said partner establishments around Intramuros will offer special discounts and freebies to passport holders.
According to Cy, they also signed an agreement with the Cultural Center of the Philippines to come up with more events in the Walled City, including the revival of the "Intramuros Evenings," a program featuring the best Filipino artists and groups. The IA also signed an agreement with the Philippine Ballet Theatre Inc. for performances.
"We will announce on our social media pages as soon as the details have been finalized," she said. "We want to put Intramuros as a vibrant tourism and cultural destination."
