Intramuros used to be the heart of the country – it performed as the central
business district, the “jewel of the empire”, therefore the most important city
of our nation. It served as a military base, the seat of government, trade,
institutions and religious activity. Basically, everything you need in a
country is already inside those adobe walls. Its splendor before suddenly
collapsed together with the devastation brought about by World War II. Hence,
all the said institutions inside Intramuros were ruined. Reconstruction of the
“jewel” was not easy so the institutions that used to be inside it were rebuilt
on other places, leaving Intramuros a place of rubble and informal settlers
started to infest the area. Thanks to Intramuros Administration, the walled
city has been rebuilt but the life it used to have before cannot be brought back
anymore since the institutions that used to be in Intramuros were moved to
other places of Metro Manila. Those institutions greatly affect the urban
growth since they have a control in the country so there was truly a collapse
in the activeness of Intramuros in the modern era.
In contrary to its splendor before, Intramuros is now kind of “out of
place” from its neighboring cities. Its prestige is not thoroughly comprehended
and appreciated of almost everyone. The Intramuros from before is way different
than it currently is. The lifestyle has completely changed. Only the walls are
retained, but the glory and the activeness of the past is no longer alive.
Being inside Intramuros is like being in a different dimension compared to the
busy and noisy Manila city; it’s like a place for recluse. It doesn’t take part
with the busyness of the urbanized environment. It doesn’t take part with the decisions
of the government. It’s like the thick walls of Intramuros shielded itself from
its external environment ever since the government institutions are gone in the
area. It has its own life: for tourism, preservation of heritage so it is now
considered a district; a defined portion of the state.
The reason why we cannot revive the activeness of Intramuros is because
its conservative lifestyle cannot parallel with the outgoing, highly
technological modern society which has completely neglected our cultural
heritage. The key players which makes a city progressive (basically what Intramuros
had before it collapsed) are now gone. Urban sprawls within the area also make
the situation even worse (i.e.) informal settlers, unfamiliar companies and
offices. If only there are no slum areas. If only the offices and companies were
strategically located rather than being scattered here and there due to lot
ownerships which are out of their control. If only the streets surrounding a
historical landmark would give a clue or “introduction” of that landmark – some
does, which gives the sense of space but because of the urban sprawls the
walled city seems disorganized and the heritage is ruined. If only the
residents living in it are living a life suited for Intramuros’ cultural
character rather than a squatter-like lifestyle. Sari-sari stores and barbeque
shops can be allowed, but the character or its architectural design should be
relevant to the city, which would even improve the tourism. If only all the
streets are properly managed, for some have stench and unwanted wastes. If only
the horses appear healthy and appealing, and if pedicab’s design has relevance
and is cheap. There are some beautiful parts in Intramuros but as one walks to
another street, or even simply walk further in just one street, the beauty is
not consistent. There should be consistency in order to bring back the prestige
of what’s once the jewel of the nation. It would’ve been a nice suggestion to
have all important government institutions back in the walled city to revive
its grandeur but it is now impossible and costly, although it’s a nice idea.
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