philippine postal heritage walking tour

My husband and I have long wanted to do a walking tour of the Old Manila. We have attempted several times but have failed due to laziness, lack of knowledge how to go about the tour and the unpredictable weather. About a month ago though, I chanced upon the blog of Lakwatsero.com and realized a group of stamp collectors conduct a free heritage walking tour of the Intramuros area. In an instant, I found myself registering for the tour.

An image of the Aduana (customs house) which was later on called the Intendencia or the Philippine Mint --- the predecessor of the Central bank of the Philippines

Tours are conducted every 3rd Sunday of the month. Assembly time and area, 12:30-1:00pm at the Liwasang Bonifacio Fountain area, just infront of the Manila Post Office. Bring your camera,water, umbrella and wear light clothes for the walking tour.

The day my husband and I joined the tour, these were the areas we visited: Aduana (Customs House), Puerta Isabel II Monument & Gate, Metropolitan Theater, Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila Cathedral, Postal Museum & Library, Plaza De Sto. Tomas, Plaza De Roma, Bahay Tsinoy, Plazuela De Santa Isabel.

The interior of the once famous Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET)

A group of artists is trying to raise funds for the restoration of MET. Former PGMA, we were told, gave monetary help during her term. But MET has a long way to go before it can be fully restored. Despite the empty rooms, dark hallways, decaying walls and moldy smell, we all know that the structure is world class. I hope the government finds a way to restore its glory.

To experience the Philippine Postal Heritage Walking Tour, contact Lawrence. D. Chan at l_rence_2003@yahoo.com or lawrencechan15@yahoo.com, Filipinas Stamp Collector’s Club – V.P. P.O.Box 2986,Manila Central Post Office.

View complete photo session HERE.