Manila has not been my home for the past seven years, but I will always have a soft spot for it. Whenever I am in the Philippines, I always squeeze in a few trips to the city to see my friends and go shopping. The visits have become quicker and less frequent, I admit, because I enjoy doing absolutely nothing but eat, watch TV, and read in my parents’ home in Batangas. A few days after I arrived in the Philippines last December, I went to Manila to attend the last day of a workshop that my boss has organized for one our Asian projects. The last day was mostly for concluding the meeting and to take the participants to Intramuros, the walled city and historic center of Manila. It is one of my favorite places in Manila.

I love the classic coolness of this coachman.

Spot the napping coachman!

Comparing the Philippines’ National Hero’s footsteps to mine
 

Jose Rizal’s well-preserved wool coat
 

This would still be very stylish today
 

Words that sparked a revolution