A normal day, this place would have been an empty shell, but tonight it filled my heart with joy and pride. The night’s cool breeze, the sparkling bed of skies, and the wise erudite Walls flowed into a delightful surprise.
Waiting by the ruins of the San Ignacio in Intramuros, the beat of the drums began to bring to life what are usually dormant and quiet Walls. The Parade of CharactersCalle Real de Palacio, the Friars, Espanoles, Creoles, Chinese, Mestizos, and the Indios revisited the fortress they had known as their city. History came alive in them, personalities elemental in our story as a People. The parade of characters has begun. Leaving their trails from the Manila Cathedral and along
Upon reaching outside the ruins of San Ignacio, the parade reenacting a religious procession smoothly transitioned into a setting where St. Michael stood valiantly on a tall platform overlooking the busy scene of Sisa, the Chinese merchants, the Spaniards, the guardia-sibil, and the other Indios engaged in their day-to-day lives. What truly caught the audience in awe was the touching sight of the lighted Walls glowing in gallantness in contrast with the pitch-dark night. The venue was simply perfect; the concept, moving. And yet, a vibration of excitement yet again rushed into us upon the loud clanging of the bells. Its reverberating sound had awakened the ruins. The band filled the air with sacred hymns. The Friar in his proud robe and the following Sacristans stood in place. The drama had begun.
Under the Bells Life in the Colony is a play written by Palanca awardee Rody Vera, performed by Tanghalang Pilipino, and under the direction of esteemed theater director Chris Millado.
The yellowed lights transmitting a melodramatic mood as San Ignacio was silenced. The Friar in his powerful tone delivers “Pater Noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum...” Though delivered in Latin, the scenario in which the opulent words were spoken is all too familiar for a common Filipino. Reminiscent through the theater show is the prominent religious influence in the colonial period and continuing on to life as we know it. Colonization paved the way for Christianity. In retrospect, the ruins in which the show is staged is a mere skeleton of a once grand ecclesiastical palace – San Ignacio – though built much later by the Jesuits, nevertheless nestles the legacy of religion from the Spanish colonial period.
The first scene ended. The characters spread themselves and began walking into the standing crowd, conversing with them, selling to them silk, meat, and poultry, beckoning to them to enter the ruins. The children came rushing into the ruins, as the actors ushered the rest of the audience in. Finally, inside the once great ecclesiastical edifice, bombed throughout the war, we met the remnants of the walls of bricks standing to give witness to the life-changing events that took place centuries ago.
The sacristan stood at the center, welcoming the audience to his domain. Various angles in Philippine history were told, such as the entrepreneurial skills greatly influenced by the Chinese. Joy also reigned upon the arrival of the galleon in Manila from Acapulco despite sharp distinctions of social classes – the Friars sat comfortably at the top, with the Governor-Generals, the Peninsulares, and the Insulares following them. The native leaders and the mestizos and ilustrados clasped closely behind. At the pit of the ladder lay the Chinese, the Indio, and the outcasts.
The play ended showing the Filipinos’ display of courage in their fight for freedom. A great sense of national pride was felt. “That is the art of teaching history,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Sec. Ace Durano said. “It was a rather unique, delightful experience learning more about our nation’s identity through the wonders of theatre.”
Under the Bell in the Colony showed scenes of the Filipino during the Spanish colonial period. From its glorious past to today’s ruins, Intramuros continues to bring forth the stories of a nation progressing from historic holocausts. The total experience renewed at San Ignacio draws us closer to the home of every indio. Completing the ambience is the festive line of cuisine at Pook Alitaptap with Via Mare, Barbara’s, ZNH Chinese Bistro, and Shawarma, representing delicacies from neighboring countries that have influenced our nation’s food culture.
As our adventure continued deeper into the night, a touch of modernism turned Intramuros upbeat. Contemporary bands Industria, Firm Session, Pido, 7th Soul, and Toy Symphony took the pulse of the Walls and danced with the rhythm.
From an ambience of nostalgia and romance to a blissful late-night fiesta, the Intramuros certainly stands alive through time. These activities enrich the Intramuros experience as a celebration of life within the walls. Experience the opulence of Intramuros in A Walk Back In Time The Intramuros Theater-in-the-Round on November 18 to December 23 at the Plaza San Ignacio. The event by the DOT, headed by Sec. Durano, is a series of multi-performance events that highlights life in the Philippine Colonial Period within the Walled City. It is a holistic encounter taking us through the times. It revolves around the play presenting aspects of colonial culture, which runs twice nightly, at 8PM and 9PM. Contributing to the total nostalgic atmosphere are other vivid forms of expression. The Cuisine Festival opens at 6PM together with the choral performances. The Parade of Characters starts at 7:15PM right before the theater show. The contemporary band performances begin at 10PM. There is also a Bibingka and Puto Bumbong Gourmet Challenge and a Parol Festival displaying the world-class designs of Pampanga lanterns.
The total experience with the characters in the colonial period repainted the barren ruins of San Ignacio with vibrant colors as they glided along the centuries-old stone floor. The hymns of the choir turned nostalgia endearing. The ruined walls of San Ignacio once again granted its guests the enchantment of Intramuros. Cheers to our nation’s history, our culture, identity, pride, and progress! To more worthwhile experiences in Intramuros! Experience history come alive; better yet, revisit our nation’s roots and experience the grandeur of Walled City.
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