On December 30th, a few of my relatives and I decided to go on a field trip. We decided to head on over to Intramuros (visiting San Agustin Church), Rizal Park in Luneta and Fort Santiago. I’m not sure if it was pure coincidence or if my relatives planned it, but we head on over to these historical sites on Rizal Day itself.

We walked around the San Agustin museum in the morning. Cathedrals and churches, especially those that are centuries old, are absolutely breathtaking.

Apparently, Juan Luna was buried there. I tried to look for him, but couldn’t find his remains in the crypt.

The exterior and landscaping around the church was as beautiful as the interior.

And as I always do in old buildings, I make sure to look up. The ceilings felt so massive, and reminded me of Grand Central Station and the Public Library in New York.

Everything was photogenic.

We then headed over to Luneta. We caught some Rizaleños celebrating by his statue.

Then, to Fort Santiago.

So much history. So many stories untold.

We walked Jose Rizal’s steps in reverse, back to where he was held.

Later that afternoon, the Rizaleños from Luneta were in Fort Santiago as well.

We roamed around the Fort, and took lots of photos.

It was nice to be in a real fort, and not “The Fort” that I live in.

I should remind myself to visit more of these places.

There’s still a lot of places to be seen!