The Bastion Garden

Our country has many influences due to occupation. Spain is one of the major influences which has shaped our culture and traditions. Aside from that it has left many structures like houses, churches and forts standing which has survived the test of time. These are remnants which gives colors to our rich cultural history. Come with me today as I take you on a walk thru

Baluarte de San Diego Gardens

I never did I pay any attention to places rich with history. We often just stay at home or maybe go to the mall and watch a movie during weekends. Next thing you know it's Monday already and back to work doing the same thing over again. Something we though was life but there is more to that. There are so many places to visit maybe for just an hour or two of travel will get us further than what we thought.

We decided to roam around the walled city of Intramuros in Manila Philippines. A place I have never been to even though it's just a couple of hours travel. While walking around we felt like tourists in our own country and never did we imagine that we would enjoy it.

The place we went to is called Baluarte De San Diego Gardens.

The place is visited by a lot of tourists and the entrance fee is

75 pesos for adults or $1.44

50 pesos for students or $1.00

Upon entrance a beautiful fountain would greet you perfect for a photo shoot. There was a group doing a pre nuptial shoot during this time. The groom was dressed in old fashioned clothing to match the Spanish era theme outfit complete with a cane. You could just see a glance of the group on the right side of the fountain. It's possible they may have payed extra for them to do to the shoot there.

Moving forward you would see a rusted steam engine possibly used by the Americans during their occupation. The portable steam engine was used during the 19th century and the American occupation was between the late 18th century and early 19th century.
Our country was sold to America after the Spanish lost the war from US and the price of our country was around $20 million.

Also there was an antique cannon across the steam engine. I am just not sure if it is Spanish or British as this fort was also occupied by the British on the 17th century.

Going straight you would find the entrance going up the bastion. The stairs are very steep and you would need to take extra careful on your way up. I think they made it that way like ancient castles so the enemies would have a hard time coming up and easier to defend from the top.

Upon reaching the top you would see the circular structure of the bastion that would fascinate your imagination. Constructed in 1586 and considered the oldest fort in Manila. Destroyed numerous times by earthquake and invasion it has gone thru a lot of repairs and renovations. This bastion is connected to the wall that surrounds the city the original name was Nuestra Senora de Guia.

We saw this marker which tells us that this fort is a landing area for a spaceship. Would you believe that? Which teaches us to be always observant as this information is fictional and presented by a street art group. They present fake markers to highlight the fake news going around in the internet now a days. They have these fake markers all over the place. I'm not sure if it is a good idea to place contradicting information everywhere as some who does not read details might believe that is a landing area for aliens. Maybe fun for some to tickle the imagination but would confuse with the actual real historical details.

Just beyond the wall is a golf course and the sign says that you'd better watch out. But what are the chances you'll get hit with a golf ball? Still you need to be extra alert while going around this place. You might get a hole in one.

Some art exhibits are also featured here. One is located at the lower part of the bastion a piece by a local artist Mideo Cruz called Golgotha. Made from found industrial materials, resin ,wood and metal. It is kind of hard for me to comprehend this artwork which I see as hell being portrayed but has a deeper artistic meaning. Frightful and maybe disturbing or sensitive for some. Tell me what you think?

Let's move on and see the garden as I wanted to see something refreshing and relaxing after that walk. You could still see those guys there doing their photo shoot and I think it is a very cool to do their shoot here. I love the theme.

On the way to the garden a Japanese national greeted me and said "Super Photographer". In his eyes I looked like a pro must be my long hair lol and little did he know that I am just a hobbyist. I gave him a smile and went on our way.

This section holds a lot of bonsai trees on display. They were added to give the place a relaxing ambiance some were donated as there were names attached on some. I love bonsai trees and always wanted to try my hand in the art. In what I know some are very expensive and cost a lot of money. I knew about the bonsai when I was very little from the movie Karate Kid from Mr. Miyagi. I still remember the scene where Mr. Miyagi was teaching Daniel about strong roots of the tree that will help us survive which also applies in real life.

I took some photos of the trees and I am not sure what the names of the trees were. Very few had labels on them with the names but a lot doesn't have tags. I should have suggested for them to add tags. Anyway if you love trees and know some of their names please do leave a comment. I will let you enjoy them now and I hope you like them.

Thanks for joining me today in this tourist spot where I became a tourist in my own country. If ever you drop by Manila don't miss out to visit this place rich with history and beauty. See you again Steemians.

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All photos are original and taken with Lumix

GX85 and 12-32 mm