Gordon leads re-opening of Intramuros as RP's History Town

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon will lead on Friday the much-awaited re-opening of Intramuros as the "History Town of the Philippines" featuring a wide array of cultural entertainment, crafts, and products from all over the country.

"Intramuros is the nation's premiere cultural and historical showcase. This December, and especially with the passage of the Tourism Act, we will have the chance to retrieve valuable lessons from the past that will enrich us all," he said.

"We will not only gain an immeasurable sense of our people's greatness but will also provide hundreds, even thousands, of our countrymen from all over the land with jobs and livelihood through the tourist traffic that it will create," he added.

The grand re-opening of the Intramuros History Town Philippines is scheduled on Dec. 5, and will be open daily until Dec. 30.

Highlights in its Grand Opening include demonstrations of indigenous games, an electric parade, performances from various bands and chorale groups, and a major fireworks display.

Sights to see include native architecture such as the new frontage of the Clamshell which is modeled after a 19th Century Bachelor's House, a new Torogan, Kalinga octagonal hut, Mayoyao house, and the pook Alitaptap. Various Filipino products will be available at souvenir shops along Sta. Lucia Street and the PC Barracks will be a daily venue for rock bands and concerts.

As in the previous Wow Intramuros that Gordon spearheaded as Tourism Secretary in 2003, the Walled City is expected to draw in thousands of visitors daily.

"Intramuros today is but a historical relic for a major part of the year, but we are excited about the future Intramuros which has already broken ground with the restoration of the Almeicenes Curtain Wall," he said.

"The Intramuros of the future is one that will not only celebrate our glorious victories against imperial conquest, but it will also become the safekeeper of the treasures of our heritage as well as a vital source for jobs and livelihood in tourism," he added.

Gordon said that plans are currently underway to build within Intramuros a network of museums featuring the Philippine's cultural, maritime, natural, and artistic heritage.

The Independent Senator also noted that with the enactment of the Tourism Act of 2008, funds will be made available for the restoration of various heritage sites all over the country, such as the Baclayon Church and 18th century houses in Bohol, the Ifugao Rice Terraces, Corregidor, and others.