Intramuros Pasyal (A Review)
Despite the intense summer heat, large groups of families, friends, lovers and even pets came to Intramuros Pasyal last Sunday, April 19.
The car-free event was hosted by Viva Manila along General Luna Street. From 3 pm to 9 pm, the area between Plazuela de Sta. Isabel and San Agustin Church was opened solely to all pedestrians and bikers. Viva Manila, an organization dedicated to promoting Filipino national heritage, hopes to bring back the Filipino tradition of pasyalan (promenade) and encourage visitors to walk the historic walled city.
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Booths lined up at Intramuros Pasyal
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The mood was casual and festive as people roamed the street fair. Intramuros Pasyal featured several neighborhood businesses, artisan crafts, enticing food stalls, and local street performers. All of the booths were proudly local, with many of them selling artsy products and services created from indigenous materials or produced by independent Filipino artists. People flocked to browse books, postcards, shirts, and other collectibles on display. Some notable crafts were cute handmade felt dolls from Ant’s Pocket; Marz Today’s customized rubber stamps; Viva Manila and Katchacanvas’ foxy bags; Artsy Kit’s creatively-painted purses; Liq My Stick’s toothsome vegan popsicles, and Ukulele Philippines’ pop-up ukulele shop.
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Ant’s Pocket’s handmade felt dolls
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Marz Today’s customized rubber stamps
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Families – especially those with kids – were greatly fascinated by the street buskers. Some performed magic tricks, while others juggled balls, bowling pins, and diabolos. Visitors also enjoyed renting bamboo bicycles from Bambike and playing with other people’s adorable dogs. When well-known local artist and event organizer Carlos Celdran dropped by, his two dogs especially got a lot of love from every pet-loving passerby.
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Carlos Celdran
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Everyone had fun thumbing through wonderful local crafts while basking in the glorious architectural sights along General Luna. Intramuros Pasyal was a great, leisurely way to spend a Sunday, with all the positivity, creativity and history abound.
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Visitors at Intramuros Pasyal
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Photos and article by Jess Jacutan
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