Style Weekend: Intramuros Administration launches its first-ever Summer Festival and Intramuros Passport

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What do Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, and Carly Rae Jepsen have in common? Aside from doing concerts in the Philippines, they are among the many international celebrities who have visited Intramuros. For the longest time, Intramuros has been the go-to destination for both local and international tourists seeking a glimpse into Manila’s past. With newly unveiled spaces and services like the Centro de Turismo, guided tours, and the tranvía ride, there’s still so much more to discover in the Walled City.

Explore the cobblestone streets of Intramuros (Photo by John Mishael Calimoso/Unsplash)

This April, the Intramuros Administration (IA) celebrates its 46th founding anniversary with two landmark initiatives, reinforcing its mission to promote cultural tourism. First is its inaugural Summer Festival, set to take place this Saturday, April 26, 2025. The festival is a full-day celebration of Filipino culture, creativity, and community spirit.

Atty. Joan Padilla, IA’s administrator

“This day-long affair is meticulously designed to deepen our connection with the nation’s storied past while simultaneously embracing the evolving tapestry of Filipino identity through contemporary cultural expressions,” says Atty. Joan Padilla, IA’s administrator. “This festival serves as a vital platform for the IA to showcase our programs, projects, and advocacies. We aim to highlight the critical importance of preserving and protecting Intramuros as a national cultural heritage site.”

The launch of Intramuros Summer Festival and Intramuros Passport

What to do at the Intramuros Summer Festival
The IA has partnered with schools, Intramuros-based businesses, and communities to breathe new life into the historic district. From storytelling sessions and food bazaars to free health screenings and musical performances, here’s your guide to the activities you shouldn’t miss:

1. Zumba session (7:30 to 8 a.m. | Plaza Moriones, Fort Santiago)
Start your day with an energizing Zumba session led by fitness coaches Jim and Toni Saret, in partnership with the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

2. Street parade ( 8 to 9 a.m. | Plaza Moriones to Plaza San Luis)
Intramuros-based schools will hit the streets and march to the beat of P-pop hits.

3. Medical mission (8 a.m. to 12 noon | Plaza Moriones, Fort Santiago)
UST will provide essential health services—from general check-ups to basic dental care—for the Intramuros community.

4. Storytelling sessions (2:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Centro de Turismo Intramuros)
Jeralyn Develos of Ang Pinoy Storytellers will lead two storytelling and arts-and-crafts sessions.

5. Pop-Up market (All day | Along Gen. Luna St. at Fort Santiago and along the Riverwalk)
Explore a lively pop-up market showcasing local artisanal crafts and delicacies.

6. Sinag Concert (6 to 10 p.m. | Plaza Moriones, Fort Santiago)
Capping off the festival, the Sinag Concert will feature top Filipino musical acts such as The Itchyworms, Earl Agustin, Over October, plus performances by students from Intramuros-based schools.

Intramuros Passport

Exploring Intramuros' beloved sites
The IA also officially launches the Intramuros Passport. Priced at ₱350, ₱280 for PWDs, senior citizens, students, and children under 1, the passport grants holders access to five major sites within the Walled City: Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, Casa Manila, Museo de Intramuros, and the Centro de Turismo Intramuros. It also includes a complimentary tranvía ride, entry to the Summer Festival and Sinag Concert, and special offers from IA’s partner establishments.

“This is an invitation to embark on a unique trail through the historic sites of Intramuros,” Atty. Joan says about the passport. “It also allows you to collect stamps from each of our managed sites—a special souvenir to remember your experience in Intramuros.”

To learn more or avail of the Intramuros Passport, visit @intramurosph on Instagram.

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