A horse-drawn carriage, or Kalesa in Filipino, is not just a mode of transportation but a significant symbol of our cultural heritage. It represents a bygone era when these carriages were a common sight on the streets of Manila.
Imagine stepping into the past as you embark on a nostalgic tour inside the walled city of Intramuros, guided by the iconic Kalesa. This horse-drawn carriage is not just a mode of transportation but a living testament to our rich cultural heritage, a heritage we should all be proud of.
That was 333 years of Spanish colonization, which ended in 1898. But then, we could only speak fluent Spanish in the Spanish-creole language in the provinces of Zamboanga in the southern Philippines and South Luzon in the Province of Cavite.
 |
| The Main Entrance |
Anyway, we do speak Spanish, but it's broken Spanish. We have tens of thousands of Spanish words in our Filipino language. It's just that Americans took over the Philippine Islands and had to change the identity again that the Spanish had built for more than three centuries.
And so, to glimpse our Spanish colonial past, I should have experienced a Kalesa ride. The rhythmic clip-clop of the horse's hooves, the gentle swaying of the carriage, and the sights and sounds of Intramuros passing by are a tour as old as time in Intramuros, Manila, and an experience not to be missed.
 |
| Colegio de San Juan de Letran |
Are we a Latino? Asian or a Pacific Islander?
That's hard to explain since we're a mixed race in the Far East. That could be all of the above, or we might be confused with our racial identity.
Riding a Kalesa inside the walled city of Intramuros is not just a fun experience but also a thought-provoking journey. As Filipinos, it's crucial to delve into our past to shape our present national identity.
Passing along the streets of Intramuros are the restored walls and Spanish architectural buildings that can transport you back to the good old days. Schools, Churches, Spanish government buildings, and old Spanish Houses have all been restored and brought back to life.
Foreign tourists in Intramuros may now know about our Spanish colonial past, why we say "pero, para, mas, menos," and why some Filipinos may look like Spanish mestizos and not brown Malay skin as we are known.
 |
| Palacio del Gobernador |
 |
| Passing through the Old Wall on a narrow street |
That concludes my cultural journey through downtown Manila. A Kalesa tour is a must-try for all, especially Filipinos, as it allows us to explore and reconnect with our history and identity without altering it.
© 2020 Del Cusay
