This summer, Manila’s most iconic heritage site is about to become the capital of cool. The first-ever Intramuros Summer Festival, happening on April 26, 2025, marks the beginning of a vibrant new tradition that transforms the centuries-old Walled City into a dynamic cultural playground. Drawing inspiration from the passport-based tourism models of Dubai’s Global Village and Taiwan’s Cultural Stamp Trails, the festival blends nostalgia, novelty, and national pride into one unforgettable event.
A New Kind of Summer in the Old City
Summer in the Philippines often brings to mind beaches, halo-halo, and air-conditioned mall escapes—but the Intramuros Administration (IA) is shifting that narrative. As part of its 46th anniversary celebration, IA is presenting a full-day festival designed to reintroduce Filipinos—especially the younger generation—to the magic of our shared history and creative spirit.
From Zumba at sunrise to a Sinag Concert at sundown, the cobbled streets of Intramuros will pulse with music, stories, and community energy. The event transforms the district into a living museum—one where you don’t just observe culture, you participate in it.
Intramuros Passport: A New Way to Explore
A major highlight of the festival is the debut of the Intramuros Passport, a pocket-sized keepsake priced at ₱350. The passport grants access to five key heritage sites: Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, Baluarte de San Diego, Museo de Intramuros, and the Centro de Turismo.
More than just an entry pass, the passport invites visitors to collect stamps at each stop—a fun and interactive way to experience the city while learning about its layered past. Those who complete the stamp journey can look forward to surprise rewards, making the experience even more memorable for families and curious explorers alike.
A Daylong Cultural Showcase
The festival begins at 7:30 a.m. with a high-energy community fitness session led by Jim and Toni Saret, followed by a street parade featuring students from Intramuros-based schools in traditional and creative Filipino attire.
By mid-morning, the University of Santo Tomas Health Services will conduct a free medical and dental mission, grounding the event in community care and outreach.
In the afternoon, families can enjoy storytelling sessions by Jeralyn “Ate Posh” Develos of Ang Pinoy Storytellers at the Centro de Turismo, while Casa Manila becomes a window into the past, with Historia Viviente Manila reenacting scenes from the Spanish colonial era.
Meanwhile, the streets of General Luna, Fort Santiago, and the Riverwalk will transform into a bustling marketplace filled with handmade crafts, regional delicacies, and artisanal goods—bringing the textures and flavors of Filipino culture to life.
Music and Memory-Making at Sunset
As the sun sets, the spotlight shifts to Plaza Moriones for the Sinag Concert, a four-hour celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Headlined by The Itchyworms, with performances by Over October, Earl Agustin, and student front acts, the concert promises a festive close to a day steeped in culture and connection. Hosts Sephy Francisco and Boobay will keep spirits high with music, laughter, and live storytelling.
More to Come
The April 26 celebration is just the beginning. The Intramuros Administration has curated a full year of cultural programming, including:
- The Grand Santacruzan in May, led by Miss Universe Asia Pacific Chelsea Manalo
- The Likha Fair in June, in partnership with the Office of the First Lady
- Fiesta de Intramuros in September
- And ongoing events like Dalaw at Sayaw, Centro Entablado, and Pasyal Aral tours
Each event reaffirms that Intramuros is not merely a site of preservation, but a vibrant cultural engine at the heart of the capital.
A Timely Invitation to Rediscover
The Intramuros Summer Festival 2025 offers a timely invitation to rediscover the Walled City—not as a relic of the past, but as a thriving space for creativity, learning, and shared experience. With the Intramuros Passport in hand, visitors are encouraged to explore with purpose, collect moments, and celebrate the stories that continue to shape Filipino identity—one stamp at a time.
For event details and updates, visit www.intramuros.gov.ph or follow the Intramuros Administration on Facebook and Instagram.
