City Tour part 2

Sorry for the delay – did I mention it’s crazy at work? And I feel like I work and sleep and that’s’ it!! Anyhow the next part of the tour took us to downtown – near the water front as well as Fort Santiago. The Fort is one that was used during WWII and where DR. Jose Rizal was imprisoned and where he began his march of death. Dr Rizal is said to be responsible for the Phillipines freedom – he wrote a poem Mi Ultimo Adios during his(final) imprisonment in Fort Santiago– 14 stanzas long – that phillipinos had to memorize (this was from a 30-40 yr old lady – not sure if they still have to) Anyhow Dr. Rizal was basically killed due to some of his written word and they have many beliefs around this guy. So lots of memorials to him. Fort Santiago was taken over at some time during the war by the Japanese and there are a number of places that they kept prisoners – and when they opened the “flood gates – they drowned their prisoners. Hope you enjoy these shots!!

DR Jose Rizal 's statue - he was 4'11"

This picture is not at Fort Santiago - it is where Dr Rizal was executed. His body is said to be inside this monument which is guarded 24/7 (you see the guards in the background) Thanks Travis for the picture)