Showing posts with label starbucks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label starbucks. Show all posts

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Intramuros rehabilitation should take inspiration from Macau's Senado Square



Macau's Senado Square. A tourism gem that our guys from Department of Tourism can learn from.
 
Starbuck's at Senado Square

In my opinion,the publicized plan for the rehabilitation,or should I say revitalization, of the Intramuros district into a viable hub for tourism and commercialization should take inspiration from Macau's Senado Square. From what I know, Senado Square is the colonial center of Macau when it was under Portugal. The square houses the old Senate building, the post office and various churches including the iconic ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral. I had the pleasure of visiting the square and was amazed to see a happy and successful integration of modern businesses and the historic district's colonial architecture.

I would love for our Intramuros Administration to consider this, and the other suggestion to make Manila's Walled City a no-car zone. Maybe not the entire complex but that block where the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin and Casa Manila still stand.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Philippines' historic walled city to rise again | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

Philippines' historic walled city to rise again ABS-CBN News Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

You know what would be nice? The "new" Intramuros should look like Senado square in Macau where they are able to incorporate colonial architecture with modern retail shops, cafes and hotels. The Starbucks near the Buluarte de San Diego is actually a great start (see photo above)   They just have to relocate the squatters and maybe make the entire complex a "no-car" zone. Whatever it is, I hope these efforts become succesful and lead to the resurrection of the "Walled city".