I know that I am not the only one who is raving about the cool Manila weather. Imagine, the temperature range in Manila doesn’t even reach 30°C these days. What Manileños (those living in Manila) usually describe as Tagaytay or Baguio weather is upon us. It’s really a wonderful thing.

Because of the cool weather that we, Manileños, have been experiencing, I think that now is a perfect time to stroll around the walled city of Intramuros. And the idea of aimlessly strolling around Intramuros on a cool afternoon was something I simply couldn’t pass on. So, on Sunday, I did just that and my mom even tagged along with me.

I am no stranger to Intramuros. I think I’m there once or twice a month (or maybe even more). I go around the tourist attractions within the area and try to see or check what I might have missed during my previous visits.

Right after strolling around Intramuros and checking out its tourist attractions, I thought that it was time to just sit in a corner, grab a cup of warm coffee, “people watch” and just enjoy the cool breeze. That day, I discovered a perfect place to enjoy Manila’s cool breeze—at Intramuros’ Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao.

Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao is just across The Bayleaf Hotel and Lyceum of the Philippines University. You won’t miss it when you follow my Intramuros commuting guide. McDonald’s and The Bayleaf Hotel’s coffee place are just a stone’s throw from the area. So if you want some warm coffee or hot chocolate before finding your spot at the baluarte, then you could buy some from the establishments nearby.

And just like what was shown on the last scene of the Department of Tourism’s “Sleepless Nights” TV advertisement, I sat atop Baluarte de Dilao to enjoy the cool January breeze while sipping hot coffee.

I like the view from this fortification. By sitting (or even lying down) on top of the massive wall, you can see the Manila City Hall’s clock tower and the Intramuros golf course. If you look through the coconut trees, you can actually see vehicles passing through Padre Burgos Avenue. And behind you would be The Bayleaf Hotel.

“Drinking coffee while enjoying the cool breeze here in Intramuros,” I posted on Instagram. I waited for the sunset before heading home.

This is something that I will definitely do again! I think it’s also nice to have a picnic there.

Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao Map

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