Summer 2025 will see the Walled City opening its gates not just to history lovers, but to families, music fans, wellness enthusiasts, and curious wanderers looking for summery things to do.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Intramuros Administration (IA) will celebrate its 46th founding anniversary month with the launch of the very first “Intramuros Summer Festival,” a full-day celebration of Filipino culture, creativity, and community spirit.
AN INTRAMUROS SUMMER. Representatives of key culture and tourism organizations gather to launch the Intramuros Summer Festival, a day-long festival of art, heritage, music and community activities set on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Present at ceremonial signing of formal partnership agreements held at at Centro de Turismo, Intramuros are (from left): Dang V. Mendoza, head of the Business Management Division Intramuros Administration (IA), Rhea Kristine J. Cy, head, IA Tourism Promotions Division IA, Atty. Joan M. Padilla, IA Administrator, Kaye C. Tinga, President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Jose Victor Gaite, VP for Administration, CCP, and Dennis M. Marasigan, VP and Artistic Director, CCP.
IA sees the festival not just as a one-off event, but the start of an annual tradition that breathes new life into the historic district. With summer in full swing, the festival is expected to draw large crowds and boost local businesses, offering both cultural enrichment and economic benefits.
From sunrise to evening, the cobbled streets and centuries-old walls of Intramuros will become the backdrop to a vibrant, living showcase of everything Filipino. The main events will unfold at Plaza Moriones in Fort Santiago, with festivities rippling throughout the historic district, activating various heritage sites with music, stories, art, and food.
The day begins with a burst of energy as the Pambansang Fitness Coaches ng Pilipinas, Jim and Toni Saret, lead a Zumba session at 7:30 a.m. A colorful parade will line the streets featuring student performers from Intramuros-based schools, parading in traditional and creative costumes from 8 to 9 a.m. A medical mission organized by the University of Santo Tomas Health Service will also offer free health screenings and dental services to the local community from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
At Centro de Turismo Intramuros, children will be gathered for storytelling sessions at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with Jeralyn “Ate Posh” Develos of Ang Pinoy Storytellers who will bring Filipino folklore and values to life.
Casa Manila transforms into a Living Museum at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., where reenactors from IA, along with Historia Viviente Manila, will stage scenes from the Spanish colonial era, blurring the line between past and present.
To cap the IA anniversary celebration is the most anticipated Sinag Concert, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Plaza Moriones, topbilled by Itchyworms, along with Over October, Earl Agustin, and to be hosted by Sephy Francisco and Boobay. Student talents from Intramuros-based schools will serve as front acts. The concert is a celebration of Filipino music in all its forms.
All day long, the sights, smells, and tastes of Filipino culture will fill the streets. A pop-up market will stretch along Gen. Luna Street, Fort Santiago, and the Riverwalk, where visitors can sample regional delicacies and shop for handmade crafts from local vendors.
INTRAMUROS PASSPORT
Another highlight of the festival is the official launch of the Intramuros Passport, a new initiative by IA to promote cultural tourism.
For ₱350, the passport grants access to five major heritage sites: Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, Casa Manila, Museo de Intramuros, and Centro de Turismo Intramuros. It’s a symbolic and practical way to encourage exploration while supporting heritage preservation.
YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION
And the celebration doesn’t stop there. IA has a full calendar of events lined up for the rest of the year. Highlights include the Grand Santacruzan in May, featuring Miss Universe Asia Pacific Chelsea Manalo; the Likha Fair in June, spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady; and the Fiesta de Intramuros in September. Regular programs like the Dalaw at Sayaw cultural shows, Centro Entablado performances, and Pasyal Aral educational tours will also continue.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time fan of Intramuros, the festival offers something for everyone—proving that the Walled City is not just a memory of the past, but a vibrant part of the present.
For schedules and updates, follow the Intramuros Administration on social media or visit www.intramuros.gov.ph.
