“About time!”
This was what Filipinos commented on the new development that visitors in Intramuros can now rent traditional Philippine attire for a more authentic experience.
Intramuros is one of the most popular tourist spots in Manila, offering visitors a glimpse of life in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era.
The old-world district is a vestige of Spain’s 300-year colonial rule, where visitors can explore heritage sites and cultural attractions such as Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, Casa Manila Museum and Museo de Intramuros.
Intramuros was once the seat of political and religious power during the Spanish era.
As Manila’s oldest district, it remains a sanctuary for some of the capital’s most iconic and historic sites.
Now, visitors to the historic site can complete the travel back in time” experience by renting Filipiniana and barong.
Outfits include the iconic Traje de Mestiza or Maria Clara-inspired dresses, as well as Barong Tagalog ensembles.
Packages range from simple attire rentals to a full experience that includes makeup and hairstyling assistance.
Guests may also use accessories such as abaniko, parasols, baston, payneta, floral accents and jewelry pieces, with prices ranging from P50 to P200.
They are allowed to rent the traditional attire within Intramuros for two hours, giving them time to explore the Walled City and relive the experience of life in the yesteryears.
The initiative is made possible by the costume rental shop Traje de Intramuros, which recently opened within the tourist site.
It was welcomed by Filipinos, who had long called for such an initiative, similar to other countries like Japan and Korea, where tourists can also wear traditional attire such as the kimono and hanbok, respectively.
“Finally!! Tagal na ganito sa mga historical and tourist destinations sa ibang bansa. Time to have it dito, lalo na sa Intramuros,” a Pinoy wrote on Reddit.
“Yessss, this is how it is in Thailand, a lot of pictorials happen. Makeup artists, photographers, and wedding [or] birthday planners will get jobs din,” another commented.
“Matagal na may ganito sa Taal, ‘yung kay Agoncillo, kaso syempre, hindi naman as mainstream as Intramuros. Glad to hear na may ganito na. Sa Vigan kaya next? Haha,” a different Reddit user shared.
“Finally, naka-catch up din ang Pinas. This should be done in Vigan, Las Casas in Bataan, and any other tourist sites na may mga traditional structures,” another Pinoy said.
“As they should. South Korea, Japan, Thailand, etc. let tourists wear traditional clothes,” a different Reddit user wrote.
Wearing traditional clothing when visiting a historic site is an easy way to connect with the local culture and better understand it.
Done thoughtfully, it can enrich one’s travel experience and create meaningful connections.
— with reports from Philstar.com/Kristofer Purnell
