Manila Metropolitan Cathedral: A Beautiful Transformation

I will consider MANILA CATHEDRAL as the centerpiece of the INTRAMUROS because of its location and size. It is a remarkable structure upon entering the INTRAMUROS COMPOUND. It has a grandeur facade. 

The CATHEDRAL is originally "CHURCH OF MANILA" established in 1571. The first parish priest is JUAN DE VILLANUEVA. It was built using NIPA, WOOD, and BAMBOO.

In 1579, it was elevated to a CATHEDRAL.
It was destroyed by fire in 1583.
The new Cathedral made by STONE was built in 1592.
But it was destroyed by a strong EARTHQUAKE in 1600.

The new Cathedral was built in 1614.

It was again toppled by strong earthquake in 1645.

It was again built in 1654.

It was again severely damaged earthquake in 1863.

It was constructed again from 1870 to 1879.

In 1880, the tower bell was again destroyed by strong earthquake.

The cathedral was again damaged during the WORLD WAR II in 1945.

The present Cathedral was constructed from 1954 and 1958. 

The numerous damages and rebuilding of the MANILA METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL can be likened to the CHALLENGES that we encounter along our JOURNEY in LIFE. The CATHEDRAL should INSPIRE us to DO GOOD THINGS despite the PROBLEMS and DIFFICULTIES along the way.

At present, the MANILA METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL is an IMPOSING STRUCTURE in INTRAMUROS. We should be like the CATHEDRAL, unfolding beautiful structure after successfully hurdling the fire, the earthquakes and the wars in LIFE.

There are many ways on how to reach MANILA METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL. It is comfortable, convenient and accessible to visit the place by using PRIVATE VEHICLE. There are parking spaces that can accommodate plenty of vehicles. If you are a backpacker who loves to travel by public transport like me, LRT line 1 is the best option, just alight at the CENTRAL TERMINAL, then ride a JEEPNEY bound for  PIER then alight at INTRAMUROS right infront of the MANILA CATHEDRAL. If you have extra money and want to maximize your time, ride a taxi from anywhere in METRO MANILA then tell the driver to bring you to MANILA CATHEDRAL or INTRAMUROS.

GOD BLESS OUR JOURNEY IN LIFE...