Did you know that Manila Light Rail Transit System Line 1 (LRT-1) offers a fun and insightful heritage transit tour that involves hopping in and out of some of its stations? LRT 1 started its operation as early as 1984 offering fast and affordable transportation option to Pasay, Manila, Caloocan, Quezon City and started expanding to Cavite. It is actually the first light rail system and second in Asia.
In connection with the five newest stations of LRT 1 that connects the south of Manila, a pilot walking tour was launched recently. These three newest LRT stations are all based in Paranaque. The tour culminated in Central Station which is a portal to a lot of Old Manila’s known landmarks such as Rizal Park and Intramuros. It is also very accessible to museums and universities. The closest ones are Arroceros Forest Park which is dubbed as the last lung of Manila and Manila Metropolitan Theater which is one of the oldest surviving art deco structure in the Philippines.
LRT 1 collaborated with Renacimiento Manila, an organization that offers walking tours aiming for cultural rebirth of Manila. After a quick introduction and history of LRT 1 in general by one of the tour guides, we quickly boarded the train to Redemptorist РAseana Station to visit Baclaran Church. It is a 75-yr old church that is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We were so lucky that they lead us walking to the altar and say a prayer. We also had a chance its bell tower that offers unparalled view of the horizon from all angles. After that, we went back to Redemptorist then got off at Ninoy Aquino Avenue Station seeing two more churches: Para̱aque Cathedral and Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra Se̱ora del Buen Suceso. Para̱aque Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. Our Lady of the Good Event of Para̱aque is a miraculous image brought by Spanish friars in 17th century.
The next thing I knew is we took another station ride and got off at Pedro Gil Station. We went to see UP Manila up close. We were toured in several different historical spots inside by a UP Manila staff. One thing I noticed is that they have FREE Wifi. Students here are lucky they don't have to spend more just to connect online and do their homeworks. I also love the open spaces of UP Manila and sights of greenery spots inside this campus.
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It took a little over 3 hours for this heritage walking tour to finish. One of the participants recorded our total of steps walked through her smartwatch which reached 10, 000+ steps. If you are looking to burn calories and at the same time learn something from our history, LRT 1's newest walking tour could be the answer for you.
“With the recent opening of our five new stations in the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1, we are thrilled to continue showcasing how the LRT-1 serves as a gateway to many interesting spots in the south of Metro Manila. We encourage everyone to take advantage of our efficient and safe transit system to discover the hidden treasures and rich cultural stories of our cities,” says LRMC Corporate Communications and Customer Relations Head Jacqueline S. Gorospe.
The LRT-1 ikotMNL Heritage Transit Tour provides a perfect blend of adventure, education, and convenience, making it an ideal activity for families, friends, and solo explorers.
Interested participants can register for the tours through the link provided on the dedicated announcement of the Renacimiento Manila’s Facebook page. Embrace the spirit of exploration and rediscover Manila with LRT-1.
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