The San Agustin Museum

The San Agustin Museum is one of my favorite museums on Earth. It is well maintained and showcases the journey of the Augustinians in  the Philippinines as well as their influences. Here you'll find religious art treasures and artifacts that will point you to the history of Catholism in the country. Here is also where you'll find the ashes of our National Artist Juan Luna.

Hiding behind the beautiful structure, paintings, sculptures and art works are some horror stories only a few people know about.During the Spanish Occupation of the Philippines, Fray Vincent De Sepulveda was murdered here by his fellow friars who do not like his strict leadership. His murderers were hanged in the courtyard and were buried inside the former convent. During the World War 2.It was used as an internment camp by the Japanese Imperial Army where around 7000 residents of Intramuros were imprisoned and were killed before the end of the war. There is a grand spiral staircase inside the building where hundreds of women were raped and killed and their blood dripped and tainted the stairs then.These incidents were believed to contribute to the present haunting in the building.

RETROCOGNITION is seeing events that happened in the past usually by entering a trance. I experienced this when I first entered one of the first tall buildings built in Manila which is the Luneta Hotel. I went there to check the rates of their function rooms. When I looked out from one of its windows, I just saw the old state of Manila where there are no cars but several horse carriages were passing and I can see a bay at a distance then, several beautiful and well dressed women came in. This experience drew me to research the history of the place.It was built in 1919 and served as a brothel to American G.I.s during the World War 2.The Manila Bay can be viewed before from the site.

This is what President Dwight Eisenhower wrote about the Luneta Hotel's beauty:

"This Luneta was for more than 4 years the scene of my habitual evening walks. To this day it lives in memory as one of the most pleasant, indeed even one of the most romantic spots, I have known in this entire world. Leaving the front entrance of the Luneta Hotel in the evening, I could walk to the right to view the busy docks where Philippine commerce with the world was loaded and unloaded. From the hotel, looking across the peaceful waters of Manila Bay, I could see the gorgeous sunsets over Miravales. Walking toward the Club of the Army and the Navy, and looking down toward the city itself, I nearly always paused for a moment before the statue of the great José Rizal before returning to my quarters."

Bahay na Pula

BAHAY NA PULA which is otherwise known as Red House and Don Ramon Ilusorio Mansion was built in 1929 on the lands of the Ilusorio family in San Ildenfonso, Bulacan as a family mansion with two storeys. It was made largely out of wood and painted red on the outside, giving it its name. The house was surrounded by large gardens filled with tamarind, camachile, and duhat trees.

During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in 1942 the house was confiscated by the Imperial Japanese Army and used as barracks and became a place where Youmg Women from Bulcan and |Pampanga were held for months and were used as sex slaves. it also served as a Japanese Military Garrisons where they killed many Filipino soldiers and guerrilla fighters.Due to the crimes against humanity committed by the soldiers in it, the mansion was abandoned by the family after the war and became a haunted house.

Bahay Na Pula iwas relocated to Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar.

The Dungeons in Fort Santiago

The Dungeons is otherwise known as the hole of Death because a lot of prisoners died here due to suffocation, sickness , drowning, starvation or torture during the Spanish and Japanese Occupation of the Philippines, For so many times, it served as a torture chamber.After the WorldWar 2. About 600 American and Filipino soldiers were found dead here. They were kept in a tight cell where they died of suffocation and hunger.If you get imprisoned here. You dont go out alive. You go out in a box.

Learn more about history and ghosts, come with us to Intramuros Ghost Walk.

Horror Stories You May not Know About the Pasig River

Ilog Pasig is a river that stretches 25 kilometers from Laguna De Bay to Manila Bay. It used to be a main  transport route and source of water specially during the Spanish colonization.It is also used for public baths way back then.

Ducks used to thrive in the river because the river used to be so clean and there is a type of river snail that is prevalent  there before and the ducks feed on them. Duck raising became a booming industry in areas near the river because of that. However , because of the growth of industrialization, new structures being built here and there and informal settlers started occupying the riverbanks, the river was polluted and the river snails the ducks feed on have died. And that eventually killed the duck raising industry near the river.

Some residents of Intramuros escaped the war by crossing the Ilog Pasig.

Sometimes apparitions can be sighted floating on the river and here are some of the possible reasons:

1. It is believed that during the Spanish colonization of the country, Ilog Pasig is not yet existing. Hence the Chinese traders are having a hard time transporting goods to Manila. A big snake approached them one day and offered a deal. He will create a river that will make their transportation to Manila easier  in exchange of their souls. The traders agreed and their businesses thrived since the river was created. THE floating apparitions that can be seen on the river are believed to be the souls of these traders.

2. Ilog Pasig used to be inhabited by crocodiles. Some people who go there to bath were not able to go back and when a huge crocodile was captured by a Filipino, he ripped its stomach open. Human bones and skulls were found inside it.

3. Grimm Reapers in hooded white clothing inhabit the river and can be seen by some people who are sensitive to spirits.For this reason the river should be saved so that the reapers will stop grabbing souls to sustain the river's life.

World War 2 Atrocity Story

While a lot of Filipinos and POWs died of starvation during the World War 2, Some Japanese soldiers practiced cannibalism under the command of their superiors as a way to create nerves of steel. It is reported that they cut flesh from their living captives to be devoured.They also know which parts of humans are good to eat.

The Brain Feast and The Infernal Beverage

Early Filipino tribesmen literally feasted on human brains ala Zombies.The Brain Feast is a traditional celebration held every time the group won a battle against a rival tribe.

The bizarre tradition starts with the Tinguian chiefs and warriors sitting around a “sacred” space where a  large vessel of basi (sugar cane wine) was placed, along with several decapitated heads of their enemies. After giving a short victory speech, each of the warriors would then get a severed head for himself, crack it open using a hatchet, and take out the brain. As if it’s not gory enough, the young Tinguian girls would then pound the brains until they were fine enough to be mixed with the sugar cane wine.

When the concoction is ready, all the participants would each get a taste of it and pass it around for the whole tribe to enjoy

Join #IntramutosGhostWalk to know more about he colorful history and hauntings of the beautiful city.

The Mystery inside the Manila City Hall

Manila City Hall

Many would say that it is not recommended for anyone to stay inside the City Hall once the clock strikes 6 in the evening. The building employees themselves will say that you can hear strange noises like eerie whispers and footsteps all over the place once night falls. Also, if you check on Google Maps, you will see that the building is shaped like a coffin when viewed from the top.It is another structural casualty during the World War 2 that survived bombings.

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Senora de la Salud - The Forgotten Image of the Virgin Mary

The miraculous Nuestra Senora de la Salud ( Our Lady of Health) was first brought to the Philippines by the Recollects from Mexico in 1606 and was first venerated  at the San Nicholas Church in Intramuros where the offices of Manila Bulletin now stand. San Nicholas Church is also the original home of the Black Nazarene. However, the church was bombed by the Americans during the World War 2. The Black Nazarene was then transferred to Quiapo and the image of the Nuestra Senora de la Salud was found undamaged and intact.For unknown reasons, the Recollects decided to hide the image to the public for so many years. It was only in 2006 that they decided to bring  it out again. San Nicholas de Tolentino Church is now its current home. She is the patron of the sick and those who want to stay in good health. A lot of sick people claimed to get healed because of their devotion to the image. Believers also see her as the patron of those who are facing pregnancy problems. Currently, the Catholic Church is reviving the devotion to the Nuestra Senora dela Salud, the image of the Virgin Mary which almost sank into oblivion.

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Baguio's Haunted Diplomat Hotel and It's Dark Past

Photo Credits: Anette Magno

The former Diplomat Hotel in Baguio City, Philippines sits on top of the Dominican Hill. It used to be a rest house and a seminary way back 1911 before it was developed into a school and eventually, a hotel.

Almost every tourist that goes to Baguio makes it a point to visit this place because in spite of the ruins, it remained as one of the most panoramic and picturesque spots in the City of Pines.

During the World War II, numerous nuns and priests were beheaded here. This is believed to be the reason why headless apparitions can often be seen during the night inside the hotel. The employees and guests also claimed that they would often hear strange sounds coming from the building. Crying coming from kids and babies became a common noise, which can be attributed to the massacre of numerous children done at the fountain.

The bombs that showered this structure so many years ago reduced it to something almost beyond renewal. Fortunately, it was reconstructed in 1947 and in 1973, it was acquired and transformed into a hotel by Diplomat Hotels, Inc. Managing it then is businessman, psychic surgeon and spiritual healer Tony Agpaoa. Since then, it became the haven of his patients that mostly came from abroad and they stayed here while being healed.

Based on research, there was an incident wherein fire broke out many years ago and several guests who were then staying at the hotel were trapped inside and died. One of the caretakers also affirmed that for unknown reasons, a woman who used to work here as a nurse committed suicide by jumping from the rooftop where the cross is situated.

Since the death of Tony Agpaoa in 1987, the hotel ceased its operation and was temporarily closed to the public. It was declared off limits to visitors as well. However, the people who are living nearby were often disturbed by sounds coming from the Dominican Hill at night. They would hear banging of doors and windows, clattering of dishes and voices of screaming people, who seem to be agonizing.

Note: Tony Agpaoa had a heart attack inside the hotel and was rushed to a hospital where he died.

A lot of documentaries have been written about this mysterious structure. Up to these days, many curious people go to Baguio to see the ruins of what used to be the spellbinding grand hotel that boasts of its large rooms, striking details and admirable design.

I, myself, have very special memories of Baguio's Diplomat Hotel that I can ardently share to those who will join us when we explore this place once more. Considered as one of the most haunted locations in the Philippines, I would always want to see this wonderful site again and again.

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Intramuros Ghost Walk - A Walk to Remember

Intramuros Ghost Walk (IGW) is a unique tour that aims to help people explore Intramuros, share some knowledge about Philippine History, give some education about The Paranormal, support the charity movement of Tribu Ni Bro, promote walking since it is the best exercise and spread the advocacy of treasuring and safeguarding our heritage.

This tour was originally organized for Center for Paranormal Studies under the guidance of Profilers of the Unknown, a team of well-experienced, dedicated and skilled Ghost Hunters, Ghost Investigators and Paranormal Investigators.

A place usually becomes haunted because of its history. Intramuros keeps a very meaningful record of past events. We encourage people to visit the place not really for the fun of ghost hunting but to look back at our colorful past.

Intramuros Ghost Walk (IGW) is an accidental success and since it started on January 23, 2016, it's been getting the interest of many horror and history fans. It will surely be remembered by those who experienced this meaningful journey.

For inquiries and bookings, please contact:

TOUR OPERATOR: Jade Martin

PHONE: 0998 851 4516

EMAIL: hersmart4ever@gmail.com

RATE: P350 / Head (Non-Refundable)

REMINDERS:

1. The minimum number of guests per tour is 8. If you are less than 8, you can just shoulder the other slots to give it a go and then, we can set your preferred schedule.

2. This is a 4-hour walking tour; hence, expect that there will be a need to exert physical effort. We promote walking because it is the best exercise and it brings a lot of benefits. Assembly time is 5:00 PM.

3. Pets, babies and kids below 12 years old won't be allowed to join the tour, as well as guests who are under the influence of alcohol and prohibited drugs.

4. Don't panic and let the tour guide know if you are not feeling well.

5. Don't stray away from the group and follow the tour guide's instructions all the time. Stay close to the tour guide so you can hear everything clearly. Should you miss anything, don't hesitate to ask.

6. Stay at the sidewalk while walking on the road and avoid making unnecessary noise.

7. Bring your own drinking water and umbrella.

8. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear.

9. Unruly participants will be asked to leave.

10. We don't refund payments so please make sure that you can make it on your booked date. Please understand that we limit the number of guests and the chance wasted may have just been given to others instead.

11. In cases of heavy rains, storms and other calamities, the tour will be rescheduled and participants will be informed via text ahead of time.

12. Please like Intramuros Ghost Walk, Profilers of the Unknown and Tribu Ni Bro. You can also join our FB Group, Center for Paranormal Studies, if you want to learn more about The Paranormal. 

...You'll never know how beautiful Intramuros is at night..but there is more to the beauty of this 166-acre Walled City, which is the oldest district of Manila. Lurking in there are memories and the ghosts of its dark past...

To the Ghost that Follows Me

We've conducted a documented paranormal investigation at Fort Santiago on June 5, 2016. I, Jade Martin, was with Weng Cortes, Zernan Mataya, Vangie Bote and Edward Desales.

The spot where you can see the cross marks the final resting place of 600 Americans and Filipinos whose dead bodies were found in a nearby dungeon which is sealed with iron. They were starved and left to die of suffocation. When you approach the very small and narrow entrance of The Dungeons, you will still feel their agony.

I captured an anomaly on photo which was validated and declared legit by Profilers of the Unknown's truly reliable Validator, JR IV Rodriguez, a professional photographer of more than 30 years. And now, I have a new stalker --- the most handsome entity ever captured on pic. This gave me the inspiration to scribble my new poem on June 26, 2016.

To the Ghost that Follows Me

(By Jade Martin)

I wonder who you are

And what you need from me

You linger so consistently

My prying eyes can see

I wouldn't really mind

If you will walk with me

Oh you my mysterious sentry

I feel your agony

There's familiarity

With the way that you smile

Are you real or another lie

Stick with me for a while

I feel you in my heart

You're like a long lost friend

I know that I will comprehend

There's no need to pretend

And I will never fear

I'll be your company

Hold on to me persistently

Until it's time for me

To set you free

To give you back to destiny

Intramuros Ghost Walk - A Combination of Things that I Love

Intramuros Ghost Walk (IGW) is a combination of several things that I love. They are as follows:

Walking: My father had a serious accident when I was in Grade 6,. That made my family lose a fortune. I was filled then with sorrow because I witnessed the sufferings not only of my father, but also of my mother. I had to stop going to a private school and I was transferred to a public school, which made me miss a lot of my dear friends in elementary. We've sold our belongings, which include my precious Yamaha One-Man-Band Organ and my mother's one-of-a-kind diamond wedding ring. We've lost a beautiful house and we had no choice but to stay with some relatives for the meantime. I became an outlet to my father's bitterness which drives me to take long walks everyday so I can drown my depression and anxiety. It wasn't so long until I realized that walking helped me save a lot of money from transportation. It also gave me physical, emotional and mental benefits. Since then, walking became my habit.

Learning: I love learning new things through experience and observation. Everytime I walk, I get a view of the real world and what's happening around us. Walking made me discover a lot of things that I haven't encountered just by reading books and watching TV.

Socializing: I meet new friends, contacts and connections. That will be rare if I will only stay indoors most of the time. I enjoy social life and as far as I am concerned, I was born to be sociable.

Philippine History: Before I get to know other countries and people, I'll get to know my own origin first and foremost. Until now, I explore our history and I share some of the things I learned to my Intramuros Ghost Walkers. Intramuros is a great place to explore if you are a Philippine History enthusiast. It holds a lot of precious memories of our past that will help us understand our present.

Intramuros: I am so attached to this place and a bit obsessed too. I take pride in helping people see this wonderful city in a different light. The hypnotic charms of the Walled City has captivated me in ways nobody will understand; not unless they get to know the place better...the way I got to know it.

Paranormal: Intramuros makes me learn new things about The Paranormal every now and then...things that I've been sharing with my guests.

Arts and Architecture: Intramuros is a home to a lot of beautiful things and buildings. It is no ordinary city and I truly enjoy strolling there while glancing at the many artistic works within its walls.

Charity: IGW is a strong supporter of Tribu Ni Bro, a charity movement that helps people who are living in remote areas and were deprived of the comforts of the urban life. Whenever you walk with me, you are helping them as well.

Join IGW and I promise you, I will take you to a meaningful journey.

Why You Should not Believe in Chain Letters

Chain letters originated in 1888. An indebted Methodist missionary school in Chicago came up with the idea of raising funds by sending letters where they asked each receiver to donate a dime and make copies of the content, which they will send to 3 of their friends. This fund-raising campaign became so successful and other organizations imitated the action later on.

There is also an assumption that sending chain letters became a marketing strategy of postal service companies long time ago to gain more money through the mails sent by people who feared that if they "break the chain", they will experience bad luck.

Nowadays, pranksters who want to control people's feelings by spreading fear have adapted this mechanism. Due to agitation, victims wasted their time and resources by duplicating the action and spreading the same kind of distress they felt to innocent people.

IT'S ABOUT TIME WE BREAK THIS STUPIDITY!

Let us stop this insidious manipulation. Bad luck and good luck will never be received into our lives through this nonsense. Remember what Dr. John Demartini said, "Whatever we think about, and thank about, we bring about." I believe more in this.

When you receive a chain mail from someone, please do yourself a favor by not adhering to what the letter is requesting from you. Instead, send this article I've written to the sender with a note saying, CHAIN LETTERS ARE NOTHING BUT PRANKS. This maneuver have already pestered a lot of people. Hence, prevent it from pestering another innocent person's life by not duplicating it.

Like attracts like. If you have a lot of negative energies in you, no chain letter can be powerful enough to break the cycle of attracting back bad vibes. If you are a good person and yet, you have a lot of energy suckers in your circle, positivity will be ripped off from you because these sneakers will steal it.

Sending chain letters to other people, no matter how good your intention is, is definitely not a good way for you to receive and send good luck. Keep a positive mindset instead because the frame of your mind will also equal your actions; and your own positivity will shine like light before others.

I said this a lot of times and I will say it again. Let's make a world a better place. My field is paranormal but I will always be proud and thankful that I am here because I was able to help a lot of people change their lives with the continuously enlightenment I've been giving away. This is the kind of chain that should not be broken --- that we help others become better people instead of making them more miserable.

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