Ladies’ lunch shuts down Intramuros

MANILA, Philippines - While the ladies lunched on fiddlehead fern salad, Japanese cod and Australian short rib, life in Intramuros quite literally came to a standstill, as even those living there were not allowed to enter unless they produced identification showing they were legitimate residents.

The whole of Intramuros was cordoned off since Wednesday night for the visit of the spouses of leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, hosted by the presidential sisters led by actress Kris Aquino.

Joining the tour dubbed “A Walk Through Time” were Akie Abe, wife of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; Regina Tong Ching-yi, wife of Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying; Mufidah Kalla, wife of Indonesia Vice President Jusuf Kalla; Ho Ching, wife of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong; Naraporn Chan-o-cha, wife of Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha; Mai Thi Hanh, wife of Vietnam President Truong Tran Sang; and Susan Chu, wife of Taiwan envoy Vincent Siew.

President Aquino’s sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Pinky Aquino-Abellada, Viel Aquino-Dee and Kris waited for the APEC leaders’ spouses at Fort Santiago, where the guests were entertained by a short cultural show featuring folk dances at around 10:30 a.m.

Aside from the presidential sisters, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. also accompanied the APEC first ladies.

After touring Fort Santiago, they went around the Walled City aboard e-jeepneys, visiting Casa Manila and San Agustin Church, where a tableau of life during the Spanish colonial days was presented.

The tour was capped with a luncheon at the Marble Ballroom of the Ayuntamiento building, where a bazaar of Philippine-made products was set up.

The visiting first ladies were serenaded by local artists, including singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, Matteo Guidicelli, Angeline Quinto and Erik Santos.

The 20-minute performance was hosted by Kris Aquino and actor Derek Ramsay.

“May our bonds grow deeper in time and we hope you all had a wonderful time,” Abellada told the dignitaries.

‘No entry’

Scores of policemen, members of the Presidential Security Group and barangay watchmen were stationed at every corner and at all access roads to the old Spanish enclave, including P. Burgos, TM Kalaw, Ma. Orosa and Roxas Blvd.

Since yesterday was officially a non-working day, most establishments were closed, although some were open but their employees were barred from reporting to their offices. Tourists likewise were kept out of Intramuros. 

Residents of Intramuros and those who live and work in the area were appalled at being made to suffer inconvenience during the APEC activity.

While police stationed in the area were polite and were just following orders, it didn’t help motorists suddenly faced with road closures. One motorist, after encountering barriers at three intersections, asked a policeman where she could pass to get to Port Area.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know,” he said in Filipino. “I’m from Bicol and was just deployed here for APEC.”  – With Alexis Romero