History comes alive in History by Foot, an art exhibit by Jirah Millano-Perea at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Gallery. Running from May 8 to 31, this showcase of watercolor and ink paintings on abaca paper breathes life into Intramuros’ layered past.

Tucked within the walls of Manila’s historic heart—Intramuros, History by Foot invites viewers to traverse the unique urban landscape of Manila’s walled city. The exhibition displays an array of nostalgic paintings, which capture the essence of Intramuros not just as a historical site but as a living narrative seen through the perspective of walking its streets.

Repainting the narrative

Stepping into the exhibition, visitors are immediately immersed in a journey through time, guided by the delicate textures and intricate details of Perea’s works on abaca paper. Each painting serves as an invitation for viewers to wander the streets of Intramuros—as if on foot to experience the echoes of its past lives and the subtle interplay between history and the present. 

Perea’s artistic narrative reveals the layers of Intramuros’ transformation, from its colonial past to its contemporary existence. It encourages reflection on how history is preserved and lived within urban spaces. Her works resonate with a sense of walking through time, making the exhibition a living dialogue between the viewer and the city’s heritage.

With the ever-evolving development of urban landscapes, History by Foot encourages the viewers to take a step back and immerse themselves in their surroundings. Perea’s work evokes the sentimentality of slowing down and experiencing history as a living, breathing entity. Her art transforms the static remnants of Intramuros into dynamic stories, blending textures, colors, and layers that reflect the complexity of the city’s heritage.

From streets to strokes

In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, Perea shared that her connection to Intramuros runs deep. “Intramuros is very close to my heart. Madalas akong bumalik sa Intramuros for heritage walks, art markets.” 

This familiarity fueled her artistic interpretation to transform her firsthand experiences into art. “And parang every time na bumabalik ako dito, kahit ilang beses na akong makapunta, parang may new stuff or details akong nakikita.”

Besides monuments and architectural structures, the exhibit also depicts the vibrant lives that animate these spaces—the street vendors, visitors, and locals who make the city alive. ”I also included the people. Kasi I think ‘yung heritage, hindi lang siya basta do’n sa monuments. Involved din doon ‘yung people na gumagamit sa space. Parang ‘yun ‘yung bumubuo ng experience sa isang lugar.” She asserted that heritage isn’t solely about monuments; it’s about the community that sustains them.

When asked about her definition of heritage, Perea shares that “Heritage is ‘yung pagkakakilanlan ng isang tao sa context ng lugar kung saan siya lumaki.” She elaborates, explaining that heritage is about the deep-rooted connection between people and the spaces that shape their identity. To Perea, it is the collective memory embedded in streets, walls, and everyday life.

Art on the move

History by Foot is unveiled as part celebration of the country’s National Heritage Month, which is commemorated every May. A month-long celebration of the country’s diverse cultural heritage, as well as an encouragement to respect and love Filipino traditions, history, and arts. The exhibit is not only an artistic homage to Intramuros but also a meaningful cultural dialogue that complements and enriches the month’s call to preserve and celebrate the Philippines’ rich and diverse heritage.

Through this exhibit, Perea expresses the importance of preserving and promoting the nation's cultural heritage. “Exposed tayo sa madami, ’yung iba't-ibang cultures ng ibang bansa. Kaya mahalaga na ma-maintain natin ‘yung sa atin. And hindi siya mawala sa pagkakakilanlan natin.”

She hopes that with History by Foot, Filipinos will develop a deeper appreciation and connection to their cultural heritage by experiencing history in a tangible, immersive way. “I hope doon sa mga makikita nilang artworks, makikita nila ‘yung bold, small details, tsaka ‘yung bigger picture, like ‘yung grandeur ng mga structures na meron tayo dito sa Intramuros. And hopefully next time, sila mismo ‘yung parang mag-slowdown or experience itong whole city by foot.” 

For each stroke in all of the paintings, Perea’s message serves as the ink: “There is so much beauty all around us. Kaya minsan, kahit madalas ka sa isang lugar, don't take it for granted. There's so much stories you can hear about. And, so much history.”

The exhibit bridges the past and present, inviting viewers to step into the heart of Intramuros and rediscover its history. It encourages the viewers to reconsider heritage beyond monuments and architecture, emphasizing the vital role of community and everyday life in sustaining cultural identity. Through inviting viewers to slow down and engage intimately with the city’s textured layers, Perea’s work underscores how history is continuously lived and reinterpreted, urging a deeper, more empathetic connection to the surroundings.

History by Foot becomes a timely call to preserve and honor the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage—a reminder that heritage is an evolving dialogue that shapes who we are and how we belong.

Rediscover Intramuros' hidden stories with History by Foot, located in the NCCA Gallery, Intramuros, Manila, running until May 31.