As modern home aesthetics trended on social media via the popular Home Buddies group on Facebook, a replica of a typical 19th-century mansion in Intramuros reminded visitors that not all olden things must be forgotten. The Casa Manila Museum in Intramuros offered a glimpse into the lifestyle of affluent Filipino families dating back to a century ago. Featuring antique furniture pieces and ornaments made in China and Europe and by local artisans, complemented well by its impressive stone-and-wood structure, one could easily come to the conclusion that not even IKEA could hold a candle to home living during colonial times.

After a visit to the National Museum of Natural History failed to materialize because our online reservation was bumped a couple of hours into late afternoon, my friend Louise and I decided to just explore Intramuros. This was more than a year into the pandemic, and certain restrictions were still in place when visiting establishments such as museums.