How to Apply Permit for a Photoshoot in Intramuros.

Intramuros

Instramuros Photoshoot

My sister and soon-to-be brother -in-law did their pre-nuptial photoshoot at Intramuros.  And because some details that I have found online were not as accurate as I had hope to be, I'm putting up a post that is more updated for those who are wanting to have a photoshoot session in the much-acclaimed and popular First City of the Philippines, the Intramuros.

Getting there using public transportation:

- From Cubao, take the MRT station going to Taft and from there move to LRT 1 and drop off at Central Station.  The gate to intramuros is just 10 minutes away by foot.  Ask around if you're not familiar with the place, but bear in mind though that it is just across the huge clock tower.  Once reaching the gate, take the tricycle going to Intramuros Administration.  I was charged P40 by manong driver.

Going back:

- Take a Lawton jeepney and ask the driver to drop you off near Isetann Recto.  You will not be dropped in front of it, but you have to walk a bit to get to the LRT station. Take the train from there and alight at the Cubao Station.

Here are the things that you need to know when processing the Permit:

1. 2000 payment fee

2. The application form is going to be supplied anyway, so you just have to fill it up and wait 5-10 minutes for processing, pay to the cashier and you're good to go.  In the form, you would have to indicate the type of props that you'll be using.  You might think it's too anal but they just want to make sure that you're not setting up something that would damage the place. 

3. NO NEED to make a LETTER of INTENT.  From other blogs, they mentioned that you have to and so I made one before going there.  But when I got there, I remembered that it was ignored and was asked to fill up the form below instead.

Intramuros Permit

4.The processing time takes only 30 minutes or less, unlike what other blogs are saying.

5.  They only allow at most 5 people in the shoot.

6. Make sure that you file your permit days or a day before the actual photoshoot because they only allow photoshoot from 8am to 12noon.  So if you file the permit within the day, it will eat up your photoshoot hours.  Guards and the management are quite strict about this, that's why before entering your photoshoot venue in Intramuros, they would always ask for the permit.

7. You are only allowed to choose 3 out of the 6 possible areas namely:

1. Casa Manila Patio
2. Plaza Moriones and Fort Santiago Gate (bricks area)
3. Puerta Real Gardens
4. San Diego Gardens
5. Baluarte de San Andres
6. Baluarte de Dilao

8. 4 hours isn't much especially when you're taking picture of someone who is photoshoot challenged aka my brother-in-law.  You have to give him pointers where to look, and how to project just so he wouldn't look awkward.  But if your fellas are quite comfortable in front of the lens, then it would be easier.  So remember to brief the models on what the story line is and research ahead of time on what posings and places you could utilize for the shoot, if you are amateurs on this one like us. Preparation is the key people.

9.  4 hours wouldn't seem much but a photoshoot could drain you as much as it drained us.  Bring food or water with you because water there is quite expensive.  I had to forego buying one at a tindahan or store nearby because they charged me P36 for a mineral water that normally costs P10.  Don't forget to bring umbrella, just in case. Also for the ladies and men, bring a more comfortable footwear while moving from one place to another.  Believe me, you'll need it.  You're welcome.

10. Taking picture of or with the horse and carriage would probably cost some money, but you can take picture of the guwardiya sibil for free.  You just have to ask kuya nicely.

11. There are plenty of places that are photoshoot worthy in Intramuros apart from the 6 areas mentioned. You just have to take pictures fast before any guard would notice you.  If he would reprimand you carry on to the next area, but if not carry on with the photoshoot.  In our case we walked from one location to the other, so we usually stop where there's a place that's photoshoot worthy and clicked away, fast, before we got noticed.  This made the shoot a bit exciting. As a photographer, you have to be quick on your toes but don't forget that while taking pics, there'll be some passing vehicles or road blocks around.  Safety first, please.

12. This permit is for formal photoshoot sessions like pre nup, or for hobbyist carrying DSLR.  I really don't know who they allow and who they don't, but I think if you have models all dressed up and you're carrying a DSLR then most likely you'll need to get a permit.  They usually don't reprimand if you are just using your cellphone or digital camera to take pictures.  

13. They do not allow taking pictures for commercial purposes.

14. Don't forget to bring your permit on the day of the actual shoot.

15.  Budget your time wisely.  Remember that you have 3 venues to cover and you'll be needing time to walk from one to another.  There should be one person in charge of time management, someone who would notify the photographer and models on the remaining time they have left to wrap up the shoot and move to the next venue.  You might need time for retouch, and/or for arranging the props, so manage the time carefully.  This is vital.

I hope these pointers would make permit processing easier for you than it was for us.

Good luck!

You might also want to read:
6 Places to Have a Photoshoot in Intramuros, Manila
5 Helpful Tips for a Stress-free Photoshoot in Intramuros

UPDATE on June 27, 2017: Verified with the Intramuros Administration staff herself.   Application of permit is from Mondays to Fridays and photoshoot is on weekdays DEPENDING on the availability of the place.  So it is important to apply ahead of time to know if the venue is available or not.  Again, LETTER OF INTENT is not needed anymore.  Just fill out the Application form.  There's a different set of rules and price for photoshoot/video shoot for commercial purpose.

If you have any questions kindly call 527-3096.