Guide to Manila Attractions

Manila Attractions

Intramuros

Intramuros is a historic walled city of Manila. It is the original city of Manila which was founded by the Spanish government that ruled here during the colonial period. It is the historic centre of the capital of Philippines. The name Intramuros means within the walls.

Even though the lo...

Even though the location was already used by many tribes who lived in the area, and who developed a trade system with the neighboring countries and tribes. After the arrival of the Spaniards, they begun the construction of the city in the 16th century. Governor and general Santiago de Vera begun the planning of the city development and it was continued by other high officers such as Juan de Silva, Juan Nino de Tabora and Diego Fajardo Chacón. This type of construction was typical of the European cities of the period. Of course, the colonizers brought with them their own customs and traditions which slowly blended with the customs of the area.

The most important cause for the construction of these high walls was the defense system, while inside of them, as in many other European cities were located a central square around which were constructed important buildings for the city such as; the cathedral and the other churches, schools, government buildings and houses.

The walls follow the line of the bay and along the massive walls were located towers and other defense forts. The city could be entered by several gates in the city walls which could be approached by the drawbridges. As in many other cities these drawbridges could not be crossed between 11pm and 4am.

The walls suffered a great destruction during the Second World War. Intramuros is a National Historical Monument and even though a lot of effort has been invested into its reconstruction these exists a fear that the damage could be irreparable.

Binangonan Recreation and Conference Center

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago is a defense fortress located on the Intramuros, the historical city centre of Manila. It´s got its name from the Spanish patron saint Santiago which relief can be seen on the front façade. During the colonial period it was sort of the principal fort. From the two sides of the fort stretch two bastions (walls) called the Bastion of San Fernando and the Bastion of San Miguel. Its walls are of the impressive height and thickness. Numerous guard stations, rooms for army purposes, a chapel, a storehouse, quarters, prison dungeons …

As the rest of the Intramuros, Fort of Santiago suffered a significant destruction during several battles but the greatest was during the Second World War.

Today, the Fort Santiago is the Manila landmark and a popular tourist attraction, included in every Manila tour.

Rizal Park

Rizal Park also known as Luneta Park was one of the oldest public park in asia established by the Spaniards on 1820. It is composing of 58 hectares, situated along Roxas Blvd in Manila City adjacent to the walled city of Intramuros.Luneta as the popular name came from the word Lunette because of its crescent shape. Rizal Park was then the center of social activity even during the 19th century because its plaza was arranged with path and lawns and was surrounded by a wide driveways for caruajes. It was then on 1955 that Luneta was proclaimed National Park by former President Magsaysay. From Luneta it was named under Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal who was then executed here on 1896. The monument enshrining his remain is the park's symbolical pride. Historical Events: *Execution of 3 martyr priest (GOMBURZA) *Execution of Dr. Jose Rizal *Declaration of Philippine Independence from US on July 4, 1946 *Oathtaking of the new elected presidents *1995 concluding mass of Pope John Paul 2nd *2015 concluding mass of Pope Francis

Museum of the Filipino People

Museum of the Filipino People belongs to the National Museum of the Philippines. The building itself is very beautiful and it was designed by Ralf Harrington Doane who also designed the public library. Even though the construction began in 1918 it was completed eight years later because the construction was stopped several times. Its second, third and fourth floor served for government purposes while during the Second World War it was severely damaged. A year after the end of war the building was renovated and in 2003 the building was reconstructed again and now it hosts the National Museum.

The Museum of the Filipino People has several exhibits. The San Diego Exhibit is located on the ground floor; Five Centuries of Maritime Trade Before the Arrival of the West exhibit shows items belonging to the pre-colonial period. These items describe the history of the trade tradition evolved in the area; The Origin exhibition describes the periods of the pre-history on the Philippines territory; Archaeological Treasures gallery presents different vessels used for various purposes. It also describes the burial practices evolved on the territory; The Filipinos and Their Cultural Heritage is an ethnographic exhibit which is of course concentrated on the history of the nation, cultures and the development in many areas of life through history and its different periods.

St Thomas University Philippine

San Agustin Philippine

Binondo Church Philippine

Manila Post Office Philippine

TANABE Japanese Restaurant

Manila Articles

JEEPNEY

The Philippines famous public transportaion, famous for its colorful designs, the deisgns wil depend on the owner of the driver, some draw the faces of their love ones, some will put inspirational quotes and some will draw the different beautiful sites in the Philippines.

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The word Jeepney is a comabination of the words "Jeep" and "Knee" from its knee to knee sitting during the past years, before it can only accommodate 4 persons, crowded seating that touches the other knee infront of you, but the latest Jeepney now is not a knee to knee sitting, still crowded but more convenient.

Every first 4km is P8, for students and senior citizens the price is P7.

Two people manned the Jeepney, the driver and conductor (if present), if the driver don't have a conductor he also manage to get the fee from the passengers, passengers have to ask to the next passenger to pass the fare to the driver, that is one of the practices in riding a jeepney, the driver will depend on the honesty of the pasengers. Children are allowed to ride for free if they will sit on the lap of the adult. Males are allowed to cling outside if the Jeepney is full but that practice will depend in every city, in a highway or main road they dont allow males to cling outside becuase its not safe, in provinces they even also allow males to sit in the roof of the jeepney (cool joyride)

To drop the passengers, the passenger will need to ask the driver to pull over or in our language "Para po!"

We have new jeepneys now, the E-jeepney or Electrical Jeepney, the vehicle can be charged by plugging into a electric socket using power from biodegradable waste. Launch in 2008 in the City of Makati.

When riding a Jeepney or any public transportation, you need to be extra careful, don't use cellphones or any expensive items in public, be attentive and know your destination.

Hope my article helps for further informations about Jeepney :)

Food-trip at Binondo, China Town in Manila

As early as the 10th century, a lively trade had been going on between itinerant merchants coasting along the China Sea and Pasig River in the Philippines....

As early as the 10th century, a lively trade had been going on between itinerant merchants coasting along the China Sea and Pasig River in the Philippines. Today with its maze of narrow streets, store-houses bazaars, restaurants and business establishments, Binondo changed after centuries as the city's Chinese borough.

Since its Chinese New Year, I visited the China Town in Manila and tried different restaurants, see the dragons and hear the noisy crowds and public transportation, fruits, lucky charms and food are everywhere in this town, don't miss this town if you will visit Manila.

Tour Review from Incursion Cruise

Top Manila Tours

$100 Per Day

Manila-Tagatay-Manila (Taal Lake – Taal Volcano)

Pick up from hotel in around 8am. Travel to Tagaytay and take a boat ride to the Taal volcano. Upon return break for lunch and then proceed onto tour of Tagaytay area visiting different attractions!

Pick up from hotel in around 8am. Travel to Tagaytay and take a boat ride to the Taal volcano. Upon return break for lunch and then proceed onto tour of Tagaytay area visiting different attractions!

• Round trip A/C land transfer (Manila--Talisay-Tagaytay-Manila)
• Round trip outrigger transfer on Taal lake to Volcano Island
• Docking and tourism fees
• Side trip to Tagaytay for photos or optional add-ons (Massage, Zip-line)
• ***Optional horse ride for Php500/horse/person.
This is really one of a kind adventure at the crater of the Taal Volcano trek up towards the rim along black sandy trails with incredible views of the surrounding lake and mountains, you will pass by volcanic steam vents giving off a sulfuric odor before reaching the summit. The views of the Crater Lake and surrounding area are breathtaking and worth every minute of the hike. Tour price is P3,500 / person in a group of 4 (lesser if at least 10 persons) lunch is not included. If u want to ride a horse in going up to the top (but I would not advice) better walk because u might have a bad fall if u are not good at horse back riding.

Meeting Point:
    Your hotel in Manila

Included in the tour:
    • Round trip A/C land transfer (Manila--Talisay-Tagaytay-Manila) • Round trip outrigger transfer on Taal lake to Volcano Island • Docking and tourism fees • Side trip to Tagaytay for photos or optional add-ons (Massage, Zip-line) • ***Optional horse ride

Not Included in the tour:
    - Personal expenses - Optional activity costs

$100 Per Day

ART (GALLERY) TOUR

This tour showcased the reason why ANGONO RIZAL is called THE ART CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES....The Angono Cave or PETROLYPHS as it was called is located in this area and this is included in the WORLD MONUMENT WATCH because it is said to be the only one in the country. This cave had more than hundred of animal and human figures that were etched on the wall wherein that wall is a part of the mountain. Historians believed that this is the main reason why lots of artists abound in the area. Our national artist, CARLOS BOTONG FRANCISCO was the one who discovered this cave....Read more

A tour in this small town located in the province of Rizal which is east of Manila and just less than 1 hour drive travel from Manila is worth the price. The town is very rich in history and culture. As a matter of fact, traditions/celebrations were held all through out the year....Holy week - March to April, Santacruzan- May , Angono Day - Aiugust , Higantes (Giants) Festival & Fluvial Festival- November Christmas season- September to December.

the town is peaceful, multi-awarded , mother earth lover and people are kind,loving and respectful. The town mayor is very accommodating and never get tired of ruling the people.

I myself is from the area, so I welcome you all to visit my hometown ANGONO, RIZAL (Philippnes) ......THE ART CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES....

SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR A DAY TOUR:

*Walking tour to Petroglyphs /Angono Cave

*Rolling tour of Thunderbird Resort/Eastridge Golf Course

*Visit Nemiranda Gallery & Restaurant

*Visit Ang Nuno Gallery

*Lunch At Exotic Restaurant called Balaw-Balaw

*Visit Balanco Museum

*Visit Laguna Lakeside Park

*Visit Carlos Botong Francisco Gallery

*Walking Tour to Street Mural

*Afternoon Snacks to Villa Jhoanna Resort

(Optional: Swimming at the resort)

$120 Per Day

MANILATOUR

Touring Manila is a must for all guests coming into the Philippines. This is where our rich history lies. This place witnessed Spanish , American , Bristish, and Japanese era and the very reason why Filipinos became what we called mixture of Eastern, and western culture....Life here is very colorful but so extreme with each other...Here you can find high rise building side by side with shanties, big and specialized restaurants side by side with street cart vendors...........Read more

ITINERARY:

* Mall of Asia located in Bay City, Pasay that is said to be the biggest mall in the Philippines, the 3rd in Asia and the 4th in the wordl This place has a total of 200,000 people everyday.

* Cultural Center of the Philippines, reclaimed area from Manila Bay that housed different structures like Cultural Center of the Philippines, Philippine International Convention Center, Folk Arts Theater,Coconut Palace, Manila Film Center and the Star City

* Rizal Park where monument of our national hero JOSE P.RIZAL was erected as well as other spots that is relaxing like Chinese and Japanese gardens

* Fort Santiago where our national hero was imprisoned, a place used by Spaniards and Japanese as their seat of government and barrakcs.

* Intramuros where Spanish used to housed and had their life inside the walled city. Portion of this tour is via horse driven cart called Calesa

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