This is default featured slide 1 title
Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.This theme is Bloggerized by Lasantha Bandara - Premiumbloggertemplates.com.
This is default featured slide 2 title
Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.This theme is Bloggerized by Lasantha Bandara - Premiumbloggertemplates.com.
This is default featured slide 3 title
Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.This theme is Bloggerized by Lasantha Bandara - Premiumbloggertemplates.com.
This is default featured slide 4 title
Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.This theme is Bloggerized by Lasantha Bandara - Premiumbloggertemplates.com.
This is default featured slide 5 title
Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.This theme is Bloggerized by Lasantha Bandara - Premiumbloggertemplates.com.
Fort Santiago Photos
Here are some photos taken by amateur and professional photographers. These photos will show you some landmarks of Fort Santiago.
Fort Santiago Ticket Booth. You need to buy first a ticket before you can enter the Fort. This picture was taken by Yoj.
OUTER PART OF FORT SANTIAGO
Fort Santiago President’s Gallery. This place showcases images of Philippine president from the founding of the Philippine Republic up to the present.
Fort Santiago Picnic Area. A good place to take a rest while having lunch or snack. Photo was taken from Trip Advisor
Fort Santiago Plaza Moriones. This place was used as a parade ground for Spanish soldiers.
INNER PART OF FORT SANTIAGO
Fort Santiago Main Gate. The stone walls are 8 feet thick and 22 feet high. The main entrance is 40 feet high. Above the arch is the coat of arms of the Spanish. It was erected between 1589 – 1592. This photo was taken from Manila Photos.
Fort Santiago Moat. This moat was a good defense used by Spaniards against invaders. This water is connected to Pasig River.This photo was taken from Philippine Travel Guide.
Fort Santiago Almaceres Reales. This building was used by the Spaniards as a warehouse and was built in 1591. Goods that were unloaded from the galleon were put into this storehouse.
Fort Santiago Medio Baluarte de San Francisco and Baluarte de San Miguel was used by the Spaniards as fortresses.
Fort Santiago Jose Rizal Shrine.This is where Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last days before he was executed at Bagumbayan (Luneta Park). Some memorabilias of Dr. Jose Rizal were also exhibit here.
Fort Santiago Pustego de la Nuesta Senora del Soledad This gate was used by the Spaniards as an exit to Pasig River. It was also used by the Spanish Governor to escape when British forces invaded Manila in 1782.
Fort Santiago Memorial. This cross was erected to pay respect to the 600 Filipinos who were tortured and died during the Japanese occupation.
Fort Santiago Baluarte de Santa Barbara. This building was used as one of the prison cells for Filipino guerillas and POWs during the Japanese occupation. It was also used as a fortress by the Spaniards.
Fort Santiago Dungeon. This is one of the dungeons in Fort Santiago. For hundreds of years, this dungeon was used for political prisoners, and criminals.
National Museum of the Philippines
The National Museum of the Philippines is the place in Manila that you should not miss to visit. I’ve been into this place when I was still a kid and I will never forget the exhibits that I’ve seen. One exhibit that I will never forget is the Spolarium painting by Juan Luna. This painting is one of the great masterpieces that every Filipinos should be proud of. I know it’s been a long time since I visit the National Museum of the Philippines and for sure there are lots of renovation done in the building and artifacts added for display.
BASIC INFORMATION
If you are planning to visit the National Museum of the Philippines then these are the information that you should know:
- The Museum Building is divided into three complexes. It has the National Art Gallery Division, the Museum of the Filipino people, and the Planetarium. At present, the National Art Gallery is under renovation, however you can still visit this gallery for free.
- The National Art Gallery exhibits famous paintings and sculptures from our Filipino artists like Juan Luna, Hidalgo, and Arellano.
- The Museum of the Filipino people exhibits artifacts, archaeological findings in the Philippines. A well worth visit for every Filipinos.
- The Planetarium is a good place for kids to learn about stars, planets, and universe. Sometimes, notable professors and guest speakers give lectures about astronomy.
FEES AND SCHEDULE
The National Museum of the Philippines is open every Tuesday until Sunday. The opening hour is 10:00 am and the closing hour is 5:00 pm. Free admission on Sunday for walk-ins (this is not applicable by groups).
Entrance Fees: Museum of the Filipino People
Student | 30.00 |
Senior Citizen | 80.00 |
Adult | 100.00 |
Groups of 50 and more
Students | 25.00 |
Senior Citizens | 40.00 |
Adults | 80.00 |
Entrance Fees: Planetarium
Students/Children | 30.00 |
Senior Citizen | 40.00 |
Adults/Faculty | 50.00 |
Note: The Planetarium is open Tuesdays to Saturdays
Schedule of Shows in Planetarium
9:00 – 10:00 |
10:30 – 11:30 |
1:30 – 2:30 |
3:30 – 4:30 |
Guidelines for Museum Tours
1. All guests are required to sign in the visitor’s logbook before viewing the exhibits.
2. Group tours shall be booked before hand. Only groups reserved at the Museum Education Division shall be entertained. Group tours are not allowed on Sundays.
3. Drop off point for groups is outside the NM gate along P. Burgos Avenue and Finance Road. Bags, food, and hand-carried items should be left inside the bus.
4. Buses should park outside the Museum of the Filipino People.
5. Head of the group/coordinator shall first pay the entrance fees and fill up the visitor’s logbook before the group is allowed to begin the tour.
6. Firearms, food, bottled water, and pens are not allowed inside galleries.
7. Smoking is prohibited in the NM premises.
8. Touching artworks and taking photos of exhibit items for commercial purposes inside galleries are strictly prohibited unless otherwise authorized through a special permit from the Director’s Office/ Museum Education Division. Picture taking is allowed for souvenir purposes only. DSLR cameras need special permit. The use of flash photography is strictly prohibited.
Contact Information
Museum Education Division
Telefax #: 527 0278
Email: education@nationalmuseum.gov.ph
Look for Lina/Tess
Malacanang Palace
MalacaƱang Palace is the official home of the Philippine president and is compared to the White House of America. The palace was built in 1750. It was later purchased by the Spanish government, and since then, it became the residence of every Governor-General. During the American Period, the palace became the temporary residence of the American Civil Governors. William Howard Taft was the first American Governor to reside in MalacaƱang. The palace has been the house of 18 Spanish Governor-General, 14 American Governors and Presidents of the Philippines except Emilio Aguinaldo.
MalacaƱang Palace Museum
Today, the Palace is divided into different halls and buildings. The Bonifacio Hall,Kalayaan Hall,Mabini Hall,the New Executive Building, the Presidential Study, and the grand staircase. The Palace has its own park too. It is called MalacaƱang Park. It has a golf course, a guesthouse made during the American-era, and gardens.
The MalacaƱang Museum is inside Kalayaan Hall. It was built in 1920. The Hall features exhibits and galleries displaying the legacies of the country’s presidents. The collections are chronologically arranged from the Spanish Era till Edsa People Power Revolution.
Among the collections on displays are photographs, religious images, gifts from foreign dignitaries, and personal things used by former presidents.
The Palace is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance fees varies on the sights you will be allowed to see. There are many restricted areas that is not available for public viewing.. A guide will be with you in touring the palace.
If you will visit by groups, my advice is to write or fax a letter of appointment listing the people who will visit the Palace.You must include in your letter the names, nationalities, and sometimes they will ask for a copy of passport if you are a foreigner. You must also indicate the date and time of the visit including the groups contact information. Taking pictures is allowed, but taking videos needs a clearance from the Presidential Security Group. Letters should be addressed to:
The Director,
MalacaƱang Museum
Kalayaan Hall
MalacaƱang , Manila
Telephone number: +63 2 7844286 loc 4662, 4671
Fax number : +63 2 7844286 loc 4722
How to get there
The palace is at JP Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila. The best way to get there when you are in Manila is through a taxi. If you will use a private vehicle you can enter the Arlegui St. or JP Laurel St and park your car in the Mendiola Street.
A video tour inside the Palace
The Luneta Park
Luneta Park in Manila is one of the largest parks in Southeast Asia. It has an area of almost 58 hectares. During the Spanish time, it was called Bagumbayan. It was used as an executing ground for Filipino rebels. This was also the place of execution of Dr. Jose Rizal.
At present, Luneta park is a place for fun and relaxation. It has playgrounds,fountains,beautiful gardens,historical markers,plazas,food kiosks,restaurants,an observatory,open air concert hall.
The park was also a tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal who was executed by firing squad on December 30,1896. A bronze-and-granite monument was built for him and it is among the famous sculptural landmarks in Philippines.
The park is divided into three and is situated between Roxas Boulevard, TM Kalaw Ave, Taft Avenue and Intramuros.
Tourist Attractions in Luneta Park
Luneta park is one of the tourist spots in Manila. One thing that I like in this park is the man-made lake that has a relief map of the Philippines in the middle. Lots of people visit this place every Sunday for picnics. You will also see that some groups of martial artists are using this park every morning for practice like Eskrima,Filipino Martial Arts,and Tai Chi practioners.
Park Main Attractions and Landmarks
Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion was established in 1994. It is a hectare of land that was transformed into a replica rainforest park. You will see inside the orchidarium the different species of Philippine orchids and butterflies. To learn more about this place you can visit this blog that talks about Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion.
Lapu-Lapu Monument was a gift from Korea as a thanks and honor to the Filipino soldiers who helped during the Korean War. Lapu-Lapu was the first national hero of the Philippines who fought gallantly against Magellan and his men. Magellan and some of his men were killed during the fight. It was later called the Battle of Mactan.
Diorama of Rizal’s Martyrdom. It is located on the north area of Rizal monument. A set of statues were built on the same spot were Dr. Jose Rizal was executed.
Japanese Gardens. It was built to uphold the good relationship between the country of Japan and the Philippines. You will see inside the garden beautiful landscapes like Japanese style gardens, lagoon and bridges.
Chinese garden. The first thing you will see in this garden is the Chinese-style gate. It has carvings with swirling dragons. Once you get inside the garden, you will see pagodas and gazebos.
Outside the park is the National Museum,Planetarium,Department of Tourism, Canadian Philippine friendship Area,Manila Ocean Park, and the Museo Pambata (Children’s Museum).
If you get tired and your stomach is craving for a food, then you don’t have to worry. There are a large number of places to eat. You will see many snacks available inside and outside the park.
You can also rent a Calesa (horse drawn vehicles) to tour the area but make it sure to negotiate first for the price. It will take an hour to tour around.
Luneta is easy to reach by MRT (UN Station is closest).jeepney,bus,or taxi. Cost of entering the attractions inside Luneta are very affordable but going inside the park is free.
Intramuros Manila
Intramuros Brief History
Before the Spaniards came, the site of Intramuros was settled by a large group of Muslims ruled by Rajahs,Sultan, and Datus. The location of Intramuros was the center of trading with other nations who had come from India,China,Indonesia and other neighboring countries.
In 1570, the Spaniards arrived in Manila. However, they were met by Muslims resistance who controlled Manila. War erupted between two groups . After several months of warfare, the natives were defeated and the Spaniards made a peace pact with the Muslims. In return, the Muslim tribal councils handed over Manila to the Spaniards.
In 1606, Intramuros became the center of of religious,political,and military power of the Spaniards. Churches,schools,convents were established.
Intramuros also became the seat of Spanish power. The Governor’s Palace was built inside Intramuros but it was moved to Malacanang Palace after it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1863.
On August 13,1898, the American Flag was raised in Fort Santiago indicating the beginning of American rule and the end of Spanish rule. Fort Santiago became the headquarters from the Philippine Division of the United States Army. In 1904, there were some changes in the walls of Intramuros. Some walls were removed from the old Santo Domingo gate due to the widening on the Southern bank of the Pasig River.
When the Japanese Imperial Army invaded the Philippines in 1942, Intramuros became the headquarters of the Japanese Army. In 1945, an intense combat between the American,Filipino soldiers against the Japanese Army occurred. Intramuros was totally destroyed because of heavy bombing and only San Agustin church in Intramuros survived.
Present Day Intramuros
Intramuros had some changes during the administration of First Lady Imelda Marcos. The walls were restored and the original gates have been rebuilt. At present, you will see lots of changes in Intramuros. One of the most visited place in Intramuros is Fort Santiago.
Below are Intramuros tourist attractions:
Fort Santiago
Bahay Tsinoy
Casa Manila
Manila Cathedral
San Agustin Church
Palacio del Gobernador
Intramuros Monuments and Plazas
Plaza de Roma
Plaza Santo Tomas
Isabell II
Plaza Espana
Plaza Mexico
How to visit Intramuros?
By taxi
This is the easiest way to reach Intramuros. Every taxi driver knows this place.By train
The nearest railway station is Central Terminal (LRT-1 / Yellow Line) .Though within sight of the eastern walls, the station is a pretty long walk from the western part of Intramuros (where many of the major sights are located), so tourists headed in that direction might consider covering the rest of the journey by taxi.
By water bus
The Pasig River Ferry [3] stops at Plaza MĆ©xico station, not far from the ruins of the Intendencia (Aduana) building.
Here is a guide of Intramuros Map.
Where to eat and drink?
Budget
Chowking, FEM I Bldg, Andres Soriano (Aduana), ☎ +632-5271339 / +632-5272903, 7 AM to 10 PM. Chinese dishes with a Filipino twist. Branch store of a major fast-food chain.Greenwich, Ground Floor, FEM II Bldg, Andres Soriano (Aduana), ☎ +632-5271682 / +632-5220331. Fast-food-style pizza and pasta.
Jollibee, Andres Soriano (Aduana) cor. Muralla, ☎ +632-5270489 / +632-5270505, [22]. M-F 6AM-8:30PM, 7AM-7PM weekends. Typical fast-food joint: burgers, fries, fried chicken and so on.
Mid-range
Andria's Taste, Chamber 8, Puerta Isabel II, Muralla (in front of the Letran dormitory), ☎ +632-5366427(andriastaste@gmail.com), Serves an assortment of popular dishes, including roast chicken and chicken sisig.Bistro Marinero, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Santa Potenciana (near San AgustĆn), ☎+632-5272261 / +632-5278461 loc. 367 or 373 (casa.marinero@nykfil.com.ph, fax: +632-5272234 / +632-5272264), The menu features a mix of Western and local dishes. Special "payday" buffets, combo meals, etc.
Coco Bango Cafe and Restaurant, Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Urdaneta (attached to the White Knight Hotel), ☎ +632-5266181. Offers Asian and Western fare.
Max's Restaurant, 283 Cabildo, ☎ +632-5270532 to 33 (fax: +632-5270533) Part of a nationwide chain of popular family restaurants, Max's specializes in fried chicken (not the cheap fast-food variety!) and other Filipino favorites.
Splurge
Barbara's, Plaza San Luis, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (right across the street from San AgustĆn), ☎ +632-5273893 / +632-5274086,. Housed in a Spanish colonial-style building a stone's throw from San AgustĆn Church, this centrally located restaurant serves traditional Filipino and Hispanic fare in an old-style setting.Ilustrado, 744 General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (within the El Amanecer compound, a few blocks down the street from San AgustĆn), ☎ +632-5273674 (reservations@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph). Mainly Filipino-Spanish cuisine: rellenong bangus (stuffed milkfish), paella, and other traditional dishes. Fine dining in the heart of the walled city.
Drink
Starbucks, 15-A Puerta Isabel II, Muralla cor. Magallanes (near Puerta de Isabel II), ☎ +632-5274282. No matter where you go, you can't escape Starbucks. Sits not far from the historic Puerta de Isabel II, the last gate built in Intramuros.Fort Santiago
Brief History
Fort Santiago is a defense fortress built for Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador. This place was located at the mouth of Pasig River and was part of the structures of Intramuros. Fort Santiago became a witnessed to the events that happened for the last 450 years. This place was used as a fortress against the invading Moros,pirates and British invaders. This was also the place were Jose Rizal was put into prison and was sentenced to death. Fort Santiago was also used by the Japanese soldiers during WWII for POWs. A worth and a fascinating place to visit and to learn things about the history of the Philippines.
You will be amazed how it was built. The walls are 22 feet with a thickness of 8 feet and the entrance measures 40 feet high. Fort Santiago was heavily damaged by the American and Filipino mortars during the Battle of Manila against the Japanese soldiers. However, an action was taken to restore the Fort by the Philippine government during the 80’s.
Fort Santiago’s Attraction
Today, Fort Santiago serves as a museum to showcases well-preserved attractions like Plaza de Armas, Rizal Shrine,prison dungeons,and WWII artilleries. You will also see the bronze footsteps on the Fort’s ground. It represents Jose Rizal final steps that leads to his exucution site.
Aside from the historical attractions, Fort Santiago is a good site for wedding and picnics. The Fort’s ground are well kept and you will see beautiful flowers and native plants everywhere. You could also rent a calesa (horse drawn carriage) for a tour that starts at Fort Santiago and will also take you into Intramuros for a fee of Php 1000 plus. You will also see security guards dressed like a “guardia civil” of Spanish colonial rule. You can ask them to take photo with you.You will also see here restaurants that serve Filipino food, snack bars, and souvenir shop selling Filipino products.
To see more about Fort Santiago, click here.
Opening/Closing Hour and Fees
Fort Santiago is open daily, from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Entrance fee for an adult is P75, and P50 for students,teachers,children. Senior citizens are free of charge. Students, teachers and seniors should bring a valid ID to avail entrance fee discount.
How to get in Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is in Intramuros,Manila.
You can use Light Rail Transit (LRT). If you are coming to Intramuros, you drop off at the United Nations Station. From there you can take a walk to Intramuros.
You can also reached Fort Santiago through a taxi. Every taxi drivers knows this place.Taxi flag rate must be P30.
It also accessible through aJeepney with tags going to Pier 15. Tell the jeepney driver to drop you off in Front of Fort Santiago opposite of Manila Catedral.<
The Banaue Rice Terraces
Banaue Rice Terraces is one of the popular tourist destinations in Northern Philippines. Tourists visit Banaue to enjoy the scenery from one of the many view points and to hike through it. It has been in existence for 2000 years old and has been declared in 1995 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This amazing mountain terraces were carved by the indigenous people called Ifugao and is one of the greatest engineering achievement thousand years ago. It was said that if Banaue Rice terraces will be connected end to end, then its length will be ten times longer than the Great Wall of China.
The mountain covers an area of more than 4,000 square miles and it is 5,000 feet above sea level. Ifugaos used minimal equipment and most of the time they used their hands to built the terraces. You will be amazed how it was made because it looks like a stairway heading upward in the sky. The ranges of the mountain is awesome view and it is a breath taking scenery.
This mountain also plays a significant role in agriculture production. Its ancient irrigation system helps the farmers grow their crops. The terraces were designed to provide sufficient water from the rainforests above the terraces.
How to get there
If you are planning to visit Banaue Terraces then my advice to you is to plan your journey ahead of time.The best time to visit this region is February to May when the rice is set for harvest and at its greenest. If you will visit this place during Holy Week then it is better to reserve your bus ticket and your accommodation as early as possible.
There are lots of buses in Manila going to Banaue. The following are bus companies that have good recommendation from travelers who visited Banaue: GV Florida Transport, Autobus and Ohayami. You can find these buses stationed in Sampaloc in the Espana area near Sto. Tomas University.Make it sure you check their schedule before you buy a ticket. These buses always leave their stations during night time.
Bus Company Contact Information:
- GV Florida Transport Contact Information: 027433809, Earnshaw Street, Sampaloc, Manila
- Autobus Transport Contact Information: (02)740 7959 and (02)493 4111, Dimasalang corner Laon-Laan, Sampaloc, Manila
- Ohayami Transport Contact Information: Tel No. +63 2 516-05-01 & cellphone no. +639175060817)
There are lots of places for you to stay if you are planning to visit Banaue Rice Terraces.
Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel
FairView Inn
People’s Lodge and Restaurant
Stairway Lodge and Restaurant
Spring Village
Terraceville Inn
Uyami Green View Lodge
Things to do in Banaue
Let me share things that you can do in Banaue. These are collections of ideas and tips from real travelers who have visited these wonderful place.
- Enjoy the view of Rice Terraces while you eat. There are some restaurants and hotels in Banaue that faces the rice terraces of Banaue. Enjoy your meal or your snack while viewing the magnificent and awesome view of the terraces.
- Try their local wine made of rice and sugarcane. This is one the things that you shouldn’t missed.
- Walk around the town of Banaue and hunt for local handmade crafts souvenirs that you can bring home.
- Don’t forget to visit Batad, an amphitheater shaped rice terraces. You will also see here a beautiful water fall named Tappia hidden at the far side of the terraces.
- Visit Tam Am village. This is a preserved Ifugao village below Banaue Hotel.
- Visit Banaue Museum. This is a private museum next to View Inn. This is a two storey museum that exhibits old pictures, old rare books, jewelries, some furniture and tools.
- Watch the Cultural Show at Banaue Hotel.
Resort In Anilao Batangas
If you are a diver, then you can choose from more than thirty plus diving sites between Maricaban Island and Anilao shoreline. Some of the popular diving spots are Sombrero and Maricaban island.These islands are remote areas that have abundant marine life, and amazing variety of fishes, including corals. Divers will see different kinds of tropical reef fish and ocean groups of fish like sharks, stingrays, groupers, jackfish, and starfish. Divers can also see sea wrecks. If you are not fond of scuba diving then you can do many choices in this place like snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, and sport fishing around the area.
Hotel and Diving Beach Resorts
Below are the beach resort hotels and accommodations in Anilao Batangas that have been frequently visited by travelers and tourist:
Balai Resort is a wonderful place to stay during your visit to Anilao.If you want to experience a relaxing time away from a bustling and noisy city then this place is for you. Read more
Anilao Outrigger Resort is situated in Mabini,Batangas. It is a two and a half hours drive from south of Metro Manila. The resort has a variety of aqua sport toys like banana boats, pedal and kayaks. It has a full service bar and restaurants. The resort has 40 rooms facing the beautiful Balayan Bay. Read more
Aguila Beach Resort is a haven for fun and relaxation. It is situated at Anilao East, Mabini, Batangas. This is one of ideal places in Anilao to invigorate and relax your tired body. It caters for both local and foreign tourists. This place is also ideal to hold your meetings, seminars, and wedding. Read more
Aquaventure Reef Club boasts of its perfect location for diving, snorkeling and swimming. It offers limitless thrills for divers of all races, ages and skill levels. They have a world-class dive center with fully equipped facilities. Read more
Vistamar Beach Resort and Hotel is one of the most visited resorts in Anilao Batangas. It has the latest facilities that give comfort and enjoyment to visitors. It was established in 1991 by Carfel-Vistamar Company. At present, it has 4 modern building hotel that has 96 rooms that can cater 500 guests. Read more
Philpan Diving Resort is a family owned diving resort. It has been operating since 1991. They offer different packages that suits the budget of each guests. They offer diving, snorkeling, and kayaking activities. Read more
Eagle Point Resort was once a privately-owned country house. This place was developed and is one of the biggest and best resort in Anilao Batangas. It is located in one of the best places for scuba diving and snorkeling. Read more
Dive7000 Resort is a newly renovated resort that caters both local and foreign divers. This place is also one the best places for snorkeling in Anilao because of its closeness to abundant marine life. It also serves as a scientific ground for studies of marine life. Read more
Crystal Blue Resort is a perfect location for family affairs, group outings, business conferences as well as holiday breaks. It is also a good spot for diving activities because it is conveniently located in front of Arthur’s Rock Sanctuary. Read more
Sombria Resort was formerly known as Vista Aplaya. It is a diver’s sanctuary because of its location near Arthur’s Rock, Cathedral, Aphol’s Point and Bajura. The resort is also an ideal place for weekend getaways. They also provide various amenities like billiard tables, darting boards and videoke machines. Read more