Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Cut-Jewels in the North Cemetery
Tons of historical vestiges and stuffs of human interest are buried deep in the North Cemetery. A weekend trip can be a time of deference for the departed, discovery of a forgotten history, or even a festive carnival nothing short of a grand community celebration at the North Cemetery.
The cemetery is along A. Bonifacio Avenue in La Loma, Quezon City—a path lined up with snug eateries with the best and crispiest roasted pig (“Lechon”) in town. This exciting trip brings one near the boundary of Manila and Quezon City at the Chinese General Hospital.
The entry point greets visitors a festive welcome. Joggers may be seen roaming in sunny mornings. The interior road leads to small palace-like mausoleums under monstrous balete and acacia trees dotting the cemetery; unique sights said to be decades old.
The exciting trip takes one to leisurely walk past the graves of Manuel Roxas, first Philippine Republic president, and Manuel L. Quezon, Commonwealth president. Though empty, Quezon’s tomb still stands as a memorial of where his remains first were put.
Farhter, a mini churchyard keeps the remains of heroic firemen and some soldiers of World War II. The unique sights show gravestones are worn out by age–dating as early as the 1900s. Nostalgic grave captions cry for the unsung heroes.
This weekend trip can reveal uncommon valor in memorials for boy scouts of the Philippines who died in a plane crash in the 1960s. The enthusiasm of youthful heroes snuffed out by tragedy can move emotions—-one might even hear the plane crash amid this reflection.
The exciting trip covers burials of famous Philippine movie actors and actresses. They played in famous stage plays along Avenida Rizal during the Liberation in the late 40s. One of them, went by the screen name Casmot, was considered a staunch pro-freedom comedian in the Martial Law years before he died.
There’s this popular spot where the Poe clan, stars and pioneers in the early days of Philippine movies, has its grave site. On All Saints Day (Halloween) a crowd of fans watch movie stars pay visit to the demised Poe clan members.
A most unique sight is a pyramid amid the cemetery. Two concrete sphinxes guard its entrance and every Halloween a cadaver is said to be on display being dressed up in public. It’s a big deal to kids on a Halloween exciting trip, but adults know it’s a mere trick.
A weekend trip to a cemetery can reveal unique sights to a pensive mind looking for meanings in the past. The solitude, quiet, and just knowing that thousands who once walked this planet are now buried underneath, give seeking souls a refreshed outlook in life. A weekend trip to the North Cemetery can do just that.
A Weekend at the Ayala Museum
We want a good preview of what the country and its people are like before we go on a longer trip. Where do we go first? A good initial step is a weekend trip to Ayala Museum. It is one of the country’s finest museums, displaying quality historical relics, models, portraits, and remarkable souvenir items.
Ayala Museum is right at the corner of Makati and Dela Rosa Avenues in Makati. From EDSA going to Ayala Avenue, the short trip takes two corners and a left turn on Makati Avenue to get to this tourist museum. It was a brainchild of Fernando Zobel de Ayala in the 1950s and actualized in 1967 by Filipinas Foundation, Inc., now known as Ayala Foundation, Inc. This museum was first housed along Ayala Avenue at the Insular Life Building, but later transferred to its present location. The present home of Ayala Museum, a nice target for a weekend trip, was designed by the late national artist Leandro V. Locsin and was finished sometime 1974.
A weekend trip to Ayala Museum with the whole family will prove quite rewarding. It offers educational displays that will stimulate both adults and children. Some 60 handcrafted dioramas (Paete made) are the center piece of Ayala Museum, along with other captivating exhibits.
A short trip to this museum reveals scale models of ancient sea vessels that once docked the shores of the islands. These displays are backed by ethnographic, artistic, and archaeological displays that showcase prehistoric, historic, and present events. Art collections are precious paintings of Juan Luna (1857-1899), Amorsolo (1882-1972), and Fernando Zobel himself (1924-1984).
One of the spectacular sights to be seen in a weekend trip to this museum is the boat gallery that highlights the maritime ingenuity of Filipinos and their seafaring technology that enabled them to cross long distances for trade and commerce. This short trip can also satiate a craving for native artistry by real masters of the 19th century. The displays one finds in a weekend trip to this museum is a depiction of European liberal ideas that influenced our artists in those times.
A weekend trip to this place also exposes one to revealing artifacts un-earthed from ethnic sites around the country—ethnic gears and utensils, weapons, ritual implements, fabrics, native accessories of bamboo, wood, native fibers, and others. One particular collection gleaned in this short trip is the “Kulintang,” a line up of gongs in various sizes. These are placed on an elaborate stool shaped like a “Naga.” A naga is a magical snake famous in Maranoa tales.
Ayala Museum, with its unique displays and collections, is a perfect place for a weekend trip.
A Short Trip to a Forest Right in Metro Manila
A Forest right in the heart of Manila?
You bet, and it is very accessible from anywhere in Metro Manila; an hour’s travel from downtown Manila and mere minutes from the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.
The watershed Eco Park in Fairview, Quezon City is a perfect place to spend a quiet leisurely walk or recreation with loved ones. It is excellent for health buffs, too. It has great outdoor amenities for the family: picnic grounds, swimming pools, camp sites, boating area, playgrounds, a butterfly nursery, an amphitheater, and biking—all under the shade of a protected forest.
Taking Commonwealth Avenue as one exits the Quezon Memorial Circle in Philcoa, the road takes you directly to the Regalado area in merely 25 minutes. Regalado is just 15 minutes past the Sandigan Bayan building on the right side of the road.
In Regalado, directional posts are visible, through the Filinvest Subdivision up to the site. A marker is the steel bridge separating Filinvest from the park, past of which are the first sights of the forest. Right there is the parking area.
The entry gate welcomes alighting passengers in the parking lot—for a small fee—and a lone road leads to the middle of the forest; Eco Park. A shuttle vehicle brings visitors to various areas of the park, but walking can be an option—and a delightful experience.
Giant trees, wild shrubberies, and steep hills line the entry road. There are streams around teeming with fattened, local fish. But fishing in the streams is prohibited. There’s a huge pond where fishing is allowed—again for a small fee.
At lunch time the aroma of grilled food often emanates from the picnic grounds. Families huddle together for mouthfuls of their packed lunches. Food kiosks are spread in the area for extra servings. Now and then page updates from the sound system disturb the periodic chirps of birds and hidden insects.
The major site lots of people come to look at is the majestic water-shed dam that supplies big portions of the metropolis. A long flight of steps leads to the summit where a magnificent view of the dam slowly unfolds as one climbs higher.
The climb up and down is a sure calorie burner and works out the lungs with healthy oxygen from the forest. Both the young and elderly may be seen traversing the steps in the morning to work up a sweat.
The gently rolling side of the dam is carpeted with bright colorful flowers flocked by multitudes of hopping butterflies. From up the summit looking down, the bed of dazzling flowers is reminiscent of the summer capital, Baguio.
The Eco Park in Quezon City is an affordable getaway, alone or with loved ones, to escape city life a while and enter the enchanted lure of deep forest life—still there, right in the city.
Legazpi Sightseeing and Activities
Overview
The beautiful skyline of Legazpi and the tranquil, calm waters of the Gulf all help boost ecotourism in this city. When visiting this province, it’s a good idea to make a list of Legazpi sightseeing places to capture the unique beauty of this part of the Bicol region.
Mayon Volcano
Ranking number one when it comes to Legazpi sightseeing is the Mayon Volcano. One might wonder why the Mayon Volcano is a famous tourist destination and really, this is something that one must see to appreciate. Words cannot describe the majesty of this Legazpi sightseeing spot and the Mayon Volcano stands proud and tall at a little over eight thousand feet. It’s not the height of the Mayon Volcano that makes it special though but rather its perfect cone that is simply captivating. This Legazpi sightseeing spot got its name from the Bicolano word “magayon” which literally means “lovely”. Although the Mayon Volcano erupts frequently, such eruptions are not dangerous and merely add to the majesty of this natural wonder. At night, the bright red lava that pours down its sides is amazing to watch.
Albay Park and Wildlife
Another good Legazpi sightseeing destination which fits all age groups is the Albay Park and Wildlife found just outside the city. One might think that the Albay Park and Wildlife is no different from a typical zoo but on the contrary, this place has several activities to offer both adults and children. The Albay Park and Wildlife is home to some 300 species and its lush jungle makes one feel as if one went right in the middle of the forest. Aside from viewing the animals and occasionally feeding them, children can go on a boat ride which goes around the entire Albay Park and Wildlife for a quick tour of the premises. There are other rides at this well known Legazpi sightseeing destination and these cater to both children and adults.
Kapuntukan Hill
The Kapuntukan Hill is a landmark in Legazpi with its beautiful hillside that has a unique shape. The hillside here looks like a lion in slumber and aside from being picturesque, many wonder how this came to be. Once at the Kapuntukan Hill, one can trek all the way to the top to get a magnificent view of the entire Legazpi City as well as some distant islands. The ascent itself is not difficult at all and provides one with a natural high.
Sightseeing in Olongapo
The Subic Bay area is a wonderful escape from the busy city life in Manila. Located northwest of Manila, it is surrounded by the town of Subic and Olongapo City. Olongapo is a wonderful retreat when you are in the Subic Bay area. You can choose from the many outstanding accommodations. Olongapo is also home to a host of wonderful recreational activities and picturesque scenes any nature-lover will enjoy.
Let’s have a look at the wonderful places we can visit for a really nice and relaxing weekend. First off is the ever famous protected virgin forest which is home to the Subic’s bat kingdom. You’ll be mesmerized at over 10,000 bats passing through a narrow strip. The Fruit bats and Bamboo bats of Olongapo roost in the protected forest reserve. You’ll marvel at the wonder and beauty of bats in flight at dusk with the setting Olongapo sun as a backdrop.
If you’re not much of a bat enthusiast and not really the jungle type you can head off to Olongapo’s ocean aquarium where you can view tropical fish in their natural habitat. This is a must see for aquatic life enthusiasts when you’re in Olongapo. This may especially be true for those who aren’t really into swimming and diving but would love to see the wide variety of marine animals found in the Subic and Olongapo area.
A great place to enjoy a walk with colorful scenes in Olongapo would be in the Butterfly Garden. A perfect stop to all that walking and a great spot for a picnic would be at the Camachile Park where you can enjoy a wonderful time under the shade of Camachile trees. This is one the many idyllic scenes in Olongapo.
Hill 394 is the most popular peak in the Subic area. It gives a spectacular view of the Subic Bay and the legendary Mount Natib. It is a wonderful place for a hike.
Rizal Park is Olongapo’s oldest park. It is also the site of various programs, public gatherings, and a great place to enjoy the cool breeze and stretch your legs under the shade of Olongapo’s trees.
The Subic Naval Base was once the largest support base maintained by the US Navy in the Pacific. It was established in 1898 and was occuppied by the Japanese during World War II when Olongapo was attacked.
Just in case you are a water enthusiast or would just love to get a suntan there are a lot beaches and pools in the Subic Bay Area at Olongapo to suit your fancy. You can even hire outrigger canoes for a day and explore the islands and other beaches.
Olongapo offers more than just a wide range of accomodations, it is also a place for a great weekend trip full of wonderful recreational activities that will keep you in touch with nature.
Legazpi Destination Guides
Overview
Legazpi City is recognized by several prestigious organizations for its potential and the recent boom of its economy and infrastructure has aroused a lot of curiosity especially among tourists. There are several Legazpi destinations that one ought to visit when in this city in Bicol and these are just among the wonders of this highly urbanized city.
The Legazpi City Museum
Many people learn not off the textbooks but through visuals and sensory experience. The Legazpi City Museum found in Albay showcases the rich history of the entire Bicol region with emphasis on Legazpi. This Legazpi destination is not just for those who have a keen interest in Filipino history and culture, anyone even children can enjoy a trip to the Legazpi City Museum. Legazpi City Museum is divided into several parts and one will notice that what stands out the most is the collection of antiques from ancient times when clans ran the city. There have been several archeological digs in Legazpi City alone and most of those found are on display here. Legazpi artists are also becoming known around the world for their passionate works of art and some of the most beautiful and thought provoking artworks are on display at the Legazpi City Museum. What’s good about the artworks on display at this Legazpi destination is it doesn’t focus only on the present era but there are also works that show the dominant styles of the past. The Legazpi City Museum is about 20 minutes away from the town proper of Legazpi City.
Mayon Volcano
Nobody goes to Legazpi without making a visit to the Legazpi destination of Mayon Volcano. What’s so great about a volcano, one might ask. This Legazpi destination is actually on the very top of the list when it comes to tourist attractions in Albay, having been considered as one of the world’s wonders. The Mayon Volcano is a little over eight thousand feet and it is the only volcano in the world that has a perfect cone. Eruptions of the Mayon Volcano are actually awaited because it is a spectacular sight especially at night when the red lava pours down its sides. Although the Mayon Volcano erupts more frequently now, such eruptions have not been considered threatening to the locals living nearby. There are also several souvenir shops at the foot of the Mayon Volcano where one can indulge on the affordable gift items that one can buy at this Legazpi destination.
Laoag Destination Guides
Overview
When in Ilocos Norte, no one will be able to resist a visit to its First Class City, Laoag. This commercial hub which is the home of former First Lady Imelda Marcus is rich in history but it is a very developed city. Several Laoag destinations capture bits and pieces of this history and with each site visited, one will realize that there is so much to appreciate in Laoag.
Gameng Museo Ilocos Norte
Known for its very diverse culture, there is no better place to learn about it than the Laoag destination of Gameng Museo Ilocos Norte. Where this Laoag destination stands today used to be an old tobacco warehouse and this was the biggest industry during here during the Spanish times. There are so many local tribes in Laoag and a visit to the Gameng Museo Ilocos Norte will help one learn more about each and every one including the Igorots. There are several items from each tribe that are on display here and some of the artifacts date centuries back. The main attraction though at the Gameng Museo Ilocos Norte, is the ancestral house and one can take a walk through this mansion and feel as if one is living exactly during that time period. There is a nominal entrance fee to enter Gameng Museo Ilocos Norte and these funds are used to maintain this unique heritage site. As a bonus, there are several small souvenir shops inside and outside the Gameng Museo Ilocos Norte. For those who think that visits to museums are dull, a trip made to this Laoag destination will definitely change that.
Bangui Wind Farm
Another favorite Laoag destination of tourists is the Bangui Wind Farm and because of its proximity to the beautiful Pagudpud beaches, there is a very big chance of coming across this place. Bangui Wind Farm is in the small town of Bangui and aside from its beauty, this Laoag destination is what draws people here. The Bangui Wind Farm has 15 massive wind turbines that stand over 200 feet tall and its purpose is to general mechanical energy which is later on converted to electricity. Visitors always make it a point to have their photos taken with these structures in the background. There is an entrance fee to the Bangui Wind Farm and it costs less than Php 100. There is also a tour guide inside this Laoag destination that explains the entire process and provides a brief history of the Bangui Wind Farm.
Tacloban Sightseeing and Activities
Tacloban City, the capital of the province of Leyte, has many destinations for tourists who want to go sightseeing and do other fun activities. Places such as parks, historical landmarks, religious shrines, museums and beach resorts offer tourists to engage not just in sightseeing but also other activities as well.
Right in the heart of the city, a sightseeing tourist has several places to visit. The Tacloban City Children’s Park and Playground, Plaza Libertad, Maria Kannon Garden and Philippine-Japan Peace Commemoration Statue and Park offers tourists to feast on the sights and sounds of Tacloban life. The Leyte Park Resort and Tacloban City Hall and Park give sightseeing tourists a breathtaking view of Samar Island and Kankabatok Bay.
Historical landmarks are plenty around Tacloban City. A tourist on a sightseeing tour will surely know more about the rich culture not just of Tacloban but the whole of Leyte as well. The Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum has artifacts that show the history and culture of Tacloban. Since Leyte was the first province liberated from Japan during World War II, history buffs should visit Redona House (this is where President Sergio Osmeña, Sr. resided during the Liberation of Leyte), CAP Building or Price Mansion (the headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur), Leyte Landing Memorial in Red Beach, Palo and the Monument to the Filipino Soldier.
Shrines and centuries-old churches offer sightseeing tourists learn more about the spirituality of the people of Tacloban. In La Purisima Shrine, one can find a statue of the Virgin Mary that dates back to the Spanish period stands on a hillside. The Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, on the other hand, boasts of its gold-plated seventeenth century altar. Meanwhile, the Santo Nino Church is home to the patron saint of Tacloban City. In Serin District, there is a hill depicting the Stations of the Cross where life like statues of Jesus Christ and other saints are placed along the stations. On top of the hill is an eighteen-foot statue of the Sacred Heart.
For rest and relaxation, which are activities most enjoyed by tourists, can be experienced at several resorts in and around the city. Leyte Park Resort not only gives sightseeing tourists to enjoy panoramic views. Swimming and snorkeling are also popular activities in this resort. Dio Resort or Baluarte San Jose and MacArthur Park Beach Resort give tourists a chance to combine historical sightseeing and rest and relaxation. These resorts have cool waters, fine sand and spectacular views to soothe the body and mind of anybody.
Makati Destination Guides
<h3>Overview</h3>
Makati is home to a thriving commercial district and towering skyscrapers. Makati, a progressive and highly urbanized city has several tourist attractions that one can visit to get a feel of what living in Metro Manila is like. Several Makati destinations await and one will find that these tourist sites preserve Philippine history despite the fact that Makati is all about what’s modern.
<h3>Fort Bonifacio</h3>
Formerly a military base, Fort Bonifacio has become a vast commercial area and can be considered a city within a city. Although there are still remnants of its military history in that there are still fully functioning military facilities here, Fort Bonifacio has towering condominiums, several club houses and golf courses, business establishments, restaurants and bars. What’s good about this Makati destination is despite having all the modern conveniences that we are accustomed to, fresh air is not some pricy commodity here. This Makati destination has several training camps in forested areas where one can visit, and parks where one can just sit on a bench and relax or jog. The
Fort Bonifacio was a vast tract of land acquired by the US Government and turned over to the Philippine government pursuant to a bases conversion plan done in 1949. The suburbs of this Makati destination is the home of many affluent people, and one will notice that aside from being clean and well maintained, Fort Bonifacio has everything one could possibly need within its confines. Someone living in Fort Bonifacio for instance need not leave the area to go to the mall, grab coffee with friends or have the car tuned up. Equipped with all modern conveniences, this Makati destination is a good place to stay at aside from visit when in Manila.
<h3>Guadalupe Ruins</h3>
Now something that is purely historic is the Guadalupe Ruins found on Bernardino Street in Guadalupe Viejo. This Makati destination is really a church that is several centuries old called the Nuestra Senora de Gracia Church. The architecture of the Guadalupe Ruins is something straight out of the history books with its Doric style that was immensely popular during the late 17th century. The way that this Makati destination was built several centuries ago is also something that’s amazing. The original stones that make up the foundation of the Guadalupe Ruins were specifically cut to that size at a quarry and it was buttressed to ensure that it could withstand the test of time. This Makati destination despite being a church is visited by tourists no matter what religion they may belong to because the Guadalupe Ruins emanates tranquility. The Guadalupe Ruins is also very accessible via public modes of transportation.
Subic Bay Destination Guides
Overview
Nobody really knows Subic Bay that well because it’s only recently that tourism in this part of the country picked up. Because there isn’t much information on Subic Bay destinations, many tourists hesitate to go here thinking there’s little to see for visitors. Contrary to such thinking though, there are wonderful Subic Bay destinations that once visited will change how one looks at this place.
Zoobic Safari
Gaining popularity among children and adults is the Zoobic Safari, a zoo unlike any other in the Philippines and comparable to the really famous ones in Asia such as the Night Safari in Singapore. There’s just something about animals that touches a soft spot among adults and especially children and Zoobic Safari offers that once in a lifetime opportunity to see and understand these creatures. Among the attractions at this Subic Bay destination are the Aeta’s Trail, where interaction with the indigenous group Aetas can be made as well as a chance to see their way of life, the Croco Loco, which is an encounter with adult and baby crocodiles in their natural environment, the Serpentarium and the Savannnah to name a few. There is even a museum at the Zoobic Safari called the Animal Muzooeum which is educational as it is a chance to learn about the evolution of animals.
If one feels that a day at the Zoobic Safari is not enough, the good news is that there is a hotel at this Subic Bay destination called the Zoobic Lodge at Tiara. This small hotel found about 20 minutes away from the Zoobic Safari has first class amenities and provides excellent customer service and they make it a point that their guest’s stay is truly memorable.
Bat Kingdom
Another interesting Subic Bay destination is the Bat Kingdom which has over a thousand bats that has made it its home. The biggest type of bat known as the Fruit bat can be found at the Bat Kingdom as well as the smallest of them all named Bamboo bats. This Subic Bay destination is very accessible from other tourist spots and public transportation so dropping by shouldn’t be a problem. The Bat Kingdom charges an entrance fee of Php 100 for adults and Php 70 for children. The other known tourist destinations that can be found near Bat Kingdom are the Subic Golf Course, Subic Park Hotel and the Apaliin Trail. The Bat Kingdom also has a small souvenir shop inside.
