The bustling city of Manila has a humble past that made it a city of gentle and friendly people always open to foreign tourists and tourism. Back in the 16th century, Manila was even friendlier to Spanish invaders. Why does Manila continue to attract the tourist’s fancy?
A short visit into its past may reveal the secret.
Manila was that harbor east of Manila Bay. The small Muslim settlement along the river bank near the mouth opening to the bay was friendly. It was ruled by Rajah Sulayman, Matanda, and Lakandula. In 1570 Spain started keeping an eye at the settlement, invaded it, and made it the Philippine capital in 1595. Still, the people were cooperative and earned the title “Distinguished and Ever Loyal City.” Spain saw an ally in most Manilans, along with others in the country, who fought with Spain to repel British occupation.
Manila rapidly grew as an international trading city. It traded with China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and much later with Japan and Mexico. Through the “Galleon Trade” Philippine products sometimes even made it to Europe. This early international exposure inculcated in the city’s mindset cordiality and openness to tourism.
Manila, or Maynila in the vernacular, originally was “May nilad.” Nilad is a tall shrub that grew along mangroves and sandy beaches. Manila area was said to be full of Nilad, and folks that time referred to it as the place where there’s Nilad. In concise vernacular, it was “May nilad.” So when referring to it, folks would say, “ah, I know that---it’s where there are nilads.”
Nilad, preferring to settle on shores or banks in clusters, could’ve been seen as a welcoming shrubbery to visitors. Its flowers of white and pink were soft welcoming gaieties of tourism, waving in the wind that blew intermittently from the South China Sea. It characterized the friendly gesture of the city’s tourism.
The Americans also first landed on the shores of Manila after the mock Battle of Manila Bay. It found a suitable camp in the Walled City, Intramuros, where it set up a command post. Later, in World War II, Manila was an “open city,” again welcoming Japanese invaders without resistance.
Thus, Manila, through centuries of exposure to foreign visitors, has raised up generations of friendly people always open to tourism. It has been molded by its history of meek and tolerant hospitality, plus a dash of accommodating symbolism in the Nilad plant where it got its name.
Are you fond of the outdoors, trekking, hiking, or rock climbing?
If the answer is yes, then Wawa Dam site is the exact place for you. You may even have a feel of the history of the Philippines as you walk along the trail.
Nestled at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Montalban, Rizal. The Wawa Dam site is an hour away from Cubao, Manila. It is a place where one can take a time out from the busy streets of Manila city and have fun in the outdoors.
You can get there by taking a jeepney from Cubao going to Montalban. There are also FX-taxis that can take you there (gives more comfort if you wish). This will take you to Barangay San Rafael in Montalban and from there you can take jeepneys that can take you to Barangay Wawa.
If you travel by car you will have to pay a toll fee of twenty pesos for your car. After that you may go wherever you wish in the Wawa Dam site. This is the perfect place for hikers, photographers, trekkers, mountaineers, cave explorers, and every outdoorsman. There are little huts at the dam where you can hang out or have your lunch after a short swim.
The Wawa Dam flanked by limestone walls is a majestic site. The quiet river, the huge limestone rocks, the caves, and the tranquil scenery depict a mystical scene. It is like traveling back in time. The view of the magnificent gorge is awe-inspiring; no wonder a lot of people would love to have a try at rock climbing here.
Local legend has it that Bernardo Carpio, a figure in Philippine Mythology, was once lured into a trap here by the Spaniards. Employing the powers of a shaman, Bernardo Carpio, being a giant in one version, was trapped in between two rocks in the Wawa Dam site. As proof of which, it is said that his hands or feet have been imprinted on the rocks. Local lore also says that one of his teeth was found in one of the caves.
The Wawa Dam was constructed in 1909 by the Americans as a reservoir and pumping facility. It became a battlefield during the Japanese occupation. Many Japanese soldiers died here defending this holding point when the Americans retook the area. A marker was placed in one of the caves that anyone passing through the trail can see. It was placed in honor of these brave men.
One of the caves in the Wawa Dam site is historically significant. The Pamitnan cave is large enough so that it can be explored. It may take an hour for a group to explore the whole cave. In April 1895, it is said that the Philippine revolutionary group KKK (Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga anak ng bayan) took refuge here. Their first cry of freedom took place here in the cave.
One may feel the embrace of nature while going through the trail. You may have the history of the place instill a spirit of peace and freedom. A trek through the trail at the Wawa Dam site infuses nature's blessings and spirituality into the soul.
Makati City is not just the heart of business and finance in the Philippines; it is also the home of some of the finest hotspots and entertainment centers in the country.
Makati sightseeing guide: religious centers
Some of the finest sights in the city are the churches and cathedrals. Among them are the Guadalupe Ruins, which was constructed in the early 1600s by the Spaniards. A contemporary of this church is the Saint Peter Church, whose main attraction is the papal tiara, symbolizing the Pope and Saint Peter himself.
Another popular religious shrine is the Sri Sri Radha Madhava which advocates the practice of yoga and meditation to attain peace of mind and wellness. It is situated in San Antonio Village and like the aforementioned churches, is very popular among local and foreign tourists.
Makati sightseeing guide: cultural sites
For those that want to experience a bit of culture, there are several places you can visit. The Ayala Museum is the repository of a vast collection of historical relics and collections from various epochs in Philippine history. The Museo ng Makati, meanwhile, is the home of artifacts and antiques that are a testament to the glorious past history of the city.
The Thomas Jefferson Cultural Center on the other hand, is the site to go to be updated on events concerning the relationship of the Philippines and the US. Since its establishment in 1945 it has also functioned as a stage for artists, local and foreign, to showcase their wares.
Makati sightseeing guide: art galleries
There are numerous art centers and exhibits that the artistically inclined can turn to. There is the Alliance Francaise Art Gallery off Gil Puyat Avenue, where the finest Filipino artists of today unveil their works of art; the Galeria Jupiter, on the other hand, features select Oriental artworks and also a varied mixture of Chinese antiques.
The Osmundo Gallery focuses mainly on the many artworks and handicraft of Filipino tribes, while the Luz Gallery concentrates its efforts on the antique works of various local artists.
Makati sightseeing guide: shopping centers
No Makati sightseeing guide will be complete without a rundown of the various malls and entertainment centers you can visit. At Ayala Center you will find an assortment of hotels, restaurants, movie houses, cultural centers and offices all around.
The main shopping malls there are Glorietta and Greenbelt. Both of these complexes host the best shopping centers in the country including SM, Landmark, Rustan’s and many more. Another popular shopping destination is Rockwell Center, which aside from the various malls and restaurants, is also known for its high rise condominium units and edifices.
What this Makati sighseeing guide has presented are just some of the places you can check out in the city. As you traverse its well maintained streets doubtless you will find more sights and sounds that will make your visit enjoyable.
Sightseeing in Manila, Philippines often involves that portion of the city where the vast Luneta Park sits. Here is a Manila sightseeing guide for tips on how to make the most of a tour to the various spots in Luneta.
It is more convenient to visit Luneta Park, among the best places to see in the Philippines, by commuting and walking. This adds to the adventure and excitement of a Manila tour as this Manila sightseeing guide strongly recommends. However, if a private car is really necessary, the Quirino Grandstand has available parking spaces.
After parking at the grandstand, the first logical stop would be the Ocean Park. This is right behind the grandstand and is very popular among local families who cannot afford the trip to the Ocean Adventure in Subic in Pampanga. Being a new tour craze in Manila (and in the Philippines), a good Manila sightseeing guide would place this as number one among its suggestions.
Luneta Park has a wide variety of other good places to offer tourists and visitors. Most materials (brochures and magazines) featuring a Manila sightseeing guide recommend visiting the giant Philippine Map near Taft Avenue; the Datu Lane where busts of Filipino chieftains or datus are displayed; the giant statue of Lapu-Lapu, the chieftain in the island of Mactan, Cebu who killed Ferdinand Magellan, the Rizal Monument, and the Chinese and Japanese Gardens. These are foremost tourist spots in the Philippines.
Also highly suggested Luneta spots when consulting a good Manila sightseeing guide are the Manila Planetarium, the Rizal Amphitheater, the Tamaraw Monuments, the vast Quirino Grandstand area, and the Bay Area behind it. The Bay Area also extends form here to a portion of the Coastal Road to Cavite, passing through areas of the Children’s Museum, the US Embassy, the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Star City (for fun rides, games, and entertainment for the family), and World Trade Center of the Philippines.
There is also the National Library along Luneta’s T.M. Kalaw side and the Tourism Building. This is where groups of Filipino Martial Artists, among them renowned local masters, perform exhibitions and teach in front of the building. Foreign tourists who pass by always stop to watch the performances and even arrange tutorial lessons with the instructors. This Manila sightseeing guide recommends this tour feature in Luneta which is gaining popularity in the Philippines.
After roaming around Luneta Park as this Manila sightseeing guide suggests, tourists would have an idea of what it’s like to tour the Philippines.
Choosing a good restaurant in Makati is easy. To make it even much easier and more convenient, here is a Makati restaurant guide for diners with only a few hours to plan ahead for dining out.
For starters, dining cost can be estimated well if placed at Php 300 per person for expensive restaurants. If the budget can afford something higher, then well and good. But this Makati restaurant guide advices a budget not lower than Php 300 for a very quality dinner in a classy restaurant.
Many classy restaurants are found along Jupiter Street parallel to Gil Puyat Avenue, through the stretch of Jupiter Street also has some affordable restaurants that offer around Php 150 per person menus, and even something slightly less. These are often full-packed on weekends, so a Makati restaurant guide tip to remember is to reserve in advance, especially when eating out in groups.
The Ayala Center is another area in Makati where posh restaurants are located. Many of them are on several levels of Glorietta which provides an excellent setting for several more night-life activities before or after a good dinner. Aside from shopping, there are trade shows to see or movies to watch---this aside from being worry-free about ample car parking. So this Makati restaurant guide suggests that a thorough scouting around Glorietta for the right stylish restaurant to spend a date in be done pronto!
Of course, there is also the Greenbelt area---another Makati haven for fine dining and quality dinner menus and ambiance. The place looks super at daytime but nothing can probably compare to it when evening comes. Just one look at Greenbelt at night and people can expect what’s waiting on the dinner table in any restaurant in the area they’d choose. This Makati restaurant guide suggests trying out world-class restaurants in the vicinity.
Makati restaurants that serve buffet dinners are quite famous for their excellent cuisine options. And be ready with a budget around Php 300 to Php 400 per person. Most of them don’t charge for service, but just prepare for the value added tax. And buffet dinners in Makati restaurants are always proceeded with excellent loaded desserts so that this Makati restaurant guide advices on taking as low sugar intakes as possible during the day to make ample room for dessert after supper at these restaurants.
For really enjoyable dinners worth the expense, always opt for Makati restaurants. Seek them out in the places aforementioned in this Makati restaurant guide, now!
Manila is usually the entry point to the Philippines for tourists. From the plane, one will see the towering skyscrapers of the commercial business districts and a city that is well into progression. While there are other places in the Philippines that one should visit, while in Manila, take in the sights and sounds of this thriving city and go to Manila destinations frequented by tourists.
Themed after the Ocean Park in Singapore, the Manila Ocean Park is one of the biggest oceanariums in the whole of Southeast Asia. Found very close to the Quirino Grandstand, this theme park that showcases marine creatures was built on some 80,000 sq feet of land. Fishes are not the only things to see at the Manila Ocean Park, the Bahura reefs are also on display here and there are replicas of different corals found in the country. When at this Manila destination, one will be amazed by the Living Ocean, which is a walk through a tunnel that is surrounded by an aquarium. Fishes swim freely above and on one’s side at the Living Ocean of the Manila Ocean Park including several species of sharks and sting rays. There is also a small pool at this Manila destination where one can dip one’s feet in and the small fishes swimming in it will nip away at dead skin cells. Not to worry though, this is not painful and is very useful in helping the skin cells regenerate. The Manila Ocean Park also has a shells museum where collections of different types of shells found in the Philippines are on display, contributed by resort owners. The Manila Ocean Park is a great Manila destination for families and young children.
The national hero of the Philippines, Dr. Jose P. Rizal was executed at the Luneta Park. Dr. Rizal wanted equal opportunities for Filipinos and fought a long battle of words with the Spaniards so that his fellowmen be educated as well. Luneta Park is a massive national park where one can take a stroll or visit other attractions such as the lake, the gardens, the monuments and the Planetarium. One will notice that at this Manila destination, the statue of Dr. Rizal is guarded by two soldiers around the clock. Luneta Park provides a means to get in touch with nature while in the middle of the metropolis. The Chinese Gardens should also be visited when at this Manila destination. Learning about the solar system has never been as fun as visiting Luneta Park’s Planetarium. Luneta Park provides a whole day fun for the entire family.
Manila has several festivals and events calendared year-round. As a capital of the Philippines, it has a lot of different influences from all walks of life. These festivals border on religious, historical and Mardi Gras-like parties.
In early January, residents, devotees and tourist alike flock to the Quiapo Church in the district of Quiapo to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene. The Black Nazarene is the patron saint of the district. It is believed that the wooden statue of the Black Nazarene is miraculous. Many devotees will attest to the fact that their lives have been turned to the better by their devotion to the image.
During the feast, the statue is paraded around the streets of Quiapo District on top of a carriage being pulled on ropes by thousands of male devotees. These activity borders on pandemonium as each male devotee try to jostle each other for a chance to get to the rope and pull the carriage. Many people believe that their petitions and wishes will be granted by the Black Nazarene if they get the chance to pull the statue.
While this is going on, white towels are thrown through and fro to marshals atop the carriage. Marshals will then wipe the statue with these towels. These towels are then believed to heal or bring luck to the owner.
The districts of Pandacan and Tondo celebrate this feast. Different images of the Santo Nino or the child Jesus is paraded around the streets of the district. Each statue is as different from the next one. Aside from the traditional garb of the Santo Nino, one can see a Santo Nino image dressed in a basketball uniform or a television fictional character.
Along the streets where the images are paraded, people add a cheerful touch to the celebration by dancing. Again, the religious devotion of the people of Manila is evident in the Feast Of The Santo Nino.
During September, it is the turn of the people of the Instramuros district of Manila to celebrate. Various images of the Virgin Mary are paraded atop beautifully decorated floats in the streets of Instramuros. Manila Cathedral is the starting point and end point of the procession.
Every 24th of June, residents of the city celebrate the founding of the city. Every year, the city government declares this day a non-working holiday so that residents and visitors alike get the chance to participate in the celebration. Ceremonies and programs in Manila City Hall and Rizal Park are held.
Binondo, where Chinatown of Manila is located, celebrates this event every Chinese New Year. Visitors and local residents get the chance to see the Chinese influence in the district. Street parties, dragon dances, lion dances and fireworks litter the streets in jubilant celebration.
Posh subdivision, thriving businesses, top schools---all these have been accomplished in the smallest city in Metro Manila, San Juan. Its land area of 5.94 square kilometers hardly makes up one percent of the region. Though hemmed in by neighboring cities all around so that no further expansion is possible, this “David” of a city manages to squeeze in more progress to face up against many giants of challenges. It is surrounded by giant cities like Manila, Quezon City, and Mandaluyong. Actually, this historical city has been facing giants since its humble beginnings in history.
A mere village or barrio in 1590, this smallest city in the metropolis was put in the limelight when the Katipunan first faced the gargantuan Spanish army in 1896. The first fight venue was here, and so in the Philippine American War in the late1800s and early 1900s. San Juan started getting reputation as a spot where freedom was fought for. Thus, the naming of a bridge “Pinaglabanan Bridge” or “fought for” bridge in his historical city.
San Juan has also raised up four giants in the history of the Philippine presidency. First, Diosdado Macapagal, Sr. (1961), and then Ferdinand Marcos (1965), then Joseph Estrada (1998), and last but not least, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (2001). They were resident of this smallest city, San Juan, prior to being president. Elpidio Quirino (1948) chose this historical city as his retirement residence. Thus, San Juan, the smallest city in Metro Manila, has been cradling political giants since early times.
Flourishing business establishments and schools are among this city’s pride. Greenhills Shopping Center, Xavier School, Immaculate Concepcion Academy, and Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication are among San Juan’s pride. There are numerous classy townhouses and condo sites, and restaurants like the historic Club Filipino which has been a witness of countless major historic events, most recent of which was the establishment of the revolutionary government of the Aquino Administration in 1986. The historical city of San Juan also boasts of old churches like Pinaglabanan Church and Sanctuario Church which capture golden memories of its past.
This smallest city among giants has bravely initiated and preserved precious components of Philippine heritage for generations. Aside from beating the odds, this historical city of San Juan has even raised up political giants to make this smallest city the big, small city of San Juan. Thus, the people of San Juan themselves have come to be known as a brave people always facing up to any challenge and coming out stronger and better.
As the capital city of the Philippines, people can expect to find some of the biggest and most prestigious educational institutions in Manila. These colleges and universities are part of the Manila education system that delivers superior quality education at highly reasonable rates. Enroll now and experience outstanding curricula and academic programs.
Situated along Recto Avenue, this university is one of the oldest in the country. Within the campus, students can find numerous structures including the Nursing Building, R. Papa Gym and Nicanor Reyes Hall. It is comprised of various globally competitive schools academic programs like the College of Computer Studies, Associate in Health Science Education as well as Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts. It also very proud of its several research centers such as the Center for Testing and Evaluation, Center for Teaching Excellence and Center for Studies on the Urban Environment.
Located within the University Belt area, this university is a major part of the Manila education system that offers an impressive and extensive lineup of academic degree programs. These include nursing, computer technology and education. It also has engineering, dentistry and law. It also has an awesome lineup of graduate school programs such as Master in Information Management, Master of Science in Dentistry as well as Master in Public Administration. More importantly, it features world-class curricula for the College of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences and College of Law.
This Catholic university is found within the area of San Marcelino in Ermita, Manila. It has a graduate school that offers Master of Science in Pharmacy, Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Philosophy in Education. Meanwhile, its College of Business Administration offers Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration and Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. For those who wish to enroll on its College of Engineering, they can go for the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. This institution is very proud of its numerous student organizations, some of which include Adamson University Chemical Society, Association of Industrial Engineers of the Philippines and Adamson University Computer Engineering Society.
Found along Taft Avenue, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde is another Catholic college that offers students wonderful learning opportunities. It boasts of extensive and globally competitive academic programs. It has the School of Professional and Continuing Education, School of Multidisciplinary Studies and School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management. Other choices include the School of Management and Information Technology, School of Design and Arts as well as the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies.
In rush hours (7 to 10 in the morning and 5 to 8 in the evening) heavy traffic along EDSA in Quezon City can create many choke points. A particular concern is the area right in front of SM City and Tri Noma Mall onwards to Balintawak also in Quezon City. What’s one of the best alternative routes to avoid heavy traffic going to Quirino Avenue?
One of the wisest alternative routes is to take the corner of North Avenue and EDSA right between SM City and Tri Noma Mall and head south a bit to Mindanao Avenue. This route may slow down a bit right in the mall areas but past that into Mindanao Avenue is a guaranteed fast lane that will avoid heavy traffic. Aside from the two modern malls showing off commercial grandeur, the ride also gets past a refreshing patch of greenery from the Veterans Memorial Hospital Golf Course at the onset of Mindanao Avenue.
This is one of the alternative routes that offer not only easy and wide access to Quirino Avenue but also worthwhile stop-overs for a snack bite or cooling soda to refresh one from an exhausting long drive. There is the Mercury Drug Center, Tropical Hut, and a KFC outlet. Not far are the Circle C and Cherry Fooderama for a quick shopping, Max’s Fried Chicken, and several classy Chinese restaurants. Mommy’s Restaurant offer one of the finest native delicacies in town.
Turning right on Mindanao Avenue to further avoid heavy traffic, this alternative route takes one to more resting and snacking spots. A Jollibee outlet with its brilliant welcoming displays is just at the corner of Mindanao and Tandang Sora Avenues which themselves can serve as alternative routes to avoid heavy traffic. Across this corner is a 7-11 all day all night mini-mart clustered with other eateries.
Not far ahead is the Perpetual Help Church, and finally the big Splash Manufacturing Corporation that signals one’s proximity to Quirino Avenue. In all, the travel from EDSA to Quirino Avenue via this alternative route takes a mere 20 to 30 minutes, a much shortened travel to avoid heavy traffic.
A traditional trip from EDSA to Quirino Avenue via Balintawak takes some one to one and a half hours of gruesome traffic. So taking this alternative route to avoid heavy traffic is all worth it. It even provides time for quick snacks or shopping or a take-home dinner for the whole family.