Cebu City, being the prime city in the Visayas region of the Philippines, has several destinations for sightseeing and other activities in and around the city. These destinations include historical and cultural sites as well as natural and mad-made wonders. These places make Cebu City an ideal place to visit and have fun.
The Magellan Marker is in Punta Engano, Lapu-lapu City. Punta Engano is the site of where it is believed that Ferdinand Magellan was killed by Lapu-Lapu.
Magellan’s Cross is located in Magallanes Street in Cebu City. This is where Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross in 1521 as a way of commemorating the baptism of Rajah Humabon and his followers.
Fort San Pedro in Pier Area, Cebu City was a fort for what is considered to be the first settlement by Spain in the Philippines. It was turned into the American Warwick Barracks during the American Rule in early 1900s. During World War II, Fort San Pedro was used by the Japanese soldiers.
The Lapu-Lapu Monument is located in Punta Engano Lapu-Lapu City. This monument depicts local chieftain Lapu Lapu with a bolo and a pestle in both of his hands.
Different museums showcasing the Cebu culture and history are scattered around the city. Casa Gorordo Museum and Fort San Pedro National Museum highlights Cebu culture from the Spanish times up to early 1900s. The University Of San Carlos Museum, on the other hand has a collection of artifacts that have anthropologic and biological value. While the Southwestern University Museum has collections from prehistoric to Spanish Colonial period.
For visitors who enjoy being outdoors with nature, Cebu City has destinations for swimming, scuba diving and adventure. Mactan Island, Moalboal, Badian Island, Malapascua Island and Camotes Islands are prime destinations for water activities. For the sightseeing tourist who is more adventurous Kawasan Falls is a perfect site to hike for picnics and bathing. The Olango Wildlife Sanctuary, on the other hand, allows one to see migratory birds.
For sightseeing about religion and culture, Cebu City has several destinations for the traveler. The Catholic and Spanish influences are evident in the historic Basilica Minor del Santo Nino. Other noteworthy destinations are the Taoist Temple and Phu-Sian Temple in Beverly Hills, Heavenly Temple of Charity in Peace Valley, Chapel Of The Last Supper and Celestial Garden.
Other noteworthy destinations are the Liloan Lighthouse, Beverly Hills, Cebu Golf and Country Club, Alta Vista Golf and Country Club and Fuenta Osmena.
Named as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City has numerous shopping options to offer to local travelers as well as to foreigners who like to have a remarkable time at one of the most inviting and popular tourist destinations in the country. People can relax and have fun at some of the Baguio shopping malls and souvenir shops that can be found in the heart of the city. Aside from these establishments, there are numerous retail stores and specialty shops situated at downtown that sell cheap native products and local treats. Additionally, the city has a night market that offers great bargains to residents and tourists.
Known as the premier shopping mall in the city, SM Baguio features interesting boutiques and specialty stalls. Customers who want to purchase quality but affordable items can check the mall’s department store. When it comes to food and basic house needs, this commercial establishment features a spacious supermarket. After purchasing all their needs, customers can rest and dine at fast food stores and restaurants inside the mall, which include Mini Shabu Shabu, Wood Nymph Korean as well as Carlo’s Pizza. The mall provides a nice overview of some of the fine and attractive spots in the city like the Baguio Cathedral.
Mines View Park is another convenient Baguio shopping place that tourists should see. This place is known for its relaxing sceneries and numerous souvenir shops. Most of these shops sell native products and handicrafts like bags, rugs and home decorations. In addition, people can also buy affordable accessories like necklaces, earrings as well as bracelets at this place. Above all, tourists can purchase local treats like ube jam, peanut brittle and strawberry jam for as low as 25 pesos at the park.
Tourists who want to take a walk and do some shopping at night can go to the market at Session Road. Most of the items sold at this area have affordable prices. Shoppers who have limited budget can look at the used items offered by some of the stalls featured at this place. Aside from the retail stores, customers can eat delicious and affordable snacks offered by food vendors. Some of the products available are clothes, bags, accessories and home decorations. The prices of these items usually range from 50 pesos to 200 pesos. To have a comfortable shopping time at Session Road, customers are encouraged to visit the place at around seven or eight in the evening.
Many know Zamboanga because of the beautiful flowers that grow here and the thriving businesses but not all are aware of the brilliant Zamboanga festivals that keep visitors coming back to this region in the southern part of the Philippines. One might be wondering what makes these Zamboanga festivals different from the events celebrated in other parts of the country but once one has attended a single celebration, it is a hundred percent guaranty that there are no other festivals that can compare to it.
Let’s take the Regatta de Zamboanga as an example. Done annually during October this Zamboanga festival is one of the most entertaining and colorful. Boat racing has never been this fun or amusing to watch. The locals make their own vintas or sailboats just for the Regatta de Zamboanga and regardless of whether they win the race or not, they go home proud and happy that they are able to showcase something that they have worked on for several months. Every history book about Zamboanga would have something in it about vintas but very few would be able to describe the Regatta de Zamboanga with such conciseness. The atmosphere at this Zamboanga festival is almost party-like with all the colorful sails and the contestants dressed to kill in equally colorful costumes. The Regatta de Zamboanga is an event sponsored by the local government and hence one can expect prestigious awards at this event.
Derived from the Spanish term that means “Flowers of May”, Flores de Mayo is a Zamboanga festival that has been celebrated for over a century, dating back to the Spanish occupation of the country. Flores de Mayo lasts for a whole month and no other Zamboanga festival will exhibit the devotion of the Filipinos to the Catholic faith. Flores de Mayo is in honor of the Virgin Mary and this is an event that is participated in by children as they are the ones designated to bring flowers to the statue of Zamboanga’s patron. Although Flores de Mayo is not really unique to Zamboanga, but the way that this province celebrates it is different. One of the highlights of this Zamboanga festival is the Santacruzan which is a series of parades held in the streets where Christian items such as bibles and statues of saints are showcased. The children in particular look forward to the game at the end of the Flores de Mayo called “pabitin”, where children are blindfolded one by one and would have to crack a clay pot filled with goodies.
Angeles City or the City of Angels has more than just warmth and hospitality to offer visitors. Aside from the interesting tourist sites that one can visit, Angeles City has one-of-a-kind festivals that visitors look forward to and enjoy.
The people of Pampanga have always been known to be able to turn an ordinary meal into a sumptuous one and an Angeles City festival depicts this clearly. The Sisig Festival, a dish that originated from Pampanga, is a tribute to the food that because of how wonderful it tastes, has spread all over the Philippines and in several parts of the world. The Sisig Festival showcases the many different ways to cook Sisig, a Filipino pork dish and its many variants. Truth be told, during the Sisig Festival, it's not only pork that plays an important role in the event. Pork is now substituted with fish, chicken or squid and now the term 'sisig' really pertains to how the dish is cooked. During this Angeles City festival, one can learn the different ways to prepare sisig and the many other means of serving it. During the Sisig Festival, the dish is usually served on a sizzling plate to make the pork crispy. The best part of the Angeles City festival is the taste test at the end of it. The participants of the Sisig Festival range from stay at home moms to large restaurants aspiring to get the title of Best Sisig.
One will not find another destination in the Philippines that has a Hot Air Balloon Festival. This Angeles City festival is an event that even other countries participate in and each year that it is held, the balloons are bigger and better than that of the previous year. Last year, a total of 19 balloons, 13 of which represented other nations were flown during the Hot Air Balloon Festival. The popularity of this Angeles City festival lies in how well this event is organized and because of the activities that one can do during this event. One can ride a hot air balloon during the Hot Air Balloon Festival for a nominal fee and experience what it's like to be in one and get a bird's eye view of Angeles City. Although this Angeles City festival is fairly new, it has a done a great deal in promoting tourism in the City of Angels. In addition to the balloons that are flown during the Hot Air Balloon Festival, there are also aircraft demonstrations and other exhibits that are very enjoyable to watch. The Hot Air Balloon Festival is truly an event for the entire family.
The Samar Group of Islands has gained so much popularity after its natural beauty and astonishing landmarks were made known. Whether it is the east, west or north of this province that one is going to visit, there are surely Samar destinations that if not visited would be a great opportunity loss. Although it is said that Samar is less developed as compared to other provinces, it is precisely the virgin and unspoiled state of many of its Samar destinations that draws visitors here.
The Calbiga Whitewater River is for the adventure hungry visitor who wants to experience rapids and go rafting or kayaking. The Calbiga Whitewater River passes right through rugged hills and a thick forest and is 18 kilometers long. Watch out for rapids when at this Samar destination and the thrilling drops that range from 3 to 6 meters. In fact there are 70 rapids all in all at the Calbiga Whitewater River and over 120 drops. For those who have never tried rafting, this is definitely one of the things that one should do at the Calbiga Whitewater River and in fact without doing this, the trip is incomplete. Activities such as kayaking and rafting are provided by the Leyte Park Hotel regardless of whether one is a guest or not. These activities are supervised by experts who know how to maneuver the raft and live vests are available. In fact, the Calbiga Whitewater River activities can be enjoyed by children as long as they are 10 years old and above.
There is just something very mesmerizing about caves and one should be prepared to be mesmerized by the Sohotan Cave. This Samar destination was formed over centuries by rock build up and the Sohotan Cave served as the hiding place of our ancestors from tribal battles to the wars. This Samar destination is accessible via public transportation and one just has to get to the town of Borong and take the jeepney or tricycle headed straight for the Sohotan Cave. Once at this Samar destination, there are tourist guides that will walk visitors through the Sohotan Cave and be more than happy to give a little history of the civilizations that used this place as a sanctuary as well as the archeological finds made here. The Sohotan Cave is exceptionally fun for big groups or families who want to spend some quality time bonding.
The Palawan Island is notable as one of the best tourist spots in the Philippines. The place was blessed with natural assets, thus the industry of Eco-Tourism is established. The best time to go to Palawan is within the months of October until May since the weather is defined by dry season and rain fall is atypical. Nonetheless, Palawan and its locals define happiness the whole year round trough various festivities. The following are some of the noted festivities that make Palawan's culture more meaningful.
Commenced by the Regional Administration, it consists of a variety of bustles in blissful expectation of the Jesus Christ's birth. Paskuhan concludes with the countdown upon entering the New Year plus a lot of fireworks display at the Capitol Grounds in Puerto Princesa City. The main draw of the Paskuhan is the huge Christmas display (that is animated) at the Capitol Park Square showing different subjects turning around the season of Christmas.
The Pagdiwata ceremony is a thanksgiving ritual and also calling on the gods of the forefathers for healing of sickness. It is a Tagbanua custom.
Since Puerto Princesa City (main metropolis of Palawan) is considered to be a city within forests, extra precautions against insect bites, particularly against mosquitoes are emphasized by the local government. The 'Kulambo' (mosquito net) Festival is a sort of campaign to eradicate malaria in Palawan. The feast is highlighted by a parade or street dance with participants wearing get ups made of 'kulambo'
It is a festival that culminates the celebration of the Farm-Family Month.
This is a feast in honor of San Agustin (Saint Augustine) and celebrated with sports events, cultural productions and related festive activities.
It is the commemoration of the Palawan Civil administrations foundation. Extensive array of festive programs are initiated by the local government with involvement of government agencies and local units.
The island of Palawan definitely has a lot of festivals and merry-making related activities to offer tourists and visitors alike the whole year round. Consequently, the influx of the number tourists has been steadily growing. To have a glimpse of Palawan, one of the best sites to check is http://www.palawan.gov.ph/ which is the Palawan Islands official homepage. The said site is full of information a tourist could consider to be helpful for the travel and stay to Palawan and checking their web page is surely enticing.
My family decided to live independently (it is popular in the Filipino culture to have this kind of 'extended family' ties) after two (2) or three (3) years since I was born. As far as I could remember, we settled in an apartment in Blue Ridge in Quezon City. My father was a resident doctor then at the adjacent hospital known as the Labor Hospital (nowadays, it is the Quirino Memorial Medical Center) and for years, he had practiced his medical expertise as a general surgeon. Then my papa decided to render his service as a government doctor and he chose to be assigned at the Bicol Region since he is a Bicolano. Since then, it was a privilege for us to be with our papa in three occasions in a month.
The first time we accompanied my father at the bus terminal headed to Bicol, I really cried a lot. I was aware that my father would be away for a long period of time and that really broke my young spirit at that time. This instance happened two (2) or three (3) times more the moment we sent papa to the terminal. Nonetheless, I realized that my tears went futile when it happened and it was the reason I stopped being a crybaby. Well, my father also talked to me heart to heart why he needed to be away.
On one instance, I woke up seeing my mama, papa and our nanny packed a lot of baggage and they were all in a hurry. I even remembered my mama reprimanding me for asking too much questions about what was going on. After packing our things, we headed again to the terminal and all I had in mind that my father would be again, leaving us. As we boarded the bus, my other siblings were comfortably seated and seemed to be happy. The co-driver of the bus then signaled it was time to go and I found myself trying to go out of the bus, then my papa said, 'sit tight' then he smiled. At that moment I knew we were going with my papa. I thought that time I was going to enjoy it.
After a 'gruesome' 8 hours of trip, my siblings and I were surprised, but pleased with what we were seeing in the background. Everything was literally 'green'. What we were seeing were coconut trees, hills and mountains-these things we do not usually see in the concrete jungle of Quezon City. All of a sudden, what we saw next gave us mixed feeling of admiration and at the same time fear. In my mind that time, I was asking myself, 'am I only dreaming?'. 'That is the Mayon Volcano' my father was giving us a heads up. Nonetheless, my brothers and I could not even fathom what we were seeing. It was definitely exciting and I remember overhearing my brother, 'can we climb it?'. Our curiosity stopped after a group of clouds block our wonderful view.
We stayed at one of our papa's ancestral home (yes, they do have a lot of ancestral homes scattered around the Bicol Region). The sun was setting and the clouds were still persistent in blocking our object of admiration. After a hefty meal and some mingling with our relatives, we called it a day.
As soon as I woke up, it seemed like a beautiful lady was peeking on me as I again saw the majestic Mayon Volcano! True to its legend and description, Mayon Volcano is world-famous because of its ‘perfect cone’ shape. It was named by the locals after the mythical heroine 'Daragang Magayon' or Lady Beautiful. My brothers and I talked about it, and I remembered my cousins, who were locals of Legazpi, just simply laughed at us, but that did not stop our curious awe of the famous volcano. Since it was our first time at Legazpi City, our relatives with our parents decided to give us a trip at one of the scenic and tourist spots around Mayon Volcano: the Cagsawa Ruins.
Being at the Cagsawa Ruins, it felt a bit strange as for my experience. All the while, I thought that once you saw the famous belfry, you were, literally, set at the foot of the Mayon Volcano. Well, it did not work that way. The bell tower or the belfry was a mute eyewitness to the terrible outburst of Mother Nature through the volcano. I was even imagining survivors trying to help their way up to the tower for refuge as they saw the raging lava. Well, that was the past and we were here to be fascinated by the beauty of the Mayon Volcano!
Seeing Mayon Volcano and knowing a bit of its past make me proud being a Bicolano. As always, I convinced my friends to go and visit Bicol, particularly Legazpi City and see the wonders the place it can give. It is definitely a must for all tourists and visitors alike to experience one of Mother Nature’s masterpieces. Mayon Volcano is considered to be one of active volcanoes in the Philippines and the local government never fails to give ample reminders of safety measures to guarantee a well-spent vacation. Mayon Volcano: 'Magayon ini' (it is beautiful)!
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.
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.
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.
Dumaguete is a place that holds many wonderful surprises for visitors and among the main attractions here are the beaches amidst a tropical island background and the encounter with the indigenous groups. A variety of activities can be done here and of course several visits can be made to Dumaguete’s historical sites. These Dumaguete destinations all hold a piece of the puzzle to this city’s rich history, culture and heritage.
Apo Island is synonymous to a great beach experience in Dumaguete. This Dumaguete destination is a good way to cool down this summer and it is a 2 hour boat ride from Siliman Beach. Apo Island is also a favorite spot for divers in the Visayas and the best part about it is that one does not have to be a certified diver to be able to enjoy the underwater paradise. Diving lessons are offered on Apo Island and everything one needs to become a certified diver including equipment is provided by the dive shop in this area. This Dumaguete destination is a marine sanctuary protected and maintained by the Global Science Community. Apo Island is said to be home to close to 700 species of fish and about 400 different types of corals. If one does not want to venture into diving while on Apo Island, snorkeling is also an option and because the water is so clear, many fishes can be seen just swimming by.
Dolphin Watching is one of the things that one must do while in Dumaguete. Dolphin Watching can be done at Tanon Strait and this Dumaguete destination is where one can watch the playful creatures of the sea frolic in the water with sperm whales. Although Dolphin Watching can be done pretty much all year round, the best months to go would be anytime between May and September since these months are the times when numerous dolphins are here. Dolphin Watching is supervised by the city hall of Bais and the cruises made to this Dumaguete destination are under their close watch for the protection of the species.
After Dolphin Watching, a visit to the Canlaon Volcano is a must. This Dumaguete destination is said to be the tallest peak in the whole of Visayas and the Canlaon Volcano stands at about 8,100 feet tall above sea level. Many mountain climbers attempt this active volcano found in Canlaon City. Canlaon City is about 170 kilometers from the bustling Dumaguete City.
Going back to ones memory lane may not be pleasing for so many people. Nonetheless, as for me, I do really take pleasure in it. Not that I am a sadistic individual trying to torture my psyche, but going back through the past has been a concoction of bitter-sweet sensation: a real-time 'spiritual wine' for me. One of the 'best', is should say, 'intoxicating' experience of my childhood days happened way back when I was at my second (2nd) grade during my primary education years.
My aunt was once a 'domestic helper' based in Singapore almost twenty (20) years ago. Nonetheless, it was just a brief stint and decided to go home and stay here at the Philippines for good. After getting a secure job, she got married and had her own family. Not long after, she and her husband was blessed with twins-an instant son and daughter. I was six (6) then, when I first had my twin cousins. They were so cute that time. It was actually a meeting of 'first and last' because since then, as a family, they decided to settle at Baguio for good.
Since then, I have not seen them, especially my cousins personally. I was updated by their 'looks' through pictures (and by the way, digital cameras and handy phones with cameras were not available during those times) and by how relatives described their physical attributes. However, the long wait was over when my aunt and her family opted to spend their summer vacation here at Manila. After two (2) long years, finally I have had a glimpse of my twin cousins since they were born. Both of them have grown a lot! Nonetheless, the excitement proved to be short-lived. They planned to stay outside the Philippines for good because my 'Tito' (uncle) had a break for a better job-a chance to be assigned in a greener pasture; an opportunity to stay at the land of milk and honey.
As a last note, they would like to spend their last moments being here in the Philippines by visiting the National Museum of the Philippines. I was wondering if the visit would be for my cousins or for their parents. Honestly, I was more excited than my cousins since that time they were chanting 'Jobee! Jobee!' (most likely an inflection of the popular food chain in the Philippines which is Jollibee). Nonetheless, we pushed through National Museum of the Philippines. I was in my second (2nd) grade then, and as I recall in our History class, we were discussing the Galleons, historical trade routes and other facts that can only be read through history books. My anticipation fell short after my we verified that the museum was closed for some renovation. Again, my two cousins chanted 'Jobee! Jobee!' After having a hearty lunch, my aunt never gave up visiting some historical places. Since where at the vicinity of Manila, I happened to ask her, what the 'wall' was all about. She grinned and answered me, 'that is Intramuros'. It was an 'A-ha' or 'Eureka' experience for my young mind during that time. Then I glanced at my aunt saying some instruction in Ilocano dialect for our 'Manong' (an address of respect) driver. To my thrill, we found ourselves within the 'walls' I was asking about. We headed to what was called Fort Santiago.
Fort Santiago (Fuerza de Santiago in Spanish) was the foremost defense stronghold of the Spanish Government in the Philippines. After the two World Wars, the government tried to restore and preserve it as a historical heritage of the Philippines. What gave me goose bumps as we enter Fort Santiago is the fact that the Philippines’ National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last moments in this said citadel before being executed.
It seems that as we walked through the Rizal Shrine, a feeling of nostalgia entered my very being. It seemed that through the memorabilia of Rizal was trying to tell me something. The replica of the dungeon where Rizal spent his last night gave us a sense of nationality and pride. To see a 'piece' of our national hero, literally, was the most memorable experience I had with this visit. It was a piece of Jose Rizal's 'vertebra' preserved and displayed for tourists and visitors alike to see.
I was really a very informative (I hate saying the term 'educational' because it does not really justify the real essence of the word) and memorable trip for me indeed. At that time, I thought of visiting the Rizal Shrine again with my own camera.
After taking our 'merienda' or snacks, again, at Jollibee (as per request of my cute cousins), my aunt decided to hear mass at Manila Cathedral. My aunt was a frustrated nun actually and since she was educated and trained in a religious convent (Dominican Order), she gave me some background of the cathedral. Manila Cathedral or to be exact the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the Manila. Based on etymology itself 'cathedra' means 'seat' or in religious sense 'seat of the bishop'. As we waited for the priest for the celebration of the mass, we tried to read upon some information embossed through golden or brassy tablets. The historical cathedral itself had been reconstructed and renovated after natural calamities and the World Wars throughout the history. I remember being in shocked after we heard (for me it was the first time) the enchanting sound of the pipe organ signaling the Mass was about to start. I was glad to see that at a young age, my cousins were behaving well as my uncle and aunt solemnly pray during the mass. It was a memorable experience again for me, when I saw my aunt smile and all of a sudden shed a tear silently as my uncle tried to embrace her assuring her silently that everything would be good.
After few days since our visit at Intramuros, my parents and I found ourselves at the airport. It was 'bye-bye' moment for my aunt and her family and my parents told me that it would take a long time before they would be here again. As for my twin cousins, they were excited with the thought they would be boarding a plane and flying. As for me, I could not speak that time. I did not want to speak because it would just trigger my eyes to let go of the tears I try to hide that time. Yes, the tears rolled by. The thought of losing a part of my life was definitely a painful experience for me. She was my favorite aunt, and she would be gone for so long. I even recalled my mom telling me that my aunt offered to care for me after graduation, at least for a year, as an act of gratitude for my parents for supporting her studies. As she tried to consult me, she said 'Kuya, tahan na po' (Big brother, please calm down) in a very comforting manner. She continued, 'you are the reason we went to those places, because I know you love history. It was my way of showing you that you are very dear to me, almost like a son for me'. My uncle also tried to consoled my and asserted that my aunt always talked about me all the time. I tried embracing both of them as hard as I could to let them feel I do not want them to go, but it was time to say 'goodbye'.
Ten years after, back then I was in my second (2nd) year in college, going back on these places was always memorable. It was the time I had a chance to visit the Rizal Shrine for the second (2nd) time around and it seemed always the same old good feeling. Nonetheless, I visited the place with a new outlook and a different stance-but the feeling remained the same: I really missed my aunt. In order to help myself with my yearning, I decided to go to Manila Cathedral to hear Mass and pray. I tried to sit at the same spot we were together ten (10) years ago but unfortunately it was occupied. However, it was coincidental to see myself as a young kid sitting on the same spot ten (10) years ago. Since I had my own camera that time, I was able to take pictures of the places we had been years ago with different perspective. As soon as I processed them, I sent them soft copies (thanks for internet) of my photographs. As I recall, our phone rang around two in the morning (still dark here in the Philippines) and I was surprised that it was my aunt very thankful of the pictures. It really brought back the old memories, she said.
Manila is truly the heart of the Philippines. History books would definitely agree in its historical values and unparalleled heritage from other noted cities of the Philippines. Manila is a place where 'promdis' (a slang for native 'from the province') try their best to improve their lives surviving in the concrete jungle of Manila.