HISTORICAL PLACES
Intramuros
City/Region: Manila
The walls of Manila determined its growth, marking a dividing line between the outside and the interior. This interior is known as Intramuros. The oldest part of Manila is the medieval Spanish walled enclave of Intramuros on the southern bank of the Pasig River, packed with historic buildings and churches, many of which are being or have been restored. The reconstruction of Intramuros has allowed for the inclusion of several parks and performing venues, art galleries, souvenir shops and restaurants, so that the area has become an attractive, entertaining and interesting tourist Mecca. Fort Santiago, for example, was where political prisoners through the ages, from Spanish to Japanese occupation, were held, tortured and sometimes executed. Today it is a lush park full of flowering trees and homing pigeons where visitors can take a ride along the promenade on a horse-drawn carriage. Then, in the Barrio San Luis along Juan Luna Street there are five colonial residences that have been beautifully restored.
Rizal Park
City/Region: Manila
Named after Philippines’ national hero, Rizal Park could be considered the symbolic seat of the nation’s heart and soul. Rizal Park is like an oasis for relaxation and fun in the midst of Manila and situated next to Intramuros. The 58-hectare (143 acre) Rizal Park is named for Dr Jose Rizal, renowned Philippine anti-colonialist, writer and philosopher. The park is one of the largest in South East Asia, and is a green lung much used by the residents of Manila for recreation and entertainment. The park features numerous ornamental gardens, a chess plaza and a skating rink. In a pond on the east side of the park the Philippines archipelago has been recreated in miniature. There are also some museums and public buildings within the park, and after sunset a sound and light exhibit featuring the martyrdom of Dr Jose Rizal is to be seen. On Sundays there is a free concert in an open-air auditorium.
Hours: Daily 7am to 7pm
Admission: Free
Malacanang Palace
City/Region: Manila
The name of this Palace, now the seat of government and official residence of the Philippines head of state, comes from the vernacular ’May Lakan Diyan’, which means ’there lives a noble man’. This gracious villa has been a noble residence on the north bank of the Pasig River since the 18th century, when it was built for a Spanish aristocrat. In 1825 the Spanish Government bought the property as a summer house for the Governor General, but it later became the permanent seat of the head of state. There is now a museum housed in the palace that features mementos from each of the Philippine’s presidents, including the notorious Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos.
Located on the bank of the Pasig River in the Manila suburb of San Miguel, the palace was originally built in the late 18th century by a Spanish nobleman, Don Luis Rocha, and was later the summer residence of the 18 Spanish governors general and 14 American civil governors, before becoming the official residence of the President of the Philippines after independence.
Address: JP Laurel Street, San Miguel
Phone Number: (0)2 733 3721
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm
American Cemetery and Memorial
City/Region: Manila
Providing a quiet spot to retreat from Manila’s rat race, the American Cemetery near the Makati commercial center is a welcome peaceful oasis, much visited by tourists, especially veterans of World War II. The hillside cemetery contains thousands of white marble crosses marking rows of graves of those who died in battle. The circular memorial contains the names of those missing in action engraved in marble columns; huge wall mosaics depict battle scenes from WWII, and a small chapel is located
here.
The American Cemetery is apparently the largest such facility outside the U.S. and memorializes the many thousands (including Filipinos) who died fighting during World War II. From Makati to the cemetery is across EDSA at Ayala Avenue to McKinley following the road through Forbes Park past the Manila Polo and Golf Clubs. The cemetery consists of acres of white marble crosses and Stars of David aligned in neat contoured rows silently marching up the hillside to the memorial. T
Corregidor
City/Region: Manila
This small island, shaped like a tadpole, has become a memorial and open-air museum commemorating the World War II stand of Filipino and American troops against the Japanese invaders. The island is the largest of several at the entrance to Manila Bay, laying off the tip of the Bataan Peninsula, about 26 miles from the city. Its strategic position made it a prime candidate for the last stand against the Japanese in the Pacific War, and its three and a half square miles (9 sq km) of dry land remains littered with the detritus of battle. Guided tours of the island are available by arrangement with the Corregidor Visitor’s Information Center in Manila.
Today, Corregidor is a historical site and a tourist destination. The island is divided into sections, the "head" is called the "Topside". This is the main part of Corregidor where the headquarters, barracks, war memorial, lighthouse, Eternal Flame, parade grounds, golf course and all the major emplacements are located here. Then there is the "Middleside", where the campsite, aviary, bird park and some ruins are located. And the tail end of Corregidor island is called the "Bottomside". The hotel, administrative building, Gen. MacArthur Park, Gen. Wainwright Park and San Jose Chapel can be found here.
Phone Number: (0)2 834 5048
Website: www.corregidorphilippines.com
Transport: There are ferry services from Manila
Subic Bay Freeport Zone
City/Region: Manila
Subic Bay is a unique project on the site of a former United States Naval base. It was buried under ash after the eruption of Mt Pinatubo in 1991. Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBF) is the Philippines’ first successful military base conversion into a a tax and duty free zone similar in nature to those in Hong Kong and Singapore. It has since been transformed into a buzzing eco-tourism and commercial hub, only five minutes from the Philippines International airport and a two-hour drive northwest of Manila. Most of the area, which is enclosed by a security fence, is covered in dense forests teeming with flora and fauna, including rare butterflies and bats. There are also lovely unspoiled beaches to enjoy, exceptional scenery, forest trails, watersport activities, coral reefs and shipwrecks to explore, numerous sports facilities and duty-free shopping centers.
Fort San Pedro
City/Region: Cebu
Fort San Pedro, located at Cebu City’s wharf area, was the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement in the country. It began as a single triangular bastion, built in 1565, and was not completed for another 200 years. At first Fort San Pedro was just a wooden pallisade; later it was replaced by a formidable stone structure with walls 6 meters high and 2.5 meters thick. Over the centuries the fort has been put to several uses, including a watch-tower to counter pirate attacks in the 1700s, a prison for local rebels during the Philippine revolution, a US army barracks, and during world war II a prison camp. Today the fort has been turned into a museum-park, giving visitors to Cebu a glimpse of the island’s history.
The fort is located in Barangay San Roque in Cebu City. In front of the fort is another city landmark, the Plaza Independencia, and to its side is the Cebu Central Post Office, which is near Pier 1.
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm
Admission: Free
CHURCHES
Manila Cathedral
City/Region: Manila
Manila Cathedral is a magnificent architectural feat with its intricate stone carvings, stained glass mosaics, and rosette windows
The Church of Manila was established by the secular Juan de Vivero who had the honor of baptizing Rajah Matanda. The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception administered the religious affairs of Manila until such time it became a parish and Manila was created into a diocese. It was a simple structure of nipa and bamboo, materials which were readily available during that time. It had for its first parish priest the secular Juan de Villanueva. The other religious who became the pillars of this parish were Juan de Vivaneta and Nicolas Riccio.
Manila Cathedral is located near Beaterio; near Gen. Luna; near Cabildo; near Postigo; near Sto. Tomas; Manila Cathedral is geographically located at latitude (14.5915 degrees) 14° 35’ 29" North of the Equator and longitude (120.9738 degrees) 120° 58’ 25" East of the Prime Meridian on the Map of Manila.
Masses:
Weekdays: 7:30 am & 12:10 pm
Weekends:
Saturday: 7:30 am
Sunday: 7:00 am; 8:30 am; 10:00 am; 11:30 am; 6:00 pm
Tel #: (632) 527-1796; (632) 527-3889; (632) 528-3876
Barasoain Church
City/Region: Bulacan
Barasoain, said to be a replica of the Barasoain Church in Navarra, Spain, was founded by Augustinian Missionaries in 1859. This church served as the session hall of Malolos Congress, the first congress in the Philippines held in September 15, 1898. It symbolizes the church-convent complex that is favored by Spanish Missionaries. This two-structured landmark consists of the church and the adjoining convent.
A national shrine, the historic Barasoain Church is the site of the Constitutional Convention of the first Philippine Republic, making the Philippines the very first Asian Government to promulgate a Constitution. It was the Seat of the First Philippine Republic on Sept. 15, 1898 to the last week of Feb. 1899 under the presidency of Pedro Paterno. In its convent the Universidad Literaria Cientifica de Filipinas was first housed. It also boasts of a light and sound museum under the management of National Historical Institute.
Tel #: (6344)662-3594 / 791-6608
Address: Malolos City, Bulacan
San Agustin Church
City/Region: Manila
Within Intramuros stands Manila’s oldest stone church, San Agustin, which was completed in 1606 and has since survived the ravages of time and successive invasions. The church has a magnificent intricately carved door, Baroque pulpit, and an 18th century pipe organ. A museum is housed in the Monastery alongside the church, which holds a collection of paintings of saints and other religious art. The Sacristy houses a collection of richly embroidered vestments and Philippine notables are buried in the crypt.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a mandatory destination for any Manila visitor interested in history and culture. Concealed behind the imposing facade is an elaborately decorated Baroque-style interior. Throughout the nave and six side chapels are fixtures of great artistic and historical significance.
Regular Mass Schedule:
Mon/Tue//Wed/Thu/Fri: 6:30am 7:30am 5:30pm * Sat: 7am 5:30pm * Sun: 8am 10am 6pm
Address: Calles Gen Luna and Real, Intramuros, Manila
Phone Number: (02) 527-4060; 527-4052; 527-4060
Hours: Daily 7am to 7.30am and 5pm to 6pm. The museum is open daily 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm
Admission: Museum: P45
Basilica Minore de Santo Nino
City/Region: Cebu
The oldest religious relic in the Philippines, an icon of the infant Jesus, is housed in the basilica, having miraculously survived fire and other catastrophes through the years since the image of Christ was first presented by Magellan to Queen Juana in 1521. The church itself was originally built in 1565, but was rebuilt in 1602 after a fire.
It is widely believed that the Santo Niño image is the same one given by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana of Cebu in 1521, that same year when she, her husband Datu Humabon, and several of their followers where baptized into the Roman Catholic faith. When it was found, it was burnt so bad it was hardly recognizable and its survival was considered as nothing short of a miracle.
The Santo Niño image’s reputation as miraculous is buoyed by reports of basilica helpers that it sometimes goes out of its glass case to take long walks at night. They point to grass stains on the hem of its dress as evidence. The stories are dismissed as superstition but they strengthened beliefs of devotees that the Santo Niño de Cebu, “Cebu’s holy child”, watches over Cebu.
Mass Schedules:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Saturday
6:00 am – Cebuano 8:00 pm – English
7:00 am – Cebuano 5:30 pm – English
Sunday
5:30 am – Cebuano
7:00 am – Cebuano
8:30 am – English
10:00 am – Cebuano
11:30 am – English
2:30 pm – Cebuano
4:00 pm –- Cebuano
5:30 pm –- English
7:00 pm –- English
San Pedro Cathedral
City/Region: Davao
Davao City’s oldest church is named for the city’s patron saint. San Pedro Cathedral is the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Davao. Don Jose Uyanguren, known as the ’Spanish Conquistador of Davao’, built it in 1847 during the Spanish colonial period. The original altar, carved with images of saints, has been preserved and can be seen in the right wing of the cathedral.
San Pedro Cathedral in Philippines is on of the few churches in the country, which were bestowed with special protective status of National Cultural Treasures by the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Interestingly enough, this special designation doesn’t only speak about the historical significance of 25 other churches chosen across Philippines for unique protection but also reflects the emphasis on the local specialty of the church, which has imbibed regional and geographical influences.
Address: Corner of San Pedro Street and CM Recto Avenue
Museo Pambata
City/Region: Manila
The Museo Pambata is a children’s interactive museum, the first of its kind in the Philippines. It is in a sense an alternative to the formal classroom environment where learning resembles a one-way street – the teacher imparts knowledge and the students absorb it. In Museo Pambata, children can use their total senses and learn various concepts at their own pace. It excites the minds of the young, inspires them to learn more, and most importantly revitalizes what child learning should be – fun and exciting!
Tuesday - Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (August to March)
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (April to July)
The museum is open during lunch hours.
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The museum is closed on Mondays and other official holidays.
General Admission (children and adults) - P 100.00
Manila residents- FREE (with valid ID) on Tuesdays and 50% off on other days
National Museum of the Philippines
City/Region: Manila
The large and comprehensive National Museum of the Philippines preserves and showcases the cultural, historical and natural heritage of the islands with collections housed in two different buildings (within Rizal Park). Exhibits are categorised in five divisions: art, botany, zoology, geology and anthropology. Among the many archaeological exhibits is the skull of ’Tabon Man’; the oldest human remains found in the archipelago. The section devoted to the Filipino People includes the preserved remains and treasures of the San Diego Spanish galleon that sank in Philippine waters in 1600.
Address: Padre Burgos Street, Rizal Park
Phone Number: (0)2 527 1215
Email Address: nmuseum@i-next.net
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm
Admission: Free
Davao Museum
City/Region: Davao
About seven miles (12km) from the Davao City center at Insular Village, Lanang, the Davao Museum is devoted to showcasing the various tribal cultures of the people of the region. The main gallery is a repository of tribal art, local costumes, jewelry, ceramics and handcrafts. There is also a gallery of paintings, sculptures and ceramics, and a souvenir shop sells native crafts. Tribal women can be seen at work at the nearby T’Boli Weaving Center weaving cloth from the fibers of the native abaca plant, featuring patterns that depict the folklore of the tribe.
Address: Zonta Bldg, Insular Village Phase I, Lanang
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm
Jumalon Museum
City/Region: Cebu
Located in the Basak district, this private museum created by late lepidopterist, Professor Julian Jumalon, houses his unusual collection of mosaics, made up of butterfly wings. The garden of Jumalon’s home continues to be a haven for thousands of butterflies, and the ’lepido mosaics’ are displayed in the salon.
Address: 20 D Macopa Street, Basak
Phone Number: (0)32 91029
Hours: By appointment
Casa Gorordo Museum
City/Region: Cebu
The Casa Gorordo Museum was originally the home of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu. It is now restored and serves as a re-creation of a typical Filipino home of the late 19th century, furnished with religious relics, paintings, antique furniture and household items. The museum also showcases some contemporary art exhibits.
Address: 35 Lopez Jaena Street
Hours: Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm
Admission: P15 (adults) and P5 (children)
BEACHES
City/Region: Palawan/Aklan/Cebu
Numerous islets and beaches are connected to, or easily accessed from, the Cebu metropolitan area as day trips. Mactan Island is linked to Cebu City by a bridge and is the site of hundreds of beach resorts, most of which offer full scuba services and watersports facilities. Olango Island offers pristine white sandy beaches, while Kansatik, southeast of Olango, features an underwater mountain festooned with coral, sponges and colorful fish. Olango is also a paradise for bird watchers. A short drive north of Cebu City is Sagod, offering caves, beautiful beaches and some excellent dive spots. Capitancillo Islet, a little further northeast of Sagod, sits at the center of a coral reef that extends for about two miles (3km). Calanggaman Islet, in the same area, features black coral and caves. Gato Islet has lagoons, coral reefs and a sea-snake breeding ground. On the south-western shore of Cebu Island is Moalboal, another world-renowned dive destination, and Badian Island nearby has more underwater attractions and a five-star beach resort. Sun seekers also relish Argao, about two hours drive from Cebu City, where the beaches of Kawit, Mahawak and Mahayahay are picture-perfect.
Philippine Eagle Center
City/Region: Davao
The powerful, large Philippine eagle (also known as the monkey-eating eagle) is found only in the mountains of eastern Luzon in the north of the archipelago, and in the heavily forested area of Mindanao. The breeding camp for these magnificent predators is sited at Malagos, in Calinan near Davao City. Also at Malagos is an orchid farm, sanctuary of Philippine native orchids, which offers a restaurant and swimming pool as part of its facilities.
Phone Number: Philippine Eagle Foundation: (0)82 224 3021
Transport: Buses depart for Calinan every 15 minutes from the Annil Terminal located at corner Quirino and San Pedro Extension in Davao. Bus fare is P30. From Calinan, take a pedicab to the PEC for P6
Hours: Daily 8am to 5pm
Admission: P50 (adults), P30 (children). The Davao City Water District also collects a fee on entrance of P5 for adults and P3 for kids
Bohol
City/Region: Cebu
The island province of Bohol is one of the loveliest in the Visayas group and lies southeast of Cebu. It has plenty to offer in the form of historical and natural attractions. The world’s rarest seashells, like the Gloria Maris and the Golden Cowrie, can be found here, as well as the tarsier, the large-eyed insect-eating monkey which, fully grown, is smaller than a child’s fist. Here too are the world-famous Chocolate Hills, a surreal series of 1,768 hills that resemble scoops of chocolate ice cream; they were formed from the weathering of coral deposits formed when the land was submerged and can be viewed from an observation deck. Historically Bohol labored under 302 years of Spanish rule after the local chieftain signed a ’blood contract’ and many buildings, particularly beautiful churches, remain as testimony to the period of colonial rule and the struggle to be free of domination.
Transport: Ferry or privately-run scheduled boat from Cebu City to Tagbilaran City, capital of Bohol Island (about 90 minutes)
Related Links:
http://www.manila.ph/manila/info/rizal-park.html
http://www.nationalparks.ph/rizalpark/main.htm
http://www.op.gov.ph/museum/present.asp
http://www.sbma.com/
http://www.subicbay.com.ph/
http://www.manilacathedral.org/
http://www.bulacan.gov.ph/tourism/touristspot.php?id=8
http://www.basilicadelsantoninodecebu.org.ph/
http://www.santoninodecebu.org/
http://www.dot.gov.ph
http://www.gov.ph
http://www.ncca.gov.ph
http://www.nhi.gov.ph
http://www.pia.gov.ph
http://philippineeagle.org
www.bohol.ph