MANILA CITY TRAVEL
GENERAL-The City of Manila is the capital of the Philippines. The Spanish city of Manila was founded on 24 June 1571, by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. The city is the centre of the country’s economic, political, social, and cultural activity. The city’s name, originally Maynilad, is derived from that of the nilad plant, a flowering shrub adapted to marshy conditions, which once grew profusely along the banks of the river. About two-thirds of the districts lie to the north of the river and the remaining third lies to the south. The two sections of the city are connected by several bridges.
It is the second most natural disaster afflicted capital city in the world after to Tokyo.
Metropolitan Manila includes the cities of Manila, Caloocan City to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, and Pasay City (located near the shore of Manila Bay) to the south and 13 municipalities.
The peak hours are typically during the morning & evening commute 7.30-9.30am and 5-10pm. Prebook a shared transfer prior to arriving or book the Uber which is quite popular and cheap in Manila and is a great alternative to taxis, especially if you do not have Philippine pesos when you arrive. Get a free tourist sim card on arrival, they’re at every airport. Most sim cards even come with a small amount of free credit or internet too and if you want to top it up it’s like 20p.
Location-Manila sits on an archipelago just at the edge of the Asian continent, some 14° 35' N, 121º 00 E'. It’s 700 miles (1,100 km.) or 2 hours flight time from Hong Kong, 1,400 miles (2,200 km.) or 3:15 hours from Bangkok, 1,500 miles (2,400 km) or 3:35 hours from Kuala Lumpur/Singapore, 1,900 miles (3.000 km) or 4:15 hours from Tokyo, and 1,800 miles (2,800 km.) from 4:25 hours from Beijing.
HISTORY-In the late 16th century Manila was a walled Muslim settlement whose ruler levied customs duties on all commerce passing up the Pasig River. Spanish conquistadors under the leadership of Miguel López de Legazpi—first Spanish governor-general of the Philippines—entered the mouth of the river in 1571. They destroyed the settlement and founded the fortress city of Intramuros in its place. Manila became the capital of the new colony.
Although the Chinese invaded Manila in 1574 and the Dutch in the mid-seventeenth century, the Spanish retained control of Manila for 327 years, except for a brief interlude in 1762 (during the Seven Years' War) when the British occupied the city.
The Spanish brought Roman Catholicism to Manila, founding many churches, convents, and schools. This influence remains to this day, as the Philippines is the only Asian country in which Christianity is the predominant faith.
The Manila area became the center of anti-Spanish sentiment in the 1890s, and the execution of Filipino patriot José Rizal in the city in December 1896 sparked a year-long revolt.
During the Spanish-American War, the Spanish fleet was defeated at Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, and on August 13,1898 the Manila city surrendered to U.S. forces. It subsequently became the headquarters for the U.S. administration of the Philippines. In the Treaty of Paris in 1898, Spain handed over the Philippines to the United States of America for US$ 20,000,000 and ending 333 years of Spanish rule in the islands.
The Japanese occupation of the Philippines occurred between 1942 and 1945, when Imperial Japan occupied the Commonwealth of the Philippines during World War II.On December 8, 1941, Japan invaded the Philippines. On the morning of December 22, the main attack began. Three months of fighting followed as the Japanese tried to defeat the American peninsula stronghold.Japanese forces took control of the main general headquarters of the Commonwealth Army on January 3, 1942. The Battle of the Philippines was one of America’s greatest military defeats. About 23,000 American military personnel were killed or captured, while Filipino soldiers killed or captured totalled around 100,000.As a result of these events in World War II, Manila was the second most destroyed city in the world after Warsaw, Poland during World War II. Fighting continued until Japan's formal surrender on 2 September 1945.
On July 4, 1946, the Philippine flag was raised for the first time in Rizal Park. Reconstruction took place during the years following WWII. The city was rapidly rebuilt, however, with U.S. aid.
Lapu-Lapu-Lapu-Lapu (1491–1542)-He is largely regarded as the first hero of the Philippines. As ruler of the Mactan in the Visayas of the Philippine Islands, he led an attack against the invading Portuguese in 1521, armed with spears against the cannons and guns of Ferdinand Magellan who was killed in the battle along with a number of his men. Lapu-Lapu has become a legendary figure, subject of poets and invoked in the Philippine Declaration of Independence.
José Rizal: National Hero of The Philippines- José Rizal (June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896), was a doctor, intellectual and patriot. He helped to inspire the Philippine Revolution.
Of Chinese-Filipino ancestry, Rizal was the seventh child of sugar planter and landowner Francisco Mercado Rizal. He had nine sisters and one brother.
Rizal was partly educated at home before entering Ateneo Municipal de Manila, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1877. His performance in school was outstanding. But when he learned that his mother was going blind, he decided to switch to medicine school in UST and later on specialized in ophthalmology. In 1882, he travelled to Madrid to complete his studies, and was conferred a Licentiate in Medicine two years later. Rizal’s first job was with a leading oculist in Paris, France.
Rizal travelled extensively. He stayed in cities such as Heidelberg and Leipzig in Germany, and learned many languages. He had a wide range of interests, including science, and was also a poet, artist and sculptor. Because he lived in Europe for about 10 years, he also became a polyglot – conversant in 22 languages.
Upon his return to the Philippines in 1892. Here he founded, the Liga Filipino (Philippine League), supported non-violent action, Rizal was still exiled to Dapitan, on the island of Mindanao. During the four years Rizal was in exile, he practiced medicine and took on students.
In 1895, Rizal asked for permission to travel to Cuba as an army doctor. His request was approved, but in August 1896, Katipunan, a nationalist Filipino society founded by Andres Bonifacio, revolted. Though he had no ties to the group and disapproved of its violent methods, Rizal was arrested shortly thereafter on his way to Cuba at Barcelona and sent back to Manila for trials. Rizal was charged with sedition, conspiracy, and rebellion – and therefore, sentenced to death by firing squad.
Dr. José Rizal was executed on the morning of December 30, 1896, in what was then called Bagumbayan (now referred to as Luneta). Upon hearing the command to shoot him, he faced the squad and uttered in his final breath: “Consummatum est” (It is finished).
GEOGRAPHY- The city is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay. The Pasig River flows through the middle of the city, dividing it into the north and south sections.
AREA-
• City 42.88 km2 (16.56 sq mi)
• Urban 1,474.82 km2 (569.43 sq mi)
• Metro 619.57 km2 (239.22 sq mi)
POPULATION-
• City 1,780,148
• Urban 22,710,000
• Metro 12,877,253
CO-ORDINATES- 14°35′45″N 120°58′38″E
TIME ZONE- UTC+8 (PST)
CLIMATE-The city is protected from extreme weather conditions by the hills of the Sierra Madre and the mountains of the Bataan Peninsula. The tropical climate is characterized by a wet season that lasts from June to November and by a dry season lasting from December to May. The wettest months are July, August, and September, when thunderstorms are especially common.
It is the second most natural disaster afflicted capital city in the world after to Tokyo.
Metropolitan Manila includes the cities of Manila, Caloocan City to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, and Pasay City (located near the shore of Manila Bay) to the south and 13 municipalities.
The peak hours are typically during the morning & evening commute 7.30-9.30am and 5-10pm. Prebook a shared transfer prior to arriving or book the Uber which is quite popular and cheap in Manila and is a great alternative to taxis, especially if you do not have Philippine pesos when you arrive. Get a free tourist sim card on arrival, they’re at every airport. Most sim cards even come with a small amount of free credit or internet too and if you want to top it up it’s like 20p.
Location-Manila sits on an archipelago just at the edge of the Asian continent, some 14° 35' N, 121º 00 E'. It’s 700 miles (1,100 km.) or 2 hours flight time from Hong Kong, 1,400 miles (2,200 km.) or 3:15 hours from Bangkok, 1,500 miles (2,400 km) or 3:35 hours from Kuala Lumpur/Singapore, 1,900 miles (3.000 km) or 4:15 hours from Tokyo, and 1,800 miles (2,800 km.) from 4:25 hours from Beijing.
HISTORY-In the late 16th century Manila was a walled Muslim settlement whose ruler levied customs duties on all commerce passing up the Pasig River. Spanish conquistadors under the leadership of Miguel López de Legazpi—first Spanish governor-general of the Philippines—entered the mouth of the river in 1571. They destroyed the settlement and founded the fortress city of Intramuros in its place. Manila became the capital of the new colony.
Although the Chinese invaded Manila in 1574 and the Dutch in the mid-seventeenth century, the Spanish retained control of Manila for 327 years, except for a brief interlude in 1762 (during the Seven Years' War) when the British occupied the city.
The Spanish brought Roman Catholicism to Manila, founding many churches, convents, and schools. This influence remains to this day, as the Philippines is the only Asian country in which Christianity is the predominant faith.
The Manila area became the center of anti-Spanish sentiment in the 1890s, and the execution of Filipino patriot José Rizal in the city in December 1896 sparked a year-long revolt.
During the Spanish-American War, the Spanish fleet was defeated at Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, and on August 13,1898 the Manila city surrendered to U.S. forces. It subsequently became the headquarters for the U.S. administration of the Philippines. In the Treaty of Paris in 1898, Spain handed over the Philippines to the United States of America for US$ 20,000,000 and ending 333 years of Spanish rule in the islands.
The Japanese occupation of the Philippines occurred between 1942 and 1945, when Imperial Japan occupied the Commonwealth of the Philippines during World War II.On December 8, 1941, Japan invaded the Philippines. On the morning of December 22, the main attack began. Three months of fighting followed as the Japanese tried to defeat the American peninsula stronghold.Japanese forces took control of the main general headquarters of the Commonwealth Army on January 3, 1942. The Battle of the Philippines was one of America’s greatest military defeats. About 23,000 American military personnel were killed or captured, while Filipino soldiers killed or captured totalled around 100,000.As a result of these events in World War II, Manila was the second most destroyed city in the world after Warsaw, Poland during World War II. Fighting continued until Japan's formal surrender on 2 September 1945.
On July 4, 1946, the Philippine flag was raised for the first time in Rizal Park. Reconstruction took place during the years following WWII. The city was rapidly rebuilt, however, with U.S. aid.
Lapu-Lapu-Lapu-Lapu (1491–1542)-He is largely regarded as the first hero of the Philippines. As ruler of the Mactan in the Visayas of the Philippine Islands, he led an attack against the invading Portuguese in 1521, armed with spears against the cannons and guns of Ferdinand Magellan who was killed in the battle along with a number of his men. Lapu-Lapu has become a legendary figure, subject of poets and invoked in the Philippine Declaration of Independence.
José Rizal: National Hero of The Philippines- José Rizal (June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896), was a doctor, intellectual and patriot. He helped to inspire the Philippine Revolution.
Of Chinese-Filipino ancestry, Rizal was the seventh child of sugar planter and landowner Francisco Mercado Rizal. He had nine sisters and one brother.
Rizal was partly educated at home before entering Ateneo Municipal de Manila, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1877. His performance in school was outstanding. But when he learned that his mother was going blind, he decided to switch to medicine school in UST and later on specialized in ophthalmology. In 1882, he travelled to Madrid to complete his studies, and was conferred a Licentiate in Medicine two years later. Rizal’s first job was with a leading oculist in Paris, France.
Rizal travelled extensively. He stayed in cities such as Heidelberg and Leipzig in Germany, and learned many languages. He had a wide range of interests, including science, and was also a poet, artist and sculptor. Because he lived in Europe for about 10 years, he also became a polyglot – conversant in 22 languages.
Upon his return to the Philippines in 1892. Here he founded, the Liga Filipino (Philippine League), supported non-violent action, Rizal was still exiled to Dapitan, on the island of Mindanao. During the four years Rizal was in exile, he practiced medicine and took on students.
In 1895, Rizal asked for permission to travel to Cuba as an army doctor. His request was approved, but in August 1896, Katipunan, a nationalist Filipino society founded by Andres Bonifacio, revolted. Though he had no ties to the group and disapproved of its violent methods, Rizal was arrested shortly thereafter on his way to Cuba at Barcelona and sent back to Manila for trials. Rizal was charged with sedition, conspiracy, and rebellion – and therefore, sentenced to death by firing squad.
Dr. José Rizal was executed on the morning of December 30, 1896, in what was then called Bagumbayan (now referred to as Luneta). Upon hearing the command to shoot him, he faced the squad and uttered in his final breath: “Consummatum est” (It is finished).
GEOGRAPHY- The city is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay. The Pasig River flows through the middle of the city, dividing it into the north and south sections.
AREA-
• City 42.88 km2 (16.56 sq mi)
• Urban 1,474.82 km2 (569.43 sq mi)
• Metro 619.57 km2 (239.22 sq mi)
POPULATION-
• City 1,780,148
• Urban 22,710,000
• Metro 12,877,253
CO-ORDINATES- 14°35′45″N 120°58′38″E
TIME ZONE- UTC+8 (PST)
CLIMATE-The city is protected from extreme weather conditions by the hills of the Sierra Madre and the mountains of the Bataan Peninsula. The tropical climate is characterized by a wet season that lasts from June to November and by a dry season lasting from December to May. The wettest months are July, August, and September, when thunderstorms are especially common.
T in C JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Av.H. 30 30 32 33 34 33 32 32 32 31 31 30
Av.L. 21 21 21 22 24 26 26 25 25 23 22 22
Av rains 4 3 3 4 10 17 21 21 20 17 12 7
inches
AIRPORT-Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the main airport of Manila. Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4, are not internally-connected, and require an actual drive through the crowded city streets in taxis or jeepneys. Allow lots of time for connection. There is a free bus transfer service from Terminal 4 to Terminal 1 (and possibly to other terminals) if you are making a connection. The bus goes within the airport, so it does not get stuck in traffic (travel time ~10 minutes, waited 30 minutes for a bus). Terminal 1 is used for most international flights. Exclusively Philippine Airlines use terminal 2.
In the arrivals bay (at T-3) you’ll see a big red sign and bus for “Resorts World Manila”, this is your FREE transport to and from the airport. It’ll drop you off at “Resorts World”. You can drop your bags off 24/7 for FREE at the casino. Inside you’ll find restaurants, cafes, the casino, shops and a movie cinema. If you want to take full advantage of the casino become a member, it’s FREE. You’ll get a 100p voucher to play with at the casino, loads of discounts for food, drinks, shopping and free entry into the House nightclub with a complimentary drink. The Resorts World shopping and dining complex is four stories and has FREE Wi-Fi everywhere.
At the airport just get a metered yellow taxi or a "fixed price" coupon taxi. The coupon taxis are generally more expensive.
TAXI SERVICE AT MANILA- Most taxi drivers will turn on the meter; if they don’t, politely request that they do. If the meter is ‘broken’ or your taxi driver says the fare is ‘up to you’, the best strategy is to get out and find another cab (or offer a low-ball price). It can be almost impossible to get a cab during rush hour; be prepared to offer P50 to P100 on top of the metered rate. Taxis in Manila are cheap and plentiful. Flagfall is a mere P40 for the first kilometre, plus P3.5 for every 300m (or two minutes of waiting time) after that. A 15- to 20-minute trip rarely costs more than P150 or so. Uber is popular in Manila and charges similarly low rates.
Local Transport-Motorised tricycles are useful for short hops around town. Short journeys should cost from P40 to P50, depending on how well you bargain. Electronic 'E-trikes' are starting to appear in Intramuros and Chinatown.
SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS AT MANILA-
In the arrivals bay (at T-3) you’ll see a big red sign and bus for “Resorts World Manila”, this is your FREE transport to and from the airport. It’ll drop you off at “Resorts World”. You can drop your bags off 24/7 for FREE at the casino. Inside you’ll find restaurants, cafes, the casino, shops and a movie cinema. If you want to take full advantage of the casino become a member, it’s FREE. You’ll get a 100p voucher to play with at the casino, loads of discounts for food, drinks, shopping and free entry into the House nightclub with a complimentary drink. The Resorts World shopping and dining complex is four stories and has FREE Wi-Fi everywhere.
At the airport just get a metered yellow taxi or a "fixed price" coupon taxi. The coupon taxis are generally more expensive.
TAXI SERVICE AT MANILA- Most taxi drivers will turn on the meter; if they don’t, politely request that they do. If the meter is ‘broken’ or your taxi driver says the fare is ‘up to you’, the best strategy is to get out and find another cab (or offer a low-ball price). It can be almost impossible to get a cab during rush hour; be prepared to offer P50 to P100 on top of the metered rate. Taxis in Manila are cheap and plentiful. Flagfall is a mere P40 for the first kilometre, plus P3.5 for every 300m (or two minutes of waiting time) after that. A 15- to 20-minute trip rarely costs more than P150 or so. Uber is popular in Manila and charges similarly low rates.
Local Transport-Motorised tricycles are useful for short hops around town. Short journeys should cost from P40 to P50, depending on how well you bargain. Electronic 'E-trikes' are starting to appear in Intramuros and Chinatown.
SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS AT MANILA-
001-INTRAMUROS- Today, Intramuros is a prominent tourist spot where visitors can experience Spanish-era Manila through the walled city's churches, restaurants, and museums. The name Intramuros, meaning inside the walls, is characterized as the walled city of Manila.Intramuros was erected on the ruins of a Malay settlement at the mouth of the Pasig River. Its strategic location attracted the attention of the conquistador. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi (a Spanish) who had negotiated with Manila local rulers, Lakan Dula and Rajah Matanda to allow a Spanish settlement in what would become Intramuros. On June 24, 1571, Lopez de Legazpi established Manila as the seat of Spanish colonial rule in “Felipinas.” Lopez de Legazpi became the first governor-general of the Philippines. He also ordered to reinforce the palisade with logs and earth. Lopez de Legazpi died in 1572.The walled city suffered grievously through World War II; only San Agustin Church was left standing by war's end .In the 1980s, the government led a major restoration effort that reconstructed Intramuros to its present state. A walled citadel city (0.67 square kilometers) in colonial times was the heart of Old Manila from where the Spanish ruled their eastern empire for centuries, with Baroque churches and crazy markets.This was the capital of the Spanish East Indies from the 16th century to 1898AD. There is a tight grid system contained by sturdy 16th and 17th century walls. The 160 acres within the original 20-foot- (6metre) thick walls contain Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, the University of the City of Manila, and other monuments to the Spanish colonial period. The walls stretched to an estimated 3-5 kilometres in length. A few attractions on this list in Intramuros are –
i-Fort Santiago- The military base for the Spanish government was in the northwest corner of Intramuros, close to the cathedral. The solid stone structure has an Italian-Spanish architectural style. The monumental main gate has the Spanish coat of arms below a relief of the Spanish patron saint Santiago Matamoros. The relief sculpture depicts St. James crushing Muslims under his horse's hooves, an image that resonated particularly well with the Spanish conquistadores, who defeated Muslim natives to gain the site of Fort Santiago in battle.
The Fort Santiago was built in 1571. Originally at the site of a Muslim kingdom headed by Rajah Sulaiman, the area was destroyed by Spaniards and the fort was built and soon became the main defence fortress. Re-construction of fort began in 1590 and was completed in 1593 and was built with Volcanic stones. No “indios” (the term used by Spaniards referring to natives of the Philippines) were allowed inside the fort except for those who were imprisoned and executed. The gate of Fort Santiago was completed in 1714.
Dr. Jose P. Rizal was imprisoned and tried inside the fort in 1896. From Fort Santiago, Rizal walked to the Bagumbayan Field for his execution by firing squad in the early morning of December 30, 1896. His final footsteps are commemorated in present-day Fort Santiago.
This fort was used by the Japanese military, after they captured Manila, numerous Filipino and American prisoners were tortured and executed .Today the dungeons are closed to the public along with the underground chambers. Most of the fort was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in February 1945 and is now a historical park. Entrance fees are nominal and while there are people offering guided tours, it is not necessary. Signs are in English. The ticket counter that allows access to Fort Santiago is set at the gate of a large garden square called Plaza Moriones.
Museum of Jose Rizal, Fort Santiago- The Museum of Jose Rizal, Fort Santiago (Museoni Jose Rizal, Fort Santiago) is housed in the actual site where the Filipino polymath was detained during his last days. Rizal of his death sentence in the morning of 29 December; his execution scheduled the next day. He spent his final day receiving guests, composing letters, and completing his valedictory poem. In the morning of 30 December, he began his march to Bagumbayan field. Having accepted his fate, Rizal was in a calm disposition nearing the time of his death. As shots rang out from the guns of the firing squad, Rizal tried to face his executioners, fell down, and died facing the sky.
Fort Santiago is an eight-minute walk away from Manila Cathedral. Fort Santiago is open on all days of the week - from Tuesdays to Sundays, on Mondays, the Fort is only open from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Fort Entrance fee=Php 75.00/ per head.
Duration-2hrs
The Fort Santiago was built in 1571. Originally at the site of a Muslim kingdom headed by Rajah Sulaiman, the area was destroyed by Spaniards and the fort was built and soon became the main defence fortress. Re-construction of fort began in 1590 and was completed in 1593 and was built with Volcanic stones. No “indios” (the term used by Spaniards referring to natives of the Philippines) were allowed inside the fort except for those who were imprisoned and executed. The gate of Fort Santiago was completed in 1714.
Dr. Jose P. Rizal was imprisoned and tried inside the fort in 1896. From Fort Santiago, Rizal walked to the Bagumbayan Field for his execution by firing squad in the early morning of December 30, 1896. His final footsteps are commemorated in present-day Fort Santiago.
This fort was used by the Japanese military, after they captured Manila, numerous Filipino and American prisoners were tortured and executed .Today the dungeons are closed to the public along with the underground chambers. Most of the fort was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in February 1945 and is now a historical park. Entrance fees are nominal and while there are people offering guided tours, it is not necessary. Signs are in English. The ticket counter that allows access to Fort Santiago is set at the gate of a large garden square called Plaza Moriones.
Museum of Jose Rizal, Fort Santiago- The Museum of Jose Rizal, Fort Santiago (Museoni Jose Rizal, Fort Santiago) is housed in the actual site where the Filipino polymath was detained during his last days. Rizal of his death sentence in the morning of 29 December; his execution scheduled the next day. He spent his final day receiving guests, composing letters, and completing his valedictory poem. In the morning of 30 December, he began his march to Bagumbayan field. Having accepted his fate, Rizal was in a calm disposition nearing the time of his death. As shots rang out from the guns of the firing squad, Rizal tried to face his executioners, fell down, and died facing the sky.
Fort Santiago is an eight-minute walk away from Manila Cathedral. Fort Santiago is open on all days of the week - from Tuesdays to Sundays, on Mondays, the Fort is only open from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Fort Entrance fee=Php 75.00/ per head.
Duration-2hrs
ii-Plaza de Roma, (in front of Manila Cathedral) -At the centre of the plaza stands a monument to King Carlos IV of Spain, cast in 1808 and erected in 1824 by a colonial government grateful for his having dispatched a shipment of smallpox vaccine to the Philippines.
iii- Ayuntamiento (City Hall/Marble Palace) - Completely rebuilt in 1884 after the disastrous earthquake of 1863, the seat of Manila's colonial-era city council once had some of the grandest interiors in Intramuros. The 1945 Battle of Manila left it a gutted shell, of which only parts of the first storey survived. The building now houses the offices of the Bureau of the Treasury.
iv-National Commission for Culture and Arts- Located on the ground floor of the National Commission for Culture and Arts building is the NCCA Gallery, an exhibition space for the contemporary art scene in the Philippines. The NCCA gallery was established to help young artists get their much needed exposure.
Entrance Fee: Free
Entrance Fee: Free
v-Palacio del Gobernador- It was the official residence and office of the Spanish governor generals during the Spanish colonial period. Today, it's the office of the Intramuros Administration and several government offices.
vi- Plazuela De Santa Isabel- Plazuela de Santa Isabel was built to commemorate the thousands of civilians massacred within Intramuros by the Japanese forces during the Battle of Manila in February 1945. The statue in this small park is Sta. Isabel caring for the wounded during the battle of Intramuros.
vii- Manila Cathedral-Founded in 1571 Manila Cathedralon Plaza de Roma today is actually the 8th rebuild due to fire and earthquakes. The present building dates back to 1958, and underwent rehabilitation in 2013. Note that you need to take off your hats before going inside the church as a sign of respect.
viii- San Agustin Church-For the past 400 years, the church has served as an eyewitness to Manila's history. It is the oldest church in the Philippines. The present church on the site is a large stone Baroque construction, completed in 1606 and still standing despite earthquakes, invasions, and typhoons. The only major damaged that the San Agustin endured was the collapse of one of the church’s bell tower, which was then permanently removed thereafter. The present structure is actually the third to stand on the site. Not even World War II - which flattened the rest of Intramuros - could topple San Agustin. The founder of Manila, the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, is buried on this site. (His bones were jumbled up with other decedents after British invaders sacked the church for its valuables in 1762).The churches built by the Augustinians in Mexico served as a model for the San Agustin Church in Manila. During the Second World War, the Japanese forces turned the San Agustin Church into a concentration camp for prisoners. As the Battle of Manila in 1945 draw to close, the Japanese held hostage priests and hundreds of residents inside the church.
The Museum of the San Agustin Church- The church's former monastery now houses the museum: a collection of religious artwork, relics and ecclesiastical props used throughout the church's history, the oldest pieces dating back to the founding of Intramuros itself. As you visit the other halls in turn, you'll pass by oil paintings of Augustinian saints, as well as old carriages (carrozas) used for religious processions.
Museum Entrance Fees- P200/pp.
The museum is open between 8am to 6pm, with a lunch break between 12 noon to 1pm.
The Museum of the San Agustin Church- The church's former monastery now houses the museum: a collection of religious artwork, relics and ecclesiastical props used throughout the church's history, the oldest pieces dating back to the founding of Intramuros itself. As you visit the other halls in turn, you'll pass by oil paintings of Augustinian saints, as well as old carriages (carrozas) used for religious processions.
Museum Entrance Fees- P200/pp.
The museum is open between 8am to 6pm, with a lunch break between 12 noon to 1pm.
ix- Casa Manila-The Casa Manila is a grand house similar to those that rich Spaniards and Filipino illustrados. Located inside Intramuros just opposite the San Agustin church, Casa Manila is a replica of Spanish colonial mansion of late 19th century Manila. It is filled with period furniture and furnishings of Philippine, Chinese and European origins. In 1980 the Intramuros Administration decided to construct Casa Manila, a three storey structure modelled on the Binondo house of the prominent merchant Don Severino Mendoza. Opulent European furnishings speak of the family's wealth, culture and foreign travel.
Open: Tuesday - Sunday, 9pm - 6pm
Fee:- P75/pp
Open: Tuesday - Sunday, 9pm - 6pm
Fee:- P75/pp
x-One Stop Cultural Shop: Plaza San Luis Complex-The Plaza San Luis Complex, despite its historical look, only dates back to the 1970s. The Plaza San Luis Complex is a one-stop shop for tourists; visitors will find a budget hotel, restaurant, shopping outlets, tour services and a museum within the premises.
Tour on foot, or by calesa (horse-drawn carriage) or motorised tricycle.To avoid getting ripped off, it may be a good idea to ask about the route and confirm the price of the trip before setting out.
i- The kalesa ride when starting from the National Museum is priced at P350 ($7) per 30 minutes. If you take the kalesa from Intramuros (colonial Manila's “The Walled City”), the rate is at P500 per 30 minutes.
ii- Walking Tour-https://www.tripsavvy.com/walking-tour-of-intramuros-1629751
iii- E-Trike service- An e-trike is a three-wheel electric vehicle. It covers the main spots in the city around in 25 minutes. It is operated at 2 to 5 min intervals from 7AM to 7PM and there are 13 EV-stops: Round Table, PLM, San Diego Gardens, DOLE, San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Plaza Roma, Lyceum, Mapua, Manila HS, Letran, NPC, Immigration. You can buy tickets from the ticket booths. Fare per a ride: Php25 for adults. You can also charter E-Trike service that would help you design your own Intramuros tour. Fare is Php800 per 1 hour and the e-trike is good for 6 persons.
iv- Pedicab, a three-wheeled public conveyance. Make sure you first negotiate the price with the driver before agreeing with the tour. The price of the tour is Php350 per 30 minutes.
Walking Tour- Itinerary for Intramuros 4 hour walking tour-
https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/instramuros-binondo-travel-guide/
8:30 AM – Meetup at Fort Santiago / Start of Intramuros Tour
10:30 AM – Plaza Roma
10:40 AM – Manila Cathedral
11:00 AM – San Agustin Church & Museum
12:00 AM – Casa Manila
12:30 PM – End of Intramuros Tour / To Binondo
i- The kalesa ride when starting from the National Museum is priced at P350 ($7) per 30 minutes. If you take the kalesa from Intramuros (colonial Manila's “The Walled City”), the rate is at P500 per 30 minutes.
ii- Walking Tour-https://www.tripsavvy.com/walking-tour-of-intramuros-1629751
iii- E-Trike service- An e-trike is a three-wheel electric vehicle. It covers the main spots in the city around in 25 minutes. It is operated at 2 to 5 min intervals from 7AM to 7PM and there are 13 EV-stops: Round Table, PLM, San Diego Gardens, DOLE, San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Plaza Roma, Lyceum, Mapua, Manila HS, Letran, NPC, Immigration. You can buy tickets from the ticket booths. Fare per a ride: Php25 for adults. You can also charter E-Trike service that would help you design your own Intramuros tour. Fare is Php800 per 1 hour and the e-trike is good for 6 persons.
iv- Pedicab, a three-wheeled public conveyance. Make sure you first negotiate the price with the driver before agreeing with the tour. The price of the tour is Php350 per 30 minutes.
Walking Tour- Itinerary for Intramuros 4 hour walking tour-
https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/instramuros-binondo-travel-guide/
8:30 AM – Meetup at Fort Santiago / Start of Intramuros Tour
10:30 AM – Plaza Roma
10:40 AM – Manila Cathedral
11:00 AM – San Agustin Church & Museum
12:00 AM – Casa Manila
12:30 PM – End of Intramuros Tour / To Binondo
002-RIZAL PARK-Rizal Park is located along Roxas Boulevard, Manila, adjacent to the old walled city of Intramuros, it is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. This is where the patriot José Rizal was executedon Dec30, 1896, bringing the Philippine Revolution to a head.The monument (at the spot where he was killed) was erected in 1913 on the 17th anniversary of his death.It holds his remains and is guarded day and night by soldiers from the Marine Corps.
The Declaration of Philippine Independence from the United States was held here on July 4, 1946, as were later political rallies including those of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino in 1986 that culminated in the EDSA Revolution.
On the other (south) side of the monument, toward Kalaw Ave, keep an eye out for the drinking fountain shipped all the way from Heidelberg, Germany, where Rizal spent time studying at university.In the middle of the park is the Central Lagoon, a pool lined with busts of Filipino heroes and martyrs, and a dancing musical fountain that erupts in colourful explosions in the evening. In front the monument the Flagpole standing about 150 feet from the ground, this specific flagpole is considered the highest in the country. It also marks the “kilometer zero” or “KM 0” from which all distances around the country are measured.
Manila’s iconic central park is spread out over some 60 hectares of open lawns, ornamental gardens, ponds, paved walks and wooded areas, dotted with monuments to a whole pantheon of Filipino heroes. It has been a favourite leisure spot, and is frequented on Sundays and national holidays.There are Japanese and Chinese Gardens.
Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom- The 30-foot "Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom" monument stands on a 10-foot pedestal and depicts Lapu-Lapu not in battle. Instead, the hero is shown standing guard, holding his kampilan. It is a gift of the Korea Freedom League to the Filipino people. The monument was conceptualized to give recognition to the first Asian who fought against foreign invasion. "Lapu-Lapu was the first Asian to lead a successful uprising against foreign invasion, while Rizal was the first Asian to spur the idea of anti-colonialism."
The visitors centre at the park's Kalaw Ave entrance has a good map detailing the park's attractions and info on upcoming concerts and events.
The Declaration of Philippine Independence from the United States was held here on July 4, 1946, as were later political rallies including those of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino in 1986 that culminated in the EDSA Revolution.
On the other (south) side of the monument, toward Kalaw Ave, keep an eye out for the drinking fountain shipped all the way from Heidelberg, Germany, where Rizal spent time studying at university.In the middle of the park is the Central Lagoon, a pool lined with busts of Filipino heroes and martyrs, and a dancing musical fountain that erupts in colourful explosions in the evening. In front the monument the Flagpole standing about 150 feet from the ground, this specific flagpole is considered the highest in the country. It also marks the “kilometer zero” or “KM 0” from which all distances around the country are measured.
Manila’s iconic central park is spread out over some 60 hectares of open lawns, ornamental gardens, ponds, paved walks and wooded areas, dotted with monuments to a whole pantheon of Filipino heroes. It has been a favourite leisure spot, and is frequented on Sundays and national holidays.There are Japanese and Chinese Gardens.
Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom- The 30-foot "Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom" monument stands on a 10-foot pedestal and depicts Lapu-Lapu not in battle. Instead, the hero is shown standing guard, holding his kampilan. It is a gift of the Korea Freedom League to the Filipino people. The monument was conceptualized to give recognition to the first Asian who fought against foreign invasion. "Lapu-Lapu was the first Asian to lead a successful uprising against foreign invasion, while Rizal was the first Asian to spur the idea of anti-colonialism."
The visitors centre at the park's Kalaw Ave entrance has a good map detailing the park's attractions and info on upcoming concerts and events.
003-MANILA BAYWALK-The Manila Baywalk is a two kilometre stretch between the US Embassy(near Rizal park) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) just past the Manila Yacht Club. The Manila Boardwalk or Baywalk follows the Roxas Boulevard. The best time to go to Manila Baywalk is just on sunset.Start your walk at the CCP end, wonder past the Manila Yacht Club and see the most spectacular sunset you will ever see. The restaurants and cafes are extremely well priced with any variety of food up for the offering, you can have the choice of Thai, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, International Western or simple takeaway via the many fast-food franchises. Nightly cruises are available from the harbour at the southern end of the Baywalk. These let you experience the colourful night lights of the area from a boat's top deck.One of the largest malls in Asia (SM Mall of Asia) is just a stone’s throw away from Manila Baywalk.
004-NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PHILIPPINES- The National Museum of the Philippines is an umbrella government organization that oversees a number of national museums in the Philippines.The National Museum operates the National Museum of Fine Arts (old Legislative Building), National Museum of Anthropology (old Department of Finance), National Museum of Natural History (old Department of Tourism), and National Planetarium, all located in the National Museum Complex in Manila.
Open -Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission-Free
Address: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines(near the Rizal Park)
Open -Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission-Free
Address: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines(near the Rizal Park)
005-METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART-The Metropolitan Museum of Manila (nicknamed the Met) is one of the major museums in the city. The Metropolitan Museum of Manila maintains permanent and temporary exhibitions of pre-colonial, modern and contemporary Philippine art. Established in 1976, the Met initially exhibited international artists to expose Filipinos to contemporary visual works in other cultures. The museum's three floors of galleries house a collection of art and historical artefacts loaned by the BSP such as pre-Hispanic gold work and pottery, religious artwork.
Opens-Monday to Saturday-10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Closed- on Sundays and Holidays
Admission-100PHP
Street Address: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila , Philippines(parallel to Manila Bay Walk)
Opens-Monday to Saturday-10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Closed- on Sundays and Holidays
Admission-100PHP
Street Address: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila , Philippines(parallel to Manila Bay Walk)
006-CHINATOWN (Binondo)-Manila has a large Chinatown which is located on the northern bank of the Pasig River and comprises parts of Binondo and Santa Cruz. Today, Binondo is famous as the world’s oldest Chinatown: a slice of China outside the mainland. A must-visit in Chinatown is Binondo Church/Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, an ancient Catholic place of worship. This church is also known as Quiapo Church .There are 2 famous Buddhist temples, namely the Seng Guan Temple and the Kuang Kong Temple. Seng Guan Temple is usually packed with people burning incense and offering fruits and food, but Kuang Kong Temple is the most popular as people go there to have a little glimpse of their fortune. The main street, Ongpin Street, runs between the Binondo Church and the Santa Cruz Church. Often Manila's Chinatown is referred to simply as Binondo.Some of the key places in Manila's Chinatown include the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz and the street known as Escolta (which used to be known as the Wall Street of the Philippines).
best dumplings- Lan Zhou La Mien
shopping- Divisoria Market and 168 Shopping Mall
https://www.fabulousphilippines.com/chinatown-manila.html
best dumplings- Lan Zhou La Mien
shopping- Divisoria Market and 168 Shopping Mall
https://www.fabulousphilippines.com/chinatown-manila.html
007- QUIAPO CHURCH/Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz (in China Town) - Quiapo Church, the building here has a long history, but the real fame is that it houses the statue of “the Black Nazarene”, a figure of Jesus (is a life-sized image of a dark-skinned, kneeling Jesus Christ carrying the Cross) that was carved by a Mexican artist in the 17th Century and then transported to the Philippines in 1606. It was carved from black wood, hence the name given to it.The church and the statue of the Black Nazarene were destroyed several times as a result of the fires of 1791 and 1929. In 1645 and 1863, the structure suffered damages due to earthquakes. It was also bombed by the Americans during World War II and was finally reconstructed to accommodate devotees in 1984.
The most impressive event each year is Black Nazarene Day, held on January 9th. It is to celebrate the translation of the statue from the Church of Saint Nicholas Tolentino, where it was originally placed, to the Quiapo Church. Men who have a devotion to the Black Nazarene march in procession through the district, and the participants number one million or more on the festive occasion.
Address- 363 Quezon Blvd, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila, Philippines.
The most impressive event each year is Black Nazarene Day, held on January 9th. It is to celebrate the translation of the statue from the Church of Saint Nicholas Tolentino, where it was originally placed, to the Quiapo Church. Men who have a devotion to the Black Nazarene march in procession through the district, and the participants number one million or more on the festive occasion.
Address- 363 Quezon Blvd, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila, Philippines.
008-MALACAÑANG PALACE-The official residence of the President of the Philippines is Malacañan Palace. Situated in the old Manila district of San Miguel, over the 175 old . The original structure was built in 1750 by Don Luís Rocha, a Spaniard in the Galleon trade, as a summer house along the Pasig River.Since 1863, the Palace has been occupied by eighteen Spanish Governors-General, fourteen American Military and Civil Governors, and later the Presidents of the Philippines.
Malacañang Museum- a tour of Malacañang Museum, which is open to the public through reservations.
Malacañang Museum- a tour of Malacañang Museum, which is open to the public through reservations.
009- MANILA BAY CRUISE- A 45 to 60 minute ferry cruise along the Pasig River is an alternative way to relive the memories of the past. Its route showcases the cultural and historical landmarks in Manila, flanked by grandiose ancestral houses, including Malacanang.
b- MV Prestige One + Dinner Price= P 1500
- Metro Star Ferry-MOA complex is the Metrostar Ferry Manila Bay Cruise. For P120/pp, you can enjoy a one-hour round trip around Manila Bay. The Metro Ferry dock is located beside “The Shrine of Jesus The Way”, The Truth and the Life (Church across Mall of Asia). It is recommend to take the sunset cruise (5.00pm) or the evening cruise (6.30pm) on Fri/Sat/Sun in time for the MOA fireworks. The cruise is from SM Mall of Asia to Cavite City for P75.
- Prestige Cruises-
b- MV Prestige One + Dinner Price= P 1500
- Esplanade Seaside terminal, Seaside Boulevard MOA Complex, Pasay City, Philippines 1300
- Sun Cruises-only Php550 per person
- docked beside Esplanade Seaside Terminal, Seaside Blvd., SM MOA Complex.www.corregidorphilippines.com/packages.html
010- CHINESE CEMETERY-The 5.4 hectare Chinese cemetery, located in the suburb of Santa Cruz about 4 km north of Manila's Chinatown, is a town for the dead that comes with streets and tombs built in the form of houses, villas or pagodas – some as high as two or more storeys.In sections known popularly as Millionaires' Row and Little Beverley Hills, the great wealth, luxury and status of the "dearly departed" can be viewed in the houses or villas containing all the creature comforts they were accustomed to when they were still alive: hot and cold running water, furniture, chandeliers, flushing toilets, mailboxes, and even air conditioners.Every Sunday and especially on All Saints Day (November 1), the local Chinese come to honour their dead. Lavish feasts are arranged and the relatives sit around the table. The Chinese cemetery is definitely worth a visit. The live-in caretakers will offer to show you around for a fee.
History-During the Spanish colonial period the ecclesiastical authorities refused to allow non-Christian Chinese to be buried in Catholic cemeteries. So the civil authorities allocated the area (adjacent to La Loma Catholic Cemetery in Santa Cruz) that is now known as the Manila Chinese Cemetery for the burial of Chinese Buddhists, Confucians and Taoists and other non-Christian Chinese. Ironically, today many Chinese Christians are also buried in this cemetery.
https://www.fabulousphilippines.com/chinese-cemetery-manila.html
History-During the Spanish colonial period the ecclesiastical authorities refused to allow non-Christian Chinese to be buried in Catholic cemeteries. So the civil authorities allocated the area (adjacent to La Loma Catholic Cemetery in Santa Cruz) that is now known as the Manila Chinese Cemetery for the burial of Chinese Buddhists, Confucians and Taoists and other non-Christian Chinese. Ironically, today many Chinese Christians are also buried in this cemetery.
https://www.fabulousphilippines.com/chinese-cemetery-manila.html
011-AMERICAN CEMETERY AND WAR MEMORIAL-At 152 acres, it is one of the largest overseas cemeteries for American World War II soldiers. Only the Normandy American Cemetery in France is larger. Cemetery honours the American and allied servicemen who died fighting the Japanese in World War II. The 17,206 graves on the site represent bodies of servicemen recovered from graves all across the southwest and central Pacific. The graves are marked by white marble headstones set in a circular pattern on gently sloping grounds.
a-The American Cemetery's chapel stands at the south end of the circle demarcated by the two hemicycles surrounding the Memorial Court.
Every hour between 9 am to 5 pm, a carillon sounds to mark the hour and half hour - at 5 pm, the carillon plays the national anthems of both the U.S. and the Philippines, followed by a volley of rifles and the playing of "taps".
b-Limestone walls within the two hemicycles list 36,285 names that constitute the Pacific theatre’s missing in action.
c-Map rooms at the ends of the hemicycles depict major battles of the war in the Pacific. Altogether, 25 mosaic maps describe the exploits of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Pacific theatre.
Location- The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is located along the border of Makati and Taguig within metropolitan Manila. The American Cemetery is open daily to the public from 9 am to 5 pm; it is closed on December 25 and January 1.
Address: Manila American Cemetery, #1 Lawton Avenue, Taguig City, Philippines.
a-The American Cemetery's chapel stands at the south end of the circle demarcated by the two hemicycles surrounding the Memorial Court.
Every hour between 9 am to 5 pm, a carillon sounds to mark the hour and half hour - at 5 pm, the carillon plays the national anthems of both the U.S. and the Philippines, followed by a volley of rifles and the playing of "taps".
b-Limestone walls within the two hemicycles list 36,285 names that constitute the Pacific theatre’s missing in action.
c-Map rooms at the ends of the hemicycles depict major battles of the war in the Pacific. Altogether, 25 mosaic maps describe the exploits of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Pacific theatre.
Location- The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is located along the border of Makati and Taguig within metropolitan Manila. The American Cemetery is open daily to the public from 9 am to 5 pm; it is closed on December 25 and January 1.
Address: Manila American Cemetery, #1 Lawton Avenue, Taguig City, Philippines.
012-NIELSON FIELD, MAKATI- It was the location of the Far East Air Force headquarters. Most of the aircraft of the FEAF were based at either Clark Field or Nichols Field.
Nielson Tower- The Nielson Tower, a two-story concrete structure designed to resemble an airplane from a bird's-eye view. At one point, it served as the headquarters of a police detachment. In 2014, Nielson Tower became the home of Blackbird Restaurant.
Nielson Tower- The Nielson Tower, a two-story concrete structure designed to resemble an airplane from a bird's-eye view. At one point, it served as the headquarters of a police detachment. In 2014, Nielson Tower became the home of Blackbird Restaurant.
013-FORBES PARK, MAKATI-Forbes Park is a private subdivision, gated community, and barangay in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. Established in 1949, Forbes Park was named after William Cameron Forbes, an American Governor-General of the Philippines. The first gated village to be developed by Ayala Corporation. It has been called the "Beverly Hills of Manila" and many of the country's wealthiest families, as well as foreign diplomats, live here.
014-MEGA SHOPPING MALL in Metro Manila –
i-SM City North EDSA-SM City North EDSA is a large shopping mall located in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. It is the first SM Supermall in the country, the largest shopping mall in the Philippines and the eighth largest shopping mall in the world.It has five major sections: The Annex, The Block, Sky Garden, Interior Zone, and of course, The City Center. The mall’s supermarket, department store, food court, and IMAX Theater are located in The City Center. Meanwhile, shoppers may find high-end stores in The Annex and The Block. If they want a bit of fresh air while dining at their favourite shopping destination, guests can pick a restaurant along the elevated park called Sky Garden.
i-SM City North EDSA-SM City North EDSA is a large shopping mall located in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. It is the first SM Supermall in the country, the largest shopping mall in the Philippines and the eighth largest shopping mall in the world.It has five major sections: The Annex, The Block, Sky Garden, Interior Zone, and of course, The City Center. The mall’s supermarket, department store, food court, and IMAX Theater are located in The City Center. Meanwhile, shoppers may find high-end stores in The Annex and The Block. If they want a bit of fresh air while dining at their favourite shopping destination, guests can pick a restaurant along the elevated park called Sky Garden.
ii-SM Mall of Asia-It is currently the fourth largest shopping mall in the Philippines and the fourteenth in the world.This sprawling mall has four buildings: the Main Mall, Entertainment Mall, and the South and North Parking Buildings—all are interconnected via walkways. The first ever IMAX theatre in the country, an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, concert grounds, an amusement park, Science Center, SMX Convention Center, and the Mall of Asia Arena. SM MOA’s Arena even served as a venue for the 65th Miss Universe. From here one can take the river cruise.
Location: SM Mall of Asia, 123 Seaside Blvd, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines
Location: SM Mall of Asia, 123 Seaside Blvd, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines
015-CASINOS IN METRO MANILA-
i-Resorts World Manila-Resorts World Manila is undeniably one of the biggest casinos in Manila. Located near the airport. Shuttle from terminal-3 can be taken. The RWM Casino is composed of the Ground Gaming Floor, 3rd Floor Genting Club, Casino at Holiday Inn Express and the new Grand Wing Gaming Area.
i-Resorts World Manila-Resorts World Manila is undeniably one of the biggest casinos in Manila. Located near the airport. Shuttle from terminal-3 can be taken. The RWM Casino is composed of the Ground Gaming Floor, 3rd Floor Genting Club, Casino at Holiday Inn Express and the new Grand Wing Gaming Area.
ii-Solaire Resorts and Casino-Located in Parañaque, Solaire Resort & Casino is one of the first casinos to be opened in Entertainment City Manila. They have over a thousand slot machines and 300 gaming tables. It is known to have the “Vegas standard” in terms of gaming in the Philippines.
iii-City of Dreams Manila-It is the second of four casinos to open in the Entertainment City Manila. With about 365 gaming tables, 1680 slot machines, and 1,680 electronic table games, City of Dreams is also one of the largest gaming destinations there is in Manila.
016-MAKATI CITY- Makati is the financial center of the Philippines; it has the highest concentration of multinational and local corporations in the country.Major banks, corporations, department stores as well as foreign embassies are based in Makati. The biggest trading floor of the Philippine Stock Exchange is situated along the city's Ayala Avenue.Ayala Avenue, dubbed as the Wall Street of the Philippines. The city is known for its developed business district called the Makati Central Business District (CBD). It is bound by EDSA, Gil Puyat Avenue, Arnaiz Avenue and Chino Roces Avenue. The Ayala Triangle is a sub-district of the Makati CBD, comprising the parcel of land between Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue and Paseo de Roxas, as well as the buildings on those streets. Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas also have the distinction of being the runways of the former Nielson Field, Metro Manila's main airport in the 1930s.
i- The Philippine Bank of Communications Tower(2nd higest) - PBComTower, is an office skyscraper ranked officially as the third tallest building in the Philippines. The building is located at Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street in Makati, right inside the Makati Central Business District. It has a total ground to architectural top height of 259 metres (850 ft.), with 52 storeys including an 8-level radio tower.
ii- The Gramercy Residences at Century City(4th higest) - It is a residential high-rise condominium in Makati, Philippines.The building takes its name from Gramercy Park. It is 73 floors above ground with a total height of 250 m (820 ft) from ground to its architectural top.
iii- G.T. International Tower(10th higest)- It is an office skyscraper located in Makati, Philippines.Standing at 217 meters (712.93 feet), it is currently the 12th-tallest building in the country and Metro Manila.
MANILA CITY AND OUTDOORS TOURS-
01-Full Day City and Museum Tour by Viator-Price-₹7,616.10, Duration- 6 hours (Approx.), Transport- by air-conditioned coach and your English-speaking guide and Hotel pickup and drop-off.
1-Stop At: Casa Manila, Duration: 30 minutes
2-Stop At: Intramuros , Duration: 30 minutes
3-Stop At: Rizal Park, Duration: 20 minutes
4-Stop At: San Agustin Church, Duration: 40 minutes
Pass By: Cultural Center of the Philippines,
Pass By: SM Mall of Asia, Neilson Tower along Ayala Avenue,
Pass By: Saint Peter And Paul Parish Church.
5-Stop At: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Duration: 30 minutes .
02-Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour Including Intramuros and Fort Santiago by Viator-Price₹3,384.23-Duration-4 hours (Approx.) -Transport-by air-conditioned coach and your English-speaking guide and Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Philippine’s financial center: Makati pass by Ayala Boulevard.
-a short stop at Nielson Tower,
-the Filipinas Heritage Library
-Forbes Park and nicknamed ‘Millionaire's Row,’
- American Cemetery and Memorial.
-passing through Luneta (aka Rizal Park)
- arrive in the old walled city of Intramuros,
- Visit the San Agustin Church,
- visit Fort Santiago,
03-Historical Manila with Chinatown by Viator-Price₹12,693.50-Duration- 8-12 hours (Approx.) - Transport- by air-conditioned coach and your English-speaking guide and Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Stop At: Intramuros,
-Fort Santiago
-Casa Manila
-Manila cathedral and
-San Agustin church.
Duration: 3 hours Stop
Stop At: Binondo,
-Visit Manila Chinatown
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At:Rizal Park
Duration: 20 minutes
04**-Manila City Tour-Intramuros Tour Manila (Old & New)-
Price-2800.00Ph (full day) /pp , Duration-8hrs.
Departing Location: Free Hotel Pick-up-
Viewing only-Nielson’s Tower (First Manila Airport)
Drive through-Forbes Park
-American Cemetery & Memorial Intramuros (Fort Santiago the Walled City)-San Agustin Church
-Casa Manila
-Jose Rizal Park (Also known as Luneta Park)
-Manila Cathedral
-Fort Santiago
Free Hotel Round trip Transfers (Manila, Makati, Taguig, Ermita, Malate, Pasay)
Air-conditioned Vehicle
Entrance Fees
Parking Fees
Tour Guide
Snacks (Sandwich, Chips, Bottled Water)
http://www.manilacitytour.com/tours/manila-city-tour-old-and-new/index.php
05-Manila Private Car Charter- SGD156.65/CAR FOR 3PERSONS 1 Day(s)or 12hrs Duration
SGD192.25/CAR FOR 6PERSONS
At the end of the trip, vehicle must be returned with a full tank of gas.
Parking fees and highway toll fees should be paid directly to the driver.
An overtime surcharge of PHP300 per hour will apply, to be paid directly to the driver.
https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/6567-private-car-charter-manila/
TAAL VOLCANO
(On January 12,2020 volcano erupted)
01-Full Day City and Museum Tour by Viator-Price-₹7,616.10, Duration- 6 hours (Approx.), Transport- by air-conditioned coach and your English-speaking guide and Hotel pickup and drop-off.
1-Stop At: Casa Manila, Duration: 30 minutes
2-Stop At: Intramuros , Duration: 30 minutes
3-Stop At: Rizal Park, Duration: 20 minutes
4-Stop At: San Agustin Church, Duration: 40 minutes
Pass By: Cultural Center of the Philippines,
Pass By: SM Mall of Asia, Neilson Tower along Ayala Avenue,
Pass By: Saint Peter And Paul Parish Church.
5-Stop At: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Duration: 30 minutes .
02-Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour Including Intramuros and Fort Santiago by Viator-Price₹3,384.23-Duration-4 hours (Approx.) -Transport-by air-conditioned coach and your English-speaking guide and Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Philippine’s financial center: Makati pass by Ayala Boulevard.
-a short stop at Nielson Tower,
-the Filipinas Heritage Library
-Forbes Park and nicknamed ‘Millionaire's Row,’
- American Cemetery and Memorial.
-passing through Luneta (aka Rizal Park)
- arrive in the old walled city of Intramuros,
- Visit the San Agustin Church,
- visit Fort Santiago,
03-Historical Manila with Chinatown by Viator-Price₹12,693.50-Duration- 8-12 hours (Approx.) - Transport- by air-conditioned coach and your English-speaking guide and Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Stop At: Intramuros,
-Fort Santiago
-Casa Manila
-Manila cathedral and
-San Agustin church.
Duration: 3 hours Stop
Stop At: Binondo,
-Visit Manila Chinatown
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At:Rizal Park
Duration: 20 minutes
04**-Manila City Tour-Intramuros Tour Manila (Old & New)-
Price-2800.00Ph (full day) /pp , Duration-8hrs.
Departing Location: Free Hotel Pick-up-
Viewing only-Nielson’s Tower (First Manila Airport)
Drive through-Forbes Park
-American Cemetery & Memorial Intramuros (Fort Santiago the Walled City)-San Agustin Church
-Casa Manila
-Jose Rizal Park (Also known as Luneta Park)
-Manila Cathedral
-Fort Santiago
Free Hotel Round trip Transfers (Manila, Makati, Taguig, Ermita, Malate, Pasay)
Air-conditioned Vehicle
Entrance Fees
Parking Fees
Tour Guide
Snacks (Sandwich, Chips, Bottled Water)
http://www.manilacitytour.com/tours/manila-city-tour-old-and-new/index.php
05-Manila Private Car Charter- SGD156.65/CAR FOR 3PERSONS 1 Day(s)or 12hrs Duration
SGD192.25/CAR FOR 6PERSONS
At the end of the trip, vehicle must be returned with a full tank of gas.
Parking fees and highway toll fees should be paid directly to the driver.
An overtime surcharge of PHP300 per hour will apply, to be paid directly to the driver.
https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/6567-private-car-charter-manila/
TAAL VOLCANO
(On January 12,2020 volcano erupted)
GENERAL-Tall Valcano is an incredible geological wonder. It also has the unusual distinction of being the world's only volcano within a lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano. The lake partially fills Taal Caldera, which was formed by prehistoric eruptions. All of these eruptions are concentrated on Volcano Island, an island near the middle of Taal Lake. Volcano Island is the smallest active volcano in the world. Viewed from the Tagaytay Ridge in Cavite. Moreover, this lake contains Vulcan Point, a small rocky island that projects from the surface of the crater lake, which was the remnant of the old crater floor that is now surrounded by the 2-kilometre (1.2 mi) wide lake. Taal Volcano (2½ hours from Manila) is 50 kms from Manila. Taal is only 1,000 feet tall. The main lake at Taal is 15-20 kilometers across. The lake was created during the 1754 eruption, when a huge lava flow surged into the sea and transformed the channel into a lake. Today it is a fresh water lake. Inside the small crater lake within Taal volcano is a tiny volcanic island that emits sulfur and steam. The maximum depth of the lake is 160 meters. Mount Taal is part of a chain of volcanos on the island of Luzon. Taal Volcano is a complex volcano located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.
It takes about only 45 minutes to reach the island by boat and roughly 20 minutes to reach the volcano’s peak.
How to explore Volcano Island-
a-Manila to Talisay,Batangas-It’ll take almost an hour to reach Talisay from Manila by hired vehicles.
b-Talisay to Lake Crossing-You’ll need to hire a banca (boat) from Talisay to cross the Taal Lake in order to reach Volcano Island. Duration of boat ride is 30-45 minutes
c-Lake Edge to Top of Caldera (Rim)-After having crossed the lake, you’re allowed to ascend the gentle slope of the mountain by walking about for one hour or riding a horse right up to the top. Halfway up there is a spot to have a break at a stall. When you get there, you can see the fumes coming out of the vent, and the bubbling water inside the crater, surrounding the edge of the lake. It is best to climb Taal Volcano during the summer season, particularly in the morning. You have two options: either ride a horse or trek by foot to reach the summit. The lake has this greenish-blue colour and seemingly orange-coloured rocks (due to sulphur content).
TOUR OF THE VOLCANO-
001-Taal Volcano Tour- ₱4,900.00 - Tour Duration: 8 Hrs.-Departing Location: Free Hotel Pick-up-Tour Type: Day
Tour -Available: Daily 8:00am - 4:00pm
This is a fascinating tour with a scenic road trip from Manila to Talisay, Batangas where we will board a
Motorized outrigger boat for a 30 minute ride to Taal Island. From here we will trek by foot over soft black
Lava sand to the rim of the Taal Volcano for a close up view of the caldera.
Within “Crater Lake” you will see another volcanic cinder cone called “Vulcan Point” which was spotted
after the last eruption in 1977.
http://www.manilacitytour.com
PRESENTED BY- V P GUPTA
It takes about only 45 minutes to reach the island by boat and roughly 20 minutes to reach the volcano’s peak.
How to explore Volcano Island-
a-Manila to Talisay,Batangas-It’ll take almost an hour to reach Talisay from Manila by hired vehicles.
b-Talisay to Lake Crossing-You’ll need to hire a banca (boat) from Talisay to cross the Taal Lake in order to reach Volcano Island. Duration of boat ride is 30-45 minutes
c-Lake Edge to Top of Caldera (Rim)-After having crossed the lake, you’re allowed to ascend the gentle slope of the mountain by walking about for one hour or riding a horse right up to the top. Halfway up there is a spot to have a break at a stall. When you get there, you can see the fumes coming out of the vent, and the bubbling water inside the crater, surrounding the edge of the lake. It is best to climb Taal Volcano during the summer season, particularly in the morning. You have two options: either ride a horse or trek by foot to reach the summit. The lake has this greenish-blue colour and seemingly orange-coloured rocks (due to sulphur content).
TOUR OF THE VOLCANO-
001-Taal Volcano Tour- ₱4,900.00 - Tour Duration: 8 Hrs.-Departing Location: Free Hotel Pick-up-Tour Type: Day
Tour -Available: Daily 8:00am - 4:00pm
This is a fascinating tour with a scenic road trip from Manila to Talisay, Batangas where we will board a
Motorized outrigger boat for a 30 minute ride to Taal Island. From here we will trek by foot over soft black
Lava sand to the rim of the Taal Volcano for a close up view of the caldera.
Within “Crater Lake” you will see another volcanic cinder cone called “Vulcan Point” which was spotted
after the last eruption in 1977.
http://www.manilacitytour.com
PRESENTED BY- V P GUPTA