Discover the Second Largest Archipelago of the Philippines

Flanked by over 7000 islands and mostly ignored by the visitors as located at a great distance of South China Sea, this is a but a worth gem as a gift for those who cover the additional distance. In the Southeast Asia, due to its distant path, it is best for those who do not like to be amidst crowd and are seeking tranquilness.

Philippines is the territory of natural admirations adorned along a chain of coral atolls occupying an extensive ocean of the western Pacific. Under the sea world, you can expect diving, snorkeling, wreck diving, swimming with whale and sharks. On the land, the scenic hills, rice terraces, historic sites, and sandy beaches with fun are awaiting you. So, what’s remaining in your most wanted list of holidays? Let’s explore some of them that I visited, which even you would like to discover.

Philippines Tourist Attractions

Manila

This is just a set of towns out of which a handful we visited.

• 0km Post:
  Opposite of the Rizal Monument across Roxas Blvd, this is the location of geographical importance from where distances are calculated in the country.
• Ayala Museum:
  This is an outstanding museum with short-term displays of Filipino culture, art, and history.
• Ayuntamiento:
  These are the forlorn ruins, which was the most impressive building in Intramuros. It is at one side of the Plaza de Roma.
• Bahay Nakpil-Bautista:
  This is a historic house that occasionally conducts cultural displays. Located on a busy side street, east of Plaza Miranda; this was the home of the widow of Andres Bonifacio, the father of the Philippine Revolution.
• Bahay Tsinoy:
  This possesses the three-dimensional dioramas and several photos that exhibit the Chinese contribution to the city’s development. The museum name comes from the current identity of Chinese-Filipinos, who are known as Chinoys or Tsinoys.

• Binondo Church:
  This is the bell tower of the octagonal shape at the northern tip of Paredes St belonging to 1596. The feature of this church is a striking statue of a bloody Jesus.
• Cultural Centre of the Philippines (CCP):
  This hosts several white elephants on the broken land in the bay and the active arts centre exhibiting charming heritage of the Marcos time.
• Ermita Church:
  This is the restored church that was damaged during the World War II and is home of the commonly respected Nuestra Senora de Guia (Our Lady of Guidance). According to the legend, Legazpi discovered this opulently dressed image of the Virgin Mary on the evening of 19 May 1571 when Spanish forces seized Manila.
• Fort Santiago:
  This stands at the important entrance to the Pasig River and the home of the Spanish armed forces. It is symbolized as a Shrine of Freedom since 1950. Currently, it is also a memorial to the imprisoned Dr Jose Rizal against the Spanish revolution and to all those Filipinos who have fought for freedom.
• Golden Mosque:
  Previously the site of Globo de Oro hotel, this is religious site of the growing Muslim community in the locality.
• Greenbelt Complex:
  Located across Makati Ave, this is a chic area surrounding the Greenbelt Park. It also holds the Ayala Museum and the open-air Sto Nino De Paz Chapel.
• You can also find some lovely cafes and restaurants. Greenbelt 1, 2, 3 and 4 are the four key shopping malls.
• GSIS Museo ng Sining:
  This exhibits a good collection of the modern national art such as the paintings, sculptures, and tapestries of renowned Filipino artists such as Fernando Amorsolo and Hernando Ocampo.
• Intramuros:
  This is a stunning fortress on the site of the ruins of an Islamic hamlet developed by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Also known as Legazpi’s walled city, it witnessed many attacks yet survived until the end of World War II when it lately damaged by US bombing. This is a must to visit.
• Makati:
  This is the business centre with several towers of the nation’s major corporations and hotels.
• Malacanang Palace:
  This is the official residence of the President.
• Malate Church:
  This is the home of the deeply worshipped image of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Senora de Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies).
• Manila Cathedral:
  Destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in 1951, this edifice retains its ancient look with its craggy Romanesque outlook and elegant cupola. The sixth church facing the Plaza de Roma, it has a gold altar, a 4500-pipe organ, and windows with amazing stained glass.
• Manila Zoological & Botanical Gardens (Manila Zoo):
  This is the home of varied species of wildlife.

Vigan

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vegan is the historic city with Spanish houses, paved lanes, and kalesa – horse-drawn carriages.

• Crisologo Museum:
  Watch out for books, photos, personal items, old Chevy of the trapped Governor Carmeling Crisologo, and photos of killing.
• Museo San Pablo:
  This is most recent museum in St. Paul Cathedral that holds a religious theme and old santos. Do not miss to look the photo collection of a German pharmacist who lived here.
• Padre Jose Burgos National Museum:
  Once the ancestral home of Father Jose Burgos, a martyr priest executed in 1872 by Spanish, it now has preserved Ilocano artifacts, weavings, Tingguian jewelry, musical instruments, pottery, and farming implements.
• Do not miss its 2nd floor – the Ilocano Hall of Fame – possessing photos and titles indicating the accomplishments of Ilocanos.
• RG Jar:
  Supporting the still running pottery industry that flourished due to bountiful clay, this holds a 50 km long furnace of 1823 that can accommodate 1000 jars. A marvel to soak in, Kevin the kalabaw is working as a mixer here that regularly strolls.
• St Paul Cathedral:
  This is the restored and a huge thick walled edifice the original of which was damaged by two earthquakes.

Best Time to Visit Philippines

January to March is peak and June to December is low.

Philippines Accommodation

In Manila:

• Bayview Park Hotel (3 star Hotel) – $56

• City Garden Hotel, Makati – $75
• Colors Hotel Manila – $8
• Renaissance Makati Hotel (4 star Hotel) – $76

In Vigan:

• Grandpa’s Inn
• Vigan Plaza Hotel

• El Juliana