December 5, 2010 -Manila Tour

Me, Majo and Riqi, planned to have a mini tour in the capital of Philippines which is Manila. We planned to ride a ferryboat from Guadalupe, Makati to Intramuros and unfortunately it's Sunday and there are no schedule rides for SUNDAY! So we rode a jeepney from Guadalupe to Taft (Herran) and then rode another jeep going to Rizal Park.

1st destination: Luneta Park or also known as Rizal Park.

Rizal Park is one of the historical place in Manila, this was the place were our national hero, Jose Rizal, was killed. It was formerly known as Bagumbayan. Things you can do are visiting Jose Rizal's Monument, have a picnic, walk around, ride a Calesa (Carriage) and also ride the sort of bus thing (I'm so sorry IDK what you call that) that goes around the park. You can also visit some parks there like the Chinese Park, Japanese Park and many more.

2nd Destination: Intramuros and Fort Santiago

Intramuros is located near Rizal Park, it's a few walks away unfortunately we rode a jeepney and cost 7pesos and had to walk from the City hall to the entrance of the Intramuros. Going to Fort Santiago is a long walk from the entrance of Intramuros (near Lyceum) and yes, we did walk.

A must see places in Intramuros are:

* Casa de Manila
* San Agustin Church

* Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception or famously known as Manila Cathedral

A trivia about San Agustin. Did you know that the remains of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, Juan de Salcedo and Martin de Goiti and some Spanish Governor-General and Archibishops are buried near the tabernacle. And also the painter, Juan Luna and stateman Pedro Paterno, their bodies also lays in the Church.

Manila Cathedral is also a resting place former prelates who have served the Archdiocese of Manila (like the Vatican in Rome for Popes).

Fort Santiago, is a fortress within Intramuros. It is located near the Manila Cathedral. The time we came there were lots of Virgin Mary Images parked because there would be an event at 1600H at the Manila Cathedral. At the Fort proper, you will see the foot steps of Dr. Jose Rizal. You'll also see the replica of Rizal's prison. You should visit the Rizal Shrine where you can see the collections of photos and poems of the national hero. At the far part of Fort Santiago, you'll se the dungeons used by the Japanese conquerors to kill the Filipino soldiers and also a cross for the memoriam of the Filipinos killed.

3rd Destination: Binondo and Manila China Town

From Intramuros we rode a jeepney from Intramuros and rode another jeep going to Binondo. We were dropped in front of Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz. We visited the well known Binondo Church and stroll around Binondo to find a Chinese restaurant for lunch. And we decided to eat at Tasty Wok in the Manila China Town.

I had Sweet and Sour Fish and a dessert of Black Gulaman. And also don't forget to buy Hopia and Mooncakes at Eng Bee Tin, the color purple Hopia Store!

4th and last destination: Divisoria

Binondo is near Divisoria, just a few walks away. Divisoria is the place where you'll find cheap things. We went to 168 mall and the new mall, 999 mall. A little warning about your things, there a lots of snatchers, so be careful.