Fort Santiago (Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila) – this fort marks its entrance on the northwestern entrance to Intramuros, whose construction began in 1571 and was completed nearly 150 years later by Filipino forced labor. The pre-Spanish settlement of Rajah Sulayman was a wooden fort on the ashes of which was built the Spanish fortress (Spain’s […]
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Magdalena Jalandoni, Malate, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila) – this government organization (started by President Marcos in 1966) is dedicated to promoting the country’s culture & arts. The Cultural Center (CCP) provides performance and exhibition venues for various local and international productions at its eponymous 62-hectare (150-acre) […]
Coconut Palace (Roxas Blvd., Cultural Center Complex, Pasay City, Manila) – overlooking Manila Bay is the Coconut Palace — a unique work of architecture that is built of 100% Philippines materials, of which 70% are derived from the coconut palm tree. Also known as Tahanang Pilipino (Tagalog for “Filipino Home”), the Palace is part of […]
Boracay (beach) – found on the northwestern tip of Panay in Aklan (a province on the Visayas island known for its colorful Ati-Atihan festival), Boracay is a popular beach destination (requiring a flight or boat ride from Manila to get there). Boracay’s thousand-hectares boast of all the elements of a tropical heaven – crystal blue […]
Glorietta (Ayala Center, Makati, Manila) – this upscale mall (which has over 500 retailers and restaurants) is divided into five sections and also has cinemas, a gym, arcades, and a large activity center (used for special events, like concerts and promotions). The retail stores and restaurants in Glorietta are diverse enough so people from all […]
Café Havana (G/F Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila) – this Cuban-themed bar & restaurant, located within Greenbelt Mall, is a great venue to become immersed in live Latin music, as well as ordering (pricey) drinks such as mojitos and margaritas. That, as well as Cuban food. DJ sessions there play more of a […]
22 Jupiter (22 Jupiter Street, Makati City, Manila) – this bistro (manned by chef Marco Legasto of Prime 101) serves a variety of dishes that have Thai, Korean, and Spanish influences. The “must try” items here include Scallops with Foie Gras Mushrooms, Nachos with Chorizo Cheese, Steam with Foie Gras Mushroom, and Bagnet with Thai […]
Binondo Church (Plaza L. Ruiz, Binondo 1006, Manila) – located in Manila’s Chinatown district (Binondo), this church was founded by Dominican priests in 1596 to serve their Chinese Christian converts in the Binondo area where the Spanish authorities permitted Chinese and Chinese mestizos to live. The church also served native Filipino Christians. The original […]
Ayala Museum (Dela Rosa Street, Makati, Kalakhang. Manila) – this is a major history and art museum, and one of the main attractions in Manila. Recognized as one of the most significant institutions exhibiting aspects of Philippine culture and art, the museum opened in 1967 when it was established under the initiative of Filipino artist […]
The Philippines, located in Southeast Asia, consists of 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. This country was discovered by Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Another Spanish explorer (Ruy López de Villalobos) named this country Las Islas Filipinas after King Philip II of Spain. After the establishment of Spanish settlements in 1565, the country […]