Destination Philippines

2006-11-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

Shopping will have to wait for a few days at least.

Tourism has picked up in the little known region south of Manila - Bicol.
Bicol is famous for its Abaca(Manila hemp) products, pili nuts, the spicy, coconut milk laden cuisine and the near perfect cone beauty of Mayon Volcano in Albay.

Curious about the food? Click here for mouthfuls - of words.
Just so you can have an idea, of course.

Mayon Volcano

Sorsogon is also home to whale sharks locally called 'butanding' and whale shark watching is fast becoming a famous tourist attraction. Read the story of Bicol's tourist draws here.

For more on what Bicol have in store for tourists, check out the Philippine Tourism site featuring the region.

More on Sights later

Manila Bay - Promenade at day, Bustling entertainment venue at night

2006-11-13T18:34:00.000-08:00

Aerial photograph of the Manila Bay at sunset.

Fancy a walk?

How about cycling the length of the Baywalk?

Glorious sunset. My friends and I used to frequent Manila Bay just to watch the sunset and talk. Very relaxing.

The Bay with the lights coming on ...

Cafes getting ready for another night of business.

If you'd rather relax, take these shuttle service as they drive around Baywalk.

It's still early. As night descends, people flock to the restaurants for dinner and entertainment.

Bands play to appreciative crowds. Up and coming singers and bands play regularly at several cafes and restaurants around the Bay.

If you don't know yet, Filipinos are excellent singers and performers.

Oldies but Goodies.

By the way, here's an informative introductory article of the city. Excellent map, too. Thanks, Wikipedia.

We'll talk shopping next time. Til then.

Quiapo and Binondo Church

2006-11-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

There is no better testimony of the Philippines' long tradition of Christianity and religious piety than the abundance of churches in the country.

Quipo church

Here Quiapo Church is seen with the renovated Plaza Miranda.

Binondo church in Sta. Cruz, Manila's Chinatown.

The Altar inside the Binondo Church

These churches are in Manila and are only a jeepney ride away from each other.

Speaking of jeepneys, here's how it looks like:

Jeepneys are the backbone of the country's transportation system. Fashioned from US military jeeps that were in abundance after WWII, the ingenious Filipino turned them into vehicles that can seat more than 20 people. Jeepneys ply every street, road and avenue of Manila. It's a cheaper alternative to taxis. Riding one is an experience not to be missed.

Manila Stories and Sights

2006-11-13T18:30:00.000-08:00

Manila is the Philippines' capital and the center the country's economic, social and cultural activities. The country was a colony of Spain for more than three hundred years and the Spanish architectural heritage is seen in the many Catholic churches - some dating more than a hundred years old - scattered throughout the city and in the whole country.

Old restored Spanish houses can be seen within the stone walls of Intramuros.

The entrance to Intramuros.

Manila Skyline. The thick moat that can be seen at the center are the walls of Intramuros.

The horse-drawn carriage is called a calesa. You can rent and ride one as you go around.

This the courtyard of Casa Manila. It is a house-museum that showcases living quarters, furnitures, and cooking and dining wares used by a rich Filipino-Spanish family during the colonial era. Don't miss it when you drop by.

This row of houses has been restored and features the design typical of houses built during the Spanish colonial era.

Also within Intramuros are two of the country's well known churches: The San Agustin Church, designated a World Heritage Site, and the historic Manila Cathedral, seat of the city's Archdiocese. Unlike San Agustin church that miraculously survived the bombs of WWII, the current cathedral is the seventh to rise on the site. These two churches are a favorite for couples tying the knot.

The San Agustin Church courtyard on a typical day.

The main altar of San Agustin church.

The Manila Cathedral.

Schools, government offices, and the main office of the country's oldest newspaper, Manila Bulletin, can also be found in Intramuros.