Holy Week: Vacation plus Suffering

It's been 8 days since I went home, to my province, because of Holy Week. Hope to spent more time with my family and friends. But because of duty call, I have to return to my place. Well, same routine, for me it's so boring. I wake up early, go to office, after work I go home, eat while watching TV and sleep. I don't know how will it change.

So now, looking back when I'm in Bicol (my province) where you can find the Mayon Volcano which is known for having a perfect cone. So simple place, I love the fresh air and having a simple living there is what some people are looking for. Our home is near in sea area that's why when summer season the air is warm and I always feel sleepy (I don't like cold places). In those 8 days we spent there I'm so thankful 'coz the weather is fine, actually it's hot. But I love it, most of the time we're out. We went to this place called Kawa Kawa (shape like a big cooking pan), located above the hill. Actually it's sa sacred place. you'll see the Station Of The Cross, the statue is like a human size. Filipinos are know for being religious and Station of the Cross is one way to follow Jesus Christ in his passion and to see ourselves mirrored in him. That's why climbing up in the hill with the heat of the sun burning your skin is a courageous experienced, suffering a little will not kill you.

But after the vacation, I see myself in the Bus Terminal again. What else, me and my sis have to take 12hrs for a road trip. Yeah! 12 long hours on the road. Nice thing because we enjoy the sounds inside the bus. Oh! I remember, while we're on our way to Manila, we get pissed off. Because one of the bus take over us, and the worst part is the smoke coming from the muffler is so dark and almost block our way. So the driver go to slow down. It takes almost 1 hour for us to get over with that smoke belching bus. I almost curse the bus owner because of not checking their property.

And now, we're heading to Manila, we see the skyscrapes buildings, busy people going to work and the loud noise of the cars. The only thing that I like it here in Manila is if you want to have fun. Everywhere you look cost a lot of money. The shopping malls, restaurant, beautiful houses, and a lot of modernize things you'll find it here. Thanks to the modern technology, like what most of the architect does, mechanical drawings help their job to make it easier and faster.

But for me, staying here is not really tough. I'm used to these place. I start loving it. With the liberated people and these crowded place, I'm gonna learn a lot and I must be clever enought to deal with these people.

About the Author

We went to this place called Kawa Kawa (shape like a big cooking pan), located above the hill. Actually it's sa sacred place. You'll see the Station Of The Cross, the statue is like a human size. Filipinos are know for being religious and Station of the Cross is one way to follow Jesus Christ in his passion and to see ourselves mirrored in him.

San Agustin Church, A Magnificent Church With A Rich Legacy

The San Agustin Church belongs to the Roman Catholic Order of St. Augustine, situated within the historical city of Intramuros in Manila, the Philippines. Completed at the beginning of the 17th century, the church is considered to be the oldest existing building in the Philippines. It has been identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the category 'Baroque Churches of the Philippines'.

The church which stands today is in fact the third structure constructed on the premises by the Order of St. Augustine. The first structure, composed of nipa and bamboo, was razed by fire in 1574 in a military skirmish. A second building made of wood was devastated by a fire that occurred during the funeral ceremony of a Spanish official.

It was finally decided to construct a church using a more robust material - stone - to stand the test of time; it was also decided to build a monastery on the premises. The church, constructed in adobe stone, was finally opened in 1607, under the appellation 'St. Paul of Manila'. This building withstood a series of significant earthquakes, and survived tremendous military activity in World War II.

The church has many distinctive features, and it has been suggested that its design derived from the Spanish churches in the Americas, particularly Mexico's Puebla Cathedral. The exterior is unpretentious, with only some typically Baroque decorations on the impressive wooden doors. The courtyard contains a number of granite lion sculptures.

The interior of the church takes the shape of a Latin cross, with no less than 14 flanking chapels and a magnificent 'trompe l'oeil' (deceptive to the eye) ceiling created by eminent artists from Italy. Some sections of the church feature seats constructed of an alluring tropical wood - molave. The church houses the tombs of many eminent individuals.

When searching for Manila apartments, the name which immediately comes to mind is the Somerset Salcedo. These exceptional hotel apartments Manila offers provides well appointed accommodation and gracious hospitality for a memorable stay.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Manila - A Perfect Place for Golfing

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines. The Philippines has been a good place for golfing for over a century now and the hub of that sport can be said to be Manila. Manila has been the host of the Philippine Open for many years and is visited by world-class golfers for championships and also for training purposes. Manila has a lot of golf courses, with world-class facilities, that make Manila one of the biggest golfing cities in the world. Golf courses in Manila have been designed by some of the most respected people in this field and provide a wonderful golfing experience. In and around Manila, there are so many golfing clubs that it is hard to choose which one you should go to.

Here is an overview of the most famous golf courses in the city of Manila.

Wack Wack Golf & Country Club

The Wack Wack Golf & Country Club is not only well-known in the Philippines, but is a famous golf course around the world. The Wack Wack Golf & Country Club holds world-class golfing and after-golf facilities that enhance your golfing experience. The Wack Wack Golf & Country Club was home to the Philippine Open for many years and is still used by many professional golfers to practice for championships and tournaments. The Wack Wack Golf & Country Club has two championship level courses that both have 18-holes. It is a membership-only club and visitors have to be accompanied by a member. The fee for playing on weekdays is $100 for weekdays and $140 for weekends. This is a bargain when you consider the facilities that are provided to you.

Canlubang Golf & Country Club

One of the most scenic-beautiful courses in the world, the Canlubang Golf & Country Club is the largest golf course in the world. The Canlubang Golf & Country Club has 36 holes and it is rare to find a golf course larger than this. The beauty of the Canlubang Golf & Country Club is richly enhanced with a lot of greenery surrounding it and the builders have made lakes and ravines themselves. The Canlubang Golf & Country Club is open to tourists on weekdays, but otherwise it is open for members only.

Club Intramuros

The Club Intramuros golf course is one of the most challenging golf courses in the Philippines. Built short with plenty of hazards, the Club Intramuros golf course is a way to polish your skills. Playing in a challenging condition will help your golfing to improve much more than at a simple course. The Club Intramuros is open to the people but they have to reserve their playing time in advance. The fee for playing at Club Intramuros is $29, which is very affordable.

Darrell is the creator of the website Travel to the Philippines (travel2rp.com), the web's go-to site on visiting the Philippines. While the site covers such topics as golfing in the Philippines, cultural activities, Philippine beaches, backpacking, hiking, mountain climbing, and night-time entertainment, there are also articles on how to get a good airfare, using a consolidator, trip cancellation insurance, and how to find a good travel agent.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darrell_Houghton

Visit the Top Attractions in Manila Philippines - Museums and Churches

Manila, a capital city of Philippines is the world's eleventh largest metropolitan area located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay.It is also the chief seaport of the country.This city hosts everything right from incredible attractions to exciting nightlife, shopping, sports and more.With such amazing tourist attractions and activities, Manila ensures a lot of enjoyment and entertainment to its visitors.The major tourist attractions of this city are museums and churches.

If you are on vacation with your family in Manila then there is no other better option to visit than Museums.The list of Manila museums includes - the Cultural Center, the Financial Center of the CCP Complex, Ayala on Makati Avenue, the National Museum, the San Agustin Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Lopez Memorial and the University of Santo Tomas Museum. Out of these the most famous ones are National Museum, San Agustin Museum and University of Santo Tomas.

The National Museum was established in 1901 as the Insular Museum of Natural History, Ethnology, and Commerce. This mainly exhibits artworks of 19th-century that is related to the entire history of Manila city.San Agustin Museum features ecclesiastical art collection with old paintings of saints and colonial religious art.This is an old monastery attracting large number of people.While University of Santo Tomas exhibits many species of flora and fauna of entire Philippines.

Churches are the other major attractions of the city.People looking for divine peace mostly visit these holy sites.There are many famous churches in the city but the most popular and internationally known one is San Agustin Church. It was founded during the Spanish colonial period, hence this is considered as the oldest church and is also claimed to be the oldest building among all the surviving buildings in the Philippines.The Philippine government has declared it National Historical Landmark and the UNESCO has declared it the World Heritage Site.Therefore, people from across the world come to see this wonderful church.

After the sightseeing, the best activity that every visitor can enjoy here includes shopping.Manila hosts number of shopping malls and market streets that are mostly found in the areas of Malate and Ermita.Apart from shopping malls and shops, you can find the first-rate clubs and bars too in these areas that offer exotic nightlife.

The main part of any vacation is lodging.People first look for comfortable accommodation and then go for sightseeing.While on vacation here, you need not trouble much for appropriate accommodation as there are many hotels, motels, inns and resorts in the city ranging from cheap to luxury.If you are with tight budget then must choose to stay into one of the cheap hotels, this way you can reduce much of your expenditure.Unlike, if you can spend lavishly to enrich your vacation then lodging in one of the finest luxury hotels is the best option.The major luxury hotels of the city are mostly found in downtown area.

About the Author

For more information on Vacations to Manila and Filipino Tourist Attraction please visit our website.

The Thriving City of Manila, Philippines

Manila, Philippines is one of the 17 metropolis and municipalities that comprise Metro Manila and the country's capital. It is the place for most Filipinos to realize their dreams. There are several work opportunities in the city being the country's commercial hub with a modern metropolis that offer wide opportunity ventures.

Just like any other provinces and cities, Manila also holds a story of its own with several infrastructures and historical landmarks that hold its own stories. In terms of population, Manila is the fifth largest city and holds the world's eleventh largest metropolitan area.

A Touch of History

The city has its own stories to share that mark history. It is known as the Kingdom of Namayan and Kingdom of Tondo because it was the capital of old Tondo. It is also known as Gintu or the Land of Gold. Invaded by different nations, the city still has the traces of the previous occupants. The Cabilido Street in Intramuros is a landmark that represents the Spanish occupation from 1581-1898. British also invaded Manila and in 1898-1946, the American occupation gave the city several distinctive supports. American has been the refuge of Filipinos to be free from the Spaniards. Manila Bay is a place in Manila that reminds the Filipinos of the war that took place between these two forces.

Prominent Landmarks in Manila

The Archdiocese of Manila is located in Manila. It is the country's oldest archdiocese in the history. Apart from this, churches run by different religious orders are very prominent, too. San Agustin Church in Intramuros is one of the most famous churches in the place. The place is not only open for the Catholics but has been a place for other faiths and beliefs. Manila is a home to many Buddhist and Taoist temples, The Golden Mosque of the Muslims, Hindu temple for the Indian people and synagogue for the Jewish and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Many prestigious universities also inhabit Manila in a place called the University Belt. This is the famous term for institutions in higher concentration and of good quality education. Among the popular universities in Manila are the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippine Normal University, Technological University of the Philippines, Philippine Christian University, the Philippine Women's University, De La Salle University, and De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde.

Other catholic schools are also within the University belt such as the Paco Catholic School, San Beda College, University of Santo Tomas, Adamson University, St. Paul University. Other private schools in Manila are the University of the East, Far Eastern University, Centro Escolar University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, the Mapua Institute of Technology, Lyceum of the Philippines University and its very own Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

Some of the interesting places in Manila include the famous Rizal Park where the country's national hero had his execution. The Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the Department of Tourism Building, the National Museum of the Philippines, and the National Library of the Philippines are also among the known landmarks in Manila.

Rajah Sulayman Park, Manila Boardwalk, Liwasang Bonifacio, Plaza Miranda, Paco Park, Remedios Circle, Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden are among the popular parks that any traveler will love to visit in Manila. You can always find beautiful places and several striking landmarks with a story to tell in Manila, Philippines.

About the Author

Jose Maria Abada writes travel articles for Philippine Travel Guide. You can find helpful information about Manila Philippines and Philippine Travel on this website.

Top Five Attractions in Manila Philippines

The densely populated capital of Philippines with its picturesque opening to the Manila Bay is a city with a significant historical background. Currently, it has a mix of all types of architecture and is fast developing into a contemporary metropolis and draws throngs of people from all over the globe.

In the 16th century the Spaniards established Manila to be their colonial capital, due to its strategic location and resourcefulness. During their reign, they erected the 'Intramuros', which means 'within the walls' to enclose the area which was then considered the city. Built along the southern bank of the Pasig River the Intramuros was a majestic fortress in the olden days. The World War II brought about mass destruction upon the Intramuros, and today the fort is almost completely preserved for its historic value. Within the enclosure one can find the ruins of Baluarte de San Diego, the defence tower, Postigo Del Placioa, the palaces of the archbishop and the Governer-general and several other alluringly crafted structures. Amongst all these the grand 'Fort Santiago', stands tall to tell the stories of ancient times. Presently it functions as a museum and one can find artifacts, details and even a prison that was used during the period of Spanish rule. Any visit to Manila is incomplete without a thorough ramble through the famed walled city of Intramuros.

The cool breeze that blows in from the Bay of Manila adds to the serenity of Rizal Park, which is another must-see while one is in Manila. The park is home to the country's most visited landmark, the bronze and granite monument built in remembrance of Jose Rizal a Filipino reformist who spearheaded national movements during the period of Spanish rule. This is located at the north end of the Roxas Boulevard, the major roadway of Manila.

The Roxas Boulevard is famous for its yacht clubs and fine dining along the shores of the bay. The Manila Baywalk, beside the boulevard is the perfect spot to watch the dusky sunsets between the tall coconut trees. The orange and purple hues rising above the harbour of Manila will keep anyone spellbound.

Situated at the entrance to the bay itself is the Corregidor Island, which was the naval base during times of war. Several battles were fought on the island itself and their ruins are protected by authorities. It is possible to take a day tour to the island and examine the 'Pacific War Memorial' and other war exhibits.

The charming cathedrals and churches form an important part of Manila city. Among them the Quiapo Church and the Manila Cathedral are the most well known? The Quiapo Church is highly revered because of the Black Nazarene statue of Jesus Christ which resides within the church and is believed to hold miraculous powers. The Manila Cathedral is located within the premises of the Intramuros.

About the Author

Neha Sharma shares her views about Cheap Tickets To Manila.For more information please visithttp://www.ticketstoworld.co.uk

Metro Manila Film Festival in the Philippines

MMFF is perhaps the most well known event in the city. This is said to be the largest and longest running film festival in Philippines. It was established in 1975. This festival has been contributing greatly to aware public and making them support new talent. Today a large number of movie artists and producers take cheap flights to Manila and are gathered at film festivals in the Philippines as it provides a lot of inventive room for movie producers. This festival has its humble begging in the second half of twentieth century when the movie "Genghis Khan" was screened at the Venice Film Festival. It is said that this film created impression internationally for its filmmakers. It also gave birth to the first award-giving institutions in the Philippines.

Since its humble beginning in 1975, it has been successfully holding every year. This year it is the 26th edition of the festival. It holds from December 25 to the first week of January. Visitors take flights to manila to join this event. There are a large number of performances that are performed here. The most popular of these is the parade of floats during the opening of the festival. It includes award ceremony that is given to best films of the year as well as to the best actors of the year. Those taking cheap Manila flights find here much to celebrate. Every year a large number of entries are sent to participate in this event. This year's entries are; Ang Tanging Ina Mo Rin, Rosario, Father Jejemon, Dalaw, RPG, Shake, Rattle and Roll XII, Super Inday and the Magic Bibe.

The Metro Manila Film Festival is organized not only by the city of Manila but many other Filipino cities also participate in this event including; Quezon City, and Bacolod. MMFF has played the role of a platform for the Filipino film industry and it gave the roots for the establishment of Manila International Film Festival organized by then First Lady Imelda Marcos in 1982 at Manila Center that attracted Manila flights from different parts of the globe. This event is organized by Manila Cultural center. The entries do not only invite films but it also covers animation, documentary, kids, and short films. The awards night at this fare is divided into three parts, entrance of the stars, awarding ceremony, and Katy the Musical. The most awarded actor is Christopher De Leon. The event attracts a large number of flights to Manila from UK and other global destinations.

Searching on web and collecting various interesting facts about countries is my favorite hobby. I have made search on various cities' eating out options and flights to manila is one them gratifies very well a food lover's wishes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harris_Raza

Exploring Manila Philippines Historic Chinatown

With the huge influx of Chinese immigrants all over the world, many of the world's cities boast their own Chinatown. As the name implies, a Chinatown is predominantly populated by Chinese immigrants and also showcases their traditions and cultures via restaurants, theatres and even street performers. The Chinatown in Manila is found in the Binondo region of the city and was created by immigrants that came to the Philippines even before the Spanish colonists in the 16th century.

According to historical sources, the story of Binondo runs back almost a thousand years and was once a busy trading hub filled with Chinese sea-farers. The colonial Spanish authorities converted this already busy area into an ethnic Chinese enclave in appreciation of their conversion to Catholicism. Binondo finds a special place in the history of Spanish missionaries because it was incidentally the birthplace of the first Filipino saint - St. Lorenzo Ruiz.

Today Binondo, Manila is home to some of the best restaurants in the city. Although Chinese cuisine has gained popularity worldwide, this area is popular not only for its Chinese restaurants but for its wide variety of eateries. From traditional family-owned bakeries and quaint little cafes and plush modern gourmet restaurants, Chinatown has something to satisfy any palate.

Architecturally, this area has changed very little since the days of the Spanish colonialists. Notable landmarks include the Binondo Church and the San Lorenzo Ruiz Plaza. The Chinatown area is well-known among the locals as a place to find Chinese medicines and herbs. These quaint little medicine and antique shops lend the enclave its unique identity, even though much of the area is now a modern town.

Chinese festivals such as the New Year, the Hungry Ghost Festival and the Autumn Moon Festival are celebrated with much gusto by its inhabitants. Guests staying at Manila furnished apartments such as the Ascott The Residence Makati can embrace its magic as they would be living virtually on the doorstep of Manila's Chinatown.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Manila Philippines Finest Tourism Offerings

A holiday in the Philippines will never be complete without exploring its capital, Manila. Home to more than 1.6 million people, Manila is one of the crowded yet entertaining cities in the country. The busy streets and hardworking people add to the rich history of Manila, which charms local and foreign guests with its vintage and modern features.

Manila is a magnet for history buffs. Some of the major landmarks built during the Spanish era are located in the city. The deep Hispanic influence on the country can be traced in old churches and art galleries around the city. But aside from its rich past, Manila is also known as a center for politics, economics, culture, and commerce.

The city, which is divided into sixteen geographical districts, has one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. On the streets of Binondo line numerous shops selling a wide selection of Chinese goods and delicacies. Manila, which covers an area of 0.66 square kilometers, is also home to posh hotels, modern shopping malls, parks, exquisite events, and recreational areas.

The following attractions were taken from several Philippine travel guides the author used to come up with this article about Manila.

Intramuros

Make sure to visit Intramuros if you're in Manila. The "Walled City" hosts a number of old places of worship such as the San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral. Built in the 16th century, Intramuros is also home to art galleries and museums such as Casa Manila, Bahay Tsinoy, and San Agustin Museum. Some of the country's higher learning institutions, including Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Mapua Institute of Technology, are inside Intramuros.

Rizal Park

Rizal Park is probably the most famous urban park in the Philippines. Situated at the heart of Manila, the 58-hectare park houses the monument of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. The site is guarded by ceremonial soldiers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rizal Park, also known as Luneta, also features ornamental gardens, a chess plaza, and a skating rink. Regular free concerts are staged in an open-air auditorium in Luneta.

Manila Bay

Manila Bay is a tourist magnet practically because of its beautiful golden sunset. Always have your camera ready when watching the sun go down. A side-attraction in Manila Bay is the hoard of boats moored in the Manila Yacht Club. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars on the so-called Manila Baywalk, which is an ideal setting for a romantic dinner or a friendly chat over bottles of beer.

National Museum of the Philippines

The National Museum of the Philippines is the official repository and guardian of the country's natural and cultural heritage. This government-established institution has a vast collection of artifacts in the fields of history, anthropology, ethnography, archaeology, botany, and geology. Juan Luna's "Spoliarium," the grand prize winner at the 1884 Exposicion Nacional de Bellas Artes in Spain,is among the famous artworks displayed at the museum.

Exploring the beauty of Manila doesn't end in the above-mentioned attractions. Other must-visit places in the city include Fort Santiago, the Malacañang Palace, the Chinese Cemetery, Quiapo Church, Plaza San Luis, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Manila Ocean Park.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.

Allan Leandro Merin has been writing for a living since 2008. After leaving a career at a daily electronic newspaper, he joined a web development outsourcing company and linked up with Local Philippines, the most comprehensive online directory of Philippine destinations, events, and attractions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allan_Merin

Rizal Park - A Memorial For One Of The Philippines' Most Beloved Sons

Rizal Park is an urban oasis at the heart of Manila's bustling business centre. Found next to the famous fortification of the Intramuros, the tranquil and picturesque retreat overlooking the silver-tipped seascape of Manila Bay was created as a tribute to one of the Philippines' most beloved and valiant sons, freedom fighter Jose Rizal.

A doctor by vocation and a celebrated novelist, Rizal was one of the leading figures in the Filipino independence movement against the Spanish colonists. Tragically, he was executed by the Spanish in 1896 after the government charged him with aiding rebel uprisings against the state. Although it would be many decades before the Philippines broke free of both the Spanish and the American occupation that followed, Jose Rizal remains one of the most influential figures in the history of the country. This status is amply reflected in the prestige and importance attached to the park opened in his name, which contains a memorial erected upon the very site of his execution by firing squad.

The renowned beauty and dignity of the park's environs seem to be a testament to the noble blood that was once spilled on these grounds so tragically. It is peppered with exotic, carefully landscaped gardens, memorials and historical markers as well as numerous entertainment and exhibition venues. The bronze monument to Rizal that was put up in 1913 is situated at the centre of the landscape. Marking the actual execution site, many celebrations of national significance are held in front of the monument, which routinely features as a part of foreign and state dignitaries' visiting schedules. The monument is flanked by an honour guard 24 hours a day and inscribed behind it is Rizal's famous poem "Mi Ultimo Adios".

Beside the monument is a 31 meter high flagpole which locals call the kilometer zone as it is the point from which the distances of all the other townships and cities of the Philippines are measured. A poignant, life-size diorama show replaying Rizal's final hours and execution is found in the Light and Sound complex on the northern side of the park, serving as a "living" memorial to the fallen hero. Beside this is found the Rizal fountain, the Rizal mural and the Gomburza marker, a memorial to three Filipino priests executed by the Spanish.

The park comprises of three sections: the Agrifiana Circle, the park proper and the section of open field over Roxas Boulevard along Manila Bay. Apart from being the grounds housing the National Historical Institute, Planetarium and the National Library, there are many other vastly popular establishments within the park, such as the environmental gallery of Artist's Haven, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, and the Rizal Park and MassCom Libraries. However, the most scenic venues are indubitably the Orchidarium, which showcases a collection of the most beautiful and exotic blooms from around the world, and the Butterfly Pavilion. The twin Greek classical buildings that house the country's Tourism and Finance Departments also serve as an ideal backdrop for photography enthusiasts.

Although the charms of the park described here are only the tip of the iceberg, visitors to Manila have ample opportunity to explore its various facilities and sights at length, especially if they elect to find Manila accommodation in the city centre. Manila apartments are an increasingly popular alternative to hotels, and Somerset Olympia is one of the most recommended choices for luxury serviced accommodation for business and leisure travellers to the Philippine capital.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Top 5 Best Attractions in Manila Philippines

The densely populated capital of Philippines with its picturesque opening to the Manila Bay is a city with a significant historical background. Currently, it has a mix of all types of architecture and is fast developing into a contemporary metropolis and draws throngs of people from all over the globe.

In the 16th century the Spaniards established Manila to be their colonial capital, due to its strategic location and resourcefulness. During their reign, they erected the 'Intramuros', which means 'within the walls' to enclose the area which was then considered the city. Built along the southern bank of the Pasig River the Intramuros was a majestic fortress in the olden days. The World War II brought about mass destruction upon the Intramuros, and today the fort is almost completely preserved for its historic value. Within the enclosure one can find the ruins of Baluarte de San Diego, the defence tower, Postigo Del Placioa, the palaces of the archbishop and the Governer-general and several other alluringly crafted structures. Amongst all these the grand 'Fort Santiago', stands tall to tell the stories of ancient times. Presently it functions as a museum and one can find artifacts, details and even a prison that was used during the period of Spanish rule. Any visit to Manila is incomplete without a thorough ramble through the famed walled city of Intramuros.

The cool breeze that blows in from the Bay of Manila adds to the serenity of Rizal Park, which is another must-see while one is in Manila. The park is home to the country's most visited landmark, the bronze and granite monument built in remembrance of Jose Rizal a Filipino reformist who spearheaded national movements during the period of Spanish rule. This is located at the north end of the Roxas Boulevard, the major roadway of Manila.

The Roxas Boulevard is famous for its yacht clubs and fine dining along the shores of the bay. The Manila Baywalk, beside the boulevard is the perfect spot to watch the dusky sunsets between the tall coconut trees. The orange and purple hues rising above the harbour of Manila will keep anyone spellbound.

Situated at the entrance to the bay itself is the Corregidor Island, which was the naval base during times of war. Several battles were fought on the island itself and their ruins are protected by authorities. It is possible to take a day tour to the island and examine the 'Pacific War Memorial' and other war exhibits.

The charming cathedrals and churches form an important part of Manila city. Among them the Quiapo Church and the Manila Cathedral are the most well known. The Quiapo Church is highly revered because of the Black Nazarene statue of Jesus Christ which resides within the church and is believed to hold miraculous powers. The Manila Cathedral is located within the premises of the Intramuros.

To see all this and more, one needs to spend a few days in a hotel in Mamila. The business travelers and holiday makers will truly enjoy the luxury accommodation Manila has to offer. The Traders Hotel Manila will grant you the opportunity to explore all of this and pamper yourself to the hilt.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pushpitha_Wijesinghe

Cultural Places in Manila Philippines

Going around Manila is like having a glimpse of the past 500 years of Filipino history. Up to present day, there exists everyday relics of pre-Hispanic era and each of the colonization eras the Philippines have gone through in the past centuries - Spanish, American, and Japanese.

The best way to go around Manila is by jeepney, the most common mode of transportation in the entire nation. The jeepneys have very convenient stops - anywhere. Just tell the driver anytime to drop you off along his route.

Intramuros

The walled city of Intramuros is by far Manila's richest location when it comes to culture and history. Inside the walls, you can experience pre-Hispanic era, all the way through Spanish colonization and revolt and Japanese occupation. Fort Santiago and the Jose Rizal Shrine tell the story of the national hero's life through relics and artifacts. San Agustin Church and Museum features the life of the Filipino and how it evolved through the centuries.

Ride the kalesa, a traditional horse-drawn carriage, to see all the sights of Intramuros. There are also many restaurants serving traditional Filipino food. Being popular with tourists, there are also many little trinket shops so you can bring home a slice of Filipino culture.

Quiapo

Quiapo's center is the Quiapo Church, where devout people from all over the nation go. Religion is a big part of Filipino culture, and you can see in Quiapo Church the many interesting marks that make Filipino Catholicism unique. In the streets of Quiapo, see also the old houses defining mid-20th century architecture. Some houses are open for viewing, so that you can experience living in a traditional Filipino home. Check out also the flea markets and boutiques lining Rizal Avenue. They have everything from amulets dating from the pre-Hispanic era, to traditional medicinal herbs, to discounted fashion items.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex

The CCP complex is one of the more modernist buildings in Manila, originally commissioned by the former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos, to promote and preserve Filipino art and culture.

There are galleries showing Filipino artworks, with the ultimate goal of promoting Filipino art and making it accessible to all sectors of the society. It also houses the Theatre of Performing Arts where artists both local and foreign perform. If you can catch a traditional performance, you can be acquainted with traditional forms of theatre mostly centered on Filipino songs. There is also a little theater for drama, solo recitals, and film screenings.

Manila Bay

End the evening with a leisurely walk along Manila Bay, starting from the CCP complex to Luneta Park. Manila Bay is picturesque all throughout the day, but especially stunning during sunset. Photographers, both amateur and professional, can be found along Manila Bay as the afternoon turns to night in a dramatic burst of deep reds and oranges.

As soon as night falls, you can find a variety of restaurants and bars around the area, with choices to fit every palate. You can even venture to the nearby Malate red light district for a more interesting Manila experience.

About the Author

The author manages the websites at Albuquerque Salons and Bananagrams.