Manila and It’s Famous Places

    Manila is famous for its countless tourists spots, which bring us closer to other people who have enjoyed being here in the Philippines. Beautify scenes engross you and capture your heart as well. Tourists enjoy every step they take in discovering what lies behind these places.

    We have the so-called “Walking Tour through Intramuros” to discover the “Walled City” that lies within the heart of Manila.

The San Agustin Church

    the oldest stone church in Metro Manila was built in 1586 and completed in 1606. It has withstood the ravages of time both brought by nature and by man; earthquakes and typhoons.

The Manila Cathedral

     At the center of the Walled City of Intramuros lies the grand Manila Cathedral where the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Manila lies.

The Fort Santiago

     It is one of the oldest fortifications of Intramuros and constructed started in 1571 and it was completed nearly 150 years later by Filipino forced labor. It is also known as the “Shrine of Freedom” because of the heroic Filipinos who were imprisoned and killed here during the Spaniards and Japanese eras. It is now a park and theaters for traditional and modern plays.

The Plaza San Luis

     It is named after one of the barrios of old Intramuros. This is a cultural-cum-commercial complex wherein you can find gift and specialty shops, museum which is to be found at the Casa Manila, one of the five houses located in Plaza San Luis.

The Rizal Park

     It is considered the largest parks in Southeastern Asia which is called “Luneta” this days. This park was used as an executing ground by Spaniards for Filipino rebels and mutineers. It acquired its present name Rizal National Park in dedication to the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, whose mortal remains were interred in the cornershore of the Rizal Monument in 1912.

The Malacanang Palace/Museum

     It is considered to be one of the most historic structures in the Philippines. It has been the official residence of the President of the Philippines. A wing of the Palace is open to the public as a Philippine President Museum, it focuses on all former Presidents of the Philippines. It is one of the most visited historical landmarks in the country today.

Malate and Ermita

    The popular cosmopolitan lifestyle districts of Malate and Ermita in Manila showcase a wild variety of restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, art and antique shops, and shopping complexes. The nightlife offers everything from partyhopping, clubbing, lounging to theme festivals and parades, or quietly chilling at art and fashion cafes.

The Paco Park

    The park is formerly a municipal cemetery enclosed with a circular stone wall occupying approximately a space of 4,500 square yards. ). At present, the park serves as a regular venue for intimate musical and cultural concerts featuring local and international artists bringing art to the masses. Weddings, garden receptions, holy masses, and family gatherings are likewise being held here

The Museo Pambata

     It is the first hands-on, interactive children’s museum in the Philippines. It is an exciting learning center with six theme areas, namely: Kalikasan (Environment), Maynila Noon (Old Manila), Tuklas (Science), Paglaki Ko (Career Option), Katawan Ko (Body Works), and Bata Sa Mundo (Children in the Global Village), a reading resource center and children’s playground. The museum is also a venue for programs and activities for the public, especially for underserved children, such as storytelling, puppet shows, workshops on visual arts, health, etc.

     These places commemorate the story that lies in the palm of Manila.

By:
Patricia Nicole
September 6, 2004