Fun things to do in Manila

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Fort Santiago is part of Intramuros and is located at the mouth of Pasig River. Before Spanish era, it was site of the palace of Kingdom of Rajah Suliman. It was destroyed by Spanish army in 1570 as a result of bloody battles with locals. It was completed in 1592 and later served not only as hub for spice trade to America and Europe for more than three centuries but was also considered a strategic defense location.

During WWII, it was captured by Japanese and later in 1945 sustained heavy damages during t he war of 1945. Today the place serves as museum which houses legacies of Jose Rizal who is national hero of Philippines. He was executed here in 1896. His final foot steps are now embedded onto the ground that represents his final walk from the cell to the place of execution.

Trip to Manila is not complete unless you enjoy countless dining opportunities. City is home of many shopping malls, each has its own "food court" in addition to numerous restaurants within the buildings.

Further there are several locations spread all over Manila that should not be missed like Greenbelt area in Makati, Libis in Quezon City, Metrowalk in Ortigas.

There are also several "Dampas" offering fresh sea food. Dampas are series of sea food restaurants located next to fish markets where customers can even go and buy fresh fish, shrimps, crabs, lobsters etc. These restaurants will then cook for you for cooking charges levied on per kilo basis. Dampas are my personal favorites for the quality and taste. However food is expensive as mostly cost of seafood equals to cooking charges. I have so far visited three dampas; one near NAIA, second in Pasay city near Mall of Asia and the third one is in Ortigas inside Ortigas Home Depot. Give it a try....

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Intramuros ("within the walls") was built by Spaniards during 16th century. It is located on the banks of Pasig River in Manila city. At that time Intramuros was itself Manila city. During 1945 war, Intramuros was bombarded and only building left was San Agustin Church, rest was all ruined. However, during 1980's city was restored by Intramuros Administration. This walled city is the only place in Manila that reminds of Spanish era.

The building is not very easily spotted , but its just across the St Augustin Church.

Casa Manila Museum, housed in a reconstruction of a 19th century Manila residence, gives you an imitation of how life was then. Each room is set up in period style and decorated with antique furniture, chandeliers, lamps, paintings, vases and bric-a-brac. From the kitchen on the top floor, walk down the adobe staircase, past an old well, and enjoy some reflective moments at the central courtyard and fountain.

Even if you dont visit the museum you can go inside its compound which is quite nice , there is a romantic cafe , restaurant and some local handicraft shops

Admission: Adults PHP40; children and students PHP15

This is not like any chinese cemetary that I have been....!! The dead live in better house than I do, marble house, double storey house, some even with air-con,

Its something that you must not missed when you are in Manila.

Just take a walk and you will see different type of houses.

Imelda Marcos Opens Footwear Museum


Notorious shoe collector and former first lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos, has opened a footwear museum in Manila. Renowned for her shoe excesses after about 1200 pairs were discovered in the presidential palace when she fled with her late husband - and former dictator - Ferdinand in 1986, Marcos now claims to be a social benefactor, helping the local footwear industry and giving tourism a shot in the arm - or should that be foot? Over the years, she has often claimed that her vast collection was part of an effort to support local industry, and that she had the good of the Philippines at heart. Critics counterclaim that she simply had a shoe fetish. As well as containing shoes from her era as first lady, the museum also boasts donations from Marcos' more recent collections and from various local film stars and politicians. Imelda's 'shrine to the shoe' is called the Marikina City Footwear Museum.

The Carabao mangoes are to die for in the Philippines. When fully ripened, the aroma is alluring and the taste juicy, sweet and succulent. It is in a class of its own. If you could not get the real thing, the dried version is just as tasty and great as an edible souvenir of the Philippines to bring home.

In season: June-July

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On one Sunday in April every year is the Tour of The Fireflies around the cities of Metro Manila. Now on its 8th year, the TOF has gained support throughout the years advocating the use of bicycle as a mode of transport for a Cleaner Air in this smoke-suffocating metropolis.

The TOF gathers about 3000 plus cyclists every year that tours a 50-km route snaking throughout the cities of Metro Manila for that Ride-a-Bike awareness kindle to every city resident.

The program culminates with the awarding of prizes for the best in costume and jazzed-up bike - generally expressing the "SaveMotherEarth" theme. Check the Travelouges for more pictures.