Unique Places in City of Manila

Baguio is some 5 hours by land or less than an hour's plane ride (Asian Spirit) from Manila. It is located in the northern province of the Phlippines. If you go there during the peak summer season (end of March-April), expect that your trip will be more than 5 hours. During monsoon season, some landslides could occur. But everything is a minor inconvenience once you see the cool City of Pines. It's a destination like no other in the Philippines because of its cool mountain climate, fresh fruits/veggies and lively art scene.

Tourists use Baguio as a jump off point for hinterland destinations like Sagada and the famous Banaue Rice Terraces.

Take Victory Liner in Cubao. Buses depart every day, every hour.

Pls. visit my site for things to do in Baguio.

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This is a very lovely theme park of the Philippine culture and landscape, and is located on a coconut plantation about 3 hours drive from Manila. I spent 2 days there and really enjoyed it very much, there are lots of things to do and see such as cultural dance, rafting in Labasin River, lunch at Labasin Waterfalls, Carabao (water buffalo ride), Museum of Christianity, House of Escudero etc. More information and photographs are at my VT Quezon Province page.

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Corregidor is a small rocky island in the Philippines about 48 kilometers west of Manila which is stragetically located at the entrance of Manila Bay. This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of its Filipino and American defenders who bravely held their ground against the overwhelming number of invading Japanese forces during World War II. Also known as "the Rock," it was a key bastion of the Allies during the war. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines in December 1941, the military force under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur carried out a delaying action at Bataan. Corregidor became the headquarters of the Allied forces and also the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth government. It was from Corregidor that Philippine President Manuel Quezon and General MacArthur left for Australia in February 1942, leaving behind Lt. Gen. Jonathan M. Wainwright in command. More information and photos are at my VT Corregidor Island page.

Major attractions around Manila are as follows:
- Tagaytay, Taal Volcano and Lake (please visit my VT Tagaytay and Talisay pages)
- Villa Escudero (please visit my VT Quezon Province page)
- Corregidor Island (Historical island of World War 2)
- Mount Pinatubo (Famous volcano with violent eruption in 1991)
- Subic Bay (Former US military base area)
- Pagsajan Falls (spectucular waterfall and boating through rapids)
- Batangas (famous beach)

Further away in northern Luzon Island, you can visit the famous places like Baguio, Sagada, Banaue and Vigan. Also the famous Mayon Volcano and Legaspi to the south-east is worth visiting.

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Tagaytay together with Taal Volcano and lake are one of the major attractions near to Manila (about 1-2 hours drive south, depending on traffic). The views of the Taal Lake and Volcano are fantastic, and I would recommend that you go across the lake to the volcano island, where you can either walk up to the crater or take a horse ride. Details and photographs are at my VT Tagaytay and Talisay pages.

the Black Nazarene is a life-sized statue of Christ that a priest bought in Mexico and brought to Manila in 1606. Since 1787 the statue has been housed at Saint John the Baptist Church in Quiapo. every year, the statue is brought out and paraded around the area. be prepared as thousands of devotees jostle to help carry this image. the black nazarene was the only thing left when the church of quiapo was burned before. for this reason, ppl believe it is miraculous. they breave the crowds to be able to touch the nazarene, some reported that they have been healed from diseases by doing this. it's held every january 9.

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I have always had a fascination with the architectural designs of churches. I thought I have seen all the old churches of Manila. When we went to Chinatown last Chinese New Year's eve, I expected to see a big Chinese temple, but was pleasantly surprised to see a Catholic Church in the heart of Binondo. The church is so beautiful, I especially admired the fresco paintings on the ceiling depicting the life and passion of Jesus Christ. I was also amused to see many Chinese Catholics in the church that day.

Binondo Church is now known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz. It was named after the first Filipino Saint who once served the church as sacristan. Aside from being legendary as the place where St. Lorenzo Ruiz developed his spirituality, the church is also known for its glorious past. Built in 1587, it is one of the oldest places of Cathollic worship in the country. Although the original structure suffered damages from the natural calamities like earthquakes, its octagonal bell tower was not destroyed. What you see today is the same belfry constructed in the 16th century. Renovations were done on the church and adjacent convent between 1946 and 1971

The newly-renovated Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village in Makati City is now the venue of small entrepreneurs peddling a wide array of delectable food, fresh fruits & vegetables, fine flora, organic food and other hard-to-find goods.
The market organizers also impose a strict regulation to limit the sell to food and plants in order to prevent the market from being crowded and keep its homey atmosphere.
The market which opens from 7am-2pm showcases the various specialties at reasonable prices of provinces from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Known for its rich agricultural land and abundant sea life, Luzon takes pride with its native cuisine like Kare-kare, Adobo, Balo-balo, (P65/serving) burong asan, native tsokolate (P35/glass, P150-165/bottle), special ensaymada and sweets from Pampanga. Less-salt tuyo (a breakfast must-have at P25/pack) and fresh lobsters(P700/kilo) are delivered fresh from Bataan, while its northern neighbor Ilocos region bargains their famous Vigan noodles, dried pancit canton and brown podgy longganisa(P95/dozen).
Concessionaires from Iloilo boasts off its dried seafood, tocino, danggit, lamb chops and rib eye steaks(P500/pack of 3) from Australia. Its fellow Visayan locals offer wholesale and retail of their native lechon, spicy crispy shrimps, bottled tabang talangka, tapang usa(P400/kilo), tapang baboy damo and sea bass, which all are mouth-watering except for those with risky cholesterol level.
The House of Tuna, a canteen based from Davao City sells fresh and frozen sea foods, native delicacies, tuna belly and sashimi.
Plant lovers also find the market generous of seasonal yet hard-to-find flora, like bonsai, orchids and bromeliads at P150-P300.
The word about the Salcedo Saturday market has spread among busy individuals and tourists who want to get a taste of the exotic foods and other unique finds in the city. Experience shopping without the usual hassles from the swarm of market-goers and parking space and seize your unspoiled weekend rest.