Manila - Philippines

 

Manila Capital of the Philippines - Intramuros - Fort Santiago

 

Manila, is the capital of the Philippines and the center of government in the country.

The city is located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay in Luzon, the country's largest island.

Manila is the cultural, educational, industrial and economic center of the Philippines.

 

 

Intramuros

A popular sight is the walled area called Intramuros.
Intramuros means "Within the walls",
Intramuros is one of the oldest walled cities in the far east
It is located along the southern bank of the Pasig River neighboring Rizal Park and was constructed in 1571, during the period of Spain's colonization of the Philippines,

During the Spanish colonial period, Intramuros was the capital of the Philippines and at present the walled city is the only district of Manila where old Spanish Era influences were retained.

 

 

Kalesas

You can walk around the paths to explore Intramuros or use the pleasingly decorated horse drawn carriages (kalesas).
Here a number of tourists are taking the kalesa tour.

Destruction at 1945

The whole city was destroyed by bombings conducted by American forces when they recaptured Manila from the Japanese in 1945. Today most of the walls and bulwarks have been restored but there are also a lot of houses from the Spanish times that have survived.

Some of them have been converted into homely restaurants, dormitories, art galleries and souvenir shops.

 

Places to visit

Intramuros offer a variety of very interesting places to visit.

 

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago contains many points of historical interest and in the Rizal Museum there you can see memorabilia of Dr. Jose Rizal, national hero, and how Jose Rizal spend his last day before he was shot.

 

San Augustin Cathedral

The very impressive San Augustin Cathedral, constructed in 1587-1604, is the oldest stone church in Metro Manila and one of the oldest churches in the country.

 

Manila Cathedral

One of the oldest churches here in Philipppines is also the grand Manila Cathedral at the center of Intramuros

 

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
The Manila Cathedral is also known as the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
During the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, the Manila Cathedral was the seat of the Archbishop of Manila and still remains the ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Manila.

 

Shangri La Shopping Mall Manila - Sunset Manila Bay, Roxas Boulevard

 

 

 

 

Shangri La Plaza in Mandoluyong
This mall includes Rustan's, Marks & Spencer, Crossings and many other shops and they have a lot to offer, from designer labels like Polo and Armani to budget and sale corners

Shangri La Plaza is a great mall to take your family and enjoy the wonderful selection of vendors and entertainment

There are a lot of places to eat, from 5-star restaurants to cheap and cheerful dining at the Food Court in the basement.

 

 

Manila Bay
Manila Bay, along Roxas Boulevard, is renowned for its spectacular sunsets.
It,s a nice place for a romantic walk while viewing the beautifull sunset, bands and entertainment evrywhere, just walk round.
After dark, there are many nice places to eat, music and dancing. and also nice boats with food and live music rides on the Manila Bay.
Foods are best served at very reasonable prices along bay side, you can take a seat at a tabl to eat and drink with a cold breeze blowing.

 

Tavel by Jeepney Metro Manila - Philippines Roxas Boulevard

 

Jeepneys

The Philippines are renowned for its highly decorated jeepneys and the jeepney is the main source of transportation for many people in the Philippines.

The jeepney is a modified jeep that is extended and has a long seat on each side for the passengers to sit on.

Jeepneys are decorated all over with banners, pinwheels, mirrors, shiny metal, horse statuettes and other colorful or shiny objects.
Every one is unique in style. Names and slogans are painted with bright colors as especially signs of the owner.

 

 

Boarding

After boarding just find a place to sit.

If the jeepney is kind of full, passengers should squeeze together as best they can to allow newcomers to be seated.

 

How t o pay

To pay the fare loudly say "Bayad po"
If you are close enough just hand it to the driver or his assistant, if you are not, just pass it on to a passenger sitting closer to the driver. Your fellow passengers will pass the money to the driver and your change will be passed back the same way.