A Cultural Venture into the City of Manila

The City of Manila is one of the seventeen cities that made up Metro Manila. It is continuously teeming with growing populations and new developments at every expandable inch in all the surrounding area. Words that often describe this city consist of noisy, dirty, dense, polluted, congested, dangerous, poor… but put aside these sorrowful descriptions, Manila can be vibrant, exciting, intense, luxurious, lavish, and filled with fun things to do too. Just like any other countries in the world, Manila also boasts many places that are of showcase quality worth visiting.

Welcome to the Walled City of Intramuros

The City of Manila can be separated into 16 districts. The oldest of all is called Intramuros -“The Walled City”. Built in the 16th century by the Spanish, it was once considered Manila City itself. Now, after the devastation of war, this city has become exclusively the only district of Manila where the old Spanish ruling influences were retained as modern development skipped over this district. Within the massive walls of this city stood old vanquishing government buildings, former stately homes, still splendid churches, aged convents, moss-covered monasteries, distinguished educational institutions, and reverberating cobbled plazas. What used to be the old moats were long gone as it is now filled up and serves as a golf course.

Manila Cathedral

Casa Manila (photo by mrbinondo)

To explore Intramuros, head first to the visitor centre at the entrance to Fort Santiago at Santa Clara Street and grab a map and guide book. Exploring The Walled City by foot will bring you on a 4.5 kilometer journey of unearthing the old stories when the Spanish rules. Every square foot of this city holds a unique historical tales of trades even before the Spanish empire’s reign. Spending a full day wandering along the Spanish-named streets is the best way to see things as it is. There’s the Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila, San Agustin Church, Father Blanco Garden, Museum and Library of the National Centre for Culture and Arts are among the few must-see. Just remember that the walk is more advisable to be done during the day as access is limited at night.

San Agustine Church (photo by ~MVI~)

Father Blanco's Garden (photo by twistedhalo)

After a walking trip at Intramuros, next we’ll go to the prowling markets and backstreets of Quiapo, the ‘old downtown’ of Manila. What used to be a thriving fishing village among a complex intersecting rivers, canals, and marches has turned itself into a flourishing center of commerce filled with trade stores. However, the main attraction in Quiapo is not the old streets. It is the Black Nazarene which is housed in the Quiapo Church that draws thousands of devoted worshipers and tourist alike.

Guiapo Church (photo by chicodj)

The best day to visit the Quiapo Church is Friday. Countless devotees will crowd at this church to pay homage to the Black Nazarene. It is touching to see the open humility of the worshipers down on their knees at the alter, fervent in prayer, seeking for a favor, miracle, penance or just praise and thanksgiving. Outside the church is a market place where everything is cheap. Merchandises range from pirated CDs and DVDs, imitation of branded goods, and many local delights. It is exactly the same version of ‘pasar pagi’ in Malaysia, only exchange the goods to Philippines wares, salvation needs products, and many local trinkets. There you can be adventurous and try the wide choice of local street cuisine too.

Religious business (photo by Au Lim)

A trip to the City of Manila can truly be a cultural venture that will open your eyes to the vibrant colours that only it can offer. It is a place that let you feel so deeply, sense so widely, and experience literary exchange of what it truly means to be cultured. Book the trip here and experience that feeling of cultural satisfaction in The Philippines.

Get a 1st Class Beach Vacation @ Boracay Island

Voted as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, Boracay is also one of the higher end vacation spots in The Philippines. Still, it is all worth it as Boracay’s miles of pure white sandy beach attracts thousands of local and foreign visitors to enjoy the sun, sea, and fun all year round especially during the peak season from March to May.

Welcome to Boracay!

Getting there in the most direct manner is hopping on to one of the hourly domestic flights from Manila International airport that bring you to Caticlan Island. From there, you can take a 15 minutes boat ride to Boracay. The boats there dock right at the beach as there will not be any jetty in sight. Expect to get your feet wet right away as you disembark the boat to wade a 10 steps distance in the crystal clear water to the beach. Don’t worry, the friendly locals will be there to help you out.

Having an awesome time at a paradise island isn’t that hard a thing to achieve. There’s snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, mountain trekking, windsurfing, sea-shells picking, partying, clubbing, windsurfing, kite surfing, mountain biking, beach volleyball, kayaking, shopping, getting a tattoo, and so much more!

Dog-boned shape island of Boracay (photo courtesy: wiki)

Boracay’s main tourist beach is called the ‘White Beach’. This is where over 4 kilometers long of white sandy beach awaits and serves upon the human race. It is located at the West side of the dog-boned shape island. You can find hotels, resorts, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and all other tourism-related business claiming a part of this beach.

Unspoilt fan coral reefs

On the east side of the dog-boned island of Boracay is the second most populated beach, The Bulabog Beach. This is where you see the cool, muscular hunks roughing it out at windsurfing and kite-boarding. On this side of the island, the wind is much stronger and waves come in crashing in at a rhythmic pace. It is quite a different feeling as compared to the calm and serene water of White Beach.

Taking a leisure ride out at the sea

At the northern end of Boracay is Puka Beach. Being a smaller stretch of beach, this serves as the perfect place to enjoy some time of solitude just soaking in the wonders of Boracay. Listen to the crashing waves, let the breeze tousle your hair, taste the salt in the air… This beach is also where you can find sun-washed white Puka shells lining the sandy white beach. Pick some and fill a jar with it. It serves as a remembrance of the great time you had at Boracay Island.

White sun-washed Puka shells

For those of you who can’t spend a vacation away from golf, there is also an 18-hole, par 72 golf course at Filinvest's Fairways & Blue Waters. It is a first class club and hotel located a short distance from the beach at the Northeast side of Boracay.

Daily priceless sunset view

To book a trip and enjoy some fun at this world-class Paradise Island, check out the offers at PYOtravel.com

(*photos credit: julesnene)