The Philippine Online Chronicles

Manila, the capital of the Philippines is like a multi-layered cake covered with a rich and colorful icing – its cultural and historical heritage. Every bite brings out the taste and flavor that makes you ask for more.

Manila is brimming with scenic and historical destinations just waiting to be discovered or rediscovered and explored. The following are just a few of the interesting tourist spots in the midst of the hustling and bustling city of Manila.

Rizal Park

Rizal Park stands as a tribute to the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.  It marks the place where history took a turn when Rizal was pinpointed by Spanish authorities as the leader of the revolt and was executed by a firing squad.

Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park, is situated in the midst of the busy and thriving city of Manila. The name Luneta Park was derived from its half moon shape or lunette.  The park is a pleasant sanctuary for families, picnic goers, morning joggers, tai-chi enthusiasts, dating couples and tourists. It is a haven of historical markers, beautiful gardens, plazas, fountains, playgrounds, grand stadium and more.

The park’s most popular attraction is the Rizal Monument. The bronze statue of Dr. Jose Rizal was designed by Swiss sculptor Richard Kissling.  It stands on a granite base which serves as the symbolic marker of the mausoleum containing Rizal’s remains. The famous monument is always guarded by pairs of standstill guards 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Foreign dignitaries often visit the Rizal Monument to pay respect to the remains of the country’s national hero.

A 31-meter flagpole near the monument is regarded as the Kilometer Zero which serves as a starting reference for all measurements in distances in the Philippines. The words of Rizal’s final poem, Mi ultimo adios (My Last Farewell) are engraved on a plaque found near the monument.  Nearby is a stone fountain that originated from Ulm, Germany, where Rizal studied as a student.

Other remarkable sites and attractions in Rizal Park are the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, Orchidarium, Planetarium, Butterfly Pavilion, a man-made lagoon, fountains, an open air auditorium, children’s playground, roller skating rink, Quirino Grandstand, main office of the Department of Tourism, National Museum, National Library, and a chess plaza.

People can visit Rizal Park for free; however, fees are charged for museums and other attractions. The park is open between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Manila Ocean Park

This marine-theme park in the Philippines is home to more than 10,000 marine creatures that are native to the Philippines and some parts of Southeast Asia. It had its soft launching last March 1, 2008.  The park’s attractions include the Oceanarium (showcase of sharks, stingrays, eels and colorful fishes) with the largest underwater viewing tunnel in Asia, Marine Life Habitat (showcase of sea lions), Jellies exhibit (showcase of different jelly fish), Fish Spa, Musical Fountain Show, Aquanaut Voyage (close encounter with marine creatures) and Glass Bottom Boat Ride. It is set to open a Penguin Quest -Trails to Antarctica on September 2011.  Manila Ocean Park also features shopping areas, restaurants, bar, club, pool, lounge and a hotel.

Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park.  On weekdays, it opens from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm. During weekends and public holidays, it opens from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm. Swimming is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm while the mall is open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Manila Zoo

The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden (Manila Zoo for short) welcomed the public into its vicinity on July 25, 1959.  Manila Zoo is considered as the first and oldest zoo in Asia. It is home to more than eight hundred animals including mammals, reptiles, birds and several endemic and indigenous species. Mali, its Asian elephant resident arrived there as an orphan calf.  Other zoo attractions include petting zoo, boating at the lagoon, children’s playground, souvenir shops and food stalls. It is a favorite destination of families, tourists and students on field trip. Manila Zoo is located along Adriatico St., Manila.

Chinatown

The oldest Chinatown in the world is located in Binondo, Manila, now a haven for trade and commerce. It is a fusion between our Chinese and Filipino heritage and is as well a popular culinary destination for Chinese cuisine lovers. Many local and foreign tourists enjoy riding the kalesa (a horse drawn carriage) for a quick tour of the area.  There are organized walking tours and food tours for people who want to have a first hand experience of what Binondo is all about.

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago (Fuerza de Santiago) is a very old fortification built for the Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi.  It is an embodiment of the iron clan military force imposed by the Spaniards in our country that lasted for over three centuries. Fort Santiago is a vital part of the structures of the walled city of Intramuros. The fortress was dealt a heavy blow during the Battle of Manila in 1945 but was restored during the 1980s.

At present, Fort Santiago is a beautiful historical park. It is where you can find a replica of Dr. Jose Rizal’s prison cell (supposedly put up before he was executed by firing squad in 1896), Rizal Shrine (dedicated to the lifework of Rizal) and prison dungeons. Local and foreign tourists enjoy exploring the forts, monuments and old architecture. Visitors often find themselves immersed in its historical significance.

Paco Park

Paco Park used to be Manila’s municipal cemetery for the aristocrat families during the Spanish colonial era. It was designed by Nicolas Ruiz and completed in 1820. It is considered as one of the oldest cemeteries in the Philippines.  In 1822, the cemetery became a depository site for victims of the cholera epidemic that hit the city. In 1912, the cemetery stopped accepting burials. The cemetery is unique because of its layered circular plan.

The park was turned into a national park in 1966 during the term of President Diosdado Macapagal. It became a venue for cultural events, initiated by former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos during the time of President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

At present, Paco Park is a setting for open-air musical performances. The circular chapel of St. Pancratius is a beautiful feature in the park which makes it a popular venue for weddings with garden receptions.

Paco Park stands along General Luna Street and at the east end of Padre Faura Street in Paco, Manila. It is open to the public Monday to Sunday (except on Wednesday) from 8 am to 5 pm.

Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)

This  center for the performing arts was created in 1966 to promote and preserve Filipino arts and culture and was inaugurated in 1969.  Since then, CCP has become a popular venue for classical concerts, ballet, musicals, and other cultural events.  It is located in Roxas Boulevard.

Churches

Manila is surrounded by many beautiful and old churches. One of them is San Agustin Church found inside the historic walled city of Intramuros. The church was completed in 1607, making it the oldest church still standing in the country.  Manila Cathedral is another beautiful church renowned for its Romanesque-Byzantine architecture. Quiapo Church in Quaipo, Manila is the sanctuary of the Black Nazarene, a large black wooden statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross and a symbol of hope for Catholics who pray for absolution from sin. Some church goers painstakingly inch their way towards the altar on their knees as a form of repentance or devotion. San Sebastian Church, also located in Quaipo, Manila is the only all-steel basilica in the world. Its neo-Gothic inspired architecture makes it stand out.

Malacañang Museum

The Malacañang Museum houses the memorabilia of the President of the Philippines. It features the heritage of the Presidents starting from Emilio Aguinaldo to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It also keeps the artwork and furniture from the Palace collections. It is located in Kalayaan Hall of Malacañg palace.

Photos from WikiPilipinas. Some Rights Reserved.

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Rachel Yapchiongco, also known as Rach to her friends, is a Psychology and Marketing Management graduate of De La Salle University.  She took up several units of MBA at the same university.  Rachel is a full-time mom to a charming young boy and married to an entrepreneur with a passion for cooking. She shares parenting experiences and slices of everyday life on her personal blog called Heart of Rachel.