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Rediscovering Manila: Chinese Garden at Rizal Park

Inside the Luneta Park, lies this garden built by Chinese community as an additional attraction. The serene atmosphere at this garden is perfect for picnic and relaxation. Families frequented the place as the area is just small thus making their bonding intimate. With a touch of nature and Chinese ambiance, one will surely find this place relaxing. Main Entrance There is entrance fee of PHP10. The main entrance is like a Chinatown arch where in Chinese characters and letters are inscribed. Statue of Confucius Confucius was an influential Chinese philosopher, teacher and political figure known for his popular aphorisms and for his models of social interaction. Kong Qui, better known as Confucius, was born in 551 B.C. in the Lu state of China (near present-day Qufu). His teachings, preserved in the Analects, focused on creating ethical models of family and public inte...

7 Must-Visit Old Catholic Churches in Manila

Philippines is the largest Catholic country in Asia and one of the largest Christian and Roman Catholic country in the world. When Spaniards colonized Manila, churches were built. Today, some of these churches are still present and had continued to be the home of Filipino catholic for several hundred years. Despite Manila's urbanization, these old churches were preserved and are taken due care. When I first came here in Manila, the first thing that I've done was to visit a church and pray. Since then, it has been my habit to visit other churches in Manila, especially those which are old and rich in history, Below are the some of the old churches worth a visit. 1. Quiapo Church (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene) Quiapo Church is a prominent Mexican baroque Roman Catholic basilica located in the District of Quiapo in the City of Manila, Philippines. The basilica is famous home for the shrine of the Black...

Rizal's Execution Site | Rediscovering Manila

Few meters away from the Rizal monument, lies a hidden historical site where our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was executed. We all know that the monument is where his remains are interred, but that is not where he was executed. If you have read my blog about Paco Park, you should know that it is where his remains are first buried after he was shot dead in Bagumbayan. The Rizal Execution Site is represented by a diorama, a three-dimensional full-size bronze statues of about 8 feet representing the actual and dramatic scene and on how Rizal was executed. Welcome sign to the Execution Site The site is beside the Chinese Garden and is few meters away from the monument. There you will see this welcome sign. I've visited Rizal Park many times but I never that there is this interesting place! It was hidden in the woods. Entrance to the site is PHP15 for children and PHP20 for adults. ...

Rediscovering Manila: Chinatown

It seems that almost every country in the world has a Chinatown. The Philippines boasts the Binondo, a district in Manila and is the world's oldest Chinatown. One thing that Filipinos can be proud of is that it is the oldest Chinatown in the world, established in the 1594 by the Spaniards as a settlement near Intramuros but across the Pasig River for Catholic Chinese, it was positioned so that colonial rulers could keep a close eye on their migrant subjects. It was already a hub of Chinese commerce even before the Spanish colonial period. Binondo is the center of commerce and trade of Manila, where all types of business run by Filipino-Chinese thrive. Binondo is a haven for Filipino-Chinese people where they live in a very Chinese way even though they're away from their native China. Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch For very Chinatown, there has to be an arch. The one in Binondo is ...

Rediscovering the Classic Architectures of Manila

"A people's relationship to their heritage is the same as the relationship of a child to its mother." -John Henrik Clarke- Manila is a 445 year old city. It was established by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as the Spanish City of Manila on June 24, 1571. With this age comes with architectures that are reminders of the past, proofs that it had flourished in the bygone era. It was called “Pearl of the Orient” because of its beauty. Neoclassical buildings are still present in Manila which caught every one's eye. These are what make Manila different from all cities in the Metro. It's rich in heritage and culture. As I walked around Manila, there are buildings that caught my attention. Its beauty amazes me and I could not pass by without taking a picture of it. Although Manila also boasts modern architectures, the beauty if these classic buildings are unmatched. It's so regal. More than its physical beauty, what interests me the most a...

Rediscovering Manila: Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden

Manila is blessed with so many places for recreation. Whether you're hanging out with your friends bonding with your family, there are a lot of options here where you can go to. One of them is the Manila Zoo (formally known as Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden), a 5.5-hectare (14-acre) zoo located in Malate, Manila. Located along Adriatico St., Manila, the Zoo also has canteens, photo booths, souvenir shops, boating rentals at the lagoon and several playgrounds that cater to children and tourists. You can actually go picnic inside while enjoying the flora and fauna that can be found here. Main entrance Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden opened its doors to the public on July 25, 1959. It serves as one of the educational centers in the country where the viewing public can observe, discover and learn interesting facts about the beauty of Philippine fauna and flora. Manila Zoo has a land area of 5.5 hectares ...

Paco Park | Rediscovering Manila

More than 2 kilometers away from the famous Luneta Park, there's a park in Paco, Manila that may be underrated but is worth a visit. The name is Paco Park, a quaint, 44,291.3 sq ft recreational garden and was once Manila’s municipal cemetery built by the Dominicans during the Spanish colonial period. It is located on General Luna St. and at the east end of Padre Faura Street in Paco, Manila, Philippines. Main Entrance With those moss-covered walls that can be dated back in 1822, this park is similar to Intramuros. It is circular in shape. The area is so tranquil, perfect if you want a break away from the hustle of the city. According to an on-site inscription, an order for the construction of a cemetery in Bagumbayan was issued in 1807, due to the outbreak of a cholera epidemic in Manila. Maestro de Obras Don Nicolas Ruiz developed a plan for the Paco Cemetery, while Don Jose Coll served as su...

Baluarte de San Diego | Rediscovering Manila

One of the must-see attraction in Intramuros is the Baluarte de San Diego. In this baluarte is the oldest stone fort in Manila. Built in 1586, it was called the Nuestra Señora de Guia. Designed by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeño. Fell into disrepair and renovated in 1593. Incorporated as part of the walls but later abandoned due to its unstable foundations. When Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi occupied Rajah Soliman's settlement in 1571, a wooden fortress evolved from that tounge of land bounded by the Pasig River and the Manila Bay. The need for defense from the bayside became urgent after the attack of Chinese pirates led by Limahong in 1574. The first stone fort in Manila was planed by Gov. Gen. Santiago de Vera, who thought that a tower would best serve the purpose. Jesuit friar Antonio Sedeno, who had some knowledge of military architecture, was assigned to oversee the project. Fort Nuestra Senora de Guia wa...