Manila Things to Do Tips by mikoykoy

A historical landmark . This is where Jose Rizal was detained before he was shot at Bagumbayan (Luneta).

One building showcases items, memorabilia and garments of Dr. Jose Rizal. One of the room will show a statue of Jose Rizal posed as writing his famous poem "Mi Ultimo Adios".

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Address: Roxas Blvd., Manila

For animal lovers, a visit at the Manila zoo is recommended. Although the collection of animals is no longer that plenty compared during the 80s.

One can marvel animals like siberian tigers, lion, zebra, hippo, deers, crocodiles and others. There is also an aviary area for bird lovers.

There is a lagoon intended also for boating.

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Phone: 525-8157
Directions: Near Harrison Plaza.o and
Website: http://www.cityofmanila.com.ph/zoo.htm

Along the Baywalk, several small stalls are offering Henna Tattoo. Cost from P100 for small designs and P500 for bigger designs.

Henna tattoo lasts 1 to 2 weeks in your body before it is completely gone.

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Address: Roxas Blvd., Manila

Basilica Minore de San Sebastian

Designed by Gustave Eiffel (designer of the Eiffel Tower), the Church of San Sebastian which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage is located in the district of Quiapo, Manila.

History says that the church was was originally a made of wood and was destroyed several times by fire and earthquake. Then in the late 1880’s, construction of an all-steel fire- and earthquake-resistant church was decided by the Recollects who run the church.

I have to be proud that we Filipinos have this such kind of existing architectural wonder. Although I don't appreciate art that much, I was fascinated by the altar. It just unfortunate that when we visit the lighting inside the church was off and we could not see the impressions made on the architecture.

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Address: Plaza del Carmen, Quiapo, Manila 1011

Basilica de San Lorenzo Ruiz

Located in the Chinatown area of Manila, Binondo Church is one of the oldest church in the Philippines (built in 1596).

The original structure suffered a lot from typhoons and earthquakes over the past years since its erection. The only thing that remains as original is the octagonal bell tower.

Patron is Saint Lorenzo Ruiz (1st Filipino Saint) who served in the church as altar boy during his younger years.

By the way, the church is the Heritage Conservation Society.

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Address: Quintin Paredes St., Binondo, Manila

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

The first time I went to Manila Cathedral was during our educational field trip back in the 70's. At the time, we had the chance to visit the tombs of the past archbishops of Manila. They were laid at the basement of the cathedral. I am not sure if they still allowed people to visit the place.

Presently, the only opportunity that I visit this church is during the visita iglesia which our family never miss every year (except last 2006 because I was in Qatar). Sometimes, I also had the chance to attend wedding of relatives or friends.

The cathedral which is the seat of the archdiocese of Manila has been rebuilt several times. From what I read the present edifice is the 6th building church constructed on the site. The previous buildings were destroyed by fire, damaged by earthquake and bombarded during the 2nd world war.

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Phone: (632)- 527-1796; (632)-527-3093
Address: Cabildo cor. Beaterio, Intramuros, Manila
Website: http://www.manilacathedral.org/
Other Contact: mlacathedral@yahoo.com

San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the Philippines. It was able to stand the test of time by withstanding numerous typhoons and earthquakes and wars.

The church is also included as part of the World Heritage Site "Baroque Churches of the Philippines" in 1993. Other churches in the Philippines included in the list are Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte and Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo

Similar to Manila Cathedral, the few instances that I visit San Agustin Church is during Visita Iglesia and weddings of friends.

I am so proud that we Filipinos still have this churches that are preserved by heritage society. I hope the church can last another century so that our grandchildren can see the difference of modern and classic architectures particularly church architectures.

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Address: Intramuros, Manila

Intramuros is a district in Manila which was built during the Spaniards during their colonization of the Philippines in the 16th century. The walled city served as fortress during wars.

Presently, the Intramuros Administration restored the city and retained the old Spanish look of the vicinity although present improvements around the district are continuously seen.

For golf enthusiasts, an 18-hole course was built on the west, south and east side of the walled city.

Things to see:
1) Fort Santiago
2) Manila Cathedral
3) San Agustin Church
4) Manila Aquarium
5) Club Intramuros
6) Museums
7) or, just roam around the area riding a horse drawn carriage (calesa) and enjoy the buildings which were reconstructed with a Spanish architecture concept

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Address: Intramuros, Manila

One of our place of stop for our annual Visita Iglesia. Since the church is located at near Malacanang Palace ( Solano St corner Rio Vista St), visitors will pass the strict security of the presidential security guard and sometimes vehicles will not be allowed inside the Solano Street.

The altar displays the statue of the 7 Archangels ( St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, St. Uriel, St. Sealthiel, St. Barachiel and St. Jhudiel).

Parish Priest is Fr. Ernesto Cruz.

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Phone: 735-1611
Address: San Miguel District, Manila

St. Jude is known as the Patron of the Impossible. Devotees of St. Jude flocks the church every Thursday to attend the novena mass. Petitions like partner in life, good grades in exams, for successful medical operation and simple thanksgiving are common prayer ask by the devotees.

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Address: 1420 J. P. Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila