" Town of Philippine Presidents " San Juan by allelli

San Juan Travel Guide: 5 reviews and 11 photos

Ist class Municipality

San Juan is situated in the central part of Metropolitan Manila, It is composed of 21 Barangays. It has been classified as a 1st Class Municipality.
Among the many interesting places in San Juan are the Pinaglabanan Shrine, The shrine has a statue of a woman supported by two children, holding up a bolo, or a machete. This commemorates a historic event in the area. The statue can also be seen on the town seal. which marks the first battle of the Katipunan, the Greenhills Shopping Center, one of the metro's popular bargain places, especially for electronics. You can find here lots of restaurant. bar and cafe.
This tiny municipality is could also be called the "Town of Philippine Presidents." Of the last nine presidents since the Philippines became a Republic in 1946, four of them were official residents of San Juan when they assumed the reins of national office. The four are/were the Macapagals, pere et fille, Diosdado Sr. (1961-1965) and his daughter , now our President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo . The other are Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada . Also, the second President of the 3rd Republic, Elpidio Quirino retired to this town until his death.

SANTONG TAO PROCESSION live saint

St. John the Baptist Church

There are many places to see in this city, other known spots are St. John the Baptist Parish Church, San Juan Elementary School, where stood the Spanish ammunition known as “El Polvoron”, the Old Convent of Kabayanan and Sanctuario de Santo Cristo Church. its celebration of the feast of our patron, St. John the Baptist. The "Santong Tao" float competition and the "basaan" parade will take place simultaneously with the street-dancing competition every 24 of June.

THE BASAAN FESTIVAL

N. Domingo Street, the main road of the city

We celebrate saint Jhon the Baptist by Municipal officials will assemble at the Pinaglabanan Shrine and board respective fire trucks and go around the town spraying water on San Juaneños on the road. people getting everyone in the streets wet with water (as is done in baptism). for our basaan tradition and a re-enactment of the baptism with an ilang-ilang scented water is used. Thus, it resulted into a free-for-all water fight with the residents and the people passing the city. Baptist held every 24th of June. dont worry the water is clean and the basaan will last until 12noon of that day %s*

Pros and Cons

Cons:if you dont want to be wet with water, never go sanjuan during feast day, beside the basaan will last until 12noon only.

Intro Updated Jun 24, 2007
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (5)

Beware of fake perfumed Tourist Traps (1)

Whe you visit Greenhills be careful when you buy perfumed, you might buy a fake one or a diluted one. If you really... more travel advice

See all models and brand of Celphone Off The Beaten Path (1)

If you are planning to buy celphone Greenhills is the a place for you, all brand, new or old models, brand new, 2nd... more travel advice

Don't Miss The Mango Bravo Restaurants (3)

This is not an Italian restaurant It a serve good pasta Conti, the restaurant features an eclectic mix of Filipino,... more travel advice

Don"t forget there Shabu-shabu - San Juan

Don"t forget there Shabu-shabu Restaurants (3)

If you like the low prices, and families who enjoy the friendly ambience this restaurant is ideal for you, the food is... more travel advice

Comments (10)

jumpingnorman Jul 23, 2009 at 9:04 PM Report Abuse

My wife agrees Gloria Maris has masarap food and nakakatuwa iyon "basaan" in Mandaluyong (I haven't gotten wet there, hehehe...and yes, diluted perfume is BAD...Norman :)
yellowbell Dec 18, 2008 at 12:50 PM Report Abuse

I must really try that chicken empanada when I go home, nakakagutom! Maligayang Pasko!
crewrower Apr 30, 2008 at 12:32 AM Report Abuse

I've been to San Juan, Siquijor...but not San Juan, Manila.
johngayton Mar 27, 2008 at 12:58 AM Report Abuse

Hi Allelli and tx for visits and kind words. Enjoyed your restaurant tips too. Food is food and simplest is usually best. Cheers, John.
monina_c Feb 5, 2008 at 9:37 PM Report Abuse

Good afternoon Alelli!
Tugboatguy Jan 24, 2008 at 6:30 AM Report Abuse

Alleli, you have a wonderful way of comprehensively describing a place, & you should take a side job as food critic-wonderful tips and great descriptions-you do know what makes for good food! Doug
craic Dec 4, 2007 at 8:54 PM Report Abuse

lovely page
freddie18 Dec 3, 2007 at 7:41 AM Report Abuse

Hi Alleli. Very informative tips and would love to try the halo-halo with ice cream the next time I visit P.I. Have not been to San Juan although I lived in GMA for many years. Regards-Freddie
yellowcab Nov 26, 2007 at 2:16 AM Report Abuse

MUKHANG MASARAP ANG MIKI bihon d2 kay Aling Banang!
36waterfalls Oct 19, 2007 at 7:39 AM Report Abuse

That is definitely the bést halo halo! Luckily I can still make hh here in the Netherlands (not as good of course!!!) Beautiful barrangay you're living in.