Manila : Exploring Manila
Exploring Manila
Fascination is an understatement of the feeling that one gets by visiting Manila, a lively metropolis commanding a magnificent view of the world-famous Manila Bay and its golden sunset. Historic, bustling, awe-inspiring, the "Philippine Cosmopolitan Capital" is a blend of cultures and flavours that offers an endless serving of places to see, sights to behold, and experiences never to forget.
Cultural Centre of the Philippines (CCP)
The Cultural Centre of the Philippines is a performing arts venue offering shows and events that showcase the diverse Filipino culture. CCP is located at Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Ask your Leeuw's Lancaster Hotel Manila concierge about the CCP schedule of events.
Museum of the Filipino People
The Museum of the Filipino People serves as one of the most significant repositories of the Philippines' natural and cultural heritage. Situated next to Rizal Park and also nearby Intramuros in Manila, travellers who come to the museum will embark on a thrilling journey into the nations past.
There are actually three different structures that are used to house the museum itself. The original was once the site of the Old Congress Building and now houses the natural sciences and the arts in addition to other support services. Another structure is used to house the museum which is the former Ministry of Finance building. Housed inside this structure are the Anthropology and Archaeology Divisions.
Originally created to serve as an ethnography and natural history museum, it has evolved over time. The museum today is an impressive structure both inside and outside, is well maintained presenting visitors with the chance to discover an impressive range of exhibits inside.
Housed inside are numerous works of art and treasures including those found from the sunken San Diego galleon in addition to other important archaeological finds from around the Philippines.
The exhibits relate to a range of different themes including the fields of Anthropology, Geology, Botany, Zoology and the Arts. In addition the museum also features a planetarium allowing visitors to learn about the stars and the planets.
National Museum of the Philippines
The National Museum of the Philippines safeguards the natural heritage of the Philippines, and succeeds in instilling cultural consciousness and a sense of nationalism among citizens through its exhibits covering the sciences, education and culture.
Intramuros
Intramuros, the old capital of Manila, was built in 1571 and remains a monumental relic of the Philippines' Spanish period. Defined by its crumbling walls that have survived for more than four hundred years, Intramuros sits amidst a backdrop of centuries-old walls, bulwarks, and plazas. As a tourist destination, Intramuros both educates and entertains.
Fort Santiago
As an important part of the Spanish history and culture that has pervaded the Philippines Fort Santiago presents the exciting opportunity to witness a magnificent structure that has been occupied by various nations and is actually a part of the structures of the city of Intramuros.
Like many of the other forts still standing in the world, visitors will find that it has a long history, and has been destroyed several times. The primary reason for this reconstruction as with any military structure is that it sits at an important strategic location at the mouth of the Pasig River.
Fort Santiago was used as the base from which Spanish power was executed over the surrounding area and housed the Spanish military in addition to featuring extensive dungeons that were used to house prisoners. However the Spanish were not the last occupants of the fort, and with the outbreak of the Second World War and the bombing of Peal Harbour, the Japanese soon took over.
Visitors to the site today will notice that the site is heavily fortified and features thick stone walls, high walls that prevent access in addition to a moat. One of the most distinctive features that can be found here is the arch that serves as the entrance to the fort. Once visitors pass through this they will discover the wonders of the fort that are on offer.
Another important event that took place here is the imprisonment and execution of the Spanish National War Hero, José Rizal. Also included here are the final footsteps that he took from his prison cell to the place of his execution.
Malacañang Palace/Museum
Malacañang Palace is one of the most historic and most visited structures in the Philippines. Since 1863 it has been the official residence of the country's President. The palace tour focuses on all former Presidents of the Philippines and the memorabilia which highlights their respective periods of leadership.
Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna
A two and half hours drive south of Manila through the countryside takes you to Pagsanjan Falls where you can step aboard a native canoe (skillfully driven by two boatmen) and maneuver through the steep gorges and take in the lush tropical vegetation.
Corregidor
Corregidor is a small rocky island about 48 kilometers west of Manila. Located at the entrance to Manila Bay, this island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who bravely held their ground against the overwhelming Japanese forces during World War II.
