The Philippine National Museum

Museums are considered to be places of knowledge. Whether it’s knowledge about the past, about science or how things came to be, or the future, museums are often visited to fill the mind and to help people understand things they don’t. They also help the youth find what they want to become when the time comes to choose a career.

The National Museum in Manila is a popular and an often-frequented place of knowledge. It is full of history and art and information about the Philippines that is just waiting to be absorbed. The museum is located at P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Manila and is open during Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM. The National Museum has many collections in it.  Those collections are categorized by Fine Art, Archaeology, Ethnography, and Natural History.

Philippine art has really come a long way from being primitive to being ingenious. In the Fine Art collections, you will find some artifacts that date from the 18^th century to the present. It is like a timeline of how art was in the past and how it changed through time to the present. You can say it’s like walking through time, and the works of art are what guide you and tell you how it was like in the past.

  Archeology. It’s another collection in the museum that shows and informs it’s visitors of how things were like way back when from the Old Stone Age (Palaeolithic Period) to the Age of Contact with the Great Traditions of Asia

(1000 A.D.).  Here you will also see things like flake tools, skull caps, stone and shell Adze, shell Bracelets and pendants, Angono Petroglyph, bark-cloth beater, and many more.

Ever since the National Museum was built, the Anthropology Division started collecting artifacts. Dr. Henry Otley Beyer was the one who began collecting cultural materials from different peoples of the Philippines—from baskets to weapons to textiles and wooden things. He also collected several religious, monetary and agricultural tools, as well as musical instruments and personal ornaments and adornments. During the war, the doctor distributed the artifacts he’d collected to friends and colleagues to keep them safe. After the war ended, he began retrieving them back and found most of them to be intact ad in good shape, save for some that were badly damaged. Today, the artifacts are arranged according to function and are kept in storage where the temperature of the room is kept through air-conditioning for 24-hours.

There a plenty of things to see in the National Museum. It’s definitely a place to go and visit at least once.      

Binondo, Manila, Bastion of Chinese Culture in the Philippines

What kinds of people live in the Philippines? Is it just the Aetas, and other natives, like the aborigine of this country?  Why are there Chinese people in the Philippines who speak in Filipino tongue? Simply because years ago, during the 16^th century, Binondo was a trading center in the Philippines and became one of the richest towns in the Philippines after two centuries. The Chinese people were trading porcelain and goods to the natives until the Spaniards caught them. Spanish Governor named Luis Pérez Dasmariñas in 1584 for a settlement for the Chinese Immigrants created Binondo. Because of all the trading  until today, Binondo remains the biggest Chinatown in the country. And is also the oldest Chinatown in the world.

Today, Binondo has many places in which tourists could visit. Such as Binondo church, Santo Cristo de Longos, Ongpin Street, Kuang Kong, Seng Guan temple, Escolta Street, Caravajal Street, and Arranque Street.

The Binondo Church was built in 1596. It is one of the oldest places of Christian worship. The Church is home to Our Lady of China and in front of the church, Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz lies; it is named after a Filipino-Chinese saint, St. Lorenzo Ruiz. Santo Cristo de Longos, is an image of the Crucified Christ, known to be found by one deaf and mute Chinese in an old well in the barrio of Longos. Today, the image is displayed in a niche with a glass cover near the side entrance of Binondo Church. For Ongpin Street, it is a home to many Chinese herbal stores, restaurants and groceries. Kuang Kong, is a Buddhist temple. It is open to the public and is worth visiting, as it shows the roots of the Chinese-Filipino. You can burn incense sticks and utter your prayers. There is also these red wooden half moons you can use to have your fortunes told. Kuang Kong is the patron of Scholars and Martial arts as well as the God of War; it is known as the protector of Quan Yin; the Goddess of Mercy. Seng Guan Temple, another Chinese temple is located along Narra Street, it is usually jam-packed with people burning incense and offering food and fruits to Buddha during celebrations of the lunar calendar. In Escolta Street, you will be able to see the old art deco style buildings. This used to be home of many luxurious fashion brands but has now slowly started to decline in the 70’s after the growth of malls. Along Caravajal Street, you will see vendors selling fruits and Chinese delicacies can be seen from Black Chicken and Sea Cucumber, along it are also Chinese groceries, noodle houses and snack houses. And lastly, visit the wet market of Arranque Market. Fresh seafood and exotic food such as snakes, pigeons, rabbits, frogs etc. can be found. It is often crowded like most wet markets.

For a change from all the city stuff in Manila, or change from all the Filipino surroundings, a Chinese place such as Binondo is a place where you could probably take a break from the city of Manila. Plus, it’s not so far it is just a car ride away and will probably not take a long time to get there.

5 Things You Have to Do in Cam Sur, Philippines

Cam Sur is one of the favourite tourist place destinations in the Philippines especially for the younger generation. CamSur is short for Camarines Sur, one of the provinces of the Bicol Region.  Tourists around the world travel to experience the grandeur that this amazing place provides. They have many sites to brag about and you will experience many wonderful and exciting places.  Yes, they have several places and exciting destinations that will really give you the best vacation you will never forget.  Taking the plane to travel there will take you around an hour or if you are fond of the countryside you may opt to take an 8 hours journey by car to get there.  

Here are the top 5 things you must do in CamSur that will give you the best things in life:

1.    You must do wakeboarding at CamSur Water Sports Complex.  Without doubt, this is the most current and widely known all over the world as the best wakeboarding site. You may also want to try their water skiing, skateboarding, motor cross and motorbike trails to have fun with. All of the water sports enthusiast always prioritize this place and will not miss the fun that they will get. Endless amenities are offered like the cable ski system, knee boarding, restaurants, sand bars, spas, etc… You will really enjoy your stay in CamSur!

2.    Another tourist attraction is the old churches of Camarines Sur.  One of the oldest is the Our Lady of Penafrancia Church which was built in the olden days of 1711.  By the mandate of Rev. Miguel Covarrubias, the second church was erected in 1750 by then Bishop Isidro de Arevalo for which it also houses the Our Lady of Penafrancia statue. Marian Feast is held every year in honor of the image and diverse events are being made. The other church that one should visit because of so much antiquity is the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John.  It was built in 1843 by the Franciscans. This is the largest built church in the whole of Bicol Region.

3.    If you are a nature lover, you must visit the caves of Adiangao which has many stalagmites, stalactites, dripstones, vast columns and enormous pillars seen at the ceiling of the cave. Experience as well the splendour of Kalupnitan Cave which houses millions of bats and also has its own beauty of outstanding formations of stalactites and naturally engraved pillars.

4.    Additional activity that you must do in CamSur is go hiking in the National Park of Mt. Isarog.  You can see lots of waterfalls in the park and you will enjoy the beauty of nature that it brings. 

5.    Lastly, don’t ever miss the fun that the island hopping brings.  Caramoan Peninsula is for the beach lovers.  Delight yourself with the white sand beaches along the coast and enjoy swimming in the clear blue waters.  You may go stargazing during the clear evening skies as well.

Camarines Sur is one travel destination that everyone should not miss.  Explore the natural beauty of God’s creation, so with the culture and tradition of its people.  You will love the wonderful activities that one gets in CamSur.  Call a travel agent in Metro Manila to book a package.

5 Things You Must See in Antipolo

The Philippines has such a rich historical background and picturesque scenery everywhere you go, and all of them are indeed very interesting and exciting.  Antipolo is one of the top places that everyone should give a try visiting. It has a natural landscape and existing vegetative covers that makes it one of the most beautiful spots in the Philippines. When in Antipolo, there are many places to for you to visit and experience. 

1.                   The Cathedral Parish also called the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is the most important and distinguished legend for Antipolo where devotees as well as those religious people all over the world flock. This is the church which is the center of all religious activities all throughout the year.

2.                   The Hinulugang Taktak waterfalls is almost synonymous to Antipolo.  It has been acknowledged to be a National Park and other recreations and form of relaxation is also available in this park.  Others compare it to the famous Niagara Falls which has inviting and tempting waters that is really a good sight to see. Tourists should not leave Antipolo without dropping by the waterfalls. Other amenities are also available such as swimming pool, pathways and playground. 

3.                   If you are looking for a haven which provides a personal individual prayer cell, chapel and prayer huts, the Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain is the place to visit.  This sanctuary is located in a tropical forest in Boso-boso Antipolo. If you would like an overnight stay there are also private rooms available for you. There is also a convention center for travelers and tourists who wish to experience the place more. Nature, peaceful and quiet ambience is the perfect setting that this place offers.

4.                   Loreland Farm Resort is a beautiful resort and park that features a wishing well, 12 swimming pools, a Jacuzzi and all other tourist facilities that you would want to enjoy.  This is almost a paradise with jungle concept.  This used to be an abandoned and futile land that was transformed into an exciting place for guests and visitors who would want to enjoy a thorough vacation.

5.                   The ACEM Eco-Park a wildlife sanctuary set up by the Assumption Sisters.  The mini forest and the garden with its blooming exotic flowers, the organic plants and vegetables, exciting animals and a wide variety of butterflies in the amazing Butterfly Farm is such a real paradise for nature lovers and visiting tourists. 

Antipolo is such a perfect place for people who love to relax and reflect at the same time.

The Rizal Shrine in Laguna, Philippines

The original Rizal Shrine is located at Talisay in  Dapitan City. It is one of the major tourist attractions and a historical landmark that features our national hero when he was in exile sometime 1892-1896.  The place is an original property of the family located between the sea and rainforest.  It was believed that Dr.Jose Rizal bought this estate from winnings in a lottery. His writings Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo said to have sparked the Philippine revolution and promoted reforms in the government.  Perhaps, the modern gate is the only symbol that reminds us of that exile that he enjoyed and endured for four long years.  The place is a beautiful and charming property in which Jose Rizal spent the most productive years of his life.  He might be on exile but it was more than a realization on his part thinking how to help the Filipino people regain their freedom.

The Rizal Shrine is one of the interesting tourist spot in the country.  Nationalistic, patriotic people and tourist from different places take their time visiting the place. Rizal shrine is the museum which contains the memorabilia of Rizal’s early childhood and other memories of his life. There are authentic photographs of Jose Rizal and even the women in his life and some sculptures, in addition to some of his writings.  The two storey Spanish inspired house with red tile roof has been restructured and maintained to its original structure.  The colonial appeal is still very much present and any one can experience that his existence still lingers in the house. 

Rizal Shrine is also known as the Dambanang Rizal was painted green last 2009 and it was quite controversial.  It was also justified since it is publicly known that Jose Rizal was an environmentalist and the name Rizal means ‘a green field ready for harvest,” thus the people in charge of the renovations of the Shrine took the liberty in painting it green.

When planning to visit Philippines, get a taste of Filipino history and heritage and learn about our national patriots, their lives and how they encourage fellowmen to really serve and defend the country.  Jose Rizal is one such hero that helped materialize the true essence of Philippine independence from colonization.  Visit Rizal Shrine and relive the history of the past.  It is important to look back and learn history because it is the reason why Filipinos enjoy freedom today.

The Fort Bars and Clubs

The Fort is a place where people come to enjoy food, wines and dance to different bars, restaurants and clubs.  It is so much alive especially at nights when people want to hang out with friends to unwind. Night owls and nocturnal frequently go to The Fort for a good chill out place, considering the top pick bar among elites, movie stars and popular personalities.
Luxurious and extravagant clubbing is also available in some of the famous bars and clubs here like the Prive Luxury Club wherein it previously catered to its members only until lately that it has opened its doors to those interested. At present, it has become one of the hottest clubs in the history of bars and clubs.

Since the Fort is one of the busiest night spots, great clubs are already located in this party area. Some of the bars included in the top list can be described as sexy, wild, dancing and smoking bar; the Hyve which is a new club that is beginning to take its course into the wild night bar and the Imperial Ice Bar, which is also the latest hip bar in the Fort area where they provide an alterative way of spending the night through their food accompanied by thrilling and electrifying ice cold cocktail, beer, wine and whiskies that truly satisfies your hunger and thirst.

The Keg is a cool bar also located at The Fort.  This bar had that distinct casual elegance that entertains customers everytime they visit the place. There are food, cocktails and hot music played by DJ’s on evenings and you can enjoy private parties any day you wish.  This cozy place has dark interiors to match the mood for a relaxing evening watching the crowd dancing the night away.  Enjoy unwinding with friends at the keg, where pleasure is the name of the game.

Hierarchy club and bar is located at the 3rd level of the Fort. This bar is an alternative to the bigger clubs around offering a variety of music genres everyday for the demanding crowd.  There is a spacious dance floor and a bar that caters to the needs of the customers.  The atmosphere is cozy enough for a great evening.  Prices are well adjusted and reasonable to everyone who comes here.

There are still several bars and clubs that are situated here at the Fort, which is considered one of the lively real hot nightspot of the country. Choose and visit one that suits your taste.

Other bars in the Fort
The Vask 

Check out eyp for more bars and lounges in Metro Manila.

Museums in Metro Manila

I couldn't say this any better. Click on this link to see an excellent list of Museums in the Philippines and try to go to each one.

http://www.philstar.com/young-star/2013/05/31/948161/x-marks-spot-field-guide-museums-manila

And for more information on the National Museum.

The Ayala Museum has a very interesting display of Colonial wear in the Philippines on loan from Austria.  How odd you would think but it seems that colonizers were only interested in our tribal garb that no one sought to preserve the beautiful fusion of our indigenous materials, fashion elements and European style of the time.  And their Gold display even has a solid 80 pound gold sash that a very powerful chieftain wore!