Returning home to the Philippines after a six month medical furlow in the US. Not wanting to waste time I made a commitment to myself to study and work hard (really more play when it is a passion) to become a better artist and photographer. The Philippine National Tourism slogan is:
Things are more fun in the Philippines!
I decided to embark on a self assignment to photograph the tourist highlights that are readily available to me throughout the Philippines. So I am starting close to home with the following list in Manila. Manila is usually not the real destination for most international tourist, but the first stop on the way to more exotic areas such as Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Sagada to name a few. Following are the locations I have selected to begin with. Of course the images will all be done with Fujifilm equipment. If anyone has suggestions for more locations, please let me know. I expect there will be side trips and Street Photography in the course of this effort. Please feel free to inquire about my progress. I will post images in my gallery as I move forward.
Tourist Attractions in ManilaManila
http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1955442_1955443_1953914,00.html
By LARA DAY
TripAdvisor
Things to Do in Manila
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298573-Activities-Manila_Metro_Manila_Luzon.html
1. Intramuros
The 64-hectare stone citadel, founded by the Spanish in 1571, has withstood wars, natural disasters and successive waves of colonial invaders, and as such stands as a metaphor for Manila itself. Explore it before 10 a.m., while the temperature outside is still bearable, then stop at Ilustrado, tel: (63-2) 527 3674, a colonial-style villa, for a breakfast of buttery ensaymada (savory brioche) and Spanish hot chocolate.
2. Manila Contemporary
The slicing edge of Manila's art scene can be found along Chino Roces Avenue. Manila Contemporary, manilacontemporary.com, consistently hosts world-class exhibitions from the Philippines and beyond. Nearby, Silverlens, silverlensphoto.com, exhibits superb photography, video and installation work.
3. Café Juanita
The food at Café Juanita, tel: (63-2) 632 0357, is as close to Filipino home cooking as you can get, with great takes on pork adobo, angel-hair pasta with aligue (crab fat) sauce and deep-fried asohos (whiting), and laing (taro leaves in coconut milk). The character-steeped décor is a plus.
4. Greenbelt Chapel
You're never far from the Holy Spirit in this predominantly Roman Catholic city, and the spirit is palpable in Greenbelt 3, a luxury shopping complex where commercialism and Christianity make for intriguing bed partners. Its prominent domed church, the Greenbelt Chapel, tel: (63-2) 729 8173, sits like a jewel in the middle of carefully manicured grounds — mass is heard at least three times daily. A stone's throw away is Greenbelt 5, where you can atone for your sins by supporting local design talent; an entire top-floor wing is dedicated to the country's homegrown brands.
5. Dynastic Museums
Manila's conglomerates are owned by powerful clans whose histories are inextricable from that of the city. Two museums, facing off less than a block away from one another, offer insights into how they live and work. The Ayala Museum, ayalamuseum.org, established by the Zóbel de Ayala family that owns most of Makati, includes a showcase of works by family member Fernando Zóbel, a prominent artist in his own right. The Yuchengco Museum, yuchengcomuseum.org, established by a former U.N. ambassador, includes a gallery dedicated to family history, as well as a bizarre but fascinating collection of portraits of the sweethearts and mistresses of peripatetic Philippine national hero José Rizal (apparently quite the ladies' man).
6. San Agustin Church
San Agustin Museum
Calle Real del Palacio | Intramuros, Manila, Luzon 1002 , Philippines
63 2 527 4061
Description: This museum and courtyard gardens is one of the oldest stone churches in the country, having survived 2 fires and 7 earthquakes.
7. University of Santo Tomas
Espana St | Sampaloc, Manila, Luzon 1008, Philippines
(632)406-1611
This is the oldest university in Asia, founded in 1611, and is one of the world’s largest Roman Catholic universities based on enrollment.
8. Intramuros
Bonifacio Dr & Padre Burgos St, Manila, Luzon 1002, Philippines
Intramuros, "The Walled City," is the oldest district in Manila. This is what remains of the fortified city, which was the seat of power during Spanish Colonial times (1521-1898).
9. Fort Santiago
This museum and public park was built as a stone fortress at the turn of the 17th century and marked the beginning of the walled city's riverside barricades
10. Manila Cathedral
Cabildo cor Beaterio | Intramuros, Manila, Luzon 1002, Philippines
632 5273093
Former Philippine archbishops are buried in a crypt under the altar of this majestic cathedral, whose 1951 completion commemorated the the five versions that came before it.
11. Rizal Shrine
Santa Clara Street, Manila, Luzon 1002, Philippines
12. Bahay Tsinoy
Kaisa Heritage Center | Anda Cor. Cabido Sts, Intramuros, Manila, Luzon, Philippines
13. Rizal Park
Manila, Luzon 1000, Philippines
632 302 7079
No other place in the heart of Manila can one find serenity and diversity than in the 53-hectare Rizal Park. Hailed as the largest urban park in Asia, it boasts of world-class sculptures, historical markers, beautiful gardens, facilities for photo and art exhibits, event venues, and forms of entertainment. More than just a place to stroll around, Rizal Park is indeed a sanctuary to people from all walks of life.
14. Binondo Church
Paredes St. at Plaza Calderon de la Barca | Binondo, Manila, Luzon, Philippines
2-242-4041
15. Casa Manila
General Luna St. | Intramuros, Manila, Luzon, Philippines. 2-527-4084