CHINESE GARDEN, LUNETA, MANILA

Chinese Garden is one of the tourist spots, attractions and destinations in Rizal Park, Manila. This garden can give you an amazing feeling of what's inside a typical Chinese parks and temples. I was searching for the National Museum Planetarium but Google Map gave me an idea about this place. When I saw its entrance, I was amazed by the artistic and colorful gate, with Chinese characters.

National Museum Planetarium, Manila

Just few days ago, the National Museum Planetarium opened its door to the public for FREE until April 30, 2017, so money is not a problem to see and appreciate the wealth inside its dome. By the way, there are daily presentation showing the facts about planets, satellites, stars, sun, milky way, galaxy, solar system and many other things around the sun that will definitely wake up your sleeping interest about celetial bodies and Science and Technology.

Cattleya Resort Antipolo

Rizal is a neighboring province of Metro Manila, and it is very accessible for commuters. Aside from the Maytime Festival, kasuy, and local delicacies, the province is also well known for its resorts with a gorgeous Manila golden skyline, which others call "overlooking." So, if you're planning to visit Antipolo, the province's prime city, and looking for a place to stay, Cattleya Resort is the perfect place for you.

Baluarte de San Diego

This is a historical site and the oldest stone fort in Manila. Built in 1586, it was called the Nuestra Senora de Guia designed by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeno. Fell into disrepair and was renovated in 1593. Incorporated as part of the walls but later abandoned due to its unstable foundations. The new structure was constructed with orillons (curved corners) masking cannons on the flanks. Destroyed during the British invasion in 1762. Repaired and renovated in 1764. American Army ordinance section was built on-site during the American occupation. Destroyed during World War 2 and is now a major tourist attraction of the Intramuros Walled City.

Inside Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago  is one of the historical landmarks inside Intramuros. It's a fortress which is a part of the structures of  the Walled City. This historical structure was first built by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi for the newly founded City of Manila. This fort is the most important historical sites in Manila as Dr. Jose Rizal was imprisoned here before he was executed in 1896.

Quiapo Church

The stunning facade of the Quiapo Church.

Others call this church the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, canonically known as Saint John the Baptist Parish, and it is one of the most famous churches in the Philippines. The first structure was made of bamboo and nipa palm and built by the Franciscan Missionaries. But in 1574, the pirates, led by Limahong, destroyed and burned the church. In 1588, Fr. Antonio de Nombella, a Franciscan friar, founded this church and declared it as the Parish of St. John the Baptist. It was again burned in 1603 and taken over by the “Society of Jesus” or the Jesuits. In 1686, the full construction was started initiated by Gov. Gen. Santiago de Vera.

Sta Cruz Church

Sta. Cruz Church, or Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, is situated in the Northern part of the city of Manila. It is said that the original structure was built in the same spot as the current structure. This was constructed by the members of the “Society of Jesus,” known as the Jesuits, from 1608 up to 1768. It is the first Roman Catholic built in this area. Its structure is made up of blocks of adobe quarried from the nearby provinces. It was dedicated to the newly converted Chinese who lived in Manila. 

MALATE CHURCH, MANILA

Malate Church or the Our Lady of Remedies Parish Church or Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is situated in Malate, Manila. When I saw the facade from afar and while crossing the street near Plaza Sulayman, I was really amazed because of its architectural design and the dark color. It looks like really old and here’s what I found.

STA. ANA CHURCH, MANILA

Sta. Ana Church or the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned was established 300 years ago. The cornerstone was laid in 1720. Sta. Ana is also one of the churches spared by World War II, so most of what you see today, including the Camarin de la Virgen, was what churchgoers saw hundreds of years ago.

Guadalupe Church, Makati City

Photo: Guadalupe Church.

History:

Guadalupe Church, or the Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church, is a 400-year-old structure with an amazing facade. Founded by the Augustinians, the construction of its foundation was laid in 1601 and was finished in 1630. Some parts of this church were rebuilt several times because of the earthquakes, and in 1880, the masonry roof collapsed because of the earthquake, so it was rebuilt in 1882 by Rev. Jose Corujedo O.S.A. Later, this structure was burnt during the fight between Filipinos and Americans in February 1899. It was reconstructed and re-opened to the public in 1983.