Zamboanga City Travel Guide – Things to Do, Tips & Itinerary

Overview of Zamboanga City

"The Latin City of Asia" was given to Zamboanga City because of its language, called "chavacano," similar to Spanish. The city is situated on the Southern side of the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Northern side of Basilan. Aside from their language, the city is also prominent with its "vinta," a colorful and stunning sailboat or watercraft that is usually used by the locals. Using Google Maps, had a walking tour of their top tourist spots and destinations.

The Ruins, Talisay: Travel Guide to the Taj Mahal of Negros

Overview of The Ruins

The Ruins is located in Talisay City, and it was the largest residential mansion built then. This mansion belongs to sugar baron Don Mariano “Anoy” Ledesma Lacson (1865-1948). Built after the death of his wife Maria Braga (1911), and served as the residence of their unmarried children. But, in the early part of World War II, USAFEE and then guerrilla fighters built this mansion to prevent the Japanese forces from making this structure their headquarters. It was burning for three days, leaving no traces of its glorious past, but still, the effort of the workers paid off because its gorgeous ruins are still standing and part of our today.

Mt. Mantalingahan: The Highest and Most Sacred Peak in Palawan

Mt. Mantalingahan measures 2,086 MASL and is located in Rizal, Palawan. It is a mountain that is a bit challenging, but you will be rewarded with amazing views from the summit, cool weather, and a remarkable experience. Others call it Mt. Mantalingajan, or Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape. Traveling to its jump-off is more than 4 hours of land travel from Puerto Princesa City, and it's situated in a secluded municipality. Having said that, its beauty remains hidden from many hikers. Thus, its richness is well preserved.

Molo Church: The Feminist Gothic Church of Iloilo City

The Molo Church is located in Molo District, Iloilo City, and it is commonly known as the St. Anne Parish. This historical church was built in 1831 by the Ilonggo artists with a touch of Gothic-Renaissance architecture. Take note, is the only one outside Manila, so it's proof that the locals are really great in terms of the arts. It is made from coral stones with egg whites mixed with sand for some parts. On August 4, 1886, Dr. Jose Rizal visited Manila from exile in Dapitan to pray, and he saw the gorgeous paintings (today, they no longer exist).

Jaro Cathedral: Iloilo’s Iconic Roman Catholic Landmark

The Jaro Cathedral is located in the Jaro District, Iloilo. It is another example of the country's historical church with baroque architecture. Built in 1864, the cathedral was erected by order of Mariano Cuartero, the first bishop of Jaro. In 1948, this structure was destroyed by an earthquake and was restored in 1956 by the order of the first archbishop, Jose Ma. Cuenco. The famous orator Graciano Lopez Jaena was baptized in this church. In 1976, the National Historical Institute proclaimed this church a Historical Landmark.

Sulu Museum: Discover the Rich Culture and History of Sulu

The Sulu Museum is a two-story building that houses the relics, documents, paintings, and other historical memorabilia of Sulu. Previously, this building housed the Library of Sulu. What's interesting inside are the Chinese wares and documents, such as the 1878 Land Lease Agreement between the Sultanate of Sulu and British North Borneo Chartered Co. The Photo above is some of the works of Abdulmari Asia Imao, a National Artist for Sculpture.

Bangui Windmills: The Iconic Wind Farm of Ilocos Norte

The Bangui Windmills is a place that converts wind energy into electrical energy, yet it is one of the top tourist attractions in Ilocos Norte. This wind farm has 20 units of 70-meter-high wind turbines, stretching along the 99-kilometer shoreline of Bangui Bay and facing the West Philippine Sea, and each of the turbines is 326 meters apart. Read my Ilocos Norte Travel Guide to know how to get here and a list of the nearby tourist spots.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation - a stunning place in Ilocos

The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is another stunning place in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It is a limestone formation curved by the pressure of the waves and the acidity of the water; the limestone by the hill was shaped into something artistic. Read my Ilocos Norte Travel Guide to know how to get here and the nearby tourist spots.

Guimbal Church: A Timeless Heritage Landmark in Iloilo

The Guimbal Church is located by the highway of Guimbal, Iloilo, and can easily be recognized because of its unique façade. After I visited Miag-Ao Church, I traveled for around 30 minutes to this church. According to my research, this historical church is also known as the St. Nicholas of Tolentino Church and doesn’t have any record of when it was erected or established. However, it was completed between 1769 and 1774 under Friar Juan Campos. In 1893, it was further enlarged but was later destroyed by fire during the Revolution from 1896 to 1898.

Explore Paco Park in Manila – History, Tips & How to Visit

The Paco Park is a recreational garden area and served as Manila's municipal cemetery during the Spanish colonial period. This structure was built in the 18th century and was completed in 1822. Its original design was to be a municipal cemetery for the influential and aristocratic Spanish families living in Manila and Intramuros, but it also served as a peaceful dwelling place for those victims of the cholera epidemic.