Cruise The Manila Bay

Manila Bay is a harbour that serves the port of Manila which is located in the capital city of the Philippines. History textbooks during my grade school years always points to Manila Bay as one of the best place to view the sunset wherein it highlights the artistic and picturesque view.

For only 150 pesos you can cruise the Manila Bay for 15 minutes. It is 150 pesos per head which I believe is quite expensive.

It is a good thing that there are also Fireworks display held during Saturdays at MOA seaside.

Special Notes:

Fireworks display are held every Saturday between 6:45 to 7:00pm

UPLB

Considered to be one of the most famous landmark in Los Baños, Laguna. UPLB is located at the foot of Mt Makiling about 64kms away from Manila. Originally established in 1909 as University of Philippines College of Agriculture (UPCA), it was then changed to it's current name.

During WWII, UPLB served as a an interment camp for allied nationals and a headquarters of the Japanese army. Most of the establishments were demolished during the war,  the current buildings and establishments were restored and renovated with visible influence of American architecture to create a picturesque view.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (DLTB), their terminal is in LRT Buendia.
2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in College.
3.) You can then ride a Jeepney bound to UPLB

Cruising in Nuvali

Want to enjoy nature at the heart of the city? Then, Nuvali is the place to be. Developed by Ayala Land Corporation, this premiere business estate is located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna - consists of shopping centers, authentic japanese resto (with real Japanese chefs), bazaar on sale and of course it also have companies, among the most prominent companies that can be found are Convergys and IBM. 

But the main attraction however is the man made lake with Kois, and a Speedboat  which cruises across the lake back and forth.

How to Get There:

1. One can ride UV Van Express bound for Nuvali

Fort Santiago, Intramuros

Located on the northwest of Intramuros, also known as the walled city. Fort Santiago overlooks the Manila Bay and is situated beside the mouth of Pasig River, it was built to protect the Spanish settlement from invaders coming from the sea.

It was originally the site of Rajah Sulayman’s settlement prior to Spanish occupation and rule. He was the last ruler, of the now Metro Manila area, before the Spanish regime.

Fort Santiago was used by the Spanish as their base of power. It housed the Military and Spanish officials and also served as a formidable prison with infamous dungeons. Over the centuries many Filipinos were imprisoned, tortured and left to drown in the Fort's notorious dungeons, which were beneath the high tide level.

It was also in Fort Santiago where Jose Rizal penned his final poem "Mi Ultimo Adios, My Ultimate Goodbye" when he was imprisoned months before his execution in 1896. Rizal's final footsteps were embedded in the ground to represent his final walk from his prison cell to the location of his actual execution.

Majority of  Fort Santiago was destroyed during World War 2 and restoration process was administered by Philippine National Parks Development Committee.

 

 

 

 

How to Get There:

1.) From LRT Buendia ride a jeepney bound to Quiapo (w/ Luneta) on the signboard

2.) Tell the driver to drop you off in Intramuros, you can then just walk towards Fort Santiago or you can ride a pedicab.

Rizal Shrine "Bahay ni Rizal"

Birthplace of Jose Rizal, one of the most celebrated patriot, a national hero whose contributions led to the social transformation and revolution against the Spaniards. The house is located in Calamba City, it is a replica of the original house which was destroyed during WW2.

In 1949, President Elpidio Quirino passed Executive Order no.145, facilitating the  reconstruction of the house. The Rizal Shrine is a typical rectangular bahay na bato, reminiscent of upper-class Filipino homes built during the Spanish Colonial era. The lower portion is made of adobe stone and brick, while the upper portion consists of hardwood.

Rizal Shrine is open from Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 5pm with no entrance fee.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz (DLTB), they have terminals in Cubao and LRT Buendia 

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in Halang, Calamba.

3.) Once in Halang, you can then ride a jeep bound to Calamba Town Proper, just tell the driver to drop you off in Rizal Shrine.

The Thrilling Star City

Star City is an amusement park located  beside the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It is the off shoot of  the annual Christmas Trade Fair held by Philippine Center for International Trade and Exhibit (PhilCite). In the 90s, the fair evolved into an amusement park which was named Star City. Majority  of the facilities in  Star City are covered and air conditioned. The amusement park was the first to introduce various types of rides and attractions in the Philippines. The first floor is consists of small stores selling the usual items usually sold "tiangges". 

It may not be comparable to Walt Disney or Universal Studios but Star City is one of the best amusement park in Philippines. They are famous for adventure and thrilling rides, among which are the double-deck carousel, 360-degree-loop roller coaster (the Zyklon Loop), water log ride (the Jungle Splash). Other  famous ride is the “Surf dance” , the first and only of its kind in the Philippines - a gondola ride that is about the height of a five-storey building. The 44-seat ride swings upwards, downwards, and sideways. It is also home to the Giant Star Ferris wheel which has 32 air-conditioned gondolas, each able to seat up to six persons,  and the  3rd tallest in the country which stands at 60 meters (197 ft) tall. From the top view, one can see a 360 degree view of the Manila Bay and Pasay City. And of course, the Snow World which is the largest ice entertainment area in the country that  features ice carvings, snow play area and the longest ice slide, however camera and video recording equipment is prohibited inside the Snow World.

It is advisable to buy a "Ride All You Can" ticket  which is truly a value for money, wherein you  have a chance to try every ride. However, if you want to visit Snow World different terms may apply (pictures were taken 2 years ago during our Valentines date).

How to Get There:

1. From Buendia LRT you can ride a jeep bound to MOA, tell the driver to drop you off in Star City which is walking distance from Buendia Hi-Way. 

(Because this blog is not a paid advertisement for Star City, the author decided not to display an image displaying their company name)