Just a short walk from the imposing Manila Cathedral of Intramuros is a black, wrought iron gate leading to a beautiful plaza with tall trees, well-kept shrubs, blooming flowers, ornamental fountains, and a tranquil moat. A few steps further, you'll see a massive, grey stone wall, one that shows signs of age yet still forbidding. At its center is a towering arch with some of its once ornate elements in ruins. It is the entrance to a place that was feared by the locals for hundreds of years. It is the Real Fuerza de Santiago.
I recently caught on cable one of the Harry Potter movies. It brought back memories of J.K. Rowling's famous boy wizard and his magical and challenging journey. It also reminded me of my wish to head to England to see Alnwick Castle, the historical castle that became popular among us Muggles when it was featured as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. But it looks like I don't need to go to England soon. Within the walls of an old city in the Philippines, and in the most ironic location, lies Hogwarts.
Juan Arellano, a legend in Philippine architecture
I found myself at the National Museum of the Philippines once again, this time with friends from Malaysia and Australia who were touring the City of Manila. Unfortunately, we arrived 30 minutes to closing time so we were not able to explore most of the galleries. One of those we missed was the Arellano Room at the National Art Gallery. It's dedicated to painter and architect Juan M. Arellano who's renowned for creating the zoning plan of the city of the Manila as well as the design of the Metropolitan Theater and the old Legislative Building (now the National Museum), among others.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, I found myself once again at the historic Paco Park*, along General Luna Street in the district of Paco, Manila. Within this park is the Saint Pancratius Chapel (above), a dome and oval-shaped chapel that once had an altar of gold. The chapel is surrounded by old acacia trees, lush greenery, and concentric stone walls.
The colors green and white dominated Taft Avenue, Manila last June 16, 2011 as De La Salle University (DLSU) celebrated 100 years of Lasallian presence in the Philippines. On that same day in 1911, the Lasallian Brothers opened the first La Salle School in the Philippines at Calle Nozaleda in Paco, Manila and welcomed 125 students. Today, there are probably thousands of students receiving their education in 17 La Salle schools in the Philippine Islands.
If Jose Rizal was alive today, he would probably give travel writers and bloggers a run for their money. Jose Rizal, the Philippines National Hero, was a well-traveled polymath (fluent in 22 languages!) and a prolific writer during the 19th century. He was also a brilliant and charismatic young man whose wit and character impressed almost everyone he met, including his enemies.
Ayala Triangle Gardens, once an undeveloped parcel of land in the middle of Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue, is now one of Makati's top spots. Thanks to developments made in the area last year in time for the holiday season, urbanites have found a place to relax, dine, jog, or simply hangout.
Even if it's not the holiday season, Ayala Triangle Gardens still draws a lot of visitors. I guess it's because Ayala Triangle is the only oasis of green at the Central Business District. Also, if you're like me, you'd prefer to eat in any restaurant facing an open courtyard (see list of restaurants at Ayala Triangle below). Walking around the area is also a leisure since there are art installations set among the tall trees and shrubs. And for those who can't keep their hands off their laptops and iPads, Ayala Triangle has Wi-Fi hotspots to keep you connected. As for travelers to the Philippines, you'd love the history of the place and the fact that the Filipinas Heritage Library, a repository of materials on Philippine history and culture, is within Ayala Triangle as well (at the Makati Avenue side).
In short, Ayala Triangle is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life. I hope other cities in Metro Manila will develop their open spaces. It's high time for Manila to have more parks than malls.
------------------ Restaurants at Ayala Triangle Gardens
Inside Amici Restaurant
Amici and Cara Mia Gelateria - Italian dishes and gelato
Chef Laudico's Bfast - All-day breakfast meals
Bon Chon Chicken - fried chicken wings cooked Korean style
Banapple - yummy cakes and pies
C.B.D. - steak and burger
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf - caffeine fix, tea and more
Kanin Club - rice meals
Golden Spoon - frozen yogurt delights for those watching their diet
MoMo Cafe - pricey comfort food
Omakase - Japanese food
Pho 24 - Vietnamese food
Wee Nam Kee - Singaporean/Chinese dishes (Must-try: Cereal prawns and Hainanese chicken rice)
Statue of King Carlos IV of Spain at Plaza de Roma, the Palacio del Gobernador in the background
The only celebration I recall in remembrance of World War II in the Philippines is "Araw ng Kagitingan" or "Bataan Day", which commemorates the surrender of American soldiers and Filipino troops to the Japanese army after a five-month heroic defense of the Bataan Peninsula. Thus, Carlos Celdran's (of the famed Walk This Way tour) 3rd Manila Transitio 1945 was a much-welcomed opportunity to commemorate the 66th Anniversary of the Battle for the Liberation of Manila.
The faces of People Power, the Revolution that Inspired the World
EDSA 1986 was an important event of Philippine history as it demonstrated to the world the power of a peaceful revolution. Thus, it's popularly called the PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION. The EDSA 1986 People Power Revolution was the culmination of a long and arduous campaign to end the 20 year authoritarian rule of former President Ferdinand Marcos and his allies. EDSA 1986 led to the restoration of democracy in the country, as countless human rights abuses, corruption, and environmental degradation happened during the 20 year dictatorial rule of the Marcoses.
A view of the Central Mall and the Graves Area from the Memorial
Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial tour of Mr. John Silva. It was both an enlightening and a poignant exploration of the largest American cemetery in the Pacific. I say "privilege" because on that same morning, there was a large group of students having a tour of the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial and sadly, there was no one discussing to them the importance of the place or even the story behind its construction.
Celebrations for the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year started last week and commenced on Friday with bright fireworks and amazing lion and dragon dances at different places in Metro Manila. Here's a clip of the Dragon Dance at the Chinese New Year Celebration in Eastwood, Quezon City, Philippines.
The whole performance was actually longer and got everyone's applause due to the dancers' energy and skill. Gong Xi Fa Cai! Welcome, Year of the Rabbit!
Drawn by its Corinthian columns and elegant facade, I revisited the National Museum of the Philippines one afternoon on a whim. With no tour guide and no museum brochure, I found myself lost inside the grand museum. Still, I felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, pride, and joy as I explored its various collections on Philippine history and culture. Here are some of the wonderful things I've rediscovered:
6/3/11 NOTE: For Mall Hours and Shuttle Service Schedule of Tiendesitas and Greenhills Shopping Center, check out my update.
Tiendesitas *
Tiendesitas, which is located in Ortigas, Pasig City, is a compound of various retail stores offering native delicacies; local handicrafts; charming antiques and home furnishings; as well as fashionable clothes and accessories from different regions in the Philippines.
There was a huge crowd at the Rizal Park in Manila, Philippines when I dropped by on a weeknight. I surmised it's because of the Central Lagoon Dancing Fountain of the Rizal Park which was reopened last December 2010. The refurbished fountain creates a colorful spectacle of water, lights and music. Take a look at some of these photos:
The best spot to watch this free musical fountain show is from the side of the lagoon farthest from the Rizal monument since you can see both the "peacock" spray of different hues and the jets of water dancing in sync with popular music. It was also wonderful to see many kids playing near the fountain area, running around or playing with those small, glowing light toys. When those luminous toys are thrown in the air almost all at the same time, they seem like falling stars that can be caught in one's hands.
I learned that this is just one of the many attractions that the city government of Manila and the Department of Tourism will be doing to revitalize Rizal Park in time for the 150th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Jose Rizal this coming June 19. Some of its existing attractions are the Orchidarium, the Lights and Sound Exhibit on Rizal, the Artists' Sanctuary, the Relief Map of the Philippines and the Open-Air theater. One can also take a Tram Ride around Rizal Park or ride a calesa to explore Southeast Asia's largest man-made park.
Make sure to drop by the Rizal Park soon and catch this musical fountain show!
Caught the Musical Fountain Show at the Manila Ocean Park last evening. It was truly a spectacular display of laser lights, sounds, and pyrotechnics! The antics of the Starfish and the Crustaceans were also fun to watch.
