Biyaheng Bonifacio (Part 1): Metro Manila Trail

When I was studying, I always recall some of our lessons about Philippine heroes in our History subjects. One of the most remarkable heroes that I remember is Andres Bonifacio. He is one of the heroes who fought for our country during the Philippine Revolution in 1896. Bonifacio is known as "The Supremo" because he is the founder of Katipunan, a Philippine revolutionary society which aims to gain independence from Spain through revolution.  

Front cover of Biyaheng Bonifacio.

The historical sites to visit in Biyaheng Bonifacio.

This year is the 150th Birth Anniversary of Andres Bonifacio which is on November 30, 2013 (he was born in the year 1863). Recently, the Department of Tourism and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines launched "Biyaheng Bonifacio: Biyaheng Bayani ng Bayan" in order to commemorate the life of Andres Bonifacio by visiting different historical places which is relevant in his lifetime. There are sixteen sites located in Cavite, Metro Manila and Rizal.

I decided to have this opportunity to visit the six out of eight sites in Metro Manila. These sites are located in Manila, Mandaluyong City, San Juan City and Pasig City.

Binondo Church, one of the Baroque churches built in the Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.

1. Binondo Church

Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, Manila

This is the first site that I visited on that day after I entered the arch of Chinatown. Binondo Church is one of the Baroque churches in Manila and it is the place where Andres Bonifacio and Gregoria De Jesus was married. Gregoria de Jesus is called as the Lakambini of the Katipunan.

The monument of Andres Bonifacio in front of Tutuban Mall, a shopping mall famous for its affordable goods.

Andres Bonifacio Monument

2. Tutuban Mall

C.M. Recto Avenue, Manila

Located in the busy and crowded streets where people buy cheap goods in an affordable price, the famous Tutuban Mall is the present site of the birthplace of Andres Bonifacio. He was born on November 30, 1863 to Catalina de Castro and Santiago Bonifacio in a small hut at Calle Azcarraga, presently known as Claro M. Recto Avenue in Tondo, Manila.

The tableau of KKK Foundation Site located in the busy streets of Divisoria.

3. K.K.K. Foundation Site

El Cano St. cor. Recto Avenue, Manila

A few walks away from Tutuban Mall and within the busy and crowded streets as well with numerous stalls and stores of products and goods in Divisoria, you can found the tableau of K.K.K. Foundation Site. It is located at El Cano St. cor. Recto Avenue. On the night of July 7, 1892, a revolutionary society called Kataasataasan, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Highest and Respected Society of the Sons of the People) known as K.K.K. or Katipunan. This society was founded in 72 Azcarraga, Tondo, Manila by Andres Bonifacio, Ladislao Diwa, Teodoro Plata, Deodato Arellano, Valentin Diaz and Jose Dizon. It aimed to unite all Filipinos in their struggle and to gain independence from Spain.

Battle of Pinaglabanan Shrine

Stairs to Pinaglabanan Shrine

4. Pinaglabanan Shrine

Pinaglabanan St., San Juan City

Located near in the city hall of San Juan City, you can visit the Pinaglabanan Shrine. At the dawn of August 30, 1896, Bonifacio and his army of poorly-armed and untrained katipuneros rashly attacked the polverin (powder depot) in San Juan which was defended by 100 well-armed and trained artillerists and infantrymen. The battle turned out to be a massacre because of an unequal combat - Spanish artillery and modern rifles against Filipino bolos, bamboo spears, amulets and old firearms. Because of that incident, Bonifacio and his troops lead into the Pasig River  to attack the water reservoir where 153 Katipuneros died from the battle.

Andres Bonifacio Shrine in Brgy. Hagdang Bato

5. Hagdang Bato

Hagdang Bato Barangay Center, A. Bonifacio St., Mandaluyong City

A barangay in Mandaluyong called Hagdang Bato is the place where Andres Bonifacio transferred from Balara to the mountain called Mt. Balabak which is located in this barangay on August 27 to 28, 1896. They held their meetings in that place for the attack of Manila. When I visited that shrine during that time, the barangay center was under renovation but I still decided to took photos in that place.

Valentin Cruz Marker

Pasig Catholic Church

6. Valentin Cruz Marker / Pasig Catholic Church.

M.H. Del Pilar St., Pasig City

Located in the center of Pasig City, there is the Valentin Cruz Marker which can be found near the Pasig Catholic Church. In this place, Bonifacio gathered his troops to have a meeting at the house of Valentin Cruz, a Katipunero who lived near in the Pasig Church.

Andres Bonifacio Monument in Liwasang Bonifacio, located in front of Manila Post Office Building.

Bonifacio Shrine located in Manila City Hall

Kartilya ng Katipunan at the back of Bonifacio Shrine.

Aside from these sites, you can also try to visit Liwasang Bonifacio which is located in front of Manila Post Office Building and the Bonifacio Shrine located in front of Manila City Hall.

These are the first six sites that I accomplished on that day. Beside of all the challenges in traveling and visiting the sites, I am eager to finish this task on the coming days in order to commemorate the anniversary of a hero who showed his courage and valor to the country, Andres Bonifacio. I will continue the Biyaheng Bonifacio series with the Cavite trail and Quezon City - Rizal trail.

You can read the Biyaheng Bonifacio - Cavite Trail here.

Date of Travel: April 13, 2013

Not Just An Ordinary Picnic in the Highland Park: Picnic Grove, Tagaytay City

When I was young, Tagaytay City is one of the favorite places that my family and I always visit. We enjoyed the cool climate, the delicious products such as tropical fruits and native delicacies and the panoramic view of the smallest active volcano in the world, Taal Volcano surrounded by the turquoise waters of Taal Lake and the towering verdant, lush mountains dotted with small houses in the lakeshore towns of Batangas. That is why, there are many investors who establish their business in this highland city as well with the local and foreign tourists who spend their weekend getaway and vacation. In other words, Tagaytay City got its moniker as "The Summer Capital of Southern Luzon" and "Little Baguio of Cavite".

Welcome marker of Picnic Grove

Map of Picnic Grove

Children are playing and flying kites in the verdant slopes of Picnic Grove.

One of the interesting places in Tagaytay City is Picnic Grove. There are many things that you can accomplish in this place. First, you can spend your family bonding moments in this place by staying at cozy cottages in the rolling hills which is the trademark of the highland park. You can make your picnic in this park through renting a cottage. You can play in this park by flying kites and at the same time, you can buy souvenirs such as t-shirts and clothes.

Cozy cottages with concrete benches is the trademark of Picnic Grove.

You can spend time with your family and friends in this cottage plus the panoramic view of Taal Volcano.

Aside from having a picnic and flying kites, you can tour the whole park park via ecotrail.  First, you are going to have a stroll in the park and you will pass the hanging bridge and visit the clubhouse through ecotrail where you are going to pass the stairs and enjoy the ambiance of lush trees. You can have an adventure trail also through horseback riding where you are going to have a tour in the hills and see the Taal Volcano. You can do horseback riding from Picnic Grove in order to have a trek to Taal Lake and crossing the lake to hike the Taal Volcano.

Hanging bridge, part of the ecotrail in Picnic Grove

You can experience adventure trail through horseback riding in the rolling hills of Tagaytay City.

Zipline at Picnic Grove

You can experience the thrill to see the stunning highlands through riding a cable car with your family and friends. If you want more challenge to overcome your fear of heights, you can try the zipline plus you will experience to see the bird's eye view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake as well with the verdant rolling mountains of Batangas.

Fish Spa plus Free Foot Spa

Another interesting and new activity in the place is the Fish Spa. You will soak your feet in a pool of water with doctor fish.  These fish will remove dead skin in your feet by sucking and biting and after that, you can have your free foot massage via cleaning and washing the feet.

The view of Taal Volcano surrounded by Taal Lake and the verdant mountains of Batangas.

Overlooking the town of Talisay, Batangas from Tagaytay City.

I hope that there are few areas in Picnic Grove should improve such as putting a welcome arc in the entrance of the park. Therefore, this park is an ideal venue for weekend getaway for your family and friends because you can accomplish many activities and enjoy the panoramic view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake from the highland city. Visiting Tagaytay City is such a wonderful experience as well with the fact that it is a refreshing moment away from the hustles of city living.

Fees:

• Entrance Fee                      -   P50.00
• Cottage Rental                   -   P100.00 - P200.00
• Cable Car                          -   P200.00 / person
• Zipline                               -    P400.00
• Fish Spa                            -   P199.00

How to Get There:
You can ride a bus from Manila to Tagaytay City. From Tagaytay Rotonda, you can ride a jeepney which takes you to Brgy. Sungay East where Picnic Grove was located.

Watch out for my personal entries about the activities that I accomplished in Picnic Grove. Thanks.

Date of Travel: November 30, 2011 and April 4, 2013

A Visit to the Ruins of the Old Circular Fort: Baluarte De San Diego

During my tour in Intramuros, I noticed a wooden arc which looks like a cozy garden. I asked the permission to the guards to go inside that place where I paid P50.00 for the entrance fee. Then they gave me the brochure about Intramuros, map of Intramuros and the ticket about the place. As I go around the sophisticated garden, it was an overwhelming moment to see a unique fortification which is one of the oldest structures in the walled city.

Baluarte De San Diego is one of the most interesting places that I've heard in Intramuros. It is because that the circular structure which looks like a maze from above as well with the old stones used in constructing the stone fortification. It is one of the oldest stone fortifications in Intramuros and began as a circular fort called Nuestra Senora de Guia.

Baluarte de San Diego (Source: Google Photos)

It was built and designed by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeno from 1586 to 1587 which was made of wood.  It was renovated in 1563 to join the walls of the city. Resembling an ace of spades,a cannon foundry and powder factory functioned near the Baluarte during the 18th century. The Baluarte was breached by British force with cannon fire in 1762. It was restored and strengthened after the British occupation where the fort was made of lime (apog) and stone. It was damaged during the earthquakes of 1863 and 1880 and condemned by the Spaniards. It was totally destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. The restoration of Baluarte De San Diego began in 1979 and completed in 1992. 

An old cannon in Baluarte De San Diego Gardens

Stairs to the circular stone fortification.

Baluarte De San Diego

Today, Baluarte De San Diego is one of interesting spots in Intramuros because of its ancient and sturdy walls as well with the circular structure. In addition, the place functions as a garden for events such as weddings and seminars. The place is significant for the Walled City because of the fact that it is one of the oldest stone fortification which reflects the history of our country and the legacy leave by the Spaniards in the Philippines.

The skyline view of  buildings in Manila from Baluarte De San Diego.

How to Get There:
You can go there via pedicab or calesa which takes you to Baluarte de San Diego Gardens. It is located in front of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Entrance fee is worth P50.00 for students and P75.00  for regular tourists. You can get a brochure, a map of Intramuros and a ticket which contains facts about the place.

Date of Travel: February 2013

Of Ruined Barracks and Batteries: Historical Structures in Corregidor Island

It is my dream to visit the ancient ruins of Greece and Sicily. Here in the Philippines, I already saw the counterpart of these beautiful Greek ruins with its magnificent architecture and stunning foundation which makes the building strong and standing for many years.

Corregidor Island is famous for its landmarks which are the ruined barracks in different parts of the island. These barracks were built and used by the American soldiers during the American occupation in the country. In addition, the island was functioned as a military reservation. They catered American soldiers and their families in these buildings. During the Second World War, these barracks were bombed by the Japanese troops which leave its mark as ruined buildings. There are different barracks in Corregidor including the Mile Long Barracks, Middleside Barracks, Cine Corregidor Ruins and the Post Headquarters Ruins.

Aside from the ruined barracks, there are also batteries and artilleries in the island. These huge guns were used during the war in order to fight against the invaders. The most popular spot for these weapons is the Battery Grubbs where you can see a large canyon which faces the South China Sea. In addition, you can see the Bataan Peninsula which is three kilometers away from the island as well with the neighboring islands including Caballo Island and Fort Drum. You can also visit the Parade Grounds where American troops landed via parachute in that place and you can see large guns and missiles in that open ground.

Lastly, we also have the Spanish Lighthouse which is located in the Topside. It was built during the Spanish era. You can climb the lighthouse in order to see the panoramic view of the Tailside of the island as well with the neighboring islands and the South China Sea. This lighthouse was operated by solar energy where you can see solar panels near the building.

This experience of visiting the old buildings in Corregidor makes me learn about the history of our country that I studied in books when I was taking Philippine History in elementary and high school. I learned about that these buildings and weapons are witness of valor and camaraderie of Filipino and American heroes during the Second World War.

Watch out for my next article about Corregidor Island.

Date of Travel: March 13, 2010

Travel Guide | Weekend Getaway in The Last Frontier: Palawan

Palawan is an island province which is the westernmost province in the Philippines. It is part of Region IV-B or simply called as MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan). The province is called as "The Last Frontier" it is famous for its abundance of flora and fauna and captivating sceneries such as the verdant mountains, lush forests, stunning limestone rock formations and the pristine aquamarine waters of the sea which reflect the pure cleanliness and natural beauty of the province. In addition, some of the places in Palawan are protected areas and unsettled in order to maintain the rich biodiversity. Palawan is composed of twenty-four towns including Puerto Princesa City, the provincial capital and it is known for its moniker "The Cleanest and Greenest City in the Philippines." 

The view of Puerto Princesa City from the rolling green hills of Rancho Santa Monica.

It was October 2010 when I had a chance to join with my family for a three-day tour in Puerto Princesa City. It was my first time to experience an air travel via riding an airplane. It was a one hour flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa City. When I took my first footsteps from the airplane, I said to myself that "it was a breath of fresh air". I feel the clean breeze coming from the plants and trees surrounding the airport and the ambiance which is refreshing from the hassles of hectic urban life. I spent three days in Palawan, visiting some of the interesting tourist spots and experience the relaxing mood in the Cleanest City in the Philippines. Within three days, you can experience different activities which you will appreciate the richness of natural resources and the beauty of nature in our country.

Lu-li Island

Beach bumming in Snake Island

Honda Bay Island Hopping. We accomplished it during the first day of our tour. Honda Bay is located 12 kilometers east of Puerto Princesa City. Boats can be rented in Sta. Lourdes Wharf in Brgy. Tagbanua. There are almost sixteen islands in the bay and each island has different names and features. We visited three islands which are Pambato Reef, Snake Island and Starfish Island where we experienced snorkeling and beach bumming. Other islands in the bay are Pandan Island, Lu-li Island, Cowrie Island, Bat Island, and Senorita Island. 

Rancho Santa Monica

Countryside Tour at Rancho Santa Monica, Baker's Hill and Iwahig Penal Colony. Aside from experience the aquamarine waters and pristine white sand beaches, you can feel the fresh air and see the panoramic view of Puerto Princesa City through the verdant rolling hills of Rancho Santa Monica and Baker's Hill. Rancho Santa Monica is a farm and clubhouse owned by Mitra family where the former Senator Ramon Mitra comes from. There are many livestock animals in this farm as well with the rolling green hills which offer the view of lush vegetation as well with the blue skies teemed with wide seas and the small houses of Puerto Princesa City. Few kilometers away from Rancho Santa Monica is the bakeshop and park called Baker's Hill. This place is the counterpart of malls in the metro. You can enjoy the life-sized statues here as well with their delicious pastries and local delicacies in the place. You can also visit the "prison without walls" or the Iwahig Penal Colony where you can buy souvenirs created by the prisoners.

The marker to Palawan Wildlife and Conservation Center.

Crocodiles in Irawan Crocodile Farm

Appreciate Wildlife through the Crocodile Farm and Firefly Watching. You can visit the Palawan Wildlife Conservation Center or the Irawan Crocodile Farm to see crocodiles as well with the fact that you can learn different facts about crocodiles in their museum. In the evening, you can experience sailing in the Iwahig River to witness the spark of different fireflies settled in mangrove trees. In addition, you can experience Dolphin Watching in the morning along with the strong waves and pleasant weather. Aside from seeing crocodiles, fireflies and dolphins, you will experience the richness of wildlife in Puerto Princesa City.

Puerto Princesa City Baywalk

City Tour. You can accomplish it in the third day by visiting the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk, the Puerto Princesa Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel. You can enjoy buying souvenirs and pasalubong to your family, friends and relatives in the city proper as well taking your meal in famous restaurants and fast food chains in the city.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (Source: http://www.palawan.com)

Sailing the Puerto Princesa Underground River. This is the only thing that we missed in our tour, visiting the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. It is located in Barangay Sabang and it is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. You can also try to accomplish the zipline in Ugong Rock which is located near the Underground River. I missed the moment to visit this wonderful natural destination.

However, if I were given a chance to come back to this place, I will visit the Underground River and return to the tourist spots that we visited here in Puerto Princesa City. See you again Palawan!

You can also read the following blog posts about my Honda Bay Island Hopping experience:

• Honda Bay Island Hopping
• In The Island of Stars

Visit their website at http://www.visitpuertoprincesa.com/

Date of Travel: October 29 - 31, 2010