Manila Heritage Nostalgia | Walking Tour in Manila

If there is one thing to have a closer look about a certain place is to know its colorful history and vibrant past. 

The captivating view of Manila Post Office Building in the banks of Pasig River
as seen from the Jones Bridge.

Recently, Manila have gone through reinventions and renovations in order to relive the classical beauty of the country's capital. From rugged structures to revived buildings, Manila has been once again transformed into a classy city manifesting to witness the glorious past and the original beauty of the place that has been passed through centuries - a sentinel of historical events that shaped the country. 

The reconstructed facade of Fort Santiago due to the original structure was damaged during the Second World War.

Located at the heart of Luzon, Manila was first discovered in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and made it as the country's capital where Intramuros as the seat of government. It is also the center of economic, religious, and cultural activities in the country since the Spanish era where establishments are built such as cathedrals, churches, government offices, universities, and museums to name a few. Furthermore, Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world founded in 1594 was also found in Manila due to the Chinese population and trading posts in the area. During the American occupation, Governor-General William Howard Taft invited Daniel Burnham for the city's improvement to create a new civic district. 

The welcome arch of Manila Chinatown overlooking the busy streets of Binondo with its sidewalk vendors, residents, and tourists.

The Binondo - Intramuros Bridge built in 2021 to connect the two districts for tourism and economic growth purposes.

These historical milestones in Manila were just pieces of the glorious past until recent mayors and officials put their efforts in preserving the city's beauty. It aims to promote tourism and to restore and maintain the historical buildings and places since it is the country's capital. One activity that you can see the tourist attractions in Manila is the walking tour where you can find the landmarks along the Taft Avenue in Ermita, passing the Intramuros District, until you reach Binondo. Lastly, recent developments including the preservation of Arroceros Forest Park, the reopening of Metropolitan Theater, and the establishment of Pasig River Esplanade and Binondo-Intramuros Bridge will surely boost the tourism in the city. 

The view of Quezon Bridge and Pasig River seen from the esplanade of Arroceros Forest Park.

A water fountain found between Metropolitan Theater and Arroceros Forest Park,

An esplanade in the Arroceros Forest Park offering the vast view of the Pasig River.

A concrete walk in the forest park that makes Arroceros a refreshing place to stay.

Arroceros Forest Park was featured twice in this blog because of its benefits to the residents and commuters due to the vegetation in the concrete city. It is also known as "The Last Lung of Manila" which signifies the place as the one of the few green spaces in the city where numerous species of trees, plants, and birds are dwelling in the park. Furthermore, developments are made recently including the concrete pathways, the esplanade, a koi fishpond, and light posts. 

Manila Central Post Office Building in 2022

Manila Central Post Office Building in 2024

Few walks away, you can also visit the Manila Central Post Office Building adjacent to Liwasang Bonifacio. It is one of the usual places where tourists dropped by as they proceed to Intramuros or Binondo. However in 2023, the said building was destroyed by a massive fire and restoration activities are in progress starting 2024 until it is finished in 2026.

Manila Central Post Office Building from Pasig River Esplanade.

Captivating esplanade that makes traveling in Metro Manila more convenient and eco-friendly.

A classy walk in the esplanade.

Lamp posts that give light in the esplanade during the evening.

Filipiniana statues portrayed as they danced the pandanggo sa ilaw matched with the city lights in the evening provided by the classic lamp posts.

Overlooking the Jones Bridge, known as the Queen of Philippine Bridges.

Recently, the Pasig River Esplanade was inaugurated in 2024 which launched the "Showcase Area" located near the Manila Post Office Building up to Intramuros - Binondo Bridge, passing the Jones Bridge. The first phase was already completed, and it is expected that it will traverse the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Taguig. Furthermore, the esplanade was mostly visited by the tourists in the evening because of its yellow lights from the lamp shade and the classic view along with the Jones Bridge.

There are many chances to visit Manila and watch out for some progress and improvements as they go along the way and just keep up the good work in the beautification of the city.

A Close Visit to La Union | Surfing the Horizons

From a province usually passed by until I get the chance to have a closer look of this "Surfing Capital of Ilocos Region". 

Tourists flocked at the shore of Luna, La Union in the Baluarte Watchtower overlooking the sea.

La Union is a province located at Ilocos Region, noted for its surfing spots, old churches, grape vines, and red clay pottery. It is the gateway going to Ilocandia, being the first province passed by travelers for those who are going to Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Abra. Furthermore, I have a chance to visit last December 2024, although I passed it in this province in 2018 which is the usual route going to Ilocos Provinces.

Baluarte Watchtower in Luna is one of the old Spanish lighthouses in the province
while other old lighthouses are just ruins found in towns in La Union including Balaoan,
Bacnotan,San Fernando, and San Juan.

The old brick watchtower is one of the tourist attractions in La Union.

There are few sites that I visited in this province. First, the Baluarte Watchtower located in the town of Luna, which was built during the Spanish era. It was intended to guard the shores against pirates and Muslim invaders during the Spanish colonization and it served as a communication tower post for Filipino and American armed forces during the World War II. 

The circular interior of Baluarte Watchtower. 

Due to the quarrying within the tower' site, the coastline receded, and the sea waves damaged the foundation of the tower. Furthermore, efforts are made to preserve the ruins of Baluarte Watchtower, and it served as a tourist spot for those who visit the province. 

A warning sign indicating dangerous waves for safe swimming and surfing.

The strong blue waves of La Union which makes the province one of the prominent surfing capitals.

Where the ocean meets the shore. An ideal time to swim to enjoy the stay in the province. 

Moreover, the beach resorts and surfing spots of La Union truly make this visit a memorable one. Simply enjoying the strong, foamy waves of the blue sea. Furthermore, the province is also rich in aquatic resources which can be a source of food and livelihood for the residents. 

Sunset in San Juan, La Union as it signals another evening for parties and night life. 

Other activities in La Union that you can enjoy including church visits, nature trips in forests and waterfalls, grapes picking, buying of dried fish and local delicacies, and enjoying the nightlife. 

Therefore, La Union is a place which you can come back for more - exploring the history, enjoying the surfing and beach parties, and appreciating the nature. 

Date of Travel: December 20-21, 2024

Getting Farther in Baler | Heritage Tour in Baler Town Proper

The facade of Baler Church

Baler earns its title of being one of the "Surfing Capitals" in the country because of its unstoppable waves from the Pacific Ocean. Apart from the ideal nature trip and beach hopping, the provincial capital is known for its heritage sites reflected on their colorful past and rich history in the town center. 

The rhythmic, foamy waves of Baler, ideal for surfing in a summer weather.

The town marker in the center of Baler.

Baler was founded by the Augustinian missionaries in 1609 and it became a pueblo in 1658. It also became one of the sites of Philippine revolution in 1898 known as the Siege of Baler where Filipino troops attempted to get the Spanish forces to surrender. Furthermore, the Spaniards defended the fortified church for 337 days until 1899 when they surrendered to the Filipinos in the midst of the early years of American occupation in the country.

The San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church, also known as the Baler Church located in the town center.

The church interior as residents praying the novena.

Baler Church, also known as San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, is one of the places you should visit once you go to Aurora. Built in 1611, this historical church became witness of Siege of Baler, a significant event in the last years of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.

The Aurora Aragon-Quezon Ancestral House is now a museum.

The wooden facade of Aurora Aragon Ancestral House.

Baler is also the birthplace of prominent political and historical figures in the country such as the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth, Manuel L. Quezon and his First Lady, Aurora Aragon-Quezon, as well with the longest-serving senator Edgardo Angara, his wife Bella Angara, and his son, Sonny Angara, an incumbent senator.

A visit in Museo De Baler during rainy weather in the town.

Some artifacts reflected in the history of Baler.

The facade of Museo de Baler.

Adjacent to the church, you can find the Aurora Quezon Ancestral House which was owned by his father Pedro Aragon and it is now a museum. You can also find a few walks away from the church is Museo De Baler, a museum that provides an account of Baler's history, exhibits and artifacts and in front of the building, the monument of Manuel L. Quezon, a native of Baler.

Aurora was actually part of Tayabas, which is now known as Quezon Province today until it became an independent province in 1978, named after the First Lady of Manuel L. Quezon. Aside from Baler, you can also visit other coastal towns known for its strong waves and aquamarine waters from the Pacific Ocean which makes a new summer destination starting from Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, San Luis, Dingalan, and the provincial capital, Baler, as well with its only landlocked town, Maria Aurora.

The oldest balete tree in the country.

An interesting tourist spot which is 600 years old.

This balete tree is plenty of leaves and sturdy.

Hanging roots in balete tree.

Don't forget to visit also the Millennium Tree in the neighboring municipality of Maria Aurora, known for its 600-year-old balete tree which stand more than five storeys high. It is one of the biggest and oldest trees in Southeast Asia located in Ronquillo Balete Eco-Park in Brgy. Quirino and you can also souvenir shopping in the said place.

The marker of Balete Eco-Park.

A tourist attraction which can be preserved for a lifetime.

Despite of the rainy weather, the tour in Baler was such a memorable experience and definitely, a place to come back soon because of the summer vibes, heritage tour, and nature excursions in the province. 

Date of Travel: March 21-23, 2024

Getting Farther in Baler | Waves and Streams in the East

It's been four years since I traveled outside of our region and going to the beach, craving for Vitamin Sea. It is very vital to go the sea and swim as a form of therapy after busy years in the workplace.

After three years of pandemic, it's been a great feeling to travel outside the boundaries of Region IV-A and Metro Manila to visit one of the most sought-after surfing spots in the country - Baler. 

The roaring waves of the Pacific Ocean, fronting the coasts of Baler.

Located in the eastern portion of Central Luzon and the provincial capital of Aurora, Baler holds its title of one of the surfing capitals in the Philippines because of its roaring, gushing waves and pure, aquamarine waters from the Pacific Ocean. The coastal town is enclosed by the mountains of Sierra Madre in which the town's relative isolation preserved some of the natural and historical sites.

It is fun to surf with the waters, but it can be more exciting to swim there.

The residents enjoy walking in the coast together with their pets. 

Surfing is one of the activities in Baler, as surf instructors are willing to share their skills to the tourists.

The rugged, verdant mountains and its rich vegetation of Sierra Madre, viewed from San Luis, Aurora.

During the first day of our tour, we were able to visit some of the sites including the Ditumabo Falls (Mother Falls). Unfortunately, I am not allowed to go up there due to health conditions, that is why I decided to enjoy the view of Sierra Madre Mountain Range and the flowing streams from the Mother Falls. The said falls is located in the town of San Luis.

The clear waters of the river flowing from Ditumabo Falls.

The gushing waters flowing teemed with rocks.

Enjoy the mini falls despite of not able to reach the Mother Falls.

During the end of the first day, we were able to check in our hotel and enjoy walking around the coasts of Baler with an experience of playing and swimming in shallow waters. Stay tuned for more posts in the coming days.

Date of Travel: March 21-23, 2024