As the capital city of the Philippines, Manila is the combination of modernity and ancient features, lively and peaceful spaces. It is an ancient, but young and modern city because it is not only vibrant and bustled with Asia’s leading shopping centers, but it also appears with historical vestiges of the country.
In addition, Manila is also the gateway to all tourist sites and destinations in the Philippines. A day trip in Manila promises to bring you many exciting experiences through its rich history and culture.
A glimpse into the past
As different forms of medieval fortifications, such as the citadels, redoubts and star forts were developed during the Middle Ages, it's not a surprise that almost all of the examples of these structures are found in Europe. But Filipinos need not go to Europe to see these kinds of structures, as several were built by the Spanish during colonial times.
Intramuros, the walled city established by the Spanish when they occupied Manila in 1571, is one good example of “medieval” fortification. While largely destroyed in World War II, it has been substantially renovated, giving an authentic feeling of old Manila. You can take a tour within Manila to this historical place. The tour started at the Augustinian church which was one of the few structures to survive the battle between the American and Japanese forces in 1945. Today, many couples choose to organize their weddings in this church. After the church tour, you can take a calesa ride (horse carriage) to travel through the streets of Intramuros if you want to get a look at the walled district.
The ride stopped at Fort Santiago which is the other “must-see” in Intramuros. Fort Santiago is a citadel first built by Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi in the 16th century for the new established city of Manila in the Philippines and is a significant historical monument in the Philippines. The fort is in ruins as it was bombed heavilly by US and Philippines forces in their fight with the Japanese army. However, the site was not restored, so that visitors can sense the history of the site. Also within the walls of the fort are the barracks of Spanish soldiers and other buildings. Several cannons and shells can be found around here.
Within two hours by horse carriage or a half day on foot, you can have a glimpse into the past of the Philippines in this citadel.
Great destination for shopaholics
When reminding of shopping, most of people think of Thailand, Singapore or Malaysia and ignore Manila, where gathers a variety of leading shopping centers of Asia. As an economic, cultural and tourist center of the Philippines, Manila offers an abundance of goods, from famous, high-end products to domestic ones.
After a tour to the historical vestiges of the Philippines in Manila, you can return to the city center and immerse yourself in the world of shopaholics. Here, you can drop into Greenhills and Greenbelt Shopping Centers or Mall of Asia among many other shopping centers to take pleasure of the modern face of this city.
Once you go shopping in Greenhills Shopping Center, you will surely go back again and again. Greenhills Shopping Center is located in Greenhills, San Juan, a residential area that used to be populated mostly by upper-middle class Chinese-Filipinos. Thousands of stalls sell cheap goods here such as clothes, crafts, pearls, which are favorite products of tourists because the Philippines is one of the cheapest sources of pearls, native delicacies, gadgets, especially cell phones, shoes, bags and furniture. Stalls with similar wares are generally grouped together.
Sitting on an expansive and prime area squared by Makati Avenue, Paseo de Roxas, Arnaiz Road and Legazpi Street is the Greenbelt Mall, a complex of five contemporary buildings. What is truly unique about this mall is that each section (Greenbelt 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5) has its own style of architecture and features. Greenbelt 1 is more concentrated on electronics and home appliances. Greenbelt 2 is comprised of fine dining restaurants. Greenbelt 3 has high- end retail shops on the ground floor, and coffee shops that have become the favorite hangout place for many coffee lovers. The smaller Greenbelt 4 compared to Greenbelt 3 accommodates classy shops such as Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferregamo, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Gucci and other high-end shops. Greenbelt 5’s main features are the shops of top-caliber Filipino designers though there are also imported high end shops like Patek Philippe, Rolex, Panerai, Zara and more.
Then, you can go to the largest mall in the Philippines, the 6th largest mall in Asia – the Mall of Asia. Basically, it is a big mall where you can watch movies and party all night. This is the best place to go if you want to escape the frying weather in Manila.
After a long day touring through the history and some of the best shopping centers of the Philippines, you can relax at vivid bars and night clubs of Manila. You can go to Greenbelt club or The Fort to drink a glass of whiskey, dance and join in fabulous parties. For those, who like strange experiences, Hobbit House Club built in architectural styles of the Hobbit in the “Lord of the Ring” movie will be a wonderful place, where all waiters and waitresses are dwarves.
You cannot enjoy enough of Manila in a day; however, it is enough time for you to have a glimpse at the history, culture and lifestyle of this city – the gateway of the Phillippines.
A glimpse into the past
As different forms of medieval fortifications, such as the citadels, redoubts and star forts were developed during the Middle Ages, it's not a surprise that almost all of the examples of these structures are found in Europe. But Filipinos need not go to Europe to see these kinds of structures, as several were built by the Spanish during colonial times.
Within two hours by horse carriage or a half day on foot, you can have a glimpse into the past of the Philippines in this citadel.
Great destination for shopaholics
When reminding of shopping, most of people think of Thailand, Singapore or Malaysia and ignore Manila, where gathers a variety of leading shopping centers of Asia. As an economic, cultural and tourist center of the Philippines, Manila offers an abundance of goods, from famous, high-end products to domestic ones.
Once you go shopping in Greenhills Shopping Center, you will surely go back again and again. Greenhills Shopping Center is located in Greenhills, San Juan, a residential area that used to be populated mostly by upper-middle class Chinese-Filipinos. Thousands of stalls sell cheap goods here such as clothes, crafts, pearls, which are favorite products of tourists because the Philippines is one of the cheapest sources of pearls, native delicacies, gadgets, especially cell phones, shoes, bags and furniture. Stalls with similar wares are generally grouped together.
After a long day touring through the history and some of the best shopping centers of the Philippines, you can relax at vivid bars and night clubs of Manila. You can go to Greenbelt club or The Fort to drink a glass of whiskey, dance and join in fabulous parties. For those, who like strange experiences, Hobbit House Club built in architectural styles of the Hobbit in the “Lord of the Ring” movie will be a wonderful place, where all waiters and waitresses are dwarves.
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