BORACAY ISLAND, AKLAN

Boracay Island is a small island located in the Philippines located approximately 300 km south of Manila. Boracay Island and the beaches of the island has gained so much fame and even awards from many numerous travel publications and agencies.

BANAUE RICE TERRACES, IFUGAO

One of the major appeal of Banaue rice terraces to the local and international tourist are the many hiking trails in the area. There are many young locals, mostly college students who serve as guides. But with or without a guide, you will find the friendliness and warmth of the Ifugao people endearing.

MAYON VOLCANO, ALBAY

Classified as a stratovolcano (a volcano made up of layers of lava alternating with cinder and ash) Mount Mayon or Mayon Volcano is very much active and is located in the in the Bicol Region, in the province of Albay, on Luzon Island, Philippines.

CHOCOLATE HILLS, BOHOL

The most famous tourist spot of Bohol which marked the symbol of this Province is in the Municipality of Carmen. These unique landform known as “Chocolate Hills” was formed ages by the uplift of coral deposits and the action of rainwater erosion. The hills are scattered throughout the towns of Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan, and consist of 1,268 of the same general shape.

TUBBATAHA REEF, SULU

The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 130,028 ha, including the North and South Reefs. It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands.

Showing posts with label Malacañang Palace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malacañang Palace. Show all posts

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Malacañang Palace

11:53 PM  , ,  No comments

MALACAÑANG PALACE
Perched overlooking the Pasig River, the sprawling palace complex dates to the mid-18th century when it was built originally as the residence of a Spanish aristocrat before becoming the office of the Spanish and, later, American governor-generals. It's been the official residence of the Filipino president since 1935. Only the Museo ng Malacañang is open to tourists and is highly recommended for anyone who's interested in both political history and colonial architecture.

It features fascinating displays of memorabilia relating to the 15 Philippines’ presidents since 1899. Highlights include president Quezon's office, the room dedicated to the First Ladies and Ferdinand Marco's original 20-page decree proclaiming martial law (it was here in 1986 that the palace grounds were stormed during the People Power Revolution that overthrew the Marcos' government). The building itself is magnificent with gleaming polished floorboards, high ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, ornate wood panelling and capiz windows.

To visit you'll need to be super organised and book 10 days in advance – which can be done back home before you leave by simply emailng the palace with your contact number, how many people are in your party and attach photocopies of all passports. Otherwise book a tour through Old Manila Walks, which can arrange everything and combine a palace visit with an excellent walking tour of the area.

The original structure was built in 1750 by Don Luís Rocha as a summer house along the Pasig River. It was purchased by the state in 1825 as the summer residence for the Spanish Governor-General. After the June 3, 1863 earthquake destroyed the Palacio del Governador (Governor's Palace) in the walled city of Manila, it became the Governor-General's official residence. After sovereignty over the Islands was ceded to the United States of America in 1898, it became the residence of the American Governors, with Gen. Wesley Merritt being the first.



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