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1 O C T O B E R History & Culture The Philippines is a nation carved by rich, colorful and fascinating historical events that shaped it to what it is now. Throughout its history, the country has been invaded, colonized, annexed and seized by other nations which left behind their distinctive imprints and landmarks seen all over the country. Elsewhere in the Philippines there are countless sites and landmarks that speak of its rich past that shaped the country and its people. Manila itself abound with historic structures from the Spanish colonial era that lasted over 300 years. Malacanang Palace, for example, the official residence of all Philippine presidents since 1935 was originally built by a powerful and wealthy Spanish don in In this issue of the Philippine Travel Gems, we offer you a glimpse of the country s vivid history by featuring three of the iconic historical sites in the country: Intramuros, Corregidor, and Vigan. Intramuros is the oldest known district of Manila. Originally constructed in the 1600s to house ranking Spanish officials who took over the reins of the country, the fortified city is characterized by classical European architecture. Today, a glimpse of that illustrious past can still be experienced. The crumbling walls of the nearby medieval Fort Santiago, its dark dungeons and underground chambers present a strong contrast against today s modern skyline. Another important part of Philippine history is the island of Corregidor, also known as The Rock. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines, Corregidor became the headquarters of the Allied Forces. The site where American and Filipino soldiers made their last stand against the invading Japanese forces, Corregidor now stands as a lasting witness to the moving saga of a war that claimed so many lives. A visit to this former battleground is a memorable experience to those who value and cherish peace and freedom. Up north, Vigan City offers a unique perspective to what life was like during the Spanish occupation of the Philippines. Cobblestoned streets and old brick houses that line the city are living proof of the country s long association with Spain. Come and experience the rich Philippine heritage by visiting the beautifully preserved historical sites across the country.

2 2 OCTOBER 2016 PHILIPPINE TRAVEL GEMS INTRAMUROS INSIDE THE WALLED CITY INTRAMUROS, or the Walled City, one of the premier tourist destinations in Manila, should be in the bucket list of every balikbayan, tourist and student of history when they visit the Manila. It was also known as Ciudad Murada, because of its most famous feature: a nearly three-mile long circuit of massive stone walls and forticiations that almost completely surrounds the entire district that protected the inhabitants from attacks during the Spanish colonial era. Not surprisingly, Intramuros, Manila s oldest district is heaped in history. A visit to the museums provides a glimpse on the history of the Philippines and life during the early period of Spanish settlements. Within the protective walls rose a city of stone palaces, churches, monasteries, convents, schools, and fine courtyard. In the years that followed Manila (meaning Intramuros) served as the capital of the Spanish East Indies the center of commerce, education, government and religion. During World War II, at the height of the fierce battle of Manila between the allied forces of American and Filipino soldiers against the Japanese army, Intramuros was almost completely destroyed. After it was restored, the Walled City was declared a National Historical Monument in Today, Intramuros stands as a testament to Manila s colorful and illustrious past. Within its enclave can be found the Palacio del Gobernador, once the resident and office of the Spanish governorgeneral in late 17th century; the magnificent Manila Cathedral; Casa Manila, an architecture which resembles a typical Spanish Mansion; San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines and is now one of UNESCO s World Heritage sites; Baluarte de Dilao, a defensive structure with 12 cannons. Completely surrounded by moats, entry to the Walled City was through the gates strategically located on the east, west, north and south. Of its original eight entrances, which has been destroyed especially during World War II, only a few has been restored including Puerta Real, once the Royal Gate to the Walled City used exclusively by the Governor General for special and stately occasions, but is now a beautiful garden; Puerta del Parian, which used to be the entrance of Chinese merchants in Old Manila, and the Parian de Arroceros, which is now a walkway for most students of Lyceum of the Philippines. Other features worth visiting is the Philippine Presidents Gallery, a site where murals of past presidents are displayed; and the Reducto De San Pedro, a structure outside the walls which used to store cannonballs. A visit to Intramuros will not be complete without seeing Fort Santiago. Within the fort grounds are an oasis of manicured gardens, plazas and fountains that leads to the barracks where Dr. Jose Rizal was detained during his trial. It is now a museum where the memorabilia of the Philippine National Hero are displayed. While in Fort Santiago, be sure to walk to Falsabraga De Media Naranja, the part of Intramuros which offers a great view of the Pasig River. View the dungeons, the place where hundreds of Filipino and American POWs were tortured and killed by the Japanese folces. Not far is the Memorial Cross, also known as the Shrine of Freedom, dedicated to 600 Filipinos who were found dead inside a nearby dungeon during World War II. Also of interest is the cellbock where Rizal spent his last night and where he wrote his famous Mi Ultimo Adios. Brass footprints set into the pavement mark the hero s final steps to the execution spot in nearby Rizal Park. THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE INTRAMUROS To get the most of your experience, there are three ways to best explore Intramuros: By calesa - First used on the streets of Manila in the 18th century, these horse-drawn carriages can usually be found waiting for passengers near Fort Santiago. A nice, old-fashioned way to get around Intramuros. On foot - Walking from one attraction to another is a popular way to get around Intramuros. Just mind the cars: there are almost no pavements to speak of so pedestrians usually share space with automobiles. It is even possible to walk on some sections of the old city walls. By tricycle - Another popular and practical way of getting around is by riding the tricycle, not only because it is cheap but also because most tricycle drivers are knowledgeable enough to take you around to all the sights.

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4 4 OCTOBER 2016 CORREGIDOR A RENDEZVOUS WITH HISTORY PHILIPPINE TRAVEL GEMS Battery Way The disappearing guns of Battery Crocket. Not far from Manila is an island that holds so much history. Corregidor is one of the most important battle sites in the Pacific Theatre during World War 2. A tour of Corregidor takes you through hidden pathways to barracks and other structures riddled with bullet holes, big guns and cannons still standing but are now silent, as well as ammunition storage, all testaments of the the sacrifices and bravery of thousands of American and Filipino soldiers amidst the indescribable horrors of war. The island is divided into three parts: Topside, Middleside, and Bottomside. The Topside consists mostly of the fortifications and is where most batteries are located, the most famous of which are Battery Way, Battery Geary, and Battery Crocket, Battery Hearn and Battery Grubbs. The Topside also features the skeletal remains of the Mile-Long Barracks, that used to house the quarters of American officers and enlisted personnel. Just across is the Pacific War Memorial with featuring the Eternal Flame of Freedom, a tall steel structure erected to commemorate the hopes, struggles, and sacrifices and aspirations of the Philippines and the United States. The other memorial structure is the circular altar whose dome is perfectly positioned to have the sun shine exactly through its oculer every 6th of May at noon, commemorating the fall of Corregidor. Also found in the Topside are the ruins of Cine Corregidor (a former cinema), a museum where war memorabilia, photos, letters and even vintage plane models are on display, and the Spanish Lighthouse, located at the highest point of the island. The Middleside is home to the ruins of the Middleside Barracks, the Army Hospital, YMCA and the Youth for Peace campsites, an aviary that houses endmic and foreign varieties of birds and the Filipino-American Friendship Park. The Bottomside is where the docks are located, including the Lorcha Dock where the statue in honor of Gen. Douglas MacArthur stands. The Japanese Garden of Peace as well as other parks are also located in the Bottomside. One of the fortiifications in the island is the engineering marvel that is the Malinta Tunnel. This bomb-proof storage facility runs for over 800 feet with several lateral tunnels branching out on each sides. It was the last stronghold of the joint Philippine and American military prior to the Japanese takeover during the last world war. Today, Malinta Tunnel is home to an audio-visual presentation of the events that took place on the island during WWII. Corregidor offers so much information for the history buff with huge interest in the events of World War 2 in the Pacific. But for the sons and daughters of war veterans, a trip to Corregidor is an emotional and learning experience. For the young, it serves as a grim and painful reminder of what a war can bring to humankind. Battery Geary. Pacific War Memorial Los Angeles Richmond Patrick L. Jimenez Touism Attache Phil. Department of Tourism 3660 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 216 Los Angeles, CA Tel. (213) Fax: (213) pdotlosangeles@gmail.com PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM UNITED STATES OFFICES: New York: Zeny Pallugna Officer-in-Charge Philippine Tourism Center 556 Fifth Ave., New York New York, Tel: (212) Fax: (212) pdotnewyork@gmail.com San Francisco Purificacion S. Molintas Tourism Attache Phil. Department of Tourism 447 Sutter St., 5/F, Suite 507 San Francisco, CA Tel: (415) Fax: (415) philtoursf@gmail.com Filipino Heroes Memorial Lights & Sound Show at Malinta Tunnel

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6 6 OCTOBER 2016 PHILIPPINE TRAVEL GEMS A TRIP TO THE PAST VIGAN VIGAN If you haven t been to Vigan, then you re missing a lot! With its unique Spanish colonial history in Asia, its well-preserved Spanish monuments and edifices, and thriving cultural heritage, Vigan City became part of the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 2, Vigan s appeal is timeless: from the structures that make you feel like you re traveling back in time to the attractive and unique antique furniture, from the local fabric called abel and other Iloko products to the delicious food delicacies such as bagnet, longganisa, miki, empanada and locally cooked sinanglao and okoy. Be dazzled by the opulence of this nostalgic city with its horse-drawn carriages (kalesa), and ancestral houses inspired by Spanish, Mexican and Chinese architecture. Walk back in time through the cobble stoned alley of Calle Crisologo, where ancestral houses stand as a reminder of the bittersweet events during the Spanish colonial period. The best time to enjoy Calle Crisologo is before dawn or after dusk, when the place is devoid of hustling and bustling tourists, when all the stores are closed, and the street is mostly quiet. One of the most prominent landmarks in the city center is the colossal Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral also known as the Vigan Cathedral. This centuries old church, inspired by Baroque architecture, features buttresses designed to withstand earthquakes. Its interior is as stunning and as beautiful as its exterior. Ribbed ceiling, Machuca-tile flooring, two intricate pulpits standing parallel to each other, and beautifully detailed stained glass panels are only some of its unique features. The cathedral houses the statue of Our Lady of Charity, believed to be the oldest Marian image in Ilocos and features a the stunning Bantay Bell Tower that stands on a hill that offers you a picture perfect scenery. Vigan s colonial opulence is very evident in thecity s many ancestral homes and museums like the Crisologo Museum and the Syquia Mansion. The Crisologo Museum, an ancestral house owned by Vigan s famous clan features hardwood floors, intricate furniture, lavish bedrooms, and green walls from which hang numerous portraits. Meanwhile, the grand Syquia Mansion, home of Elpidio Quirino, the sixth president of the Republic of the Philippines, features thick stone walls on the ground level and painted wood on the second floor. Occupying almost a whole city block, the mansionwraps around a central courtyard on the second floor. On its walls hand numerous paintings: three original Amorsolos and a replica of Juan Luna s masterpiece, the Spolarium. To lend more authenticity to your Vigan experience, visit Arce Mansion and play-act any of the Noli-Me- Tangere-esque characters. Be a smashing dona or a well-respected ilustrado, perhaps a fat prayle, or a simple indio. Whatever character you wish to assume for your visit, Arce Mansion has the perfect costume for you. With its antique furniture, wood flooring, creepy portrait paintings, and capiz windows, the mansion will provide you an ideal background for your colonial-era inspired photos. The city also offers other attractions, such as a black sans beach, a modern dancing fountain, a free-roaming zoo, pottery shops and abel textile work stations. Check out Vigan City s Baluarte, a zoo where nonpeople eating animals roam freely. The zoo is home to deer, camels, miniature horses, impalas, ostriches, and tigers, plus a slew of bird species. The zoo, which is absolutely free of charge, also features a petting zoo and a butterfly garden. Don t forget to visit Pagburnayan, the iconic pottery place in the city, where hand-crafted earthenware pots are made. Add to your Vigan cultural experience by visiting one of the abel textle work stations and see the locals weavers create a fabric with unique and varied designs. Then after your day s activities, take a leisurely walk at Plaza Salcedo and be wowed by the Vigan s Dancing Fountain Show featuring lasers and lights synched to popular music. Then cap your Vigan adventure by dining in one of the popular restaurants serving authentic Vigan cuisine. So what are you waiting for? Go to Vigan, and step back in time to a period that is quaint, romantic and truly magical. Where To Stay in VIGAN CITY There are numerous places to stay while in Vigan City. There are backpacker inns, moderately-priced lodges and luxurious hotels to choose from. The most interesting accommodations are renovated ancestral houses converted as lodgings. It s also preferable to find a place near the Meztizo District where Calle Crisologo is located since most of the tourist spots and restaurants are only a hop away from there. in VIGAN CITY Whether you re looking for authentic Ilocano cuisine, traditional Filipino meals or the comfort of western dishes, Vigan City has it all. Restaurants, cafés and even fast-food chains abound in the city. Be sure to also check out the street food carinderia scenes in the area for a legit taste of Bigueño eats. A list of must-eat in Vigan includes empanada, okoy, longanisa, bagnet and poqui-poqui. Riding the kalesa is the way to tour Vigan.. Vigan Cathedral Plaza Salcedo s Dancing Fountain. Bantay Bell Tower Pagburnayan Pottery.

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