Vagabond

Bisita Iglesia

2010-08-08T04:17:00.000-07:00

I've always been fascinated by the architecture and history of the old Catholic Churches. That's why it broke my heart when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Bohol, Philippines in 2013 and brought some hundred year old churches to ground zero. I was due to travel to Bohol a week after the earthquake and never got the chance to see those magnificent structures. But here's my collection of the old (some new) Catholic churches as I travel around the Philippines . Please let me know if there are some corrections.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pasig City was built in 1573.

Binondo Church, also known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Binondo, Manila was founded in 1596.

Virgen de Regla Parish in Lapu-Lapu City was established in 1735. Virgen de Regla is known in Spanish as the La Virgin Morena. So why is she dark skinned? She was originally hand carved by St Augustine who is from Hippo, Africa and of course, in honor of their color, he made her skin dark.

The National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help or Baclaran Church in Baclaran, Pasay City and was built in 1932. This is blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1981 and is authorised by the Holy See to remain open 24 hours a day throughout the week.

This is a five century old building of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church in Bantayan Island, Cebu.

Sto. Nino de Cebu Church in Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City. The roof is designed from the Portuguese hat of Magellan.

The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene also known as Saint John the Baptist Parish and informally as Quiapo Church is shrine to the miraculous Black Nazarene and was founded in 1586.

The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in Cebu City was built in 1595 and is one block away from the Sto Nino Church.

Sto Nino de Cebu in Cebu City. The church holds the oldest and miraculous image of the infant Sto Nino which was given by Magellan in 1521 to the wife of Rajah Humabon.

Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral or the Baguio Cathedral was built in 1920 and is adjacent to the Session Road.

Sto Domingo Church in Quezon City was built in 1588.

The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the 8 distinguished churches inside the walls of Intramuros, Manila. It was built in 1571 and is currently the residence of Cardinal Bishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle

Episcopal Church of St Mary the Virgin in Sagada, Mountain Province built by the American Missionaries during the 1900's. Sagada is 95% Protestant.

Basilica de San Martin de Tours in Taal, Batangas built in 1575. This is the largest church in the Philippines and of Asia which also withstood the fury of Taal Volcano for so many years.

St. Paul the First Hermit Cathedral in San Pablo, Laguna was built in 1586.

Basilica Minor of Infant Jesus and Immaculate Concepcion in Batangas City was built in 1851.

The Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag, Ilocos Norte was built in 1612 on a sandy foundation and sinks 1 inch every year. This is beside the St William Cathedral which I wasn't able to take a snap of.

The Church of Saint Augustine, commonly known as the Paoay Church was completed in 1710 and is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage.

The St. Paul’s Cathedral in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur was built in 1641.

Invencion De La Sta. Cruz Parish Church - Alitagtag, Batangas

Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Antipolo Cathedral) - Antipolo City, Rizal

The first missionaries of Antipolo were Franciscans. The Jesuits administered the church from 1591 to 1768. Built by the Rev. Juan de Salazar S.J., the church was ready for Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje in 1632. The church was greatly damaged during the Chinese uprising of 1639 and in the earthquakes of 1645, 1824 and 1883. For three centuries now, this church has been the object of pilgrimages all over the Philippines.

Basilica of Our Lady of Charity - Agoo, La Union. The church was founded and completed in 1578 by Franciscan friars, Fray John Baptist Lucarelli of Pesaro, Italy and Fray Sebastian de San Francisco of Baesa, Spain.

Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned - Sta Ana, Manila

St Joseph Parish Church - Carmona, Cavite

Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay Church - Taal, Batangas. In 1603, a fisherman named Juan de Maningkad found what is now known as the image of the Caysasay Virgin while fishing in the river. The image was said to frequently appear in the place where it was found and, in 1611, a church of light materials was built in the area. This was replaced in 1639 by a stone church that was damaged during the 1754 and 1852 eruptions of the Taal Volcano. The church was rebuilt in 1856 only to be damaged again during the 1867 earthquake. It was later repaired and improved under the supervisions of Fr. Marcos Anton, the Italian painter Cesar Alberoni, and Fr. Agapito Aparicio. It has undergone renovations since then. The image of the Caysasay Virgin is enshrined in the church except on Fridays when it is brought to the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours.

The small chapel atop the 'Sementeryo sa Ilalim ng Lupa' in Nagcarlan, Laguna was built around the 1500's. Below this chapel is a creepy cemetery where the Katipuneros of Laguna used to hold their secret meetings.

Church of St. Nicholas of Tolentino - Sinait, Ilocos, Sur. Sinait houses the Sanctuary of the Miraculous Statue of the Black Nazarene (El Santo Cristo Milagroso), fondly called by its residents as "Apo Lakay," and a treasure of Ilocandia.

St James the Greater Parish Church - Ibaan, Batangas

Built on May 1817 by the Spanish Friars.

Transfiguration Chapel in Caleruega, Nasugbu, Batangas. This may not be as grand as the other churches but this is definitely where I want to get married if ever I opt for a church wedding.

Church of Saint Louis, Bishop of Toulouse in Lucban, Quezonn Province was initially created in 1593 and where the colorful Pahiyas Festival is celebrated.

The church overlooking the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine still in Lucban, Quezon Province.

Lemery Church - Lemery Batangas

The Saint John The Baptist Parish in Liliw, Laguna was founded in 1605. Liliw is the Tsinelas Capital of the Philippines.

Our Lady of Mediatrix of All Graces (Spanish: Nuestra Senora de la Medianera de toda gracia; Italian: La Madonna Mediatrice di tutte le grazie; Tagalog: Aming Inang Tagapamagitan ng lahat ng Biyaya) is an alleged Marian apparition that took place in the Carmelite Monastery of Lipa, Batangas, Philippines, to a religious postulant, Teresita Castillo.[1] The apparition is known in the Philippines for the rose petals which showered within the vicinity of the monastery, some bearing religious Catholic imagery which believers hold to be miraculous.

Our Lady of Mt Carmel - Lipa City, Batangas. Amid the busy city of Lipa stands a church where solemnity and serenity can be best experienced — The convent of the contemplative order of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. This church is well known among Batanguenos and perhaps to most Filipinos for this happens to be the site of the mysterious shower of rose petals decades ago.

St. Gregory Church of Majayjay in Laguna was completed in 1730. It was the biggest church in the Philippines during that time.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Tagaytay City, Cavite

Our lady of the Assumption Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur is now a National Historical Landmark and was inculuded in the World Heritage List in 1994. One can reach the Baroque church in 82-steps. It house the image of a meter tall, Dark Virgin of Santa Maria. It has two huge columns that flank the church's facade.

A church turned into a museum inside the Villa Escudero Hacienda and Plantation in Tiaong, Quezon Province.

San Sebastian Cathedral or Lipa Cathedral in Lipa City, Batangas was built in 1605.

Pink Sisters Church - Tagaytay City, Cavite

Church of the Immaculate Conception - Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Saint Jerome Emiliani & Saint Susana Parish - New Alabang, Muntinlupa

St. John of Sahagun (St John the Baptist) of Candon, Ilocos Sur was built in 1695 by Father Pedro Bravo. It was damaged by an earthquake in 1707 but was rebuilt in 1709. The Church has a baroque-style facade. The four-storey octagonal belltower has an alternating open and blind apertures, a balustrade and is topped by a campanille.

Saint John the Baptist Parish Church - San Juan, La Union. Established in 1707 under the care of the Augustinian missionaries, the church, convent and even the town of San Juan were destroyed during the 1898 Revolution. After the Spanish-American war, its restoration was led by its first Filipino parish priest and a native of San Juan, Rev. Fr. Mariano Gaerlan who was one of the “Nine Clerics” of the Nueva Segovia who fought for our liberation.

Balaoan Church or the Church of St. Nicholas of Tolentino is located at Balaoan, La Union. It was built in 1829 to 1839 and was finished in 1864. It suffered minimal damages during the 1880 earthquake but was repaired in 1891. Its bell tower, constructed in 1700, was the only one in the province that was built separately from the church.

St. Joseph Church in San Jose, Batangas was built by the Augustinian friars around 1788. It measure 60m long and 14m wide. It also has a Baroque and neo-classic facade and a single-aisled interior, which offers an unobstructed view of the large main altar. The altar is massive, with six rounded columns encircling the image of St. Joseph. Outside, a multi-tiered belfry stands, which was built in the later 19th century. A bridge offers passage to the church over the Malaquing Tubig River.

St. Lucy the Martyr Church in Sta Lucia, Ilocos Sur was built by Father Juan Pascula Barreda and Father Manuel Arguelles in 1887. Its dome and ceiling was repaired and the surroundings were reinforced by Father Venusto Mata. its bell tower was damaged by an earthquake but was repaired eventually. It's one of the most beautiful churches in Ilocos. Its interior has a painted ceiling, pulpit and a carved retablo.

The Church has an image of the Dark Virgin of Santa Lucia, the patroness of those with failing eyesight.

Calamba Church or The Saint John the Baptist Parish Church was built in 1859 but was destroyed during World War II. Fr. Dimaculangan headed the reconstruction of the church. As you can see on the photo, the evidence of its old age is visible. I have seen a lot improvement on this church since we grew up going on this church. Not only that the church is an old church but it was also a historical site. This is where our national hero Jose Rizal was baptized. The Rizal Shrine was just beside the church.

St. Josemaria Escriva - Gerona, Tarlac

St. Mark the Evangelist Church in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur was built from 1695-1696 by Father Andres Canalejo. Many reinforcements were done to the church's structure after a lot of destructions. It has a baroque facade divided into two levels with a semicircular arched main entrance held by paired doric columns and blind segmented windows on the first level.

Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Bauang, La Union and is one of the oldest church in the country. The church was founded in 1580 and was canonically finished on 25 April 1587 by the Augustinian missionaries.

St. William the Hermit Church - Magsingal, Ilocos Sur

Sto Nino de Cebu Parish - Binan CIty, Laguna

Chapel at the Marian Shrine - Balete, Batangas
Marian, as popularly referred to by Batanguenos, is a religious park composes of European inspired shrines which are not only attraction to devotees on Lenten season but to locales and people from other cities and provinces on regular days.

Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Magdalena, Laguna was built in 1829. The Brains of the Katipunan - Emilio Jacinto was brought here when he was wounded by the Spanish Soldiers. This was built during the Spanish Era using forced labor.

St Stephen Protomartyr Church in Ligao, Albay

Nuestra Señora de Patrocinio Parish Church of Boljoon was built around the 1700's. In 1999, the National Historical Institute declared it a National Historical Landmark. The following year, the National Museum declared it as a National Cultural Treasure.

Sta Rita Cathedral in Bontoc, Mountain Province

Padre Pio National Shrine in Sto Tomas, Batangas. A church which is made entirely of bamboo.

Ateneo de Naga University Chapel in Naga City, Camarines Sur

Penafrancia Shrine in Naga City, Camarines Sur

St Francis of Assisi Church in Sariaya, Quezon was built in 1599

The castle like and miraculous Simala Shrine in Sibonga, Cebu

St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Carcar, Cebu

The Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza Church in Sibonga, Cebu

The St. Francis of Assisi Church in Naga, Cebu

Showing my cousins around Metro Manila

2010-07-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

Tourist Guide for the day!

Luneta Park

Manila Ocean Park

Sunset by the Manila Bay viewed from Ocean Park

White Moon Bar at Ocean Park

Robinson's Manila

Ice Skating Rink at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA)

Marina Way going to San Miguel de Bay at the back of MOA

Giligan's Bar at San Miguel de Bay

San Miguel de Bay

San Miguel de Bay

Crossing from MOA to San Miguel de Bay

San Miguel de Bay

San Miguel de Bay

San Miguel de Bay

Sunset at San Miguel de Bay

Globe at the facade of MOA

Doctor Fish at Star City

Snow World at Star City

Ferris Wheel at Star City

Horror Booth at Star City

Impostora set at the ABS-CBN Complex

Pinoy Fear Factor set at the ABS-CBN Complex

Umagang Kay Ganda set at the ABS-CBN Complex

Pinoy Big Brother House

Globe of MOA

NAIA

Going To and Around Subic

2010-07-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

Going to Subic was never a plan. Original plan was Antipolo but the resort was already fully booked at the last minute. We decided to search for other resorts in Bulacan but to no avail since it was summer and all were either fully booked or too expensive. So we decided to go to Subic! We resort hopped again, ran from a resort (we ate and did not pay corkage!), went around and about Subic, slept in the van till we found the perfect resort! T'was all worth it - from the food, accomodation, camera whore company till the last roundabout in Subic!

Hinulugan Taktak and Via Dolorosa

2010-07-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

It was a April 02, 2010 - Good Friday - everyone else were either out of town or doing their religious obligations. We were just lying in our apartment with nothing to do while everybody were in full spirit for the Holy Week. Joey was thinking of where to go. She googled the internet til she came to the Hinulugan Taktak homepage. So off we went - fresh from night shift, no shower, with just our sling bags and the determination to kill boredom.

We took a bus at the corner of Mother Ignacia Ave. and EDSA since the MRT was not in operation for the holiday. We took off below Shaw MRT station then rode a jeep in front of Starmall along Shaw Blvd going to Antipolo City, stopped at the front of Ynares Center and rode a tricycle going to Hinulugan Taktak.

Hinulugan Taktak literally means 'where the bell was dropped' during the Spanish era. The story goes that villagers got so annoyed by the harsh clanging of the church bell that the priest decided to drop it into the stream.

The entrance fee was only P8. The trees are lush green but we were disappointed by what we saw. At the bottom of the legendary falls were all garbage - diapers, soda cans, plastics, styrofoams. I guess the internet reviews about the waterfalls are way superficial.

Despite the floating trash, the waterfalls itself is still picture perfect but the air around it is kinda filthy.

This place has been proclaimed as a National Historical Shrine last 1990 but I wonder why the falls itself is not maintained when it is supposed to be the main attraction of the park.

The place is great for group outings and picnics since there is a supersized pool and umbrella cottages. There are also rooms for rent and the public toilet is so so.

I love the 100-step-stairs but don't try it if you don't have much stamina! (though I was not able to count if it was indeed a hundred :)).

After unwinding for a while at the top of those flight of stairs, we decided to go to Via Dolorosa (Pinagmisahan) or popularly called as White Cross as per recommendation by the tricycle driver which is just an uphill away.

On top of Pinagmisahan Hills are the enormous White Cross and the outsized image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. It is a grotto-like hill that welcomes pilgrims from everywhere.

Expect to encounter life-sized images of the station-of-the-cross along the way to the top of the hill to sacredly reflect the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Observe silence at all times because it is considered as a sacred place. No cameras and food allowed inside - hmmmpppp - I still hate Joey for being an angel to me that day but I still managed to steal one shot with the White Cross at the background!

We deserve a Cornetto after an exciting Good Friday!

Tagaytay Picnic Grove

2009-10-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

The drive to Tagaytay is one to two hours by bus. We took a bus from Taft MRT station at the front of Metro Mall via the Coastal Road going to Nasugbu but we dropped off at Olivares Terminal then took a jeep going to Tagaytay Picnic Grove.

It is located in Brgy. Sungay in the east end of Tagaytay City where families can get together to fly kites, kids can run around the green terrain or simply have picnic on the soft grass while watching the panoramic view of the Taal Volcano.

The Picnic Grove is known for its camping sites, eco-adventure trail and horseback riding adventures.

Inside the Picnic Grove, there are a lot of cottages available for rent depending on the size and overlooking the magnificent Taal Volcano, Taal Lake and the coastal towns of Batangas.

You can have a good view of the Taal Volcano at the view deck while enjoying the breeze and taking pictures.

To challenge your stamina, you can proceed to the Tagaytay Picnic Grove Eco-Adventure Trail which takes you to a more exciting view of the Taal Volcano, via a more rigid pathway.

The Eco-Adventure Trail

To the entrance of the Eco-Trail is a hanging bridge made of long connected boardwalks which hangs on top of shrubs and trees.

A new attraction in the Picnic Grove is the Tagaytay Ridge Zip line and the 5 minute Cable Car which is a breathtaking ride of 60km/hr as you fly high on a zip line up to 300 feet off the ground.

Zip lining involves gliding along a suspended steel cable, using a pulley and climbing harness atop a tropical temperate forest. Duration of the ride is approximately 20-30 seconds.

View of the Taal Volcano and Taal Lake from the plane. Taken during my flight from Cebu to Manila.

We also stopped by the souvenir area at the left side of the main entrance where we bought Tagaytay shirts at amazing haggled prices. There were also a lot of other pasalubong stuff at super low prices especially if the saleslady knows that you're a Bisaya too :) . We went back to Manila at around 6pm and the bumper-to-bumper traffic in Cavite was unbelievable. Good thing we were just snoozing in the air conditioned bus.

Olango Island Bird Sanctuary

2009-10-04T22:03:00.000-07:00

Olango Bird Sanctuary is so far the largest home to migratory birds found in the Philippines. These birds came from Siberia, Northern China and Japan.

Olango Island is directly in front of Mactan Island, Cebu crossing the Hilutungan Channel. We took a pump boat ride beside Hilton Hotel in Punta Engaño going to Barangay Santa Rosa.

In Santa Rosa port, we took a 'habal-habal' ride going to the marine sanctuary. You can also hire tricycles if you have a big group.

I forgot how much exactly was the entrance fee but it was below P100. A tour guide will then take you around with a state of the art telescope so you can view the birds in long distances.

This is a walkway going to the observatory cottage. It was fun hopping in the stones. The water was also inviting but we were not able to bring any swimwear.

It was high tide when we went there so we were not able to see a lot of birds. This bird has been confiscated by DENR from a local resident. They are not allowed to capture any birds from this protected area.

The birds use Olango as a major refueling station as well as a wintering ground. At Olango, the birds can replenish their fat reserves by feeding on rich supply of marine life in mudflats.

Actually, Olango Island is just their 'transit' station going to their winter vacation destination from Siberia or China to New Zealand and Australia, then back again.

Olango is blessed with marine life - corals, fishes, mangroves.

This is the observatory cottage where we viewed the birds from afar. Also notable is the V-formation of the birds while they are flying.

Malabuyoc, Cebu

2009-10-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

The Municipality of Malabuyoc is located 126 kms southwest of Cebu City which is 3 hours away by bus.

It is a 5th class municipality. The place is so rural, it doesn't have any banks, colleges, gasoline stations, pawnshops. The main source of living is farming and fishing. The place is so peaceful.

There are no pension houses or inns in Malabuyoc. But courtesy of our office mate, Christine Creus, we stayed in this mansion, referred to by local people as the 'White House', owned by the most prominent family in Malabuyoc, the Creus clan.

When we arrived, everything was already prepared. From our spacious rooms to the sumptuous meals.

We go around town by riding 'habal-habal' or motorcycles. Other transport means were 'trisikad' and 'tricycle'.

Our first stop was the 'mainit' cold spring.

'Mainit' means hot - i don't know why they gave such name since the water was so cold.

The deepest level was only 4 feet and the water was flowing.

Next stop was the hidden falls known as the 'aransana' falls. We were warned by local people not to make too much noise coz we might disturb the fairies and 'the others' living here. But we can't contain our excitement. I'm sure they will understand that we were just mesmerized by the place.

We trekked the stony path going here. Along the way, there were rock formations and of course, lush greens. The path was kinda hard but it was worth it.

The depth directly below the falls was about 6 feet. The falling water was so therapeutic to the body.

Going back to the 'White House'.. There was a hanging bridge going to a small cottage at the middle of the sea.

The mountains at the background is Negros. Malabuyoc is directly in front of Negros crossing Tañon Strait.

There is also a fish sanctuary nearby. Cruising in the fish sanctuary - the corals and fishes are so visible in the clear waters. This is protected by the local government and absolutely no fishing allowed.

Bantayan Island

2009-10-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

We departed at 4am to Santa Fe port since it is 2 hours away from Cebu City. During rush hours, travel time may take up to 4 hours because of the heavy traffic at the Mandaue - Consolacion area.

The ferry ride going to Bantayan Island is only 30 minutes but it may take up to an hour depending on the waiting of other passengers to board the ferry.

Bantayan Island port

Our cottage in Kota Beach Resort

Sugar Palm Beach

Kota Beach Resort - white sands, green waters, blue skies... what more?

Kota Beach resort - the view to the right side of the cottage

Romantic getaway

Green waters, warm climate, sexy ladies :0

Kayaks for rent at Kota Beach

A vine, covered walk leading to the other side of the plaza

St Peter and Paul Church - Constructed in 1839 and completed in 1893, it is considered as one of the oldest church in the country with walls made of coral stones. It has probably the thickest walls of all the churches in Cebu.

Jesus Christ grotto erected directly in front of the church's entrance

An old house in town

Rizal monument in the town plaza

Shangri-la's Mactan Island Resort and Spa

2009-10-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

The name "Shangri-la" was given to a legendary paradise in the Himalayan mountains which promised eternal youth, peace and happiness as immortalize in the novel "Lost Horizon" by British author James Hilton. So just by the word itself, every stay promises tranquility and comfort.

I live just 1.5 miles away from Shangri-la, here in our little island paradise called Mactan Island. I've been here a couple of times but that was only for swimming, dining or just looking around. But I stayed here for an overnight of 2 days last 2007 (courtesy of a friend who married a German).My first observation was with their maximum security. The moment we enter the main entrance, there were many security personnel inspecting our car and K-9 dogs sniffing around. A few meters afters, there is another security check. Then after all the security checkpoints, we drove through a pocket forest with a mini zoo before we get into their main lobby. And the K-9 dogs were there waiting to sniff us again! But no worries, these huge, fierce-looking dogs are so tame and friendly, I even gave one a cuddle. Check in process was so convenient since it wasn't peak season, coupled with the warm smiles of the front desk staff.

Our room was in the 8th floor seaview. The view was spectacular! The room smells fresh and feels so homey. There were many amenities and features which includes color tv with cable tv reception, CAT 5 internet access, pay per view, IDD telephones with bathroom extensions, fully stocked mini bar and refrigerator, in-room locker, tea and coffee making facilities, hair fryer, bathrobe and slippers, central air conditioning with individual control, voicemail message and wake-up call service, laundry and valet service.

The most popular restaurant is Tides at the garden level. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. They serve grill, Asian, noodles, Japanese and cold. At night, we went to Cowrie Cove, a chill out bar with in-house disc jockey. It opens from 6pm to 2am and located at the seafront, next to the boat jetty. They have live seafood with sushi counter and oyster bar. The Lobby Lounge at the main lobby also have live band performances. But if you feel lazy, you can order room service from their international menu and it will be bought to your room in a stylish presentation by a handsome and smiling in-room dining attendant. They also have other restaurants (which i haven't been to). For Chinese cuisine, there is Tea of Spring. If you opt for anything italian, you can go to Acqua.

Shangri-la has two swimming pools. The main pool is a multi-level 1,500 square meter surface swimming pool and sundeck areas with separate children's pool while the other is 700 square meter called the Infinity pool at the front of the Ocean wing. Beside the main pool is the Buko Bar and Grill where there are cultural shows on certain days. The shore is a 350 meter beach cove with beach volleyball court. There is a small rock island on the beach called the Paradise Island with a cozy cabana where you can relax, sip tropical drinks or have some spa services. They have a marine sanctuary just below this little island where you can go swimming while fish feeding. When you step into the water, the fishes will surround you and they will be begging you for food. Just make sure that you ask the beach attendant for bread or else the fishes will bite your hands. No! Just kidding!

They also have a Seasport Centre for all water sport rentals. You can rent a sailboat, water ski, wake or knee board, jet ski, windsurf, pulled float ride (banana boat, my favorite!), snorkel set and kayak. They also have 3 plexi-pave tennis courts, a 6 hole pitch and putt golf park, the Galleon club for kids, the Toddler zone for younger kids. For billiard games, table tennis, mahjong, dart games and board games, you can check out Treasure Island. They also have a gym, health club massage and salon.

The name "Shangri-la" was given to a legendary paradise in the Himalayan mountains which promised eternal youth, peace and happiness as immortalized in the novel "Lost Horizon" by British author James Hilton. So just by the word itself, every stay promises elegance, tranquility and comfort. It is 8 kilometers away from the domestic and international airport of Mactan. It is conveniently located facing the Hilutungan Channel with the Magellan Bay at the back.

I live just 1.5 kilometers away from Shangri-la, here in our little island paradise called Mactan Island. I've been here a couple of times but that was only for swimming, dining or just looking around. I have stayed here for 3 days (courtesy of a friend!).

My first observation was with their maximum security. The moment we enter the main entrance, there were many security personnel inspecting our car and K-9 dogs sniffing around. A few meters after, there is another security check. Then after all the security checkpoints, we drove through a pocket forest with a mini zoo before we get into their main lobby. And the K-9 dogs were there waiting to sniff us again! But no worries, these huge, fierce-looking dogs are so tame and friendly, I even gave one a cuddle. Check in process was so convenient since it wasn't peak season, coupled with the warm smiles of the front desk people.

Our room was in the 8th floor seaview. The view was spectacular! The room smells fresh and feels so homey. There were many amenities and features which includes color tv with cable tv reception, CAT 5 internet access, pay per view, IDD telephones with bathroom extensions, fully stocked mini bar and refrigerator, in-room locker, tea and coffee making facilities, hair fryer, bathrobe and slippers, central air conditioning with individual control, voicemail message and wake-up call service, laundry and valet service.

The most popular restaurant is Tides at the garden level. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. They serve grill, Asian, noodles, Japanese and cold. At night, we went to Cowrie Cove, a chill out bar with in-house disc jockey. It opens from 6pm to 2am and located at the seafront, next to the boat jetty. They have live seafood with sushi counter and oyster bar. The Lobby Lounge at the main lobby also have live band performances. But if you feel lazy, you can order room service from their international menu and it will be bought to your room in a stylish presentation by a handsome and smiling in-room dining attendant. They also have other restaurants (which i haven't been to). For Chinese cuisine, there is Tea of Spring. If you opt for anything italian, you can go to Acqua.

Shangri-la has two swimming pools. The main pool is a multi-level 1,500 square meter surface swimming pool and sundeck areas with separate children's pool while the other is 700 square meter called the Infinity pool at the front of the Ocean wing. Beside the main pool is the Buko Bar and Grill where there are cultural shows on certain days. The shore is a 350 meter beach cove with beach volleyball court. There is a small rock island on the beach called the Paradise Island with a cozy cabana where we relaxed, sipped tropical drinks and have some spa services. They have a marine sanctuary just below this little island where we went swimming while fish feeding. When we stepped into the water, the fishes surrounded us and begged us for food. But the beach attendant gave us a couple of stale bread to feed them.

They also have a Seasport Centre for all water sport rentals. You can rent a sailboat, water ski, wake or knee board, jet ski, windsurf, pulled float ride (banana boat, my favorite!), snorkel set and kayak. They also have 3 plexi-pave tennis courts, a 6 hole pitch and putt golf park, the Galleon club for kids, the Toddler zone for younger kids. For billiard games, table tennis, mahjong, dart games and board games, you can check out Treasure Island. They also have a gym, health club massage and salon.

CHI spa... 'Chi' is the spa brand of Shangri-la Resorts. Shangri-la Mactan is the first resort to have Chi. It has an area of 10,000 square meters and is the largest spa facility in Southeast Asia. I haven't been here though because the services are so expensive. Also worth mentioning is the Ocean Pavilion and The Marquee which are perfect for conventions, conferences and any big events. Oh how I dreamed having my wedding ceremony at the Ocean Pavilion with the sea as the backdrop.

My Shangri-la stay was truly memorable and cherished. I was totally in awe by the fact that despite its grandeur and elegance, they are able to maintain a calm, friendly and personal environment to their guests. The best thing that struck me the most is the 'warm hospitality' of the staff - warm smiles, nothing fake... Truly Filipino.

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Manila Ocean Park

2009-09-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

Manila Ocean Park (MOP) is a state-of-the-art oceanarium, open water marine habitat, boutique mall, hotel, restaurant row and function facilities all located in one complex. It is located at the back of Quirino Grandstand and near Rizal Park - the most historic place in the Philippines. It is strategically located in Manila Bay - the perfect place in the Philippines for the most romantic sunset. It's just around 30 minutes away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. It is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., which also owns the Ocean Park Hong Kong.

MOP's oceanarium had its soft opening on March 01, 2008. Soon to open are the marine-themed mall and the H20 hotel, theme park, outdoor pools and restaurants. Because of it's many features aside from the oceanarium itself, it is larger than the Sentosa Underwater World oceanarium in Singapore in terms of floor space. But Sentosa's underwater acrylic tunnel which is 83 metres (270 feet) is far longer than MOP's 25 metres (82 feet).

Sections of the Oceanarium:

1. Agos (Flow) - this is a rain forest theme with an artificial waterfall that flows into different tanks displaying Philippine flora and fauna.

2. Bahura (Reef) - 46 tanks that feature the very colorful Philippine underwater rain forest. It features the life forms found in our coral reefs.

3. Laot (Fishing Ground) - Four big distinct aquariums that displays an assortment of fish in all sizes and colors.

4. Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean) - the heart of the oceanarium! This is a breathtaking 25 meter walk along an underwater tunnel. It provides an awesome experience of the living ocean.

5. Ang Kalaliman (The Deep) - The barracudas are here!

6. Pagi (Overhang Tank) - A variety of Pagi's or sting rays fly over you while you're under this unique overhang tank.

7. Pating (shark) - the special tank for all the predators of the sea - the sharks! The oceanarium journey ends here.

After the long walk, you will exit to the magnificent view of the historic Manila Bay. There is the Ozeano Restaurant located at the 2nd floor which brings together a variety of cuisines from around the world. A never-to-miss is the souvenir shop. What caught my eyes are the cute nemo stuffed toys in neon colors. There are also other attractions that I'm sure you want to try. After the long walk in the beautiful oceanarium, you might dip your feet in the Fish Spa where you will find a spectacular species of fish commonly known as the Doctor Fish, so named for the wonders they have know to do for people with skin related diseases. Watch as these small fish nibble away only the affected and dead areas of the skin leaving you healthy skin to glow. Another attraction is the Glass Bottom Boat Ride which offers a wonderful view of the Living Ocean. You can watch them literally swim under your feet. Another recently opened attraction is The Mermaid Show Which starts last September 15 until December 30, 2009. MOP is 1 hour away by plane from my place. I can't wait to experience the new attractions and the complete feeling once the entire complex will be fully operational. I'm sure it will be a big blast specially to the ocean lovers like me!

P.S.
Admission is so affordable. It's only P400.00 (8.4701 USD, 5.3167 GBP) for adults and P350.00 (7.4113 USD, 4.6521 GBP) for kids 4.5 feet and below. They offer big discounts for corporate events and school educational tours. MOP is open from 8:00am - 7:00pm on weekdays and from 9:00am - 8:00pm on weekends and public holidays.