Okay, let's admit it. When asked about their potential tourist destinations, Filipinos tend to look away from the local cities and are eager to go to the provinces instead. Such exotic places as Sagada, Tubbataha and Anilao come to mind. One might say that the chances of a Filipino even mentioning Philippine provinces to go to for sightseeing are slim at best. Instead, such a Filipino would elect to go to other shores for his/her fix of culture and keepsake pictures. Before packing your bags and buying your travel tickets, though, why not consider staying in Manila for a while and checking out its own notable tourist destinations? The Department of Tourism is in the middle of a large-scale effort to promote the City of Manila as a big tourist site, and for local sightseeing, Intramuros, the famous walled city of the Spanish era, now offers most of Manila's most notable spots.

Manila Cathedral
Gen. Luna St.

This 16th-century cathedral has been torn down by earthquakes and wars, but is also constantly rebuilt afterwards. Its last reconstruction was after World War II. Today it is a favorite setting for nuptials.

Clamshells I and II
Anda cor. Arzobispo Sts.

What might be considered as the Department of Tourism's biggest project in Intramuros, the big white Clamshell Tents showcase all the different Philippine regions' crafts and artwork. For the month of February 2003, the Department of Tourism has prepared an extensive program to show the best of the Southern Tagalog region, with a very wide variety of activities such as the crafts demonstrations of weaving, finger-painting and woodcarving. The department touts that by encasing the best of Southern Tagalog in Intramuros, "now you don't have to travel to enjoy a provincial tour." For those interested in traveling to Region IV, however, local tour agencies are on hand. On the day of the visit, students from the nearby Colegio de San Juan de Letran were present for a field trip to Clamshell Tent I, proving the educational benefit of the Clamshell Tents and their activities as well. Admission is free.

San Agustin Church and Museum
Gen. Luna cor. Real Sts.

Another church within Intramuros, the San Agustin Church and Museum is 400 years old. Care has been taken after World War II to divert heavy trucks away from the vicinity of the church, as their harsh vibrations seriously affected the church's foundations. The museum showcases many historical and religious relics brought in by the Spaniards during their colonization of the Philippines. Various paintings and statues of saints are showcased here, as well as the evolving religious vestments of Spain and the Philippines. The adjoining gardens of the church are a wonder to behold as well. During my visit, an Anne Frank exhibit was also up for display, as with copies of the book "Anne Frank: A History for Today" being sold at the tourist counter. Camera buffs will be pleased to know that this is a site that welcomes picture-taking for some of its sections, although as in many European churches, flash photography is strictly forbidden.

Next >>>