mobius strip

San Antonio Winery

2011-11-08T06:49:00.000+08:00

One of the best place in downtown LA for wine tasting. Why? Because best things in life are FREE! Everyone is enable to try 3 different wines for free and if you want to try expensive ones, of course they'll charge you for it. I love this place because everyone is friendly and very accommodating. Contrary to what they are saying that you can only try 3 different wines for FREE, I think we tried 5 wines and they don't even care at all (well maybe because we bought a lot). Moreover, people love buying wines here because they sell it cheaper. And for 6 bottles or more, they'll give you the wholesale value, which is really really cheap. Like, Stella Rosa, in the market they sell it for $12.50 and up but here in San Antonio Winery they give it for $7-8 if you buy 6 bottles or more! Great deal right? Best gift for the holidays!

Here's their website: http://www.sanantoniowinery.com/

Villa Escudero, Tiaong, Quezon

2009-07-08T02:45:00.002+08:00

Here is what I recommend to all who visit our country. Villa Escudero promotes the rich culture of the Philippines. You will be able to experience an extravagant ride in a “kalesa”. You’ll experience to eat using your bare hands while your feet is soaked with the running water from the man-made falls. Every afternoon a cultural show is presented, it enables you to witness different cultural dances like tinikling, pandango sa ilaw, and more. Facilities like swimming pools, conference halls, church are also present. It is also very educational to visit their museum.

With one-day pass, you’ll be able to experience a package full of Filipino culture.

How to get there?
From Manila, take the bus with a signboard of Lucena. Along the way tell the driver to stop at Villa Escudero. It is very accessible because it’s along the National Road.

Contact an agency for the entrance fee. The last time I’ve been there that was in the year 2005, if I’m not mistaken it was only 850.

Kamay ni Hesus, Lucban, Quezon

2009-07-08T02:06:00.006+08:00

Kamay ni Jesus is a wonderful grotto portraying a life size station of the cross. At the top of the hill, you will see the overview of the city of Lucban. Here is where Fr. Faller conducts his healing mass every week. A lot of visitors from different nation visit this wonderful grotto.

How to get there?

From Manila take the Lucena-bound bus and get off at the intersection gouing to Tayabas and City Proper. Cross the road to the left and you’ll see jeepneys going to Lucban.

There is no entrance fee but if you are going to use the parking lot there is parking fee.

San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila

2009-07-08T01:16:00.001+08:00

San Agustin Church, Intramuros

This church has been standing at the heart of the walled city "Intramuros", since 1607. It is known to be the oldest church in the Philippines. It has become a tourist spot since they made a museum and opened it to public and its a historic landmark as well. I personally love this church for a reason that you'll experience a walk during the spanish era as you tour around the facility. The antiques, the paintings, the architectures, the structure--- everything seems to be preserved to its original form.

Manila Ocean Adventure

2009-07-08T01:10:00.001+08:00

Manila Ocean Adventure-- May 20, 2009

This was my last getaway with my cousin Jhoanna before I left Manila and before I left the Philippines. It just opened when we went there. Well, although they just opened it was almost complete when we went there. And it surprised me as well coz it's the first aquarium I ever visited in my whole life. I definitely recommend it to family with small kids. Kids will surely love it and also those who are kids by heart.

Manila Zoo

2009-07-08T00:48:00.003+08:00

Manila Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Philippines. It first opened in the year 1959. The highlight of this zoo is the elephant, Mali. Make sure you will not to miss that one. This zoo is not only for education but also for entertainment purposes as well. Currently it is the home of 500 animals of different species.

Another highlight is the Kinder Zoo, wherein you can interact with the animals. You can touch them and have a picture with them. However, the entrance fee in Kinder Zoo is different and a little expensive than the main zoo. But then, you will enjoy a wild experience of touching those animals.

How to get there?

From Divisoria, ride a jeepney going to Harrison Plaza. You’ll see Manila Zoo at your right side. It’s just along Quirino Ave and Adriatico St. It’s very accessible to Manilenos.

Entrance fee is 40.oo pesos for adults and 20.00 pesos for children.
Kinderzoo has a different entrance fee of 40.oo pesos per head.

Lake Caliraya, Cavinti, Laguna

2009-07-08T00:34:00.002+08:00

Caliraya is said to be “A Lake Kissed by The Sun”. It is a man-made lake built by the American Engineers during 1930’s. It was constructed to supply hydroelectric power to Southern Tagalog Region. Today, it has become a major tourist destination of the country.

Caliraya Country Club offers various activities like water skiing and wind surfing. However, for a low-budget tourist like me, sightseeing is enough already. I visited the antique dam that is one historic landmark of Caliraya. In there, you will be able to feel free, to inhale fresh air and to view the wonderful lake. You don’t have to be rich to enjoy what this place has offer.

One fascinating spot there is the Japanese Garden. It is a cemetery that symbolizes the amity and friendship of Japan and Philippines. Japanese soldiers who died during the World War II were buried there. Benches and picnic huts are available wherein visitors can sit and enjoy their snacks. It offers a very nice scenery overlooking the lake. It appears more like a park than a cemetery.

How to get there?

From Manila, take a bus going to Sta.Cruz in Laguna and get off at the Pagsawitan, Pagsanjan terminal. Take a jeepney or tricycle that brings to you to the Sta. Cruz terminal. The jeepney will pass thru Pagsanjan, it will turn left then pass thru Lumban, turn to the right to climb the mountain road to Caliraya.

Japanese Garden entrance fee is only 15.00 pesos.

Paco Park, Manila

2009-07-07T23:30:00.004+08:00

Manila is such a bustling place. It triggers my migraine all the time. However, this city also provides relief from the stresses it brings.

Paco Park is one extravagant place to sit and relax. Ironically, this paradise can be found at the heart of the busiest city in the Philippines. This national park is also known as the oldest cemetery in the city because it was built during the Spanish era. Our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was buried here after his execution in Luneta. The 3 martyrs who were known as the GOMBURZA were also rested in this place.

I soothe myself by sitting on a bench under a big Acacia tree inside this park. For only 5 pesos, you’ll be able to revitalize your mind from the tension that the metropolis brings.

How to get there?

The famous landmark is UP Manila. Take a jeepney ride that will pass along UPPGH in Taft Avenue then get off at Padre Faura Street. Walk across the street away from UP then you’ll find Paco Park.

Entrance is only 5.00 pesos.

Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila

2009-07-07T23:28:00.004+08:00

Fort Santiago is a defense fortress of the Spaniards. Its location was once the site of the kingdom of Rajah Sulayman but then when the Spaniards came they destroyed this native settlement and built the Fuerza de Santiago.

It is a historical place because Jose Rizal was imprisoned here before his execution. In addition, 600 Filipinos who were massacred by the Japanese during World War II were buried in the White Cross located inside Fort Santiago. Rizal Shrine or Museum can also be found in this place, it exhibits works and some personal belongings of our national heroes. At the topmost part of Fort Santiago, you’ll be able to take a nice view of the Pasig River.

How to get there?

Take a jeepney ride from Pasig or Punta to Quiapo-Pier then get off to Red Cross Port Area. Cross the road then pass the Intramuros gate. Turn left then you will eventually see the gates of Fort Santiago.

Entrance is 75.00 pesos for adults and 50.00 pesos for students. (make sure to bring a valid student ID)

Pueblo Por La Playa, Pagbilao, Quezon

2009-07-07T23:24:00.003+08:00

Pueblo Por La Playa or “town by the beach” is a Mexican inspired residential and country club. Unfortunately, it is not open to public, you have to be a member or know a member instead.

You will never get bored in here because the site has a lot to offer. It has 2 swimming pools, 11 villas, a restaurant and a reception area. They also offer spa, beach volleyball, snorkeling, jet ski, banana boat and other sport activities.

How to get there?

From Manila, ride a bus going to Lucena City. In the Grand Central Terminal, you will see Pagbilao Bound jeepney or van. Take a ride and get off at Greenview Hotel located at the National road going to Pagbilao City. Take a 30 minute tricycle drive and you’ll find Pueblo Por La Playa at your left side.

No fees for members.

Manila Cathedral

2009-07-07T20:44:00.000+08:00

Manila Cathedral is the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Manila. It was built during the Spanish era in the year 1581 inside the walled city called Intramuros. During its 400-year history, the cathedral was destroyed several times due to earthquakes and fire. The current structure is the sixth incarnation of the cathedral.

Manila Metropolitan Cathedral is also well known for its huge pipe organ. It was built in 1958 by Flemish pipe organ company. The cathedral was not able to use the pipe organ for 15 years because it has to be repaired. Then, on December 2006, they re-launched the Manila Cathedral Pipe Organ.

The façade of the structure is adorned with bronze carvings representing important historical episodes. The impressive altar is a tribute to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception; a German Artist designs the frontispiece of the high altar. The artistic designs of the stained glass windows are mostly products of a contemporary Filipino Artist named Galo Ocampo.

The Cathedral today offers a mini museum at its right side and it is free. The exhibits are all about the historical background of the church. And there where I learned that Manila Metropolitan Cathedral is the mother of all churches in the Philippines.

How to get there?

A famous landmark that is near to Intramuros is SM City Manila or Central Station of LRT 1. What I do is to walk from SM Manila to Intramuros gate and ride a pedicab directly going to the cathedral.

Another way is to ride a jeepney going to Quiapo-Pier, one famous landmark is Red Cross Port Area. From Red Cross all you have to do is walk across the street to the Intramuros gate. Just walk straight and you will find the Cathedral at your right side.

Of course, the best way is to hail for a taxicab. :)

Taytay Falls, Majayjay, Laguna

2009-07-07T20:42:00.001+08:00

Taytay Falls is one extravagant destination for a low-budget traveler like me. It is proximate to the town of Lucban, Quezon and so it is very convenient for me to get there. Rooms are also for rent at the area proximate to the pathway going down to the falls. Concrete toilets and showrooms are also made accessible to the visitors who will be staying near the falls and it is open 24/7 for public use.

Taytay Falls appeared to be approximately two storeys tall, however its silent ambience gives a contemplating surrounding for those who visit this fantastic gift of nature. The crystal-clear water, the cold mist in the air, the verdant trees, the slippery boulders, these are priceless proofs that Taytay Falls is untouched by human hands.

How to get there?

From Lucena City Quezon, you should take a 30-minute jeepney ride going to Lucban, Quezon. From the town of Lucban, take another jeep going to Majayjay. Then you’ll see a board that says “This way to Taytay Falls”. Go down there and hail for a tricycle they will bring you straight to your location.

Another way is from Manila, take the bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. From the station, ride a tricycle to Sta. Cruz Market and there you will find a jeep that will lead you to Taytay Falls.

Entrance fee is only 10.00 pesos.