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Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a vibrant city filled with diversity. Sitting beside the oldest tourist attractions of Manila are the newest construction sites, highlighting the consistent change the capital is going through. There's a lot to see this city, sure. But one need not remain content with Manila sightseeing because there are plenty of activities to join in and large exhibits to explore when in this pulsating urban jungle. 1. Intramuros
The oldest district of Manila, Intramuros was built by the Spaniards in the late 16th century to protect the city from foreign invasions. Since then, Intramuros has withstood the American colonization period and the onslaught of World War II, and preserved what became some of the most popular tourist destinations in the city of Manila. Only 2 of Intramuros' 8 original churches survived the war: San Agustin Church, which is the oldest building in Manila; and the Manila Cathedral, the current seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila. Two other relevant sites also found here are:
- Audiencia, which is the ruins of the former Supreme Court building and the Old Commission on Elections;
- Casa Manila, which houses antique furniture coming from as far as China and Europe dating back to the 19th century.
Entrance to Intramuros itself is free and the spacious site is a popular place for holding picnics or leisurely walks under the sun. 2. National Museum of the Philippines
Right next to Rizal Park and sitting near Intramuros is the National Museum of the Philippines. It housed various legislative bodies of the Philippines; and witnessed debates and passing of laws from 1926 to 1972, and again from 1987 to 1997. The repository itself was officially established in 1901 as a natural history and ethnography museum of the country. Visitors are advised to explore each of its 5 floors and know about the rich natural and historical landscape of the Filipino people. For a minimal fee, guests can enter the National Art Gallery and the Museum of the Filipino People from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10 am to 5 pm. 3. Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
Since its foundation in 1969, the Cultural Center of the Philippines has served as the premier setting for the arts, and has produced numerous local and international artistic events. Aside from housing 9 resident companies, the CCP also supports programs for cultural exchanges, online educational resources, and workshops to support the development of the arts and the progress of artists and audiences alike. Among CCP's highlighted event this month is the stage production Rama Hari, a pop ballet musical based on the Indian epic Ramayana, which will run until December 9. 4. Museo Pambata
For the kids and kids at heart, Museo Pambata has hands-on exhibits that make science and social studies more fun. The museum has 8 exhibition halls where children can actively explore nature, learn how our bodies work, and dream about what they want to do in the future. This December, Museo Pambata will be celebrating its 18th anniversary with a fun program for the benefit of underserved children around the metro. There are also lot of free activities to enjoy in the city, such as a long, leisurely walk along Manila Bay and basking in its lovely sunset. And as it's already the Christmas season, there is an abundance of other tourist attractions in Manila like hotels offering buffet meals, bargain centers, and carnivals that you can visit to have fun.
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