Manila’s Secret Garden

I am sure there are a lot of you who are not aware that a garden as beautiful as this exists here in Manila. This is the Father Blanco’s Garden. Located right inside the San Agustin complex in Intramuros.

The garden was originally put up by an Agustinian Friar, Manuel Blanco, who is also considered as the Father of Philippine Botany. Father Blanco was the first person to have published a complete guide to Philippine flora and Fauna through his book Flora de Filipinas

Unfortunately, the garden was not spared of the World War II bombings. The ruins of Father Blanco’s garden is a favorite spot for wedding receptions and pictorials.

Back from the trip

My Benguet-Ilocos Sur-Ilocos Norte trip is finally over. I have just arrived here in Manila. Cebu Pacific flight 5J-403 was delayed for an hour because the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) south wing runway was closed.

Please watch out for my Ilokandia series, soon! In the meantime…first impressions first:

Baguio: its still cold, but not as cold as before. No more fog attacks during lunchtime.

Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur: My first taste of Ilocandia. People are very warm and friendly. A very quiet and peaceful town, screaming for our attention.

Vigan: The town lived up to its title as the Heritage City. Vigan Tourism office must work to remove those motorcycles parked along the Calle Crisologo. A city, worthy to be inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Laoag: Quite a small city. Nothing much to see here actually. Local goverment must do something about its electrical poles and lines. It’s an eyesore.

And finally….i would just like to thank those who have made my Ilokandia tour a big success. To Llyod and Leila, for arranging my Baguio itinerary. To Bles, for tellimg me where to dine. Angelie, for arranging my Ilocos plans. And to Julius, for letting me discover your wnderful city. To all of you, Agyaman ak!

Baguio Trip

Hello Everyone! Naminbg na Malem!

I am now here in the summer capital of the Philippines. The City of Pines, Baguio City, Province of Benguet.

I arrived here very early in the morning at 4AM. My day has been very busy. At 5:30 in the morning I started my city tour by attending the Holy Mass at the Baguio City Cathedral. My day ended with a visit to the Tam-Awan Village, near the outskirts of Baguio.

Tomorrow will be a less hectic day for me, as I will just be going to the Bell Tower near the provincial capital La Trinidad. Other items on list for tomorrow includes some pasalubong shopping. I might be buying jats of peanut brittle, chocoflakes, and lots of keychains.

Tomorrow night, I will then be speedin up to the Heritage City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. I am not sure if I can go online tomorrow. but my Itinerary for Friday includes a visit to Paoay and Santa Maria Churches, Calle Crisologo, Pagburnayan and many others.

Cya!

Mid year Vacation

As I have mentioned in my previous post, I will be having my mid-year vacation starting today July 18, 2006 to July 22, 2006. And the Destination? Baguio; Vigan and Santa Maria in Ilocos Sur; Paoay and Laoag in Ilocos Norte. If time permits, I will drop by Batac and Sarrat in Ilocos Norte.

I will be leaving for the City of Pines tonight, and expecting to arrive there early in the morning. Part of my Baguio itinerary include a visit to the Bell Church, Tam-awan Vilage, Botanical Garden, Burnham Park, Baguio Public Market and SM Baguio (I haven’t been to this mall yet!).

On Thursday night, July 20, 2006 I will be travelling furter north to the Heritage City of Vigan. From ciudad Vigan, I will be taking a bus ride down to the quiet town of Santa Maria in Ilocos Sur. this town is home to the Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion Church. Another Baroque church inscribed in UNESCO as a world Heritage Structure. From Santa Maria, I will be travelling back to Vigan. A unique Philippine City that has also been inscirbed in UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Part of my Vigan itinerary includes the Vigan Cathedral, Calle Crisologo, Pagburnayan, Chavit Singson’s Baluarte, Agdamdamili tour and Abel Iloko tour.

From Vigan, I will be moving to the town of Paoay to see its magnificent and gigantic baroque church. Paoay Church is also included in UNESCO World Heritage structure.

From Paoay, I will now be travelling further north to the Sunshine City of Laoag. Part of my itinerary includes the Sinking Bell Tower, St. William’s Cathedral, La Paz Sand Dunes, and the Tobacco Monopoly Monument.

Everything’s already been set. Join me as I wander in through the beauty of the Philippines. From the City of Pines up to the Sunshine City of Laoag.

Egypt Holidays