Reason#57 Fort Santiago

Now that's a ferocious looking gate!

Tidbit from the Intramuros Administration

Nice to know:


A prominent part of Intramuros built in 1571, this is one of the oldest fortifications in Manila. It has undergone multiple repairs and renovations through the centuries, so we're not really sure how far it looks from its original form. Nonetheless, it's still a must-see.


What they say:


Instead of simply taking photos, I should have listened more intently to the tour guide while he was discussing the interesting historical details about the Fort. I shall return. - Alvin

Reason#53 Heritage Houses of Pila, Laguna

Heritage Houses (and very clean streets) in Pila, Laguna; photo contributed by Joey Ablaza

Pila Municipal Center, Laguna; photo contributed by Joey Ablaza

What they say:

“Bayang Pinagpala” is Pila’s endeared name.  It is a town blessed with a long history of noble existence and doubly-blessed with evidences of its glorious origins. - Dr. Luciano Santiago

I feel that after discovering Pila, Laguna, my idea of it as the Vigan of the South is an understatement. Just an hour's drive from Manila, being there was like taking a ride in a time machine. Fact is, I could almost feel that a Spanish Guardia Civil would appear out of one those well-preserved Spanish colonial houses. - Joey Ablaza

Reason#83 The Ruins of Talisay City

"Golden brown" photo borrowed from Gege Sugue

What they say:

Run your hands to the posts and walls and feel the marble-llike effect of high grade concrete. - copied verbatim from the sign at the location

[I love Bacolod because...] the food is good, everything is near, and my ancestral home The Ruins is there! - Jayvee Fernandez; http://abuggedlife.com

The highlight of the day, and probably the whole [Bacolod] vacation was our visit to The Ruins in Talisay City. This is a gorgeous, gorgeous place bathed in golden sunlight and covered by the romantic history of a family. My husband nimbly organized cocktails and dinner overlooking the mansion. - Gege Sugue; http://islandhopper.blogspot.com, http://gegeflipspages.blogspot.com

Here's proof:

Sumptuous dinner overlooking the Ruins, photo by Gege Sugue

Reason#20 White Water Rafting

Looks like brown water rafting, but still fun! - photo by Rina Alcantara

Nice to know:

White water rafting along Cagayan River is the main tourist attraction of Cagayan de Oro.

Why it's in the list:

Some people fly from Manila to Cagayan de Oro in the morning, schedule for a pick-up by the rafting operators, splash around on the river for a few hours, grab something to eat, then fly back to Manila. A very efficient adventure trip is what it is.

If you're the adventurous type, I would recommend the "advanced" course because the basic course doesn't offer too many opportunities to flip the raft. "Why would anyone want to flip the raft?" you might ask. It's loads of fun, I tell you.

Reason#27 EDSA

One early Saturday afternoon at Edsa...

Nice to know:

EDSA (not Edsa) stands for Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.

Why it's in the list:

It's the busiest avenue in Metro Manila. Traveling along this path during rush hour is an adventure in itself.

Reason#26 Taal Volcano

Imagine yourself in a Taal Volcano adventure trek. Exciting! - early morning photo from palyulph.org

Why it's in the list:

A volcano within a lake within a volcano. How cool is that?

Reason#28 Mayon Volcano

Aerial view of Mayon Volcano by Jerome Evangelista

Mayon Volcano's perfect cone - photo by Ina Flores

Why it's in the list:

It's a gorgeous volcano because of its symmetrical cone.

The fact that it is a very active volcano adds to its dangerous appeal.

Reason#29 Chocolate Hills

Has any one of you actually gone close enough to take a bite out of one of these hills?(photo contributed by Agnes Pangan)

Nice to know:

There are close to two thousand jumbo mounds scattered across three towns: Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan in Bohol.

Why it's in the list:

I have to admit, I do crave for chocolates whenever I see photos of these amusing natural works of art. - Anonymous Chocolate Addict