jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 06 : Manila Cathedral - Intramuros, Manila

There is only one thing I did not like about Manila Cathedral – crowds of tourists everywhere (outside and inside the church). But no wonder Manila Cathedral is such an amazing place not just for worship and you don’t need to be a catholic to appreciate this amazing site. I always visit this church whenever i go to Manila which turned out to be a good choice since i could walk almost everywhere in Intramuros.

What excite me most with my recent visit to Manila Cathedral was to get inside the church (after years of closure).It is fascinating to view it from the outside, but it is when you stand inside its walls that you realize the grandiosity of the place.

It’s not difficult to transform a simple trip to Manila Cathedral into a memorable travel experience. I think most of the visitors of this church (including foreigners) aren’t there to see the statues or the ceiling of the dome, they are there for a chance to spend a few moments admiring the remarkable beauty of the newly renovated Manila Cathedral.

Visiting the CAthedral is a remarkable experience, but can be ruined for many by some simple things,but, with a little forethought, you can make your experience a memorable one for all the right reasons. My visit concluded by an unexpected sense of optimism and hopefulness that clearly had been missing in me. Thank you so much Manila Cathedral.

Quick Facts on The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica

Church Information

Names : The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica

Founded : 1571

Architectural type : Neo-Romanesque

Location : Cabildo corner Beaterio, Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila 1002

Main attraction : The façade of the cathedral bears a Latin inscription,  Tibi cordi tuo immaculato concredimus nos ac consecramus (English: We consecrate to your immaculate heart and entrust to you (Mary) for safekeeping).“Reduced to the ground seven times” is how historians describe the Manila Cathedral Basilica and when it was reopen again everyone gets the chance to experience the beauty of this church.

The Good and the Bad : My Wawa Dam Experience and Pamitinan Cave

The good and the bad. That simple description sums up my experience while visiting Wawa Dam in Montalban Rizal.

March 17, 2014

Summer’s almost here, so i thought i take a break and look for a nearby place to visit and relax. Let me tell you, it was a pleasant experience.I felt, it was the appropriate time to recharge my soul by enjoying all these unique experiences.My special thanks to Dexter for joining me in this trip.

This entry is for people who are serious about traveling cheap. In a couple weeks i will have several entries of my travel -cheap series. I'll cover some of the places that is merely within the Metro, but will take saving money to a cheaper level.

The Good

*While not as inexpensive as any other destination Wawa Dam is a great place to visit for people like me who doesn't have enough budget for an expensive vacation.
*You can buy vegetables and fruits on a cheaper price.
*Great place to relax and enjoy mother nature, at the same time you have the option to swim.
*Perfect choice for family and friends.Dexter and I  had a great time with at least four hours spending in the dam with bottles of beer.Being a shutterbug i was able roam around the place and take some good pictures.


The Bad

*Smoking: People smoke cigarettes everywhere, all the time and with no hesitation whatsoever. I hate it, but have little hope that this will change in the future.
*Going to wawa dam you will pass a slum area where people hang out, sell veggies and fruits, even sleeping and living in their barong-barong. The shacks built on top of each other and the stink of urine is dreadful in the place. Definitely don't walk in this area at night, so better get out of the park before dark.
*It's a totally bad idea to go to Wawa Dam on Sundays! The place is full of people that it negates the whole concept of relaxing weekend. You cannot appreciate the place and the scenery.
*The necessity of insect repellant, and after getting bit on the neck while enjoying the view, I'm here to stress the importance of it.

Funny that I came to Wawa without any expectations, but i went home with relevant life’s lessons beyond my love for travel and nature’s appreciation.

How to get there: There are two ways to get to Wawa Dam.

*Ride an FX from Cubao going to Montalban, their terminal is near the stairs of MRT Cubao station.Fare is 50 pesos, then at Montalban ride a jeepney going to Wawa Dam, Fare is 8.00.Then walk for 10 minutes to reach the Wawa Dam Park.

*Ride a jeepney from commonwealth terminal all the way to montalban (50 pesos), then take another jeepney/tricycle ride to Wawa Dam(20 pesos).

Fast facts that may help you on the tour:

*Weekend is a big no-no, i suggest you make your trip on a weekday if possible, and this is for obvious reason of having less tourists so you can have the place all to yourself.

*You may also try exploring the Pamitinan Cave, but be sure to have a guide and proper gear to get into the cave.

*Be sure to haggle for the price of nipa hut if your staying only for 3-4 hours ( we pay 50 pesos).

Note: Credits to the owner of some photos.

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 05 : San Vicente de Paul Church - San Marcelino, Manila

I have always like going to churches. I love the structures and the inner peace it gives me. And, I feel some nostalgia whenever i visit this particular church in San marcelino. Ask me why and i tell you why.

Quick Facts on San Vicente de Paul Church

Church Information

Names : San Vicente de Paul Church

Founded : 1883

Architectural type : Baroque

Location : 959 San Marcelino Streetermita, Metro Manila (02) 525 7853

Main attraction : The Church was originally built as a chapel in 1883 and was use as parish church of Paco from 1898 to 1909. The concrete parish church was built in 1912 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of the Vicentians and Sisters of Charity in the Philippines.

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 04 : St. Pancratius Chapel - Paco, Manila

What is a trip to Manila City without seeing Paco Park's famed Cemetery, whose imposing magnificent structure leaves no question as its beautiful history and connections. But many people miss this place and its relevance to the society.

This park served an important part in our history, because this is where the three martyr priests, GOMBURZA, was interred. But much more than that, this is where Dr. Jose Rizal, Our National Hero, was laid to rest after being shot in Bagumbayan. 

Paco Park is open everyday from 7 AM to 5 PM, entrance fee is P10.00, the park is maintained by National Park's Development Committee and the chapel is under San Vicente de Paul Parish.

This is definitely a wonderful place to sit and relax for a while.

Quick Facts on Church of the St. Pancratius Chapel (Paco Park) 

Church Information

Names : St. Pancratius Chapel 

Founded : 1807

Architectural type : Baroque

Location : San Marcelino Street, Paco, Manila

Main attraction : Paco Park is a recreational garden area and was once Manila’s municipal cemetery built by the Dominicans during the Spanish colonial period. Some notables people is connected with the Paco Park. A romantic spot at the heart of the metro and a good spot for photo shoots and wedding venue.