❝ AndreAdventures ❞

What time is it? AndreAdventure time! Join me, Andrea G. Posadas, as I take you on a journey through the hidden gems of my homeland, the Pearl of the Orient Seas, the Philippines. Born and raised in Manila, I was hired by the Department of Tourism to create this blog to showcase the Philippines' beauty, along with the 24 other specially recruited working students of Grade 12-Paraclete.

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❝ The Tour’s Beginning, Welcome! ❞

Maligayang pagdating sa Maynila, kababayan!

If you still don’t know by now, my name is Andrea G. Posadas, and in this blog entry, I will serve as your tour guide through several of Manila’s best tourist attractions. 

Being the capital of the Philippines, it is my duty to showcase its once hidden, now shining gems to locals and tourists alike. Rest assured that this tour will make you believe that it truly is more fun in the Philippines.

From shrines that defined or history, to monuments of honor, to a spectacular glimpse into aquatic life, I am here to make sure that you’ll have the time of your life in Manila; there’s so much more to the city than just the places I’ll take you to.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to go on your first AndreAdventure in Manila?

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❝ Destination 01: The Hotel That History Built ❞

From 1898 to this very moment in time, this establishment remains to be one of the most timelessly elegant hotels in the country.

When in Manila, or in any other city for a vacation, it’s a must to find somewhere to stay before visiting all the places on your bucket list. Of course, that place must also have the best and world-class environment and facilities for its beloved guests.

The best hotel (for me, at least) to stay in while exploring Manila? None other than the prestigious establishment built upon our past, the Manila Hotel.

Constructed from Judge William Howard Taft’s plan of making an urban plan for Manila in 1898, the hotel is one of the oldest to exist in the country, and its classic style shows through its design.

As my mouth hung open at the hotel’s grand aura and sophistication, I instantly thought, “This hotel could give Titanic a run for its money.” In all honesty, it was THAT beautiful.

I was completely speechless; I couldn’t manage to get a single word out of my mouth, so I simply observed the hotel’s different rooms and immersed in their vibrance that made my heartbeat pick up its pace - from the chandeliers that twinkled against the light like the world’s finest jewels, to the crystal clear, aquamarine swimming pools, to the comfy hotel rooms that reminded me of home. By then, I was sure that Manila definitely had a lot in store for me.

Experience Manila as if trasnported by a time machine by visiting the Manila Hotel’s official website and booking your own stay for your Manila adventure.

Photos from The Manila Hotel’s official website.

Manila Hotel (Overview)

Hotel Room

Lobby

Champagne Room

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❝ Destination 02: A Splash of R&R at Manila Ocean Park ❞

Let’s unwind before taking a trip down memory lane shall we? After unwinding at the Manila Hotel, it’s time for more rest and relaxation at Manila Ocean Park!

Whether you put this destinaton first, in the middle, or last in your Manila itinerary, there’s no doubt that this splash-tastic water park reels in excitement for the entire family!

My expedition to Manila Ocean Park was a more recent one - just this summer of 2018 with my parents, to be specific. I knew from the moment my eyes met all the water and aquatic animals that it was about time I released my inner Princess Ariel, and become part of their world.

“Difficult” would be an understatement when it comes to choosing my favorite part of my trip to the water park. With all its eye-catching attractions, fun activities that strengthened my bond with my family, and the thrill of conquering my fear of sea creatures by interacting with them, my list of highlights from the trip could go on forever!

However, I’ve come to a conclusion - although it might seem underwhelming to you, my favorite part of Manila Ocean Park trip would have to be exploring its ocean aquarium - or, as they like to call it, the oceanarium - the relaxing fish spa coming a close 2nd favorite. I was greeted by a plethora of majestic aquatic species upon entering. Immediately, I ran up to them, pressing my body against the glass, clearly eager to see them with my own 2 eyes. Some of the aquariums even glowed in the dark, making me feel like I was watching a neon lights show in a spotless theater. 

The ocenarium isn’t the only thing Manila Ocean Park has for its visitors. For the whole 411 on the water park, including special promos that make your trip even more enjoyable, check out their official website.

Photos from manilaoceanpark.com.

Oceanarium

Jellyfish Aquarium

Fish Spa

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❝ Destination 03: His Life for the ‘Malaya’ in Luneta ❞

Seeing Luneta with my own 2 eyes made me wish I had my own monument built in my honor someday. 

Also known as the Rizal Park, this historical landmark in Roxas Boulevard, Manila was built in honor of our national hero, Jose Rizal. The place used to be called Bagumbayan. It is only proper to choose this place as a landmark of honor; this was where Rizal was shot in his fight for Filipinos to be free (in Tagalog, malaya).

He was no Superman, but one thing’s for sure is that he had enough courage to die for our country. He knew how to fight with utmost tenacity and bravery without violence; instead, he used the power of his words - through his timeless literary works, Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed), he was able to speak up for the Filipinos who were too afraid to do so by themselves.

Knowing that Rizal’s acts of nationalism earned him a monument that’s highly respected by Filipinos to this day - a symbol of honor, righteousness, and heroism - Luneta inspires me to keep giving my 100% in everything I do, especially writing, my passion, and to not be scared of voicing out my own points of view for society to hear. If I continuously do so until I eventually achieve my desired success, then I believe that it’s not impossible to see me as a statue, standing proud with my head held high in the middle of my own monument, maybe even right next to Rizal’s!

What I appreciate the most about my trip to Luneta was how respectful and mindful the citizens were of maintaining cleanliness in such a well-known tourist attraction. I expected the area to be polluted with litter carelessly thrown on the ground, but my eyes were blessed by a clean and clear view of the monument. In addition to that, people also practice their discipline at Luneta; they must ask permission from the guards in charge to get their pictures taken by Rizal’s statue.

Because of this, Rappler stated in a July 2017 article that Luneta is definitely the place to go when lacking time to go out of town. 

For more information about Luneta and how to visit the monument, call 302-7079, send a message to [email protected] or follow the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) on Facebook.

Here are some photos that showcase Luneta’s neatness and simplicity, from the Manila Diamond Hotel and FAQ.ph.

Rizal Monument (Up Close)

Rizal Monument (Panorama Shot)

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❝ Destination 04: Fight for the Filipino, Fort Santiago ❞

Heneral Luna at your fingertips, this historical establishment proves that there really is light at the end of every tunnel.

Who would’ve thought that what once became headquarters for the Spanish military is now a sanctuary of freedom that honors our national hero, Jose Rizal?

Located in Intramuros, home to the best preservation methods of Philippine history, this castle-like landmark contains the most valuable historical memorabilia. The highlight of Fort Santiago, the Rizal Shrine, for instance, holds the original copy of Rizal’s final poem, Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell) and his first draft of Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not). I can tell why they were chosen to be preserved; those records would cost an arm and a leg!

The reason why I included this tourist attraction in this list is because it revived my Filipino spirit more than the rest of the places on this blog - it pays homage to the selfless, brave souls who sacrificed their own lives for our country. Being an aspiring writer who gets inspiration from Rizal’s works, I am constantly inspired by his bravery when it comes to fighting for our independence and willingness to die for the Philippines. With that being said, a trip to Fort Santiago is nothing less of an eye-opener in its most captivating form. 

Want to schedule a trip to this renowned establishment? Click here to know more about Fort Santiago and its impression to Filipinos of today’s generation.

Photos by Manila Gateway and Maria Concepcion.

Entrance Pillars (Up Close)

Entrance Pillars (Panorama Shot)

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❝ Final Destination: National Memories at the National Museum ❞

I’ve always thought that Manila was the number one go-to city for tourists and locals alike who wish to learn more about Philippine history. So, what better way to do exactly that than through paying a visit to our last hurrah, the National Museum?

I remember my first trip to the National Museum like it was just yesterday. I was in grade 4, and I wanted to do something nationalistic; it was February 25th, the anniversary of the People Power Revolution. So, I thought of taking a trip to the National Museum to immerse myself in the Philippines’ historical events that earned us our freedom and independence.

And boy, was I far from disappointed. I felt like I was in the Filipino version of Game of Thrones - the museum’s pristine simplicity and alluring silence was like an ancient castle that was never short of cultural and artistic excellence. Every inch of the museum was nothing short of newfound treasures in our history. From literary excerpts that fought for our independence to paintings that served as our battle cry for freedom, I believe it’s safe to say that the National Museum is a time machine that’ll warp you back to the eras that defined the modern Filipino.

Located at Padre Burgos Avenue in Manila, the National Museum is a prime example of preserving our history and culture through arts, and rekindling our nationalistic spark. The building as a whole is a flourishing showcase of paintings, sculptures, and literature by highly respected and renowned artists of the country, including our national hero, Jose Rizal. One of which is the Spoliarium by Juan Luna, which shows the cruelty that the Filipinos had to undergo just to fight for their freedom under the Spaniards’ hands.

The National Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10 AM to 5 PM, free of charge to all visitors, local or foreign, nationwide.

To learn more about the prestigious establishment, head over to the National Museum’s official website.

Shown below are a few pictures taken from the website.

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❝ The Tour’s End, Farewell! ❞

It’s been an honor, serving as your tour guide through the stunningly beautiful tourist attractions of Manila.

I may have said quite a handful throughout this trip, but my flowery descriptions are only a few of the destinations just waiting to be explored in the capital of the Philippines. There’s only a plethora of establishments and cultural landmarks to venture in. It truly is more fun here! 

But hey, don’t take my word for it. After all, I only told you my point of view, so don’t take my word for it; it’s now your turn to get up, explore, and live! I’m sure that we’ll each experience different encounters and emotions as soon as we step into Manila’s wonders on our own.

‘Til the next tour, kababayan! :)