Manila here we come!

A long time it had been my wish to visit the Philippines and became through. Together with my friend Chi, I went off for a six day trip! Especially Chi deserved a vacation and to be away from what is called "The Peninsula" (but in reality an island for we can’t just take the car and drive to China or?) after living here for two years.

Filled with expectations and very happy to have found a first class hotel (five stars!!!) for half the price, we checked in. Problems! No reservation found and we needed to contact our travel agency to get a refund. No room either. After several times hearing their excuses, I mentioned that I as a journalist would use all my contacts to write about the Pan Pacific. Things happened! We were upgraded, got fabulous breakfasts and were pampered from morning to evening! (But I surely can recommend the place, great location, fabulous hotel, fantastic service and good food!)

What will happen now?             

               We'll go for a swim!

We decided to have a "half-half" vacation: exploring and sunbathing.

So we did and went to see the Old Town, called Intramuros with horse and carriage. 

 This being the oldest district and historic core of Manila was absolutely wonderful. The name comes from Latin and means “within the walls” which were built in the late 16^th century by the Spaniards to protect the city from foreign invasion. We visited the Rizal Park and museum. José Rizal lived from 1861 to 1896 and was a Filipina nationalist and reformist. He’s considered as one of the national heroes of the Philippines. Rizal was a polymath; besides medicine, he was also an artist who painted, sketched, sculpted and did woodcarving. He was a prolific poet, essayist and novelist. In short a man with many talents!

 

 Following in Rizal footsteps?

We also visited the National Art Museum, had a drink on the boulevard after we strolled on it, rode the Manila Eye, shopped at The Mall of Asia and the last day we took a day tour to see the Taal Volcano.

 

 

On our day tour we stopped at the Jeepney factory, producer of the most popular means of public transportation in the country. Afterwards we paid a visit to The Las Piñas Bamboo Organ, being the world’s oldest organ made of bamboo, in the St. Joseph Parish Church. And the organist played several songs for us! From our tourguide we learned about but also saw the poverty in the country.

 

    The Beautiful old Catholic Church with..... 

 

    The unbelieveble sounds coming

    from the bamboo organ!

 

 

    The tasty fruits everywhere along the road side,

 

 the colorful plant stalls, and.....              

 

    the fun cultural dances performed at Barbados in Intramuros.

 

 

When we arrived at our destination we were breath taken by the sight of the Taal Volcano. This volcano is the second most active volcano in the country, with its 33 historical eruptions and is located on the island of Luzon. We viewed the Taal Volcano and Lake from Tagaytay Ridge and were presented a most picturesque and attractive view.

 

 

 

The relaxing at the pool gave us a good shot of D-vitamins and some color. Too soon time to return to Seoul… Although also nice to be with Anders again!