The Historic Biak-Na-Bato National Park

After a warm-up exercise. It is imperative to do warm-up exercises especially for inexperienced trekkers like us.

This stunning view of a typical ricefield and Susong Dalaga mountain will greet you before reaching Yungib I (Cave I)

Steep trail leading to Yungib I (Cave I)

Yungib I (Cave I). Sadly, stalactites are very rare in this cave because of the visitors who take them as souvenirs.

Stalactites at Yungib I

Yungib II. This is a much bigger cave where injured soldiers were treated during the Revolution.

Tanggapan Cave. This was where the meetings were held during the Katipunan years. According to the facilitators, neophytes were met here.

"River of floating corpse"...that's how I should call it.

River where the corpse of the slain enemies were thrown during the Spanish-Katipunan era.

Yungib III

Entrance to Yungib III

The backgound is the mountain called Susong Dalaga.

Washing the dirty feet after exploring 3 caves

First hanging bridge leading to Paniki Cave

One of the small caves along the trail leading to Paniki Cave

The group's supposed descend to Paniki Cave

Hanging bridge in front of Paniki Cave

Paniki Cave (Bat Cave)

To get to Biak-na-Bato:

It is very accessible to private vehicles, but there's also a bus going to San Miguel, Bulacan, which you can take if you wanna reach this park. That's what our friend took when he was left by our van. Just tell the bus conductor or driver to drop you off at the park entrance.

Weekend on Corregidor Island

Prison Break! Thanks Alistair for the nice shot!

Off Limits Area at the Mac Arthur's Headquarter. Don't do this. I was just stubborn. Falling debris everywhere.

Lush Green Forest as you move to the peak of the island

South Beach

Caballo Island

Mile Long Barracks

WWII Artillery

Ruins Everywhere

     Corregidor Island is very near Manila - it's just an hour away by ferry. To get there, you can book a ferry through Sun Cruises website and I strongly recommended that you do this if you really are inclined to spending a day tour or an overnight stay on the island. Schedules can be fully booked, so to avoid getting frustrated, reserve a ticket online.

     There are two accommodations on the island - Corregidor Inn and Corregidor Hostel - which can be booked on the Sun Cruises website, too. There's only one restaurant - La Playa, so if you're staying overnight, I suggest you bring your own snacks for your camp fire activities at night. By the way, there's a sari-sari store a few meters away from the Inn. Ask the caretakers of the island about it.

The Inn also sells souvenir items which you can also buy in Quiapo, so think twice before buying that native wallet. 

     Aside from the daily tour that every tourist will enjoy, trekking on the island is a must-try for those who want to explore and be adventurous. It's perfectly safe! Carry a bottle of water to rehydrate your body once in awhile. 

     The afternoon is perfect for swimming and wading at the beach. Camp fire is absolutely gorgeous, but be sure to ask permission from the staff. 

     At night, you can do ghost hunting as the caretakers suggested as, but unfortunately, we did not see any ghost. 

    Corregidor Island is not just historic; it's also a place to relax and enjoy. 

    

Intramuros

Intramuros or the Walled City is a very historic landmark in the City of Manila. It is one of the attractions that I recommend to local and foreign tourists who want to learn a bit about the past of this burgeoning city and challenges that it is facing at present. This place constantly reminds everyone of the influence of Spain to the Philippines.







What to Do in Intramuros: 

Calesa Ride or Walk 

Calesa

Calesa ride is something for those who want explore the streets of the walled city in the convenience of carriage. It can be costly though. Honestly, I have not experienced this because I prefer walking, so I can stop whenever I want. And I pity the horse, actually.








Faith Renewal

Manila Cathedral 

There are two very well-known churches in Intramuros: The Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church.

The Manila Cathedral is located just across Fort Santiago and Palacio Del Gobernador. This is the seat of Archbishop of Manila. Entrance is for free, but it can be difficult when there's wedding.

I find the other church, San Agustin Church, more interesting because it has its own museum. The entrance to the museum has a fee, but entrance to the church only is for free. But I suggest that you spend time exploring the museum so you will have access to the other parts of the church such as the choir section located at the second floor.








Get to Know the National Hero

Fort Santiago

This is facilitated by visiting Fort Santiago where the Philippine's national hero, Jose Rizal, was imprisoned before he was executed at the present day Luneta Park. There's a minimal entrance fee to the Fort, but it's worth it. Inside you will have access to the gardens and the museum especially dedicated to the national hero. There is also film viewing in one of the barracks.


Where to Eat:

The Barbara's Coffee Shop

Entrance to the Coffee Shop

Intramuros has a number of restaurants and fast food chains, but I would like to recommended something that is affordable, yet you feel the very spirit of the place you are visiting.

I am talking about The Coffee Shop located in Plaza San Luis Complex adjacent to Barbara's. The ambiance is great and so are the snacks. I tried their spaghetti and I was more than just satisfied. It's one of the best I've ever tasted. You must also they their all-time Filipino favourite halo-halo.

The Coffee Shop

MRT2 Construction Update (19.Feb.2009)

MRT2 Construction Update (03.Feb.2009)

Site: Monumento-MCU area