I use Google map almost every time I travel to unknown or even familiar places. It helps me arrive on time and take good routes in my destinations. With these reasons and more, I want to reciprocate the help I receive by being Google Local Guide. But of course, when you check what I shared and reviewed on Google Map, those tell something about what I love to explore and excited to share to everyone-- Cultural Heritages in the Philippines. This is apart from my nature trips and usual visits to event places.
Visita Iglesia - Since 2008, I have been doing Visita Iglesia during Holy Week. I like doing this because it takes me to different churches, appreciate old architecture styles, rediscover history, and of course remembering my faith with my companies.
So far in the Philippines, the farthest churches I reached are in Ilocos, Baguio, Batangas, Laguna and Rizal Provinces. And I’m confident to guide my friends and whoever in churches in Manila, Makati, and Quezon City. I hope to explore as well churches in Cavite, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, and other provinces in the Philippines. Out of the country, I’m lucky to visit Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea.
Museums and Art galleries –I admit these types of place are unpopular to many adventurous travelers, but not for those into history, art, and novelty like me. What lovely about these places is the effort gathering the materials and keeping their quality. Those collectors and care takers help to educate people and remind the progress of humanity. So far the museums I like are Malancanan palace (I was too young when I visited that place, Aquino Museum in Tarlac, The Mind Museum in BGC, Baguio City Museum, Manuel L. Quezon Museum in Quezon Memorial Circle, and Fort Santiago in Intramuros.
In terms of gallery, memorable for me are Blanco Museum and Nemiranda Art Gallery in Angono, Rizal (The Art Capital of the Philippines), and National Art Gallery in Manila.
I don’t share yet photos and reviews, but soon I will post more about museums and art galleries I visited.
Ancestral houses and old buildings - Similar to old churches and Museums, what I admire in old buildings and ancestral houses is the way people keep the memories. It’s hard to maintain and building given the fact that Philippines experience typhoons and earthquakes after years of wars before. But other bigger challenges are actually commercialism and lack of support from the locals. That’s why I am passionate to promote those who give value to their old folks’ heritage. Because it’s not only remembering the past, it also means tourism, enterprises, and celebration of life.
By the way, the best town to visit (but expect some inconvenience) are Binondo District in Manila City, Taal Heritage Town, Malacanang of the North (Pres. Ferdinand Marcos and his family stayed during his regime), Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite, and Calle Crisologo in Ilocus Sur. Intramuros ( walled city) is must visit for locals and foreigners. Nature trip/ Natural heritage - I am grateful that Philippines is rich in natural resources, biodiversity, and other natural wonders. My favorite at this point are Puerto Princesa Palawan and Baler, Aurora. But I also endorse Baguio, Boracay (Aklan), Pundaquit in Zambales, Cold Spring and Lakes in Laguna, Hiking at Mt. Pamitinan in Rizal, and other similar spots in my country. Though PMP Manmade Paradise in Nueva Ecija is somehow not totally natural I appreciate their effort. After 80% of what you see in that spot are natural living things – animals, trees, and locals.
What also especial about these destinations is the culture and welcoming natures of people. Most of the time the boatmen are the instant photographers. They also try to entertain and speak in English to please their visitors.