KEEP COMING BACK TO MANILA
Above: View in Manila
A large city full of life and activities is found at the island of Luzon. This is none other than the capital of the country Philippines – MANILA.
Manila is a broad-base concoction of eastern and western way of living. This cosmopolitan city presents you with each and every appeal and comfort of a metropolis. Witness the effervescent nightlife and bubbly characters that you are sure to encounter. Get an authentic sense of Manila’s diverse meals and restaurants and get a chance to have that euphoric experience with its food fusion.
If you want to experience a raw deal and a bit of history to match, you should tour “Intramuros”. This is an eye-catching and marvelous architectural work which is considered as an emblematic Spanish looking metropolis found at the very core of the contemporary structured Manila. Found within this city are ancient structures, dungeons, churches and bulwarks.
This city is a walled area which dates way back in the 16th century. The look and feel of the place will carry you through the medieval period when Manila was under the Spanish regime.
You may also find a very predominant church in the area. This is known as the “Saint Augustine Church” – found within Intramuros. Its distinctive Spanish style of construction is a delightful image to look at. The fourteen (14) chapels clutch the captivated crowd which finishes off with an awe-inspiring “trompe l’oeil” ceiling. It is difficult to envision that the spectacular architecture has – without a doubt, surpassed the depredation that natural calamities such as the seven (7) earthquakes and a long period of time where innumerable battles transpired.
The Saint Augustine Church is considered as an essential historical edifice which is rich with trove of murals and iconic paintings. The church’s periodic furniture and delicate craftsmanship is said to have been merited a high rank and status in the “World Heritage Site”.
It is said that in art, the symbol of an object is so compellingly convincing that the on-lookers deem that the object is genuinely real. A good example of this is the “Zeuxis”. This image has allegedly painted the grapes in such realism that birds have actually tried to devour them. This particular skill or technique was revealed by the artists from Greece. This is a method which is very much known to the muralists of Rome. A fine illustration of this incredible style of painting can be seen on the ceiling of the Saint Augustine Church in Manila.
If you want to observe great entertainment in Manila, you may opt to go to the “Rizal Park” area that often holds regular programs that displays the finest when it comes to the performing arts industry in the Philippines. Manila boasts of a wide range of cultural centers like the “Folk Art Theater” and the “Metropolitan Center” – which happens to be an open air amphitheatre found also in Rizal Park. If you are lucky, you might even get a chance to watch the “Tinikling” dance. This dance is uses bamboo and it depicts the effervescence of ricebirds. This unique interpretative dance is a definite “must see” and if possible – a “must experience” presentation (meaning, why not volunteer and join in the fun).
Current music views and expressions, especially when it comes to Philippines songs, shifts typically and gravitates more in the direction of genres such as rock and jazz – accounting for some of the greatest musicians and artists in the area and region.
The troupes like the “Bayanihan Dance Company” encompasses and excels when it comes to the blend and mixture of the western and oriental culture by showcasing memorizing performances through folk dance renditions and interpretations.
If you want an inexpensive way to treat yourself to a cool place, Manila offers cinema theaters that cater to local Filipino movies as well as American blockbusters. This, of course, in my humble opinion, should be your last alternative when it comes to amusement and leisure. For me, Manila can offer you so much more in terms of activities and entertainment.
One of the more unusual ones I can recommend is the whale shark safari. You will find that in the island of Sorsogon and Donsol, the shark whale expeditions are awesome and one-of-a-kind. You will be amazed as these incredible creatures will come so near you while you are situated at close quarters – viewing this animal closely. This is one of the best ways to execute a close association with nature.
While you are at it, why not take a glimpse of the famous shoe collection of the former President Marcos’ wife – Imelda Marcos. You are sure to admire her prized shoe collection located at the Marikina City “Footwear Museum” situated in Manila.
All these and many more are the reasons why people keep coming back to Manila. It truly is the place to be.
