I haven't really gotten inside CCP and most of my memories of it were in the middle of my childhood…read moredays. I pass by it every time I go to school and would often see a lot of people running around, uphill, and downhill. Sometimes, there's none at all. I've always seen and thought of CCP as a jogging place back then and had no idea that it would be an establishment that would cater to the development, showcasing, and preservation of Filipino culture especially in terms of media whether it be the performing arts, visual, or multimedia. I would love to someday enter its premises and witness that it's not just a place where people would go for fitness purposes. Hopefully, that kind of image would be replaced by how this establishment is one of the greatest home of the Filipino culture and a temporary home to some of the popular international live shows or musicals.

I'm lucky to have been able to call the Cultural Center of the Philippines my second home. Dancing…read morewith Ballet Philippines required me to be at the CCP every day and so I got to experience a lot of the events in the hub of the performing arts in Manila. From art exhibits to stage plays, full-length ballets to musicals, film festivals to the Aliwan festival, CCP plays host to several large scale events within the year, and there's always something happening on its grounds. In the first quarter of the year, you'll have most overseas productions come to the Main Theater and the closing gala of most of the resident CCP companies like the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Ballet Philippines, to name a few. The best time to go is in February when Arts Month is in full swing, because the complex will be at its busiest, especially during Pasinaya - the CCP Open House weekend where all the resident performing companies put on mini-showcases in various locations around the complex. Food stalls are found all around the streets of the complex like one big fiesta. Best of all is its pay-what-you-can entrance fee! The summer season also brings along summer workshops, so if you've ever wanted to try acting, singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, or writing a play, you can enroll in one of the many workshops that the companies at the CCP have to offer. This will also be when the major companies hold auditions and begin preparations for their next seasons. (They've got a bulletin board by the Artist's Entrance that holds all the audition announcements.) More festivals like Cinemalaya (an independent film fest) and Virgin Labfest (theater), and competitions like the National Music Competition for Young Artists are held in the latter quarters, as well as the onset of the regular performing season at the CCP. Even during its most quiet days, the CCP always has something to offer. During my free time in between rehearsals, I would walk around and always find something new to discover, whether it's in the galleries on the upper floors, or the archives of Philippine theater in the CCP library, the beautiful architecture inside, or seeing rehearsals of the various performing companies. It's where the best of the best in the performing arts come to create, and it's also one of the foremost places that makes Manila what it is.

My trip to the Philippines wouldn't have been complete without visiting Intramuros…read more We took a rideshare and our driver dropped us off on Soriano Ave & General Luna St. As soon as we got out of the vehicle, a tour guide approached us. He had one of those pictorial cards and pointed to the photos of where his stops would be. His tour price was reasonable. We signed up with him right on the spot. It was half walking and half riding around in an e-cart. He was a seasoned tour guide and knew his way around Intramuros. The e-cart driver was a safe driver too. We stopped by top destinations like Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Baluarte de San Diego. I'm glad there were interpretive signs at each spot. We saw some kalesas too. Our guide was accommodating and flexible with our time. He also directed us to restrooms as needed. It was a good private tour. Right place, right time. We took a lot of photos. We were able to pay him in cash money Philippine Pesos after the tour ended. Something to think about when touring Intramuros is that it gets pretty hot. I would recommend bringing a handheld electric fan and/or an electric neck fan, a power bank to charge electronics, a UV umbrella, water and snacks. Wear good shoes, light clothes, and put on sunscreen as well. If it's your first time Intramuros, there is a lot to absorb. You can always return and explore on your own, at your own pace once you know the lay of the land. Intramuros was a good place to visit for Philippine history, culture, and architecture.

Considering I was stationed @ Clark AFB for about 5 years and having been back numerous times over…read morethe years I had driven by but never stopped. Considering this maybe my last time to make this (omg so long trip) vacation spot. So we went to various places I had never been before, this area is adjacent to Ft Santiago and has some "hawkers" but not really too many (try going to Draculas castle they have people selling stuff from the parking lot to the castle door) they have a few things that are the usual tourist kitch but you can usually get some fridge magnet or straw hat etc but the area is absolutely gorgeous and very little if any entrance fees. The church is absolutely stupendous. I have been to many magnificent cathedrals form Italy to England to Japan & now the Philippines. Truly an amazing area to spend 1/2 a day and to understand philippine history. A great place overall.

If you're even a little bit into good furniture, you might know about Manila FAME, the country's…read morepremier furniture exhibition featuring designers ranging from such industry pillars as Kenneth Cobonpue and Ann Pamintuan, to smaller SMEs trying to get on their feet and show the world what they're capable of. Sadly, this is only held twice a year, so if you need your gorgeous furniture fix outside of its dates, you should head on over to Hall One, where they hold semi-permanent exhibits of designs from all over the country. This is mostly made up of Manila FAME exhibitors who wish their work to be shown year-round, but sometimes Hall One has themed exhibitions to spice things up. This is a must-see for investors, so I always take them on a quick tour here, since it's a perfect showcase of Filipino talent and creativity.

I was invited to the opening of an exhibit at Hall One, an exhibition venue where local…read moremanufacturers showcase Philippine made products for export or local consumption. Basically, it's a showroom for high-quality Filipino goods that are made available for export, while also serving as inspiration for other local manufacturers to up their ante to entice local and global stakeholders to patronize their products. When I went, I almost went gaga over the ottomans and throws in batik prints and T'boli weaves, plus the assortment of accessories and jewelry made of semi precious stones and pearls sourced and handcrafted in the Philippines. There were also woodworks, and even a few art installations that tickled my interest. It's very uplifting to see so much beauty and talent, a wide array of products from all over the Philippines in such a small space. I left Hall One with a refreshed passion to support local products and I'm hoping more can visit Hall One to get a glimpse of what we can offer, too.

Okay, first off, we need to get something straight: the PICC is different from the CCP. The…read moreCultural Center of the Philippines is the one with the big fountain outside and is usually where they have Broadway musicals. The Philippine International Convention Center is the one BEHIND it, past the Forum, where college kids usually have their graduation ceremonies because they're too cheap to build their own auditorium. So yeah, I had my graduation here (a long, long time ago). I've also attended a whole lot of events here, like the Economic Briefing by the DOF, Bo Sanchez' seminars, and a bunch more, and I've never had anything bad to say about the place. It's cold, it's expansive, there's always a free seat, and their exclusive caterer, Via Mare, serves good food. What's not to like?

The Philippine International Convention Center is, well, basically a convention center. Really…read more It's also one of the buildings in the complex of the Cultural Center of the Philippines that was designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin (the other being the Cultural Canter building itself). Much like the CCP main building, the structure itself has a simple, almost boxy appearance, yet it is so sophisticated in it's timelessness. National Artist Leandro Locsin once again did a phenomenal job for this structure, which has hosted the Miss Universe Pageant, international and local conferences, concerts by local and international acts, and even graduations. I saw the Tower of Power and Janet Jackson concerts at the Plenary Hall. I know, my range of appreciation for music is astounding. I event went once to attend a seminar in one of it's well-equipped function rooms. I have been to PICC several times and every time I go there, I am still (and will probably always be) at awe with its beauty. It is modest without being unsure, grand without being opulent, proud without being boastful.

I returned to the Philippines after sometime bringing both my adult daughters visiting the…read morePhilippines for the first time. My lovely family decided to bring us to Las Casas de Acuzar. The journey to this place is abt a 3hr drive from Manila. We had advance reservations made and when we arrived we were greeted very warmly with amazing hospitality from the staff. The surroundings is beautiful and breathtaking. The property itself is massive. I love how it is rich in history, culture and architectures that has been preserved through the years and very well maintained. They have put so much thought and planning to this place and it is impressive. We enjoyed our tour, stay and dinning to the fullest! I cannot even explain how wonderful our experience here enough. Please see my attached photos. I highly recommend for everyone to visit. You won't regret it!

Tourist spot in Luzon located in Bataan Philippines. A place…read morewhere you can find a lot of ancestral house around the Philippines bought by the owner named Mr Acuzar and put them all in one place some were as it was and some were renovated. Inside transpo are jeepneys,horses,carjuaje,boats,,atv,tramvia etc by night when sun is out a lot of expectators walk around to see the grandeour of the place. Entrance is about $75Cnd per head on week ends and a bit cheaper for week days for a day tour that includes your meal for lunch,the meal is just okay dont expect a lot.The fee also includes unlimited used of all the transpo.overnight and more stay is different rates. 4 or 5 selected houses are included in the tour,group tour with tourist guide with knowledge of history and all those house better than an encyclopedia. Surrounded by ocean,manmade lake and near mountains this place is indeed breath taking. Day tour and overnight stay is available those old houses some of them were converted to a hotel. Most ground floor of most houses are air conditioned and you never run out of things to do,billiard etc body masaage is available as well. Washroom were all immaculately clean. There's souvenir shops,bar etc . Designated smoking area as well,pet friendly except some spots.Catholic church can be found inside the premises. Highly recommended to all Filipinos and tourist this is a pride to showcase history,culture and everthing about the Philippines/ A one stop history class to all: Kidos and mabuhay

You've probably seen this chapel in movies, most notably in that Aga Muhlach-Regine Velasquez…read morestarrer from long ago. If you've been wondering where it is, you're in luck 'cause I'm about to tell you. Nestled in Mount Makiling, Los Banos, Laguna, about a 15-minute drive up the mountain from the University of the Philippines Los Banos, is Saint Marc's Chapel a.k.a. the National Arts Center Chapel, an open air beauty that would blow your breath away. Made primarily of stone and concrete, the altar, pews, and the ceiling/roof (if you could call it that) with an unconventional (read: artistic) giant cross designed by no less than National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, the chapel is surrounded by forest. Words are not adequate to capture the tranquility and magic of the place so, no worries, I'll throw in a few photos. Regular Masses are not held here, though, but the Chapel may be booked (through the Cultural Center of the Philippines, if I'm not mistaken) for Masses or weddings. This is the perfect wedding venue for the lover of nature and art. If you're lucky, the nearby fire trees may be in full bloom during your special day and you could get to march to your beloved on a carpet of red and yellow.

The Manila Collectible Co. store is one of a kind. It is unique in its history, concept, and…read morenature. Owner and manager Charisse Tugade (a Filipina who grew up mostly in the US), conceptualized and opened the store to feed her passion and personal advocacy of proliferating knowledge about Filipino pre-Hispanic culture. The Manila Collectible Co serves as an approachable museum and "culturespace" -- a very informative center for education on Philippine pre-history, Filipino indigenous people and their culture, and uniquely Filipino products -- all sourced from all over the Philippines. As a museum, TMCC offers exhibits on woven crafts, baybayin (an ancient Filipino system of writing), and manunggul jars (replicas of which she also sells), among other things. As a culturespace, she offers pottery painting classes for children, weaving workshops, and has partnered with several groups for frequent pasyals (tours), workshops, and special performances. As a store, TMCC carries food and beverages, textiles, finely-produced costumes and accessories made out of these textiles, and quality trinkets -- all amazing souvenir finds for foreign visitors, as well as locals who never really realized how talented their fellow Filipinos are. I've bought several things from TMCC. Favorites are the Tsokolate con Crema, and Dulce de Leche spreads; an authentic Ilocos towel (which are super soft, lightweight, absorbent, and beautifully woven); and Real Tan organic browning oil. My next target purchase is an exquisite ikat clutch from her Bai Riasha line.

As a fan of all things Filipino I always go out of my way to check out cultural shops and try as…read moremuch as possible to support them! Manila Collectible in Intramuros is one of those great finds! They carry a lot of handwoven bags in shapes I've never seen before, national costumes for kids (but not the usual ones!) jewellery boxes and a lot of textile. It's great to find these things in Manila especially for those who can't make a trip out of the city. Its fun inviting atmosphere makes you want to spend the whole afternoon here. They recently moved to a new location in Fort Santiago, I haven't been but their old store was amazing. They had a set of stairs lined with manunggul jars and behind it an excellent view of the cathedral. The other set of stairs led to a rooftop deck, open for events and parties. If their new location is anything like this one, I'm sure you wont be disappointed!

Viva Manila is a yearly event that just started off last year although I did miss this year because…read moreof school duties. Ugh, studies can sometimes be in the way, right? Anyway, I love attending events like this because it makes me feel better about being a Filipino because I get exposed to history and our culture that I only get to experience in books. What I also love about Viva Manila is that it is held in Intramuros--my favourite place in Manila. They also invite artists to sell their crafts and there's also a slam poetry that encourages poets to channel their works not only on paper but to tell out their thoughts through spoken words. How wonderful would that be to speak out in front of everyone and express your thoughts with the emotions that you have while writing them. In Viva Manila, not only does the old Filipino culture get celebrated but also the new.

Viva Manila is an organisation that promotes arts and culture in the old city of Manila and…read moreespecially bringing back Intramuros to live. Pasyal Sundays is a monthly, free event that is organized by Viva Manila. It is generally held in General Luna street or Maestranza and it is always car free. They have around 50 booths with local foods and drinks and crafts. And while the market is going on they have various local artist performing things such a parkour, martial arts and as the night becomes darker they have poets and musicians coming up on stage. For anybody who loves manila or wants to understand the city better, this event is an awesome place to go that will inspire you to know and care more about Manila.

How many cities in the Philippines have their own theater? Marikina is one…read more I once attended a summer art workshop organized by the Marikina City Government. All recitals and exhibits were held in Teatro Marikina. Though it was not as big as CCP's Main Theatre or Ateneo's Henry Lee Irwin Theatre, it was quite spacious. I couldn't remember exactly how big it was because the recital happened a long time ago, but, it was surely bigger than CCP's Tanghalang Huseng Batute or even Ateneo's Rizal Mini Theater. If I am not mistaken, it could be the same size as a regular movie house. Not bad for a community theater. Unfortunately, Marikina does not have a resident theater group so this establishment is not really used for its main purpose quite often. Yes, Marikina organizes a summer art camp almost yearly and the recitals are held here. But, I hope that sometime in the future we can regularly stage plays and have cultural shows here too.