Pebble Beach and Baluarte Ruins, La Union

It's a 400-year-old watchtower that faces the West Philippine Sea and serves as a watchtower for pirate attacks and other dangers by the sea. Originally made of adobe and coral blocks, today, it's covered with lighter bricks but still looks stunning. By the way, after Namacpacan, we got in the van, and we traveled 30 minutes to the coastal area and we arrived at Loa Mending’s, a fantastic restaurant with a great view of the beach. Had coffee and their own version of Tapsilog. The food tastes really good but it's 40 minutes before it is served - just too bad! Then, we walked by the beach and discovered the beauty of the Pebble Beach and Baluarte Ruins. 

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Lang Dulay, a Filipino weaver from Lake Sebu

In the picture is Sebulan Dulay, the successor, with portraits of Lang Dulay.

A special visit to the house of Lang Dulay in Lake Sebu was epic. She's a former National Living Treasure awardee for the T'nalak weaving which the designs were based on her dream - the reason why she was called the "Dreamweaver." By the way, T'nalak is a traditional hand-woven fabric made from refined abaca fiber. This type of fabric got attention worldwide because it is done through a manual process but the finished product has amazing and unique patterns.

T'Boli Museum

The architecture of this museum is based on traditional houses in Lake Sebu. What's inside are the gongs used for different occasions, outfits made of T'nalak (a hand-woven fabric), accessories and many other antiques that were used by the locals for agriculture. During our visit, the T'Boli Museum was still closed, but Jorie had it opened for us; he knows the caretaker. 

Fort sa Cotta

Fort sa Cotta is one of the Spanish-built fortresses in the Philippines. The main purpose of this edifice is the same as the function of Fort Santiago in Manila and Fort sa Pedro in Cebu which is to protect the city/town against the attacks of the Moro pirates. This sturdy structure is made up of coral stones, thus, during World War 2, Fort sa Cotta served as a garrison, barracks and storage area for the military. Today, it is one of the most popular historical sites and a landmark in Misamis Occidental and in the entire Northern Mindanao region. During my visit, it was closed due to renovation. READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING IN ZamBaSulTa, Region 9, and Misamis Occidental. 

Mt. Samat

It is a historical mountain in Bataan where the Shrine of Valor or Dambana ng Kagitingan was built on its summit. This shrine has a huge cross with a memorial shrine and museum built to honor the gallantry of the Filipino American soldiers who fought during World War 2. The shrine complex on Mount Samat includes a war museum with different memorabilia, paintings, and weapons used by the Filipino, American, and Japanese forces during the Battle of Bataan. These structures were commissioned by former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1966 for the 25th Anniversary of the Second World War. Also, please note that the province holds the record of the Battle of Bataan, including the controversial Death March.

Rizal Park and Shrine, Dapitan

The Rizal Shrine in Dapitan (José Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape) was the place where our National Hero was exiled by the Spaniards in 1892. Today, this historical place shows his life while working as a doctor, sculptor, farmer, teacher and many others. He purchased this land after winning a lottery in 1892. Later, his mother, sisters and relatives transferred here from Calamba, Laguna. However, on January 15, 1897, the Spanish authorities confiscated all of his property. These were converted into a park and were declared as National Park in 1940 by President Manuel L. Quezon.

Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum

Ang mansyon ng mga Aguinaldo o Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine sa Kawit, Cavite ay isa sa mga lumang istruktura na aking gustong maabot at ngayong araw, naabot ko rin ito sa wakas. Galing ng Baclaran, ang probinsya ng Cavite ay halos isang oras lamang  na biyahe dahil sa Cavitex na nagpagaan ng trapiko sa lugar. Sa post ko kahapon, ipinakita ko sa inyo ang maaliwalas na bakuran ng mansyon. Ngayon, loob naman ng mansyon ang aking ibabahagi.

SULU MUSEUM

Some of the works of Abdulmari Asia Imao, a National Artist for Sculpture.

The provincial museum of Sulu is a two-story building that houses the relics, documents, paintings and other historical memorabilia of Sulu. Previously, this building housed the Library of Sulu.What's interesting inside are the Chinese wares and documents such as the 1878 Land Lease Agreement between the sultanate of Sulu and British North Borneo Chartered Co.

Fort Santiago during World Tourism Day

This is part of Celebrating the World Tourism Day 2017 in Intramuros; Fort Santiago was my first destination. Walking beside this gigantic wall is absolutely remarkable as it embarks the significance of the past to current. Just by reading on the writings placed by the management in different corner, you can foresee what have transpired inside this wall centuries ago. Also, we can distinguish who are the prominent people imprisoned and tortured here, like Jose Rizal. Photos below will give you more excitement.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

It is also known as the Burgos Lighthouse, a 66-foot-tall octagonal stone tower on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill with an overlooking scene of Cape Bojeador. It is one of the historical landmarks and a cultural heritage erected during the Spanish era in the Philippines. This lighthouse was first designed by Magin Pers and Pers in 1887 and finished by the Lighthouse Service under Guillermo Brockman.

Guiob Church Ruins

Another tourist destination in Camiguin is the Old Church Ruins (photo above). This church was damaged by the volcanic eruption that happened centuries ago, damaging the other structures on the island. The ruin is composed of meter-wide walls and huge columns. These walls and columns are made of coral stones and are now covered with mosses and plants.

Calle Crisologo

It is also called Mena Crisologo Street, named after Mena Pecson Crisologo, who is the most respected son of Ilocos. He wrote Mining wenno Ayat ti Kararwa, which is compared to Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere; he is also the author of Don Calixtofaro de la Kota Caballero de la Luna and Codigo Municipal. With these stunning heritage houses, Calle Crisologo is definitely the top tourist attraction in Vigan City. 

National Museum of Natural History, Manila

Recently, the National Museum of Natural History opened with a bang! Opening their doors, cases and glass cabinets to everyone with items that are extremely rare and can only be found here - absolutely for FREE. The National Museum staff and researchers exerted their effort to preserve and keep these items for the next generation. It is my and your wealth! So, what are you waiting for? Tara na!

National Museum Planetarium, Manila

Just few days ago, the National Museum Planetarium opened its door to the public for FREE until April 30, 2017, so money is not a problem to see and appreciate the wealth inside its dome. By the way, there are daily presentation showing the facts about planets, satellites, stars, sun, milky way, galaxy, solar system and many other things around the sun that will definitely wake up your sleeping interest about celetial bodies and Science and Technology.

Baluarte de San Diego

This is a historical site and the oldest stone fort in Manila. Built in 1586, it was called the Nuestra Senora de Guia designed by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeno. Fell into disrepair and was renovated in 1593. Incorporated as part of the walls but later abandoned due to its unstable foundations. The new structure was constructed with orillons (curved corners) masking cannons on the flanks. Destroyed during the British invasion in 1762. Repaired and renovated in 1764. American Army ordinance section was built on-site during the American occupation. Destroyed during World War 2 and is now a major tourist attraction of the Intramuros Walled City.

Surigao del Sur Tourist Spots

1. Britania Islands

These stunning islets are situated in the municipality of San Agustin. Composed of Hagonoy  (photo above), Naked, Boslon, and Hiyor-Hiyoran islands, these islets have the same features, there's a white sand shoreline surrounded by crystal clear and emerald waters, artistic rock and limestone formations, there's a big picture of a golden and beautiful sunset. Plus, there's a wealthy flora and fauna underwater. 

Negros Occidental Tourist Spot

1. The Ruins, Talisay

Negros Occidental holds most historical sites of the region. The first attraction you should visit is a mansion that was owned by the sugar baron Don Mariano “Anoy” Ledesma Lacson (1865-1948). The construction of this mansion was non-stop until the entire structure was completed. It was the largest mansion built during that time, however, was burnt to prevent the Japanese forces from making it their headquarters during World War II. Because of the A-grade mixture of concrete that was used, its ruins remain today. Click here to read more.

3 Best Museums in Metro Manila

Today is a boring day! Question is: "Anu ang magandang gawin kapag wala kang magawa?" Sagot: " Pinturahan ang buong bahay gamit ang cutix." Pero wala akong cutix. So, after washing my clothes, without itinerary, my initial plan was to visit all the museums in Metro Manila including, Ayala Museum in Makati City, but the plan ended up visiting Marikina Shoe Museum (with 50 pesos entrance) and the two buildings of the National Museum of the Philippines with FREE Admission. Libre, aarte kapa?? Tara na!!

Butuan City Tourist Spots

1. Butuan National Museum

This branch of the National Museum houses a collection of relics discovered in the region. There are ceramics, earthenware, locally woven fabrics, paintings, books, jars, skeletons, and many more. Each of the items is enclosed in glass cabinets while the others are on the walls.

Zamboanga del Norte Tourist Spots

1. Dapitan City Plaza

Dapitan City Plaza (“Liwasan ng Dapitan”), also known as the Town Square, is the plaza that Dr. Jose P. Rizal beautified and developed during his exile. It has an estimated land area of 1 hectare, and it is laid out in the traditional rectilinear Spanish colonial manner. The plaza already existed when Dr. Jose P. Rizal arrived in Dapitan on July 17, 1892. Making this area one of the top tourist attractions in Zamboanga del Norte. Details from Dapitan City Official Website