Philippines Attractions

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San Sebastian Church in Philippines

San Sebastian Church in Philippines is one of the rarest specimens of Gothic architectural splendor and the only sample in Asia. Located in Quiapo, a old district in Manila, this church is entirely made of steel. Hidden amidst a row of old houses in the locality, the steel frame and panels of San Sebastian Church speak of the immensity of the church. Societe Anonyme's foundry in Binche, Belgium manufactured the steel parts, which were brought to Manila first on June 12, 1888. It took two years to collect the steel parts for the local craftsmen who were later helped by the Belgian firm in constructing the San Sebastian Church. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this church was bestowed with the status of minor basilica on June 24, 1890. Within a year, it was opened.

You will spot groined vaults, steel parts of columns, walls and ceiling resembling the architectural style of Filipino artist Lorenzo Rocha. There are also confessionals, pulpit, altars, statues of holy men and women- tuned to the Gothic style blended with innovations of 19th century.

San Sebastian Church in Philippines has been accorded the status of National Historical Landmark as well as one of the Most Endangered Sites in the World by the World Monuments Watch in 1998.

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Santuario de San Antonio in Philippines

Santuario de San Antonio in Philippines was built by the Franciscans when their original church in Intramuros of Manila, was ruined by the ravages caused by World War II towards its end. As soon as the new santuario or sanctuary was constructed, a statue of Saint Anthony was transported from the original church in Intramuros, which managed to resist the bombing effect of the war.

If you visit McKinley Road in Forbes Park, you will often find the Church thronged by people. Highly revered and esteemed by the society, Santuario de San Antonio in Philippines hosts a number of social and religious occasions like christenings, weddings and funerals. Interestingly enough, most of the posh and rich families of Manila, specially from Forbes Park and Dasmarinas Village, choose this church for observing various events, whether of grief or happiness, in the presence of Saint Anthony God.

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Subterranean River National Park in Philippines

Located about 50 kilometers from the north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, Subterranean River National Park is also known as St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park. The major highlight of Subterranean River National Park in Philippines is an amazing limestone karst landscape with an underground river 8.2 kilometers. Subterranean River National Park is a major destination among other Philippines Tourist Attractions. The underground river is known to be the longest in the world. The government of Puerto Princesa has maintained National Park since 1992. It was recognized as an important heritage site by the UNESCO December 4, 1999.

Features of Subterranean River National Park in Philippines:

The national park features an outstanding limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the striking features of the river is that it merges with the sea and the end of the river is subject to tidal waves.

The area has much bio-diversity conservation. The river winds meanders through a cave before flowing into the South China Sea.

The area also boasts of a complete 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem and is home to some of the dense forests of Asia.

This fascinating area has spectacular stalactites and stalagmites and several large chambers. These amazing stalactites and stalagmites are sure to mesmerize the tourists.

The place becomes a haven of mystery with the approaching of the dark.

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Sumilon Island in Philippines

Located off the southeast tip of Cebu in Philippines, Sumilon Island gained limelight from the entire world when the first marine sanctuary in the country was built here. Sumilon Island in Philippines hosted the marine sanctuary in 1974 under the supervision and know-how of Silliman University’s marine laboratory. Sumilon Island Marine Sanctuary is now cited as the best locale of preserving coral reef and enhances reef fisheries management.

Ten years ago, the destructive fishing practices were stopped till the fishery increased. This miraculous increase in the fish catch, impressed scientists, reef managers and fishers and led to boom in export of fish and their larvae till the rules of the fish sanctuary on Sumilon were broken in 1984. It was much later the through eventual management of the area, the biological balance of the area including the preservation of coral reef and reef fisheries management could be achieved.

If you visit the Sumilon Island in Philippines between December and May, you may also spot rays, tuna and jacks and sharks.

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Taal Volcano in Manila


Taal Volcano in Manila is in the middle of the Lake Taal. The Taal is still active and one can at time see the hot steams coming out. The Taal Lake is 243 sq. km and is south of Manila. The Mount Taal rises up to 984 feet and the last eruptions occurred in 1970. It is a beautiful sight to see that the in between the lake is the island that has the Taal volcano that itself contains another small lake.

The Taal Volcano is among the chain of volcanoes that are found along the western side Luzon Island. The Taal Volcano is located on an island that is called the Volcano Island and the island covers an area of 23 sq km. The Mount Taal is the world's smallest volcano and it would take approximately 45 minutes in a boat and another 15- 20 minutes to reach the top.

To reach the Taal Volcano island of Manila is nothing short of an exciting adventure. One has to start with a boat in order to reach the island. Thereafter one can on a horseback reach to the top of the mountain. Once there one would be able to see smoke coming out and see the water bubbling around the edges of the lake inside the crater.

Once on the top of the Tall Volcano one can enjoy the panoramic view of the valley and the lake. Also it would be time to take a boat tour and visit the many fishponds around the island. The Taal Volcano of Manila is a place with a difference and the fun and excitement is guaranteed.

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Tagaytay City in Philippines


Tagaytay City in Philippines a major tourist attraction is an ideal place for leisure seekers. Offering abundant opportunities for picnics, horseback riding, camping and sightseeing Tagaytay City in Philippines will leave you asking for more. It is a perfect getaway during weekends for most Filipino families. It is often regarded as the most pleasant city in Asia.

Various attractions of Tagaytay City in Philippines:

You can undertake an exotic trip from Tagaytay to the volcano island in the middle of Taal Lake.

Picnic Grove offers horse rides and play on its mini-park.

Enchanted Kingdom is an ideal place for children to make merry. This is known as the Disneyland of Philippines, but at reasonable prices.

Palace in the sky the incomplete mansion of President Ferdinand Marcos transformed and renamed the People's Park in the Sky. It offers a breathtaking view of Taal volcano.

Golf freaks should visit Tagaytay High Lands, which offers 18-hole par 72 golf courses amidst hilly regions and valleys. Tagaytay highlands offers great facilities like driving range, movies, bowling, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and 29 world class restaurants.

Orchard Golf Club laid in 1995 is situated in what previously was a mango orchard.

The Flower Farm, St. Anne's Shrine, Gourmet's Café, Hidden Valley, Pagsanjan Falls, Caylabne Beach, Banyan Tree Evercrest and Casino Filipino Tagaytay are other major attractions of Tagaytay City in Philippines.

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The Hanging Coffins of Sagada in Philippines


The Sagadan landscape in Philippines is punctuated by limestone cliffs with an avenue o f pine trees. Four or five coffins are arranged in a bundle on these cliffs. The oldest coffin dates back to more than a century and the latest one was added decades ago. The Hanging coffins of Sagada in Philippines are a major tourist attraction. Some of the coffins are arranged neatly while some are randomly heaped. According to an age-old practice of the people of Sagada, the burial practice involved the arranging of the corpse of their relatives in caves after carefully preparing a hollowed out log. The people of Sagada prefer being buried in the cliffs than in grounds. This practice has prevailed over 2,000 years.

Features of the Hanging Coffins of Sagada in Philippines:

The coffins are found in places that are difficult to reach and only touched by the elements of nature.

The coffins are made by the elderly before their demise. If they are weak of suffering from major ailments their children or other close relatives undertake the work of building the coffin. The practice entails placing the bodies into a comfortable position of the coffin. Bones are often cracked and broken with the completion of the process.

After the dead bodies are put inside the coffins, they are brought to the cliffs and are kept near the coffins of their ancestors.

Make sure that you have a guide, as the roads are often difficult to traverse.

Tourists have also taken some of the remains as souvenirs.