Luzon

F I V E B E A U T I F U L S P O T I N

Luzon is also a popular tourist destination because of its active

volcanoes, scenic mountains, beautiful beaches, and unique
islands.
 Fort Santiago
OVERVIEW: Intramuros

Fort Santiago is one of the oldest fortifications in Manila built

by the Spaniards in 1571 from what was once a palisaded
structure of logs and earth built by Rajah Soliman on the native
settlement called Maynila. The colonizers recognized that the
tongue of land where the Pasig River flowed into the Manila Bay
was a very strategic location. The fort was destroyed in 1574
during the Chinese attack led by Limahong. The stone fort was
built between 1589 and 1592 and was repaired and extended
after being damaged by the 1645 earthquake. Spanish, British,
American and Japanese occupation forces used the fort as their Philippines
headquarters and a prison for men, women, children and
soldiers. After its destruction during the Battle of Manila in
1945, the fort was used by the U.S. Transportation Corps as a
depot until it was turned over to the Philippine government in
1946. In 1950, Fort Santiago was declared a Shrine of Freedom
and restoration began the following year. Today, it stands as a
memorial to the victims of World War II and the sacrifices of
the Filipino people in pursuit of freedom.
L O C A T I O N :
Intramuros, Maynila, 1002 Kalakhang
Maynila
SOME AREAS OF FORT SATIAGO

Plaza Moriones Moat Intramuros Visitors Center

this plaza was used as a public
promenade until the 1863 earthquake
destroyed Fort Santiago.
This was restored in the 1980s
together with the main gate. This
man-made canal joined the Pasig
River and Manila Bay, making Fort
Santiago a veritable island.
this plaza was used as a public
promenade until the 1863 earthquake
destroyed Fort Santiago.

A national shrine and a landmark today, Fort Santiago has stood witness to numerous events in
our pre-hispanic and colonial history, as well as our people’s journey to our hard-won
independence.
 Quiapo Church
OVERVIEW:
Fort Santiago is one of the oldest fortifications in Manila
built by the Spaniards in 1571 from what was once a
palisaded structure of logs and earth built by Rajah Quiapo, Manila
Soliman on the native settlement called Maynila. The
colonizers recognized that the tongue of land where the
Pasig River flowed into the Manila Bay was a very
strategic location. The fort was destroyed in 1574 during
the Chinese attack led by Limahong. The stone fort was
built between 1589 and 1592 and was repaired and
extended after being damaged by the 1645 earthquake.
Spanish, British, American and Japanese occupation
forces used the fort as their headquarters and a prison
for men, women, children and soldiers. After its
destruction during the Battle of Manila in 1945, the fort
was used by the U.S. Transportation Corps as a depot
until it was turned over to the Philippine government in
1946. In 1950, Fort Santiago was declared a Shrine of
Freedom and restoration began the following year. Today, Philippines
it stands as a memorial to the victims of World War II and
the sacrifices of the Filipino people in pursuit of freedom.

INTERNAL FEATURES OF QUIAPO CHURCH

Daniel Gallego

L O C A T I O N :

located at the very center of the city of

Manila. It is bounded by the Pasig River.

Quiapo is the home of the Black Nazarene, an image of Christ

believed to be miraculous. The life-size statue, carved from ebony,
was first brought to Quiapo in 1767.
 Mayon Volcano
OVERVIEW:
Mayon is a classic stratovolcano with a small central
summit crater. It is one of the world's most symmetrical
Mayon Volcano
volcanic cones. The concave profile, a hyperbolic sine
curve of the volcano is due to the balance between
erosion and eruption, defined by the angle of repose of
ash.The volcano with its surrounding landscape was
declared a national park on July 20, 1938, the first in the
nation. It was reclassified as a natural park and renamed
the Mayon Volcano Natural Park in 2000. It is the
centerpiece of the Albay Biosphere Reserve, declared by
UNESCO in 2016, and is currently being nominated as a
World Heritage Site.
Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines, and Philippines
its activity is regularly monitored by the Philippine
Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) from
their provincial headquarters on Ligñon Hill, about 12
kilometers (7.5 mi) from the summit.
Mayon is the main landmark and highest point of the
province of Albay and the whole Bicol Region in the
Philippines, rising 2,463 meters (8,081 ft) from the
shores of Albay Gulf about 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) away.
[9][10] The volcano is geographically shared by the eight L O C A T I O N :
cities and municipalities of Legazpi, Daraga, Camalig, located at the very center of the city of
Guinobatan, Ligao, Tabaco, Malilipot, and Santo Domingo Manila. It is bounded by the Pasig River.
(clockwise from Legazpi), which divide the cone like
slices of a pie when viewing a map of their political
boundaries.

the volcano was chosen as the abode of the supreme god of the Bicolano people, Gugurang,
who also chose Mayon as the repository of the sacred fire of Ibalon.
 Rizal Park
LOCATION:
located in the Calabarzon region in Luzon. Its
OVERVIEW:
capital is the city of Antipolo
Rizal Park, Luneta[1] (Filipino:
Liwasang Rizal, Luneta), also known
as Luneta Park or simply Luneta, is
a historic urban park located in
Ermita, Manila. It is considered one
Rizal Park of the largest urban parks in the
Philippines, covering an area of 58
hectares (140 acres). The site on
where the park is situated was
originally known as Bagumbayan
during the Spanish colonial period.
It is adjacent to the historic Walled
City of Intramuros.
Philippines Situated on the eastern shore of
Manila Bay, the park plays a
significant role in shaping the
history of the Philippines. The
execution of Filipino patriot José
Rizal on December 30, 1896 in the
same area fanned the flames of the
1896 Philippine Revolution against
the Kingdom of Spain. The park was
officially named in his honor, and
the monument enshrining his
remains serves as the park's
symbolic focal point. The
declaration of Philippine
independence from the United
States was held here on July 4,
1946, as well as later political
rallies, including those of
Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon
Aquino, the latter having
culminated in the EDSA Revolution
in 1986.[2]

The execution of Filipino patriot José Rizal on December 30, 1896 in the same area fanned the
flames of the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Kingdom of Spain.
Hundred Island
OVERVIEW:
Hundred Island
Fort Santiago is one of the oldest fortifications in Manila built
by the Spaniards in 1571 from what was once a palisaded
structure of logs and earth built by Rajah Soliman on the native
settlement called Maynila. The colonizers recognized that the
tongue of land where the Pasig River flowed into the Manila Bay
was a very strategic location. The fort was destroyed in 1574
during the Chinese attack led by Limahong. The stone fort was
built between 1589 and 1592 and was repaired and extended
after being damaged by the 1645 earthquake. Spanish, British, Philippines
American and Japanese occupation forces used the fort as their
headquarters and a prison for men, women, children and
soldiers. After its destruction during the Battle of Manila in
1945, the fort was used by the U.S. Transportation Corps as a
depot until it was turned over to the Philippine government in
1946. In 1950, Fort Santiago was declared a Shrine of Freedom
and restoration began the following year. Today, it stands as a
memorial to the victims of World War II and the sacrifices of
L O C A T I O N :
located in Alaminos, Pangasinan.
the Filipino people in pursuit of freedom.
Visayas
F I V E B E A U T I F U L S P O T I N

The Visayas, a cluster of islands in the central Philippines, boasts

an array of beautiful spots that captivate travelers with their
stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
McArthur Memorial Park
OVERVIEW:

The MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park (also

known as the Leyte Landing Memorial Park and MacArthur McArthur
Memorial Park
Park) is a protected area of the Philippines that
commemorates the historic landing of General Douglas
MacArthur in Leyte Gulf at the start of the campaign to
recapture and liberate the Philippines from Japanese
occupation on 20 October 1944. This event led to the largest
naval battle of World War II (Also the world's largest naval Philippines
battle in terms of gross tonnage sunk) and Japan's eventual
defeat and surrender after almost three years. The war
memorial is located in the municipality of Palo on Leyte
island in Eastern Visayas and is one of the region's major
tourist attractions. It was declared a national park on 12 July
1977 through Letter of Instructions No. 572 signed by
President Ferdinand Marcos. L O C A T I O N :
Candahug Palo, Leyte

SOME AREAS OF MACARTHUR

MEMORIAL PARK

It is where the famous bronze statue of General Douglas MacArthur is found which
commemorates his historic return to the island of Leyte on the early afternoon of
October 20, 1944.
Chocolate Hills
OVERVIEW:

The Chocolate Hills (Cebuano: Mga Bungtod sa Tsokolate,

Filipino: Mga Tsokolateng Burol) are a geological formation in
the Bohol province of the Philippines. There are at least 1,260
hills, but there may be as many as 1,776 hills spread over an
area of more than 50 square kilometers (20 sq mi). They are Bohol

covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season,
hence the name.
Philippines
The Chocolate Hills are a famous tourist attraction in Bohol.
They are featured in the provincial flag and seal to symbolize
the abundance of natural attractions in the province. They are
in the Philippine Tourism Authority's list of tourist destinations
in the Philippines;[4] they have been declared the country's
third National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion
in the UNESCO World Heritage List. L O C A T I O N :
Located on the island of Bohol in the
Philippines.
SOME AREAS OF MACARTHUR
MEMORIAL PARK

The Chocolate Hills on Bohol Island in the Philippines are

not only a geological wonder but also an important cultural
and tourism site.
The Ruins Mansion
OVERVIEW:
The Ruins is the remains of the ancestral home mansion of
the family of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga
Lacson. It is situated in Talisay, Negros Occidental, Negros
Philippines. The mansion was built in early 1900s and Occidental

inspired by Italian architecture.

The Ruins was the ancestral mansion of the family of

wealthy sugar businessman Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson
built on a 440 hectare sugar plantation in Talisay City,
Philippines
Negros Occidental, in the early 1900s in memory of his
Portuguese wife Maria Braga Lacson, who died during the
birth of their 8th child. During the Second World War,
Filipino guerillas burned it down as a countermeasure to
prevent the invading Japanese forces from using it as a
military headquarters. It burned for three days. The
intention was to burn it to the ground.
L O C A T I O N :
Talisay, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Known variously as the "Taj Mahal of Talisay", "Taj Mahal of
Negros" and "Taj Mahal of the Philippines", it is in the
private ownership of the great-grandchildren of Don
Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Cora Maria Osorio Rosa-Braga.
They have preserved it in its ruined state, among
operational farmland, as a tourist attraction that can be
visited for a fee or hired for events. It is open to daily
visitors from 8am to 8pm for an entrance fee of PHP150 for
adults, PHP100 for senior citizens or PWD, PHP 80 for
students and free for children. The fee is PHP1000 for
those who will take photoshoots.[1]

the ancestral mansion of the family of wealthy sugar businessman Don Mariano
Ledesma Lacson built on a 440 hectare sugar plantation in Talisay City.
Basilica del Santo Niño
OVERVIEW:
The Minor Basilica of the Holy Child, locally known
as the Basílica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebú and
commonly known as Santo Niño Basilica, is a minor
basilica in Cebu City in the Philippines that was
founded in 1565 by Fray Andrés de Urdaneta and
Cebu City
Fray Diego de Herrera. It is the oldest Roman
Catholic church in the country, allegedly built on
the spot where the image of the Santo Niño de Cebú
was found during the expedition of Miguel López de Philippines

Legazpi.
This image of the Child Jesus is the same presented
by Ferdinand Magellan to the chief consort of Rajah
Humabon on the occasion of their royal Baptism to
Roman Catholicism on April 14, 1521. The image was
found by a soldier named Juan de Camuz forty
L O C A T I O N :
years later, preserved in a wooden box, after Pilgrim’s Center, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, 6000
Legazpi had razed a local village.[2] When Pope Cebu

Paul VI made the church a basilica in 1965, he

declared it to be "the symbol of the birth and
growth of Christianity in the Philippines."[9]
The present building was completed in 1740 and
was designated by the Holy See as the "Mother and
Head of all Churches in the Philippines".[1] It is
under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Cebu
and the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de
Cebu.

The church houses the image of the Sto. Niño, the city's patron saint that
represents Jesus as a black Holy Child.
Sambawan Island
OVERVIEW:
Sambawan Island, Maripipi has a stark, mountainous
coastline and a spectacular sunrise, a stunningly
beautiful view, which will surely melt your heart.
Viewed from a distance, Sambawan island with its
Naval,
towering rocks; is a series of interconnecting stony Biliran
islets. It has two main islands and the rocky terrain
is covered with grass. Along the shore lines, Talisay
trees are being planted.
Sambawan island is a marine sanctuary and a Philippines
popular dive site. It has an extensive wealth of
marine life, good visibility and corals that are in
good condition. Turtles, sea snakes and reef sharks
are also found there often. Current is mild and
suitable for all range of divers.
A watch tower is built at the highest point to give
L O C A T I O N :
the tourists unencumbered view of the entire located 5km of the west coast of Maripipi
island. It serves as viewdeck to witness the Municipality, south of the Samar sea

spectacular sunrise and the glorious sunset.

Both,which can surely melt your heart.
Commercialism is slowly creeping in this previously
unspoilt island. Cottages, bathroom facilities,
room, diving gears and beachfront camping are now
available for a fee.

Sambawan is popular for its abundant marine life. Underneath its pristine water
is plenty of coral reefs and schools of fishes that are sure to catch the interest
of snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Commercial buildings are slowly
dominating this once unspoiled island.
F I V E B E A U T I F U L S P O T I N

Mindanao
Mindanao, the second-largest and southernmost major island in
the Philippines, is known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant
culture, and stunning natural attractions.
Maria Cristina Falls
LOCATION:
Iligan City, Lanao del Norte,
Philippines

Philippines

Lanao del Norte

OVERVIEW:

Iligan City, located in the province of Lanao Del Norte, is not called the City of
Majestic Waterfalls for no reason. The city got its nickname because of the presence
of numerous waterfalls in it. The local government has listed 24 waterfalls in Iligan,
and the most prominent of all is the Maria Cristina Falls.
Aside from its natural beauty, this 320-foot-high waterfall provides a part of the
electricity supply of Mindanao through the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant. This plant
has been operational for more than 65 years already. Because of the falls’
significance to the region, the local government agencies maintain the waterfalls by
restricting water activities and limiting tours whenever there are red alerts. At times
when the hydroelectric plant is not operational, one will witness the original “twin
falls” of Maria Cristina. A large rock at the top slope separates the water flow hence
the moniker.
The visit to Maria Cristina Falls is made worthwhile by the activities that may be
experienced in the same nature park where it is located. Similar to the nearby Tinago
Falls, there are picnic spots in the park complex where one can enjoy a meal with a
good view of the waterfall. One of the frequently availed attractions inside the
nature park is the Tree Top Canopy Tour, where one can get a better view of Maria
Cristina Falls. Other features of the park complex include the hanging bridge, three
zip lines, and a mini botanical and zoological garden. The latter houses a crocodile
farm, a butterfly sanctuary, and an orchidarium.
Mount Apo
OVERVIEW:
Mount Apo, also known locally as Apo Sandawa, is
a large solfataric, dormant stratovolcano on the
island of Mindanao, Philippines. With an
elevation of 2,954 meters (9,692 ft) above sea
level, it is the highest-mountain in the Philippine
Archipelago, Mindanao and 24th-highest peak of
an island on Earth. Located on the tripartite
border of Davao City and Davao del Sur in the
Davao Region, and Cotabato in Soccsksargen,
Mount Apo is the most-prominent mountain in the
Philippines. The peak overlooks from Davao City
Philippines
45 kilometers (28 mi) to the northeast, Digos 25
kilometers (16 mi) to the southeast, and
Kidapawan 20 kilometers (12 mi) to the west. It is
a protected area and a Natural Park of the
Philippines.
Mount Apo is a flat-topped, 2,954 m (9,692 ft)
(above sea level) high stratovolcano with three Davao City

peaks. It is the highest peak of the Philippines.

The southwest peak has the highest elevation and L O C A T I O N :
is topped by a 200 m (656 ft) wide crater that Mount Apo, active volcano, south central
contains a small lake. Mindanao, 20 miles (32 km) west of Davao City

The volcanic history of Mount Apo is poorly

known but eruptions have produced andesitic-to-
dacitic lava. A line of solfataras extend from the
southeast flank at an elevation of 2,400 m (7,874
ft) to the summit. Mount Apo is not known to
have had historical eruptions, and was
incorrectly attributed to be the source volcano
of the 1641 eruption of Mount Melibengoy, also in
Mindanao.

They consider Mt. Apo a sacred mountain and the burial ground of Apo Sandawa,
their great forefather.
Philippine Eagle Center

LOCATION:
Davao City

Philippines

Davao City

OVERVIEW:

PEF's Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) is an 8.4-hectare area located at the foothills of
Mt. Apo in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City and situated within the Malagos
Watershed. The PEC operates as a conservation breeding facility for the Philippine
Eagle and other birds of prey.
There can only be one - the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is known in the
local language as haribon, the king of the birds. The massive monarch of the
Philippines' forests has a wingspan that exceeds 7 feet, all the better to help it hunt
monkeys, monitor lizards and hornbills.
Despite its size, the Philippine Eagle is in trouble. Habitat loss has reduced the
haribon's numbers drastically. Eagle populations in the wild are hanging on for dear
life, with numbers hovering between 180 and 500.
To prevent the eagle from going the way of the dodo, a captive breeding program
was established in the southern metropolis of Davao City - one that eventually
evolved into the Philippine Eagle Center, a park/zoo/nursery dedicated to breeding
Philippine eagles with the eventual goal of reintroducing them into the wild
The Philippine Eagle Center is home to 36 Philippine Eagles, 18 of which are captive-
bred. It also houses 10 other species of birds, 4 species of mammals and 2 species of
reptiles. Simulating a tropical rain forest environment, the Center offers the visitor
a glimpse into the country’s forest ecosystem. Although the exhibits are used
primarily to help educate the Filipino people on conservation, the facility is also
considered a major tourist attraction in Davao City.
Asik-Asik Falls
OVERVIEW:
Asik-Asik Falls nestles on Mount Ragang’s lower
slope, also known as Mount Piapayungan or the
Blue Mountain, an active stratovolcano between
Lanao del Sur and North Cotabato. It is
specifically located in Sitio Dulao of Barangay
Upper Dado, Alamada, North Cotabato.
It was not until the last ten years that this
location came to the radar of travel goers, and
over the past years, local and international Philippines
visitors began flocking to have a sight of its
glorious wonders.
The discovery of this natural marvel sparked the
imagination of locals, resulting in numerous tales North
Cotabato
and side stories. Some claim that during clearing
operations, its location was mistakenly identified
L O C A T I O N :
by the military. Others suggest that they know
Sitio Dulao of Barangay Upper Dado,
the spot already. The latter appears more Alamada, North Cotabato.
accurate and more probable.
Now, it is impossible to ignore such grandeur’s
beauty, so the local people either kept it hidden
or a secret. The once peaceful town of Alamada in
the highland of North Cotabato is undoubtedly
now a booming tourist destination, thanks largely
to the majestic Asik-Asik Falls.

The newfound oasis was christened Asik-Asik, meaning “sprinkle-sprinkle” in the

local Hiligaynon language, after the sprinkle of falling water on nearby rocks.
Dimaukom Mosque
OVERVIEW:
Masjid Dimaukom, also known as the Pink
Mosque, is a stunning architectural marvel
located in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, a municipality
in the province of Maguindanao, Mindanao,
Philippines. It is renowned for its vibrant pink
color and intricate Islamic design elements,
making it a distinctive landmark in the region.
The mosque was built by the local politician and
philanthropist, Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor
Samsudin Dimaukom, in honor of his wife, Anida,
who had a penchant for the color pink.
Completed in 2014, Masjid Dimaukom stands as a Philippines
symbol of peace, unity, and religious tolerance
in a region often troubled by conflict.
The exterior of the mosque is adorned with
intricate geometric patterns and arabesque
motifs, typical of Islamic architecture. Its North
distinctive pink hue, along with its elegant Cotabato
minarets and domes, makes it a visually striking
structure against the backdrop of Mindanao's
L O C A T I O N :
landscape.
Sitio Dulao of Barangay Upper Dado,
Inside, the mosque features a spacious prayer
Alamada, North Cotabato.
hall adorned with beautiful Islamic calligraphy
and ornate chandeliers, creating a serene and
contemplative atmosphere for worshipers. The
architectural design and decorative elements
reflect a blend of traditional Islamic artistry
with modern aesthetics.
Masjid Dimaukom serves as not only a place of
worship for the local Muslim community but also
as a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from
across the Philippines and beyond who come to
admire its unique beauty and learn about the
cultural and religious significance it holds for
the people of Mindanao.

The Dimaukom Mosque is notable for its pink painted

façade. Pink is meant to symbolize peace and love.