Sta. Ana Heritage District
One of the most historic districts along the banks of the Pasig River. Pre-colonial history
shows that it was already a flourishing community known as the Kingdom of Namayan for
trading agricultural, fishery, pottery and iron work products with other communities along the
river.
When the Spaniards built a small church dedicated to St. ann in 1578, they renamed the
place Santa Ana de Sapa (St. Ann of the Brook). The community contributed to the flourish in
the arts, trading and agriculture, producing sugar cane, cacao, rice, corn and other fruits and
vegetables. In the early 19th century, the wealthy from Intramuros started building vacation
homes near the banks of the Pasig River. Most of the houses in Santa Ana were burned
during the Philippine Revolution against Spain, the Spanish-American War and the Filipino-
American War in the early years of the 20th century. During the closing of the World War II,
Santa Ana was spared from the atrocities of the Battle of Manila and gave refuge to
thousands of fleeing civilians from other parts of Manila.
Ancient graves and valuable artifacts from a burial site dating from the late 12th and early
13th centuries were unearthed from the Church courtyard in 1967 - proof of the rich culture
of the early people of Santa Ana before contact with the Western World. Some of the
interesting places to see in Sta. Ana are:
- Sta. Ana Church & Camarin - Plaza Felipe Calderon
- El Pozo dela Virgen - Doņa Cornelia Lichauco's (Lola Grande) House
- Taoist Temple - Montessori School
- Plza Hugo
Jones Bridge
Enchanting lights illuminate Jones Bridge to highlight the Pasig River, which divides Manila
into North and South, or mainly into commercial/industrial centers, and government and
cultural centers, respectively. More redevelopment projects are on-going along this historic
river, which runs through several Metro Manila cities, exiting to Manila Bay.
Muelle Del Rio
This promenade straddles the southern bank of the Pasig River marking area where the
historic "Galleon Trade" started and flourished. Several notable restaurateurs have set up
big umbrellas and impromptu tents serving popular delicacies. The northern embankment
of the river has also been transformed into a well-lighted promenade with sidewalk cafes
and flea market stalls.
The New Plaza Miranda
The plaza is the showcase of the city-wide urban renewal. It transforms an erstwhile chaotic
place into well-appointed open areas for political, social and cultural events. Artistic arches
and landmark provide an appropriate perimeter for the public as they segregate areas for
organized street-vending.
Lacson underpass complex lies underneath connecting artery of the other side of the street.
It contains assorted stores, offices and stalls for commuters and church devotees.
Malacaņang Palace / Museum
Malacaņang Palace is considered to be one of the most historic structures in the
Philippines. It has been the official residence of the highest chief executive of the country
since 1863. Located next to the Pasig River, it served as a summer residence for the
Spanish governor-general during the early 1800s. Governor General Rafael de Echague
moved the seat of government to Malacaņang Palace after an earthquake devastated the
Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros. Since then, it has been witness to the numerous
challenges that have faced the nation and the events that have defined our history. A wing of
the palace is open to the public as a Philippine Presidential Museum. The palace tour
focuses on all former Presidents of the Philippines and an exhibit are presidential
memorabilia highlighting the terms of office of the country's former chief executives.
Chinese Cemetery
Founded in the mid-1850s by Lim Ong and Tan Quien Sien (Don Carlos Palanca) to
accommodate the many Chinese who were now allowed to be buried in Spanish
cemeteries. The cemetery covering 54 hectares has streets lined with mausoleums which
are richly adorned with marble and wrought iron, some with stained glass windows.
Imposing mausoleums serve the dual purpose of honoring the dead and exhibiting the
socio-economic status of the family. The crematorium is opposite the temple. A nearby
building houses ashes on 2 floors and on the 3rd floor, the bones of those who will be
returned to mainland China. The poor are buried in terraces to the left of the Buddhist
Temple.
Paco Park and Cemetery
Once a Spanish cemetery surrounded by a massive circular wall during the Spanish era.
Intended for the victims of the cholera epidemic. Niches inside the cemetery were leased for
P20.00 for three years, renewable. When all the niches were filled, remains of occupants
whose leases have expired were transferred to the ossorio to allow for new burials. The last
internment was in 1913. Remains of Spanish governors and of the elite were laid to rest in
the Chapel of St. Pancratius. Today, only the remains of Governor-General Ramon Solano
are still in the chapel. In 1966, the cemetery was declared a National Park making a
charming spot where visitors can promenade.
Manila Zoological Garden
The Manila Zoo shelters a collection of Philippine and exotic African wildlife. Among the
varieties of animals and birds found here are the endangered Philippine Tamaraw and the
Tarsier, both indigenous to the Philippines.
Manila Hotel
One of the grandest hotels in the orient, the Manila Hotel stands among the structures of the
finest architectural and social creations of its time. Originally built from 1908 to 1912, it has
been aptly referred to by many as the "Showcase of the Philippines", "Aristocrat of the
Orient", and "Address of Prestige". It's guest book is a veritable Who's Who, always filled out
by celebrated names and famous figures from business tycoons to royalty and heads of
state to superstars of sports and entertainment world. Beautifully nestled among such
sights as the historic Intramuros and the famed Manila Bay, today, the vastly improved
refurbished in the same distinctive classic architecture with modern amenities and facilties,
Manila Hotel, a proud institution, a landmark and a heritage preserved, it has a wealthy
reservoir of stories to tell. And to quote Ernest Hemingway, one of the grandest story tellers
of our times on his definition of a good narrative , he said, "it is a good story if it is like the
Manila Hotel".
Ermita District
Originally known as "Lagyo". In 1591, a chapel was constructed here for Nuestra Seņora de
Guia. A Mexican hermit arrived in the place and lived in the chapel and people referred to
him as "La Ermita". Ermita was a fishing village prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. When
the Spaniards moved out of Intramuros, they integrated with the Indios in Ermita and
adjacent Malate and to a lesser extent, Paco making them the fashionable residential areas
during the Spanish era up to the American era.
Plaza Dilao-Paco District
On a patch of land across the road form the Paco Post Office building is a statue of
Japanese Feudal Lord Wukon Takayama who was exiled to the Philippines in 1614
because he refused to disavow his Christian beliefs. At that time, the Spaniards referred to
the Paco Area as the "Yellow Plaza" because of the more than 3,000 Japanese who resided
there. Plaza Dilao is the last vestige of the old town of Paco.
University of Sto. Tomas
The oldest university in the Philippines and in Asia founded on April 11, 1611 by Reverend
Father Miguel de Benavides. Originally opened as the College of Our Lady of the Rosary,
the university has been bestowed the title "Royal" by King Charles III of Spain in 1758, while
Pope Leo XIII granted the title "Pontifical" in 1902. Located originally in Intramuros, it was
transferred to its present site in 1911. The university has 3 ecclesiastical faculties:
Theology, Canon Law and Philosophy. There are 12 colleges and faculties as well. Owned
by Spanish Dominicans, it is governed by a Board of Trustees. Until the late 19th century,
the university accepted only students of Spanish parentage. Women were first admitted to
the university in 1927. UST campus also served as an interment camp for Americans,
British Canadians and other allied nationals of the Japanese Occupation Forces from
January 1942-February 1945.
Manila Bay
Considered the finest harbor in the Far East, where the infamous "Mock Batlle" occurred
between the Amricans and the Spaniards in 1898. Many historians believed that the Manila-
Acapulco Galleon Trade between the Philippines and Mexico thrived principally because of
the strategic location of Manila Bay. The Galleon Trade lasted for 244 years.
Rizal Park
Considered as one of the largest parks in Southeast Asia. It has an area of 58 hectares
which runs from Taft Avenue up to the walls of the famous Manila Bay. Known as the
Bagumbayan field during the Spanish era since this was where the Filipino-Moslems took
refuge after the Spaniards occupied Intramuros in 1571. It was also called "Luneta" which
means Little Moon. For 74 years, it was used as an execution ground by the Spaniards for
Filipino rebels and mutineers. By 1902, Daniel Burnham, architect and city planner chose
Bagumbayan as the site of proposed American government center. He designed a U-
shaped composition of buildings but only three were constructed: the Executive House, The
Department of Tourism building and the Department of Finance building. It acquired its
present name Rizal National Park in dedication to the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P.
Rizal whose mortal remains were interred in the corner shore of the Rizal Monument in
1912.
Rizal Monument
The 50-foot high monument was built in the early 1900s in cooperation of then American
Governor-General William Howard Taft thru the funds raised by public subscription to honor
the Philippine patriot and hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Rizal's statue which was completed in
1912, was cast in Switzerland under the supervision of Richard Kissling, a Swiss architect,
stood on a rhombic base of solid granite blocks below an obelisk.
The Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion
A destination galore amidst the flurry of the city, this pocket paradise is just one of a kind. A
repository of endemic Philippine orchids, a butterfly haven, a botanic playground, a
rainforest, a gastronomic station and art gallery rolled into one. Now a favorite venue for
wedding receptions, meetings and other similar events, this unique garden park is the first
major project of the Clean and Green Foundation, Inc.
Intramuros
Intramuros, meaning "within the walls", was the glorious old city of Manila. Originally the
native settlement of Moslems ruled by Rajah Sulayman, it became an encircled city of
massive high stone walls, bulwarks and moats with the arrival of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi
in 1521. Within the walls of 4.5 kms. Encircling an area of 64 ha. rose residences,
churches, schools and government buildings with drawbridges as gates which closed
before midnight opened at the political, cultural, educational, religious and commercial
realm of Spain in the East.
Not long after however, Intramuros suffered from the hands of the American colonizers as
well as from subsequent fires and earthquakes. Bombings at the close of World War II
bombarded and almost totally ruined the walled city sparing only some walls and buildings.
Today, restorations and preservations of Intramuros to revive its illustrious past are made
through the efforts.
Plaza San Luis
Named after one of the barrios of old Intramuros, this is a cultural-cum-commercial
complex currently composed of five houses: Casa Manila, Casa Urdaneta, Casa Blanca,
Los Hidalgos and El Hogar Filipino. Plaza San Luis will eventually consist of 9 houses
representing different eras in Filipino illustrado or the privileged class home.
Rizal Shrine
The restored shrine inside Fort Santiago houses Rizaliana items in memory of the
Philippines' national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal who spent his last few days here before he was
executed on December 30, 1896. Among the objects exhibited are various books and
manuscripts by and about the national hero; paraphernalia and souvenirs acquired during
his several trips abroad; and a collection of colonial-style furniture from his hometown in
Calamba, Laguna.
Fort Santiago
Marking its entrance at the northwestern tip to Intramuros, Fort Santiago was one of the
oldest fortifications of Intramuros started in 1571 and completed nearly 150 years later by
Filipino forced labor. The Pre-Spanish settlement of Rajah Sulayman, the last Filipino ruler
before the coming of the Spaniards, was a wooden fort, Spain's major defense position in
the islands. It looked out on the sea, towards which its canons were trained to ward off
pirates and invaders. Also known as the "Shrine of Freedom", in memory of the heroic
Filipinos imprisoned and killed here during the Spanish and Japanese eras. Partly rebuilt
from the ruins of World War II, it is now a park and promenade housing a resident theater
company PETA which used ramparts, an old garrison and a small chapel as theaters for
both traditional and modern plays.
Bahay Tsinoy
A museum showcasing an impressive heritage exhibit in dioramas tracing the history of the
Philippine-Chinese pre-Hispanic times to the colonial period. Rare prints and photographs,
interesting porcelain collection. Unearthed all over the Philippines and famous names of
Filipino-Chinese in nation building are part of the exhibit. Open to the public as well is a
library containing the most extensive collection of materials and information about the
Chinese in the country.
Lacson Underpass
The first pedestrian underpass in Asia. It has been rehabilitated as part of the "Buhayin ang
Maynila" redevelopment project of Mayor Jose L. Atienza.
Santa Ana Church
One of the age-old church that has remained a repository of the Philippines' glorious past.
Museo Pambata
Museo Pambata is the first hands-on interactive children's museum in the Philippines. It is
an exciting learning center with six (6) theme areas namely: Kalikasan (Environment),
Maynila Noon (Old Manila), Tuklas (Science), Paglaki Ko (Career Option), Katawan Ko (Body
Works) and Bata sa Mundo (Children in the Global Village), a reading resource center and
children's playground. The museum is also a venue for programs and activities for the
public especially for underserved children such as storytelling, puppet shows, workshops
on visual arts, health, etc.
Museo ng Maynila
For centuries now, Manila has been the Primate City, not only in terms of its glorious past
but has also played a leading role in many fields - in arts and culture, science and
technology, government and politics. The Museo ng Maynila speaks to the people of the
city's many firsts and the city's many possible futures. The Army and Navy Club which
houses the Museo ng Maynila has seen the city through the good and bad days. Built in the
first decade of the century, the structure was razed to the ground during World War II (1940-
1945). The Museo ng Maynila is entrusted with the dual task of conservation and
dissemination of the city's rich heritage. The Museo opened its door to the public in June 20,
1997.
Carriedo Waterworks System
Claimed to be the first water system in Asia, it was constructed from 1878 to 1882 at an
estimated cost of seven hundred forty five thousand pesos (P745,000.00). The system
supplied Manila with water which was pumped from the Marikina River, stored in "El
Deposito", an underground reservoir in Pinaglabanan San Juan then flowed by gravity to
Manila.
Bonifacio Shrine
Selected periods of Bonifacio's biography which represent the events and personalities
involved in molding our history.
MacArthur Monument
A monument re-eacting the Leyte Landing originally located at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod
ng Maynila compound, Intramuros, Manila.
Dancing Fountain
The Dancing Fountain is highlighted by colored lights. Built for the purpose of beautifying
the park and to have a cool ambiance for the people who are resting at the park.
Mexican Botanical Garden
This Botanical Garden offers samples of plants indigenous of Mexico which have become a
part of the Philippine flora. The garden serves as a symbol of the cultural heritage of Mexico
to the Philippines.
Bahay Tsinoy
A museum showcasing the Chinese in Philippine life, some fine artifacts and coins, a
gallery of rare prints and photographs, and a collection of porcelain unearthed from all over
the Philippines.
San Agustin Church
The oldest stone church in Metro Manila was built in 1586 and completed in 1606. An
intricately carved door opens to the church. Of great interest are the XIXth century
chandeliers, the pulpit, the side chapels, the tombstone on the floorings and an 18th
century pipe organ. Like an impregnable fortress, San Agustin has withstood the ravages of
time both brought by nature and by man; earthquakes and typhoons, Chinese and Dutch
attacks, the British Occupation Force and the Philiipine-Spanish War, Dewey's
bombardment, the bloody and destructive Japanese Occupation and the equally
devastating return of Mac Arthur's troops.
Manila Ocean Park
The first marine themed park in the Philippines which has become the hottest tourist draw
in the metropolis since it opened in March 2008. It's a world of water, light, unique treats and
surprises that will take one's breath away. A place where the best of both worlds, oversea
and undersea, mingle in one spectacular site dubbed as an "Integrated Resort". The Manila
Ocean Park features some of the exciting and newest water-themed park like the
Oceanarium, Musical Fountain Show, Glass Bottom Boatride, Aquanaut Voyage, etc.
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