Why you should do it:
The summer capital of the Philippines has been a favorite vacation spot for generations. But beyond your fondness for the cooler climate, you should try the unique experience of picking your own strawberries. The red heart-shaped fruit spread out in front of you is a sight to behold–unless you’re not fond of strawberries at all. But if you’re a die-hard strawberry lover, we recommend getting a cone of strawberry ice cream or a cup of strawberry taho right after picking for additional pleasure after a job well done.
2. GO SPELUNKING IN SAGADA
Why you should do it:
Craving for a highland adventure? Grab your backpack and gear, and go caving in Sagada. What appears to be a quiet retreat away from the city actually has a handful of unique experiences available for the thrill-seeker. Sumaguing Cave, or Big Cave as it is popularly referred to, is a must for any Sagada traveler. Although there are other smaller caves to explore, this cave is the most-frequented caving hotspot in Sagada.
3. VISIT THE COBBLESTONE STREETS OF VIGAN
Why you should do it:
A walk down Vigan’s streets brings you back to how it must have been like to live during the Spanish era. Vigan tops the list when it comes to revisiting the romance of our colonial past. Calle Crisologo, the hub for old, ancestral houses, is the place to go to. Try renting a horse-drawn carriage or calesa, and enjoy a ride around this world heritage site.
4. GO HORSEBACK RIDING IN TAGAYTAY
Why you should do it:
Tagaytay’s cool climate makes it a favorite for urbanites seeking relief from the heat of the city. The Picnic Grove in particular, is a favorite because it’s the center for various activities like horseback riding. And it doesn’t matter if you’ve never ridden a horse in your life, there are experienced guides and instructors who will be more than willing to show you the ropes.
5. VISIT THE SHRINE OF THE BLOOD COMPACT IN BOHOL
Why you should do it:
Apart from a visit to the Chocolate Hills, the Sandugo Shrine is another must-visit because of it’s historical significance. Said to be the approximate spot of the ritual where a pact of friendship to end hostilities was made by Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the shrine memorializes this event with the help of bronze statues by the National Artist, Napoleon Abueva.
6. WATCH THE SINULOG FESTIVAL IN CEBU
Why you should do it:
Every third Sunday of January, the city of Cebu swells with tourists from all over the world who want to take part in the annual Sinulog festival. It is, without question, one of the most famous, most colorful, and grandest festivals in the country. So if basking in the sun or hiking up the mountains is not your thing, then you can perhaps try watching Cebu's Sinulog Festival parade or dancing the night away in the street parties that follow it.
7. DECORATE A HOUSE FOR THE PAHIYAS IN QUEZON
Why you should do it:
This annual tribute to San Isidro Labrador, the patron of farmers, is held to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Houses are decorated with kiping—leaf-shaped ornaments made with rice flour—in various colors, and other produce arranged in such a way that homes resemble parade floats. It’s a feast for the eyes, and with all the dishes served during the fiesta, the palate as well.
8. SEE THE MASKARA FESTIVAL IN BACOLOD
Why you should do it:
The Masskara Festival, also referred to as the “Festival of Smiles,” will call out to the amateur photographer in you as the festival practically bursts with color. Various dance groups try to outdo each other with elaborate costumes and masks as they parade dancing down the streets to the beat of lively music.
9. DANCE WITH THE ATI-ATIHAN IN AKLAN
Why you should do it:
Love street dancing? Go to Kalibo in Aklan and dance to the tunes of the famous Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan. Celebrated every third weekend of January, this festival is been considered by many as the Mardi Gras of the Philippines. You don’t have to paint your face with soot or wear the costumes; just shout “hala bira!” while dancing wildly with the locals is just as much fun.
10. GO ON A DAY TRIP TO CORREGIDOR
Why you should do it:
Corregidor holds a special place in history as one of the key points in the defense of Manila during World War II. Today, the ruins of the soldier’s barracks as well as the guns used used against the enemies serve as a testament to the brave individuals who fought to keep the country safe.
11. GO TO A POTTERY WORKSHOP AT UGU BIGYAN
Why you should do it:
Named its owner, Ugu Bigyan is a special destination in Quezon for those whose passions lie in art and food. Art is a focal point for Ugu’s family and along with the home atmosphere and the delicious food, the one-of-a-kind items sold at the workshop makes this a one-stop destination for tourists.
12. SEE THE WINDMILLS OF BANGUI
Why you should do it:
The windmills that dot the shoreline of Bangui lend a special charm to this seaside town. Used as a source of clean energy, the huge windmills are a sight to behold and make for some pretty amazing photos. Get the full romantic effect by taking photos during the “blue hour” and you’ll know what we mean.
13. TOUR MALACAÑANG PALACE
Why you should do it:
Built in 1750, Malacañang first served as a summer home for a Spanish aristocrat. It was purchased by the state in 1825, it then became the official home for Spanish Governor Generals, and during the Spanish-American War, the residence of American Governor William Howard Taft. Malacañang is now designated as the official residence of Philippine presidents during their tenure. After the People Power Revolution in 1986, the Palace was reopened to the public and was converted into a museum. Guests can view art and furniture from the Palace collection, including portraits of every President from Emilio Aguinaldo to Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.
14. VISIT THE BARASOAIN CHURCH
Why you should do it:
For travelers looking to see a little bit of history, a visit to the Barasoain Church in Bulacan is a must. Founded in 1859 by the Augustinian missionaries, this structure is witness to some of the most important moments in our country’s history. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and former President Joseph Estrada are just some of the leaders that have a special connection to the church.
15. EXPLORE THE COCONUT PALACE
Why you should do it:
Named after the tree of life, the Coconut Palace, situated at the CCP Complex in Pasay City, now serves as the official residence, as well as primary office of the Vice President of the Philippines. Built in 1978, the grand palace was made out of special coconut lumber, Philippine hardwood, and coconut shells. This structure also features a salakot-shaped roof. The suites on the second floor are named after the regions in the Philippines, and each features handicrafts unique to the regions.
16. RIDE THE OLD LOCOMOTIVES IN THE SUGAR PLANTATIONS IN NEGROS
Why you should do it:
Known as “Sugarlandia,” the wealth of Negros comes from the vast sugar plantations scattered throughout the province–-and you have to see the wonders of these plantations at least once in your lifetime. Take a ride on the old locomotives with the locals and enjoy the vast view of the province’s lifeblood.
17. SEE RIZAL’S HOME IN CALAMBA
Why you should do it:
Rizal’s ancestral home in Calamba, Laguna, is among the most-visited attractions in the province. Although it was destroyed sometime in World War II, the national artist Juan Nakpil supervised its restoration under the Executive Order No. 145 issued by then President Elpidio Quirino. The Calamba Church, where Rizal was baptized, was just next door.
18. VISIT THE PINEAPPLE PLANTATIONS IN MINDANAO
Why you should do it:
Some claim that the biggest pineapple plantation in the world is in the Philippines and it is located in Mindanao. Here, pineapple plants stretch as far as the eye can see, not surprising since the country is the second largest producer of the fruit. While Mindanao is home to a number of large pineapple plantations, the one in Polomolok in South Cotabato offers not just huge tracts of land devoted to the fruit, but also an amazing view of Mt Matumtum.
19. GO ON A CALESA RIDE OR A WALKING TOUR OF THE STREETS IN INTRAMUROS
Why you should do it:
The walled city of Intramuros is famous for a lot of things. From the old buildings that make up each block, to the ruins of the old cells used as prisons, this city within a city is teeming with history. The best way to imagine how life was back then is by way of a horse-drawn =calesa down Intramuros's cobbled roads. You never know what things you may discover just around the corner. Not one for the carriages? Sign up for a walking tour!
20. TOUR FORT SANTIAGO
Why you should do it:
Fort Santiago was set up as a military defense structure in the 16th century and has seen it's share of wars, even surviving the bombing during World War II. Officially a part of Intramuros, Fort Santiago is now an important monument that captures Manila's glorious past. A tour of Fort Santiago means walking the same streets as our ancestors from long ago.
21. SEE MAGELLAN'S CROSS AND THE STO. NIÑO SHRINE IN CEBU
Why you should do it:
Cebu holds the distinction as being one of the first places in the country to experience Western influence. Magellan's Cross, housed in a small shrine near the Cebu City Hall is said to be the original cross that the Portuguese explorer brought with him when he first landed on the islands. Right next to it is the Sto. Niño Shrine, which houses one of the oldest images of the Child Jesus as well as centuries-old antiques.
22. MACARTHUR'S LANDING SITE IN LEYTE
Why you should do it:
The island of Leyte in the Visayas played a special role during World War II. General Douglas MacArthur landed on the shores of Leyte on October 20, 1944 and presided over a campaign that helped in the liberation of the country from the Japanese. On Palo Beach, where General MacArthur landed, there is a memorial that commemorates the exact pose of the party as they waded to shore all those years ago.
23. SEE THE SPOLIARIUM AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM
Why you should do it:
The Spoliarium is a painting by the celebrated Filipino artist, Juan Luna. Standing four meters high and nearly seven meters wide, the painting shows the scenes beneath a roman arena where the bodies of dead gladiators are placed before being disposed of. This painting is a source of national pride because it won the Exposicion Nacional Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1884.
24. MEET THE IGOROTS OF THE CORDILLERAS
Why you should do it:
Composed of six ethnic groups (the Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Isneg, Kalinga, and Kankan-ey), the Igorots of the Cordillera region represent a culture that is unique to their region. From their languages and customs, to the way they dress, the Igorots continue to preserve a culture that still depends greatly on the spirits and bounty of the earth.
25. SEE THE LIGHTS AND SOUNDS SHOW AT RIZAL PARK
Why you should do it:
Located on the purported exact site of Rizal's execution, the light and sound show is performed daily for audiences that include tourists and school children. Here, people are treated to a re-enactment (by way of statues created by Eduardo Castrillo) of Rizal's final days before his execution by firing squad on December 30, 1896.
26. SEE THE PETROGLYPHS IN ANGONO, RIZAL br /> Why you should do it:
These images, carved in stone in Angono, Rizal, are the oldest known works of art in the country. Discovered in 1965 by National Artist Botong Francisco, these etchings date back to 3000 BC. Showing stylized images of people as well as animals, these petroglyphs are the earliest indications of human life in the country.
27. EAT LECHON IN CEBU
Why you should do it:
Most Pinoys will agree that a trip to Cebu will not be complete unless you sample the lechon. Their version of the lechon is said to be so tasty that no sauce is required. And it's not just the locals that sing the Cebu lechon praises. Even internationally acclaimed foodie Anthony Bourdain called it "the best pig ever" in his food trip show, No Reservations.
28. EAT BALUT IN PATEROS
Why you should do it:
This delicacy is an acquired taste, even among Filipinos. After all, the balut is not exactly eye candy. But the best way to enjoy balut is in Pateros--a place that is known as the balut capital of the country. They even have a festival for this delicacy!
29. TRY OUT THE ORIGINAL SISIG IN PAMPANGA
Why you should do it:
This tasty favorite may not be the healthiest dish around, but sisig's appeal is undeniable. Variations of sisig vary from kitchen to kitchen and from restaurant to restaurant. but it supposedly was the culinary brainchild of Lucia Cunanan from Angeles City. As with anything, the original version always comes out tops!
30. GALLERY HOP IN ANTIPOLO AND RIZAL
Why you should do it:
While people may go to either of these location for a quick break from their busy city lives and recharge, a growing number of individuals make their way to Antipolo and Rizal to see beautiful paintings, sculptures, and pottery made by talented local artists. Grab a few friends and expand your cultural horizons during a day trip to some of the galleries scattered throughout these locales.
SOURCE: http://www.femalenetwork.com/travel-leisure/a-philippine-travelers-bucket-list-30-cultural-and-historical-must-sees
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