5 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Intramuros (Manila, Philippines)

The historical Walled City of Intramuros is considered as one of the most favored tourist spots in Manila, Philippines. Visit this iconic place and explore a slew of interesting landmarks that define the city's culture and heritage.

Planning for a unique city adventure where you can enjoy a historical tour? Book an accommodation at The Bayleaf Intramuros and get ready for a fun and educational tour in one of the Philippine capital's top destination – the Walled City of Intramuros. Both local and foreign visitors regarded this as one of the most favorable places to visit in the metro. It is not surprising because it is home to an array of heritage sites that present an enriching experience. Among the top 5 tourist attractions in Intramuros are:

1. Fort Santiago
Considered as Intramuros' most popular tourist spot, Fort Santiago is a historic citadel built by the Spanish conquistadors. It was the former military headquarters of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi's troupe where Jose Rizal (Philippine national hero) was imprisoned before his execution. Fort Santiago features an iconic gate with a wooden relief of Santiago Matamoros, the patron saint of Spain. The fortress also houses the Rizal Shrine, a museum in one of the fort's barracks that presents his life and works.

2. Plaza de Roma
Plaza de Roma is known as the plaza mayor (main public square) in Intramuros. Situated at the heart of the Walled City, it is surrounded by 3 significant landmarks: the Palacio del Gobernador to the west, Casas Consistorales (Ayuntamiento de Manila) to the east, and Manila Cathedral to the south. The primary attraction in this place is the monument of King Carlos IV of Spain, which stands at the center of the plaza. Erected in 1824, this bust serves as a tribute for his noble act of sending the first set of smallpox vaccine to the Philippines.

3. Manila Cathedral
Manila Cathedral is an outstanding Roman Catholic basilica that honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Built in 1581, this majestic edifice has been reconstructed several times. The eighth and most current Neo-Romanesque iteration of the cathedral was completed in 1958. For those who are interested with the church's history, a small exhibit is placed in one of the side chapels near the cathedral's entrance. This picturesque sanctuary, which serves as the highest seat of the country's archbishop, lies near Bayleaf Manila hotel.

4. San Agustin Church
Regarded as one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the country, San Agustin Church is famed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from its impressive interiors that reflect the traditional Spanish-Latin American architecture, this church also boasts its rich political influence. During the colonial times, it served as a fortress that has been subjected to attacks by local revolts. Today, it shelters a depository that exhibits sacred vessels, ecclesiastical robes, religious art and manuscripts, and other valuable cultural artifacts. In 1976, San Agustin Church was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government.

5. Casa Manila
Set across the historic San Agustin Church, Casa Manila is one of the grand houses built in Intramuros during the Spanish occupation. It epitomizes the house of an ilustrado (a rich Filipino) in the late 19th century. This 3-story abode is a replica of the house of a Binondo merchant named Don Severino Mendoza. Presenting an affluent blend of European and Chinese furniture and decor, this building stands today as a museum of the bygone era’s architecture and lifestyle. To complete your Walled City holiday tour, make sure to drop by at Casa Manila during your vacation at The Bayleaf Intramuros.

Travel tip: Check out The Bayleaf Hotel promos for more affordable stay.

Goodbye Bed Weather Blues

Staying indoors can be such a bummer during the days when the sun is no longer out. In order to avoid the whole cabin fever, we should know how to keep ourselves occupied by making use of our daily hobbies and other interests. These days, staying in hotels has become the current trend of having a vacation in the city. When you’re in Makati, accommodation of hotels is not that difficult to search. Here are lists of reasons why city hotels can make bonding more fun with your loved ones.

Don’t let the weather blues get to you when you can stay in places that can be seen as your second home. It could be for the weekend or a weekly stay in a hotel that is as cozy and modern as Asian Mansion II Hotel. One of the hotels with living rooms and bedrooms that resemble your very own haven in the city.

Make use of the room kitchen facilities of the hotel where you can make your own meal instead of walking out and spending a lot on fine dining. Most hotels are mostly located near convenient stores and supermarkets so if ever you need the proper ingredients, you can always step out and take a few steps away to go to one. So go on and show off those cooking skills!

City hotels are normally located near commercial and business districts. If your hotel is close to a mall, take the opportunity to bring loved ones for a blockbuster movie or a shopping spree in some of the trendiest stores. It will be fun and it will definitely get you out! Wouldn’t it be nice to feel like you’re living near all the fun events?

So why not have a staycation in the city? You don’t have to go far for an out of town trip or spend much on a fancy place. If you’re looking for a hotel near Ayala Avenue, Asian Mansion II Hotel would be an ideal place to stay in for a quick city escape. All you have to do is visit their website at http://www.asianmansion-makati.com for guaranteed room reservations with affordable rates.

The Hidden Gems of Legaspi Village in Makati City, Philippines

When someone mentions the word Makati, several images come to mind: towering skyscrapers and office buildings, busy men and women in corporate attire rushing past, hopeful job applicants clutching several copies of their resume. Everyone is in a hurry to get to the next meeting or close the next business deal, and the city is all abuzz with frenetic capitalist activity.

However, just a couple of turns from Paseo de Roxas will land you in a place so different you’ll think you’ve left Makati. This area is called Legaspi Village, the chill, homey cousin of the Ayala CBD. The buildings are shorter, the people not as harried, and the overall vibe more relaxed. You’re more likely to find employees in casual clothes, walking leisurely in groups as they decide where to have their next meal or which café to meet in.

here are several hidden gems in Legaspi Village that you must visit if you happen to be in the area.

The Curator. Coffee shops are by-and-large a staple of the Makati working class zombie, but we have yet to see a fresher variation than the Curator. It’s easy to pass this one by but play close attention to the white walls and you’ll know you’re in the right place. The Curator serves excellent coffee staples and frequently displays other coffee brands, such as % Arabica. Further inside, guests will find a speakeasy hidden behind an unassuming door. Have a chill night drinking with friends and enjoy the various cocktails for sale.

Little Tokyo. You don’t have to book a plane ticket to Japan just to savor authentic oriental food. Venture out to Little Tokyo, a hub of small restaurants and stalls serving Japanese cuisine. Taste everything from delicious yakisoba noodles to crunchy takoyaki pieces, all at affordable prices.

Legaspi Sunday Market. Open only on Sundays (obviously), the Legaspi Sunday Market is composed of numerous stalls catering to different taste buds. Keep it healthy and shop for organic vegetables or go loco over artisanal vegan ice cream, mushroom fries, and delicious Hainanese chicken rice.

Accommodation Makati. If you’re looking for a place to stay, consider BSA Mansion Hotel. This Makati hotel is also in the Legaspi area, located near the spots mentioned above. A city hotel catering to both business and leisure travelers, BSA is a solid and affordable option whether you’re staying for the long- or short-term. Enjoy various facilities such as an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and airport transfers when you book a stay with BSA Mansion Hotel on their website: http://www.bsamansion-makati.com.

Road Stops That Are Worth Stopping For

What’s more fun than going on a road trip with your best pals and loved ones? These days, we always have the urge to go somewhere new and exciting. As we live through the new digital age, we always look forward to post something and share an experience with others.

When you want a break away from the city life, you can always go to a place by the lake or mountains to clear your head and do fun outdoor activities. One of the best places to share memories and post Instagram-worthy photos would be one of the popular lakes in the Philippines. One of those places would be Forbes Suites by Caliraya Resort. Laguna is the area where they are mainly located at but to find the complete address details, you can always visit their main website. A road trip is also nothing without a few road stops along the way.

Old Landmark Buildings – Get to know some of the historical parts of Philippines’ provinces and spot some of the old houses that resembled Spanish houses. If you have the time, take a stretch from all that driving or sitting and get some fresh air by visiting some old parks and churches.

Local Food Trips – You’re a Filipino if you love to eat! Since we are known to have a sweet tooth, it’s always great to bring home some delicacies during your trip. There should be some souvenir stores along the way where you can find tasty Filipino snacks and treats.

Nature Scenery Appreciation – Wouldn’t it be nice to live in an area where there are not that many car noises, traffic, or pollution? Before hitting back to the city life, take the time to appreciate some of our country’s finest rice fields and spectacular mountain views. It’s not every day we get to see such a view.

Sometimes it’s not always the destination but the journey as well. So if ever you are driving by your favorite places, a room accommodation at this kind of resort will always be waiting for you to stay an overnight or more. For guaranteed online rates and quick room reservations at the Forbes Suites by Caliraya Resort in Laguna, book directly through our website at http://www.forbescaliraya.com. Rain or shine, this resort knows how to combine fun and leisure come together. 

5 Things to Do in Makati City, Philippines

Makati is widely known as one of the Philippines’ busiest business districts, being home to some of the country’s largest corporations, organizations, and government offices. However, not much is known about Makati aside from that. Deepen your knowledge and find out new things you can do in one of Manila’s main CBDs.

1. Appreciate art. If you’re craving for creativity and culture, visit the many museums dotting Makati’s landscape. For starters, there’s the Ayala Museum, which houses works of abstract painter Fernando Zobel as well as a collection of archaeological gold artifacts. The Yuchengco Museum also displays collections by renowned Filipino painters Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Botong Francisco.

2. Go on a food trip. A host of cool and interesting restaurants in the metro call Makati their home. Check out Rambla, a cozy restaurant serving authentic Spanish-Mediterranean food, or Your Local which serves Southeast Asian cuisine with a millennial twist. Or if you’re not sure where to go, head to Legaspi Village and pick from one of their many food establishments.

3. Visit unique bars. Explore Makati’s vibrant nightlife by going bar-hopping. For a chill night out, Finders Keepers is a non-smoking bar for intimate catch-ups with your friends or a date with your significant other. For those who prefer more of a party vibe, Z Hostel Roofdeck in Poblacion is an up-and-coming rooftop bar where you can wear RFID bracelets to make your transactions cashless and hassle-free.

4. Visit the first urban skate park. The skating scene in the Philippines is most alive in the Bonifacio Global City further south, but Makati is home to the Philippines’ first and only city concrete skate park, Mountain Dew Skate Park. This park is split into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and expert. Take a stab at skating yourself or watching amazing talents show off their mad skills.

5. Have a luxurious stay in a hotel. After touring the city and discovering its hidden spots, what better way to end the day than having a place you can call home? For a great night’s stay, check out Makati hotels in Manila. The Prince Plaza II Hotel in Makati offers warm accommodation and a comfy atmosphere where you can relax. Fully-equipped with facilities such as a gym, a pool, and even a beauty parlor, Prince Plaza II Hotel is the perfect place to stay when you are in Makati.