South East Asia Travel Blog

You Are Here: CushTravel > manila

The Best Deals at People’s Malls, Tutuban Mall/168 Shopping Center

By Leave a Comment

The Philippines is home to four of the 11 largest malls in the world. Not only are they huge, they are also high-tech, gorgeous and filled with expensive shops. Tourists from developed countries wonder why this is so when the Philippines is supposed to be a third-world country. But locals know that most of the people visiting these huge malls go there for the A/C, to cool off from the hot, tropical weather, and to escape precisely that image of poverty which so often assaults their senses on the streets. Where Filipinos really shop are at cheap, crowded and simply-designed people’s malls such as Tutuban Mall/168 Shopping Center in Divisoria.

tutuban, shopping mall, manila
Go shopping at Tutuban Mall/168 Shopping Center

When Filipinos hear “Divisoria”, “Tutuban” or “168 Shopping center”, what comes to mind is a crowd of shoppers rushing and …

Three Reasons Why People Come to Rizal Park

By Leave a Comment

Rizal Park is clearly the most popular tourist spot in the city of Manila. The park, which is most commonly referred to by its old name, Luneta, is visited by thousands of local and international tourists every month.

rizal park, manila, philippines
Rizal Park in Manila

Here are three reasons why people come to Luneta:

One, to pay homage to Dr. Jose Rizal, national hero of the Philippines

Many regard Jose Rizal as the greatest Filipino that ever lived. He was a painter, linguist, poet, novelist, orator, statesman, physician, …

The Oldest Catholic Church in the Philippines, the San Agustin Church and Museum

By Leave a Comment

The San Agustin Church and Museum in Intramuros, Manila, make up one of the many well-preserved historical churches scattered across the Philippine islands. This church may be just the third most popular Filipino cathedral next to Paoay Church in Ilocos, completed in 1894, and Barasoain Church in Bulacan, built in 1630, but San Agustin Church, completed in 1607, is the oldest.  The majestic church has stood for more than three centuries in the walled-city of Intramuros in Manila. It has survived two earthquakes in 1863 and 1889 and the ravages of Japanese occupation.  Today, San Agustin Church is a fully functioning Roman Catholic Church under the auspices of the Order of St. Augustine, and is also the home to an important Catholic icon – the image of Our Lady of Consolation.

san agustin church, manila
Inside San Agustin Church

Filipinos are very religious people, and more than 85% of the population is Catholic. This is why San Agustin Church is never short …

Three Reasons to Visit “Museo ng Makati”

By Leave a Comment

As the primary business district of the Philippines, the city of Makati plays an important role in the development and economic growth of the country. It is just appropriate that a museum be put up in the name of the city. The “Museo ng Makati” or Makati Museum may not yet be as popular as its neighbor, the Ayala Museum, and its collection not as impressive, but it is slowly living up to its name as the repository of the city’s historical properties and collections. It is a community museum, while Ayala museum is national in scope.

museo makati, manila, ph
Museo ng Makati

Museo ng Makati showcases a number of well preserved artifacts, treasures, and relics that speak of Makati city’s historical and …

Introducing Quiapo Church (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene), the Most Important Church for Filipinos Living in Metro Manila

By Leave a Comment

Easily the most important church in Manila is the Quiapo Church (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene). It represents the Filipino people, their ardent religiosity, political struggles, and deep personal longings. The Filipinos are known as very religious folk and there is a good amount of evidence to suggest that even pre-Spanish Filipinos had their own set of religious beliefs and laws and exercised faith in the supernatural.

quiapo church, manila, ph
Quiapo Church (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene)

In 1521, the Spanish came and colonized the Philippines. History books say the Spanish came with a cross in one hand and sword in the other. Spanish authorities introduced Catholicism and persecuted those who did not believe. While it was difficult to accept the …

The Best Place for Children to Hang Out: The Museo Pambata

By Leave a Comment

Children love treats and surprises. They delight in going to the zoo, parks and playgrounds, but if you tell them you are taking them to a museum, they would think twice before screaming any hurrahs. The “Museo Pambata” (Museum for Children), however, is not your ordinary museum where visitors quietly stare at artifacts and are made sure not to touch anything on display.

museo pambata, manila, ph
The Museo Pambata

Museo Pambata is an exciting interactive museum for children that will surely leave your child wanting for more.

There are so many reasons for your child to love going to this museum. Even the museum’s logo is sure to attract a child. The logo is a …