Manila

One of the most famous landmarks in Manila is the José Rizal Monument located at Luneta Park in Metro Manila, right in the heart of Manila. Everyone who visits Manila, must surely take a photo with the famous monument. I couldn't resist but to take a few photos.

Besides seeing the monument, which is the spot where Dr. Rizal was executed by the Spanish firing squad and where the remains of the Philippines' national hero are entombed, walking around Luneta Park (or sometimes called Rizal Park) early on a Saturday morning was quite a pleasant experience.

Next to Luneta Park is Intramuros, the historic centre and oldest district of Manila. Also known as the walled city, you can find the San Agustín Church, the Manila Cathedral and the Fort Santiago within the district surrounded by high walls. We didn't want to walk around, so we took the calesa (horse drawn carriage) on a guided tour.

After the tour on the calesa, we took some photos along Roxas Boulevard just outside Intramuros.

We also visited the City of Makati, which is the financial center of the Philippines. Makati, being a major cultural and entertainment hub of Metro Manila, is highly cosmopolitan with many first-class shopping malls, top hotels and the tallest buildings in the Philippines. It is also where the Central Business District (CBD) is located.