The Thrilling Star City

Star City is an amusement park located  beside the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It is the off shoot of  the annual Christmas Trade Fair held by Philippine Center for International Trade and Exhibit (PhilCite). In the 90s, the fair evolved into an amusement park which was named Star City. The amusement park was the first to introduce various types of rides and attractions in the Philippines. The first floor is consists of small stores selling the usual items usually sold "tiangges". 

It may not be comparable to Walt Disney or Universal Studios but Star City is one of the best amusement park in Philippines. They are famous for adventure and thrilling rides; among which are the double-deck carousel, 360-degree-loop roller coaster (the Zyklon Loop), water log ride (the Jungle Splash). Another famous ride is the “Surf dance”, the first and only of its kind in the Philippines - a gondola ride that is about the height of a five-storey building. The 44-seat ride swings upwards, downwards, and sideways. It is also home to the Giant Star Ferris wheel which has 32 air-conditioned gondolas, each capable to seat up to six people and the 3rd tallest in the country which stands at 60 meters (197 ft) tall. From the top view, one can see a 360 degree view of the Manila Bay and Pasay City. Last but not the least is the Snow World which is the largest ice entertainment area in the country that  features ice carvings, snow play area and the longest ice slide (camera and video recording equipment is prohibited inside the Snow World).

It is advisable to buy a "Ride All You Can" ticket  which is truly a value for money, wherein you have the chance to try every ride. However, if you want to visit Snow World different terms may apply (pictures were taken 2 years ago during our Valentines date).

How to Get There:

1. From Buendia LRT you can ride a jeep bound to MOA, tell the driver to drop you off in Star City which is walking distance from Buendia Hi-Way. 

(Because this blog is not a paid advertisement for Star City, the author decided not to display an image displaying their company name)

The Walled City of Intramuros

Located on the northwest of Intramuros, also known as the walled city. Fort Santiago overlooks the Manila Bay and is situated beside the mouth of Pasig River, it was built to protect the Spanish settlement from invaders coming from the sea.

It was originally the site of Rajah Sulayman’s settlement prior to Spanish occupation and rule. He was the last ruler, of the now Metro Manila area, before the Spanish regime.

Fort Santiago was used by the Spanish as their base of power. It housed the Military and Spanish officials and also served as a formidable prison with infamous dungeons. Over the centuries many Filipinos were imprisoned, tortured and left to drown in the Fort's notorious dungeons, which were beneath the high tide level.

It was also in Fort Santiago where Jose Rizal penned his final poem "Mi Ultimo Adios, My Ultimate Goodbye" when he was imprisoned months before his execution in 1896. Rizal's final footsteps were embedded in the ground to represent his final walk from his prison cell to the location of his actual execution.

Majority of  Fort Santiago was destroyed during World War 2 and restoration process was administered by Philippine National Parks Development Committee.

 

 

 

 

How to Get There:

1.) From LRT Buendia ride a jeepney bound to Quiapo (w/ Luneta) on the signboard

2.) Tell the driver to drop you off in Intramuros, you can then just walk towards Fort Santiago or you can ride a pedicab.

The Enchanting Batlag Falls

Situated in a dense forest where Daranak Falls is located, a further ascend of 10 minutes trek through a cemented pavement leads to the enchanting and perhaps one of the most beautiful waterfalls that the I have visited (as of this writing). A separate entrance fee of 100 pesos is collected in the entrance of a makeshift gate that says “Batlag Falls”, offers a paradise-like setting, truly a serene sight to behold.

Batlag Falls is composed of two waterfalls: the smaller on the left looks like a bridal veil and the larger one with unusual cascade, each has a catchbasin. The site has been a favorite shooting place for “Enteng Kabisote”.

 How to Get There:

1.) From Shaw Boulevard, ride a Jeepney bound for Tanay

2.) You can alight at Tanay Public Market, or tell the driver to drop you off in Plaza Aldea.

3.) Either way, you will need to flagged/hire a trike to get you there.

The Makiling Botanical Garden

Makiling Botanical Garden is part of the protected forest area in the College of Forestry, UPLB which is approximately 500 ft above sea level. It was established in 1965 as a support facility for those studying forestry and plant sciences. 

The Makiling Botanic Garden occupies an area of 300 hectares of forest land divided into three sections: the Arboretum, Nursery and Recreational areas. The forest reserve is consist of about 1060 different species of flowering plants and ferns that can be seen inside the protected area. A creek flows through the entire garden, and creates a  cascade of waterfalls, and natural swimming pools. The trek inside the Eco Trail is consisted of almost 1.8 km to circumnavigate the whole trail via a cemented pavement. There used to be a wildlife and Aviary section but it was moved to DENR  Main Office last 2009.

Flora and Fauna



How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (DLTB), their terminal is in LRT Buendia.

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in College.

3.) You can then ride a Jeepney bound to UPLB (Forestry)

Ternate Beach

Boracay de Cavite is located inside the premises of Marine Base in Ternate, Cavite. We were disappointed to know that it was no longer open for public use, hence we looked for alternative beach near the area and so we ended up in Ternate Beach Resort.

The beach is composed of fine grain grayish sand and strong splurges of waves were present due to the recent aftermath of Monsoon rain. Thus, I cannot tell if the natural state is pristine and clear water or is it really murky and brown.

Ternate beach by itself is not a worth it visit if it's the only place you are planning to go on your trip, but it is a nice side trip after a day hike from Pico de Loro or Mt. Marami.

How to Get There:

1. Ternate Beach is a nice sidetrip from Pico de Loro, you can flagged trikes and ask them to drop you off in Ternate Beach.

2. In reality, it is not an advisable place to visit if you don't have your own vehicle due to it's accesibility.

Cafe Antonio in Los Banos

Cafe Antonio in Los Banos is a quaint indie coffee bar that serves espresso beverages. They brew their own Coffee, and it is freshly roasted by 18 Days Coffee Roaster and Luca & Tosh Coffee Lab to enjoy that distinctive flavor of taste.

Aside from coffee, they also serve Italian and American menu. I asked the waiter with regards to their house specials, so we ended up ordering different menu which according to them are their "best seller" - Chicken Pesto, Fish Fillet, Classic Quarter Pounder Burger, Calamares and Chocolate Truffles. The resto aims to promote "Health Walk" so most of their menus are served with vegetables.

Food tastes great and even recommended by Trip Advisor. On the other hand, the place is a little bit small which can only accommodate 12-15 person at a time and is not ideal for those who are claustrophobic. Then I also noticed that cobwebs are filed up in the ceiling, I'm not sure if it's a design or what, but I believe they should regularly clean it.

Rating:

7 out of 10

How To Get There:

1. Located in Brgy Maahas, Los Banos (ask the locals).

Gen. Paciano Rizal Shrine

Paciano Rizal is the elder brother of Jose Rizal. During the Spanish regime, he actively supported Propaganda Movement for social reforms and supported the Movement's newspaper known as "Diariong Tagalog". After his younger brother's execution, Paciano joined General Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite. He was appointed brigadier general of the revolutionary forces and was elected Secretary of Finance in the Departmental Government of Central Luzon.

During the Philippine-American War (1899–1913), he commanded the Filipino forces in Laguna and U.S. troops captured him on 1900. He was released soon after and settled in the town of Los Banos, Laguna.

His retirement house is located near the old municipal building that was turned into a museum which displays memorabilia and antiques that belongs to Rizal's family. Authentic items which the family once owned and even Paciano’s deathbed could still be seen inside the house. The ambiance is good and well maintained, no entrance fee but any amount of donation is accepted.

A park/playground was built in honor of General Paciano near the shrine and a hotspring with massage center is also a nice visit. 

How to Get There:

1. This is a nice side trip after a Mt. Makiling hike.

2. If you are coming from Manila, tell the driver to drop you off in Los Banos Bayan.

3. You have to walk 100 meters, just ask the locals (beside the old Municipal Hall).