Do you remember, Miranda? Plaza Miranda is considered to be Manila's version of Times Square.
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The Battle of Manila Bay was one of two major American naval victories in the Spanish-American War, both of which were very decisive and very one-sided. The Battle of Manila Bay occurred on the morning of May 1, 1898, only days after war had been declared between Spain and the United States.
By the bay. Manila Bay is considered to be one of the finest natural harbors in the world.
Tree of Life. Coconut trees in front of Manila bay still remain unchanged despite typhoons and renovations.
Sea of Waste. The bay also serves as a giant waste dump for the people of Metro Manila.
Take the wheel and steer. In the past, you would mostly see men on their horses or women in carriages. Now, we use cars, motorcycles and bicycles.
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Intramuros was Manila. The walled City was the capital of the Philippines during
the Spanish regime and was the center of the Spanish Empire in Asia.
It was known as Ciudad de Manila and was different from
the Provincia de Manila.
400 years of Augustinians in Intramuros. San Agustin Church originally known as "inglesia de San Pablo" is the oldest stone church in the Philippines.
The Augustinians were the first religious order in the Philippines, arriving with Legazpi expedition in 1565. From Cebu, they moved to Manila where they were given a parcel of land near the seashore.
San Agustin was looted during the British occupation of Manila in 1762. The Augustinians were driven out of the convent as several priests were arrested and shipped to England. They would return two years after the occupation.
In 1933, San Agustin Church was inscribed in the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Move over, BMW. Kalesa was the mode of transportation for the noble class in the 18th century.
Today, most "Kalesas" can only be found in Intramuros or in Chinatown carrying
tourists as passengers and their kutsero (driver) acting as tour guide. Still
a bit pricey though (P350) for a 30-minute ride but negotiable
depending on the season.
Old-fashioned. A stamp maker in Dapitan contours the sides of a wooden stamp base.
The rubber stamp maker is a fixture in Manila streets. They are known for
producing stamps for big companies as well as duplication of documents.
During the world war era, Filipinos make stamps out of apples and potatoes.
Because of the limited materials provided for them, they used almost
everything and made sure that nothing goes to waste.
A legacy of fine cuisine. Barbara's is a popular place to dine in because of their buffet lunches.
Mamang Taho. A Taho vendor is a common sight in the streets of manila.
Taho may be of Chinese origin, but it's definitely a staple comfort food of Pinoys.
It is high in protein, low in fat and very affordable.
Neo-classical architecture. General Luna Street in Intramuros is known where the Spanish influences are still abundant.
In Intramuros, most of the Ancestral houses are well-maintained and the embellishments is still intact.
Serene. Post-war Intramuros is now a popular destination among tourists.
During the world war, American and Japanese troops inflicted severe damage
on the "Walled City" resulting it to the Manila Massacre.
Today, Intramuros is home to prestigious educational institutions in
Manila and is free to all kinds of deadly explosives.
ADUANA. Housed the Customs offices before it was moved to the Port Area.
Aduana also became offices to the Central Bank of the Philippines and Commission on Elections (COMELEC). It was heavily damaged by Japanese bombs
and American distillery, destroyed by fire and earthquake. Unfortunately,
it was demolished in 1872.
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