A week in Manila, Philippines.

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Going to somewhere sounds fun, right? This September we've been to Manila. It's our first time to travel in Manila with the whole family and coach friends. Few weeks ago, our son's team MES Robotics of Marigondon Elementary School won the Lapu Lapu City Robotics Cup 2019 held at Hoopesdome, Lapu Lapu City. So they became the national qualifiers for the 18th Philippine Robotics Olympiad at SM North Edsa last September 2-6, 2019. Being Top 3 among the 90 plus robotics teams from all over the country during Elimination Round was their great milestone in joining the robotics competition this year. Before going home, here's our short visit of the popular tourist spots in Manila, Philippines.

Some say you've never been in Manila if you didn't step your feet in Intramuros. So, a day before our flight going back home we've come to visit the Luneta Park, Fort Santiago, National Museum of Cultural History, Intramuros and Binondo. We've also visited the UP Diliman, Quiapo Church, Malacanang Palace (outside only because we didn't make a booking ahead), Trinoma (Ayala Mall in Manila) and the famous Grand Venice Canal in Mckinley Hills,Taquig City.

Our Dora exploration began by walking ourselves from Eurotel in North Edsa going to the LRT station in Roosevelt. Our kids were so excited because it's their first time to ride a train except for our youngest, a second time for her. From Roosevelt station to United Nation station, it only cost us Php 30 each to arrive the Luneta Park. From Luneta Park, we rode a "Kalesa" for Php 350 per 30 minutes ride. Just enough to stroll around the Luneta Park going the entrance of Intramuros area. Inside Intramuros, we've experienced the Spanish era on modern times. We saw the big black entrance gate of Fort Santiago, sorbetes (ice cream) vendors on shaded areas, and few soldiers wearing the Spanish soldier uniforms aka Guardia Sibil (civil guard). Accordingly, you can buy a property inside Intramuros if and only if you'll retain the Spanish architectural design of the building. We've seen the "Palacio Del Gobernador", the house of the Governor General of the Philippines during the Spanish time. Across the street is the rebuilt Manila Cathedral of the Philippines. When you came inside the Holy place, you'll be amazed the interior designs and statues of the saints. Going a little bit farther, we ended the the historic St. Augustine Church. We got inside and bought few ref magnet souvenir items outside the church premises. From there, we went ahead through Grab car transport for less than Php 500 and found ourselves at the world's oldest Chinatown in Binondo. We've tasted the "Ukoy"(the fried squash) for the first time, dumpling and Buko pie are also popular in the area. From Chinatown, we rode a tricycle going to Dorotheo Jose LRT Station for only Php 120. We passed through the Binondo Church Facade but didn't get a chance to get inside maybe next time. Going back to Roosevelt Station from Dorotheo Jose Station, it's the same fare for all (student and adult) of Php 30 each. Our day ended well and exhausted but full of awe and memories to linger. Until our next family adventure it doesn't matter where.

LUNETA PARK