TRAVEL TOUR PHILIPPINES/ EDUCATIONAL TOUR

EDUCATIONAL TRIP

Memorable and Historical Places in the  Philippines

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SOURCE:
www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Top-10-Historical-Places-in-the-Philippines


LOCATION:

Dapitan City - Rizal Shrine

Rizal Shrine is an important historical place in Dapitan where Dr. Jose Rizal spent four years in exile. He lived here as a physician, merchant, farmer, inventor, painter, sculptor, archaeologist, linguist, grammarian, teacher, architect, poet, biologist, composer, surveyor, and environmentalist. He was also a father and brother to all Dapitanons, serving and helping those who needed him. No wonder Dr. Jose Rizal is considered as the Philippine National Hero.

Rizal Shrine nowadays is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the Philippines. It reflects Rizal’s lifestyle and how he socialized with the people around him.

DATE: April 19, 2018
          Summer Vacation
         (5 days)

CEBU, Philippines – After a scorching jaunt in the island paradise of Boracay, I zoomed to yet another tourist destination that has stirred the interest of jetsetters. This time, I visited a historical landmark in Mindanao known for its charming lures and laidback lifestyle.

After a 60-minute early morning flight from Mactan Cebu International Airport to Dipolog City, and a 20-minute land trip to the nearby city, I set foot on our national hero’s exile home, Dapitan City. Yes, this is Dr. Jose Rizal’s home for four years when he was held captive by the Spaniards from July 1892 to July 1896 (Source: wikipilipinas.com. Heads up: Refer to history books for enlightenment and further information.)

But Dapitan isn’t just all about Dr. Jose Rizal. It’s a pocket-full of interesting sights and sceneries, as well. When considering Dapitan as your destination of choice on your next junket, here’s every hitch-hiker’s guide to survive in the Shrine City of the Philippines.

1. A stroll at the Sunset Boulevard in Dawo. A long stretch of fine black sand and the sea breeze are all you need to jumpstart your Dapitan excursion. Breathe the fresh air, lounge by the seaside and the best thing to do there is to view the dramatic sunset where the view is synonymous to that of Boracay and Manila Bay. After the sun sets, barbeque stalls start grilling.

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2. Gloria de Dapitan is a Spanish term that means the glory that was Dapitan. It is the city’s only commercial complex that occupies three hectares of land in the Sunset Boulevard. This mall park clusters business establishments such as a bowlingplex, fitness gym, boutiques, gaming arcade, wellness centers, dining options, entertainment hubs, internet cafés, among many others. Located at the heart of Gloria de Dapitan is Gallera de Dapitan that can accommodate sporting events and entertainment shindigs. Dapitan’s party scene is perked up with the Gloria de Dapitan’s nightlife that includes bars and disco pubs within the area. One of the more popular ones are BJ’s Loft, owned by ZaNorte’s 1st district PB member Bullet Jalosjos, which plays house and lounge music, complemented with up-to-date lighting technology. You better bring your dancing shoes with you when you visit BJ’s Loft. Gloria de Dapitan also houses it’s newest facility, VisMin’s first amusement park – the Gloria Fantasyland.

3. Bring out the child in you at Gloria Fantasyland. It is the first and only amusement park in VisMin with a seven-hectare land area. There are 31 rides for kids and adults to enjoy, wherein 20 of which are categorized as major rides that include the Rollercoaster, the Galleon Ship, carousels, bumper cars, Flying Ball, Swinger, River Wild, etc., and 11 small ones composed of kiddie coin rides. What makes Gloria Fantasyland unique from the rest is its three interactive rides composed of the Fight Shark, Happy Journey and World of War – these are trigger and response rides equipped with laser and water guns that can only be found in this amusement park. Race car enthusiasts will have their taste of life in the fast lane with Fantasyland’s Go Kart for P75. The Horror House, designed by an Eat Bulaga artist, is another highlight that takes a new approach in horror house technology with wax statues positioned everywhere plus spooky pieces to scare you away!

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Food kiosks are also all over the park. Fantasyland also has mascots, elves, fairies, fairy tale characters and stage performers trained by two professors from the Trumpets. The Fantasyland Entertainment Team holds daily grand parade that starts at 8:30pm at the Centerstage. It recently opened last May 30 with the whole Eat Bulaga gang gracing the event by having their special TV show there. Tickets are pegged at P100 for seven rides, P200 for a ride all you can treat (for one round only) and P300 to enjoy 31 rides till you drop! Gloria Fantasyland is open from 5PM to 12AM daily.

4. Want some beach action? Try Aliguay, Dapitan’s version of Boracay. The island is an hour and a half boat ride from the Dakak wharf. It is a 60-hectare island with a few settlers. Aliguay’s lure relies on its white sand beach and pristine waters perfect for snorkelling. There’s no drinking water and electricity in the island, however, if you want a silent sanctuary away from the city, then Aliguay is the place to be. According to the local government, they have no plans in putting up resorts in the area, only residential structures to maintain its charm.

5. Dakak Park Beach Resort is the only popular place in Dapitan because of its massive promotional advertisements, more so that it is the only white sand beach resort 15 minutes away from the city proper. What I love most about Dakak is its exclusivity factor, tucked amidst a natural splendor where rich fauna and flora abound. Imagine waking up in a tropical-themed villa surrounded by towering trees and feeling fresh with the cold morning air wrapping around you while taking a leisure walk around the property – what a relief from all the stress! Nature’s best is indeed highlighted in this resort – a great come on for environmentally proactive you.

6. You get to tour around the city in less than a day. Not to miss out is the Rizal Shrine, the major historical landmark. This was our national hero’s exile village. The structures there like Rizal’s Casa Redonda (octagonal clinic), Casa Cuadrada (Rizal’s pupils dormitory), Rizal’s house, opto clinics and kitchen where just replicas though but the original pieces preserved such as Rizal’s desk and blackboard are displayed in the Rizaliana Museum, just at the right side of the foyer. A huge rock facing the sea, a few meters away from the guest house, is an intriguing historical piece since according to our tour guide, it became witness to Rizal and Josephine Bracken’s romance. It became the lovebirds’ dating area. The women Rizalians are in-charge of the maintenance of the Shrine; they are seen in all-white dress greeting guests upon entering Rizal’s house. The Baluno tree that stood in front of Rizal’s abode is recorded to be the oldest tree that grew within the shrine. Research says that it was already there even before Rizal reached Dapitan.

7. A quick stop to St. James the Greater Parish in Fr. Sanchez St. built by the Jesuits in 1871. A marker located at the rear left portion of the structure indicates where Rizal usually stood to hear Mass. Just across the church is the Relief Map of Mindanao built by Rizal using rattan strips and seashells for outline, using Mourillo Velarde’s map of Mindanao as guide. This landmark is part of the one-hectare City Plaza of which Rizal designed after the plazas he saw in Europe. He planted acacia trees, gumamela and santan flowers for beautification, however, only the acacia trees are seen towering therein. The plaza is surrounded by significant landmarks such age-old houses, the Casa Real marker (that serves as the administration building from way back), a parochial school and a mission house.

8. Food trip! After the city tour, take a break and enjoy Dapitan’s dining options. Kamayan ni Manay located at the Sunset Boulevard is famous for its seafood menu. This is where the president, on her recent visit to the city, had lunch with her entourage. Señor Santiago Steak House serves delectable Australian cuisine specializing in TBone Steak, barbecue and fusion choices such as Fish ‘n Chips, Chicken Parmigiana and Aussie Oi Burger. Owned by Rommel Jalosjos, Señor Santiago is located in Gloria de Dapitan. Another food haven is the newly developed Dapitan City Aquamarine Park (in Banonong-Polo boundary) where talakitok, tilapia , bangus, alimango and lapulapu are bred in its one-hectare pond. Cottages are built within the area to accommodate diners. They serve Filipino dishes and are open from 8AM to 9PM. Bistro Paborito, located in Sunset Boulevard, serves budget meals at P69 only.

9. Be sure to catch the city’s festivals such as the Kinabayo Festival that falls every July, a manifestation of religious opulence in honor of St. James the Great. In paying homage to Dr. Jose Rizal, Handuraw Festival is held every December (27-30). This year, Dapitan City played host in the Hudyaka Festivities, a provincial festival of Zamboanga del Norte every last week of May up to the first week of June

10. Souvenir hunting. Bottled spanish sardines are a must to take home, alongside batik shirts and ZaNorte banana chips. 

THINGS TO BRING:
           Clothes
           Personal Hygiene
           Flashlight
           First Aid Kit

SECOND DESTINATION 

 Corregidor

Want to know the moving story behind the famous Corregidor Island?

Photo by Raine Medina of flickr.com

Known to be the “the Rock”, Corregidor is known for its important historical attractions. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines, Corregidor became the headquarters of the Allied Forces and also the seat of Philippine Commonwealth government. The huge firearms of Corregidor which are used in support for Filipino and American defenders of Bataan are now silent but the damage seen on buildings, structures, and tunnels in the island continues on telling a very moving story of a war that has claimed so many lives. A visit to this former battleground is a memorable experience, especially for those people who value and cherish freedom and peace.

DATE: December 26, 2017
          Christmas Vacation 
         (2 days)


THINGS TO BRING:
           Clothes
           Personal Hygiene
           Flashlight
           First Aid Kit

Corregidor is one of the most important historic and tourist sites in the Philippines. This island located at the entrance of Manila Bay in the southwestern part of Luzon played an important role during the invasion and liberation of the Philippines from Japanese forces during World War II. Because of its historic value and close proximity to Metro Manila, visiting Corregidor is a good option for foreign or local tourists who want to go on a day trip or stay overnight.

WHERE EXACTLY IS CORREGIDOR:

The island of Corregidor lies 48 kilometers from Manila at the entrance of Manila Bay. Corregidor and other fortified islands fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Cavite, Cavite Province, Philippines.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Take the Sun Cruises ferry from Manila to Corregidor. The ferry terminal was previously located at the back of the Folk Arts Theatre at the CCP Complex Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. Sun Cruises’ new terminal (they moved on July 1, 2015) is now located at the Esplanade, Seaside Terminal of SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex. There’s only one trip daily to and from the island. Reservations are required before your trip to ensure you have seats. The island is about an hour and 15 minutes away by ferry from the port.

DAILY FERRY SCHEDULE: (Note: cut off for boarding is 30 minutes before departure)

• Check-in at terminal: 7:00 am
• Boarding: 7:30 am
• ETD Manila: 8:00 am
• ETA Corregidor: 9:15 am
• ETD Corregidor: 2:30 pm
• ETA Manila: 3:45 pm

According to a poster near the port in Corregidor, it’s also possible to get there from Camaya Point Marina, Brgy. Alasasin, Mariveles, Bataan (MAAP Port Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific) to Corregidor. The Corregidor Day Tour Promo (inclusive of boat transfer, entrance fee and guided island tour) costs P600 per person and is only available every Sunday at 10:00 am. For inquiries, call 0927-2521719, 09277281367, 0906-2148590.

GETTING AROUND:

There is no public transportation around Corregidor, though vehicles like jeeps and vans are available for rent (rates vary).

Trams or tranvia: Most tourists who come here get around through the scheduled tours via the open-air tranvia, patterned after pre-World War II trams which were used in Corregidor and Manila.

By Foot: For hikers, birdwatchers or photographers who want to explore on their own, it’s possible to walk around the island, but a lot of the destinations are located far from each other. This is how you’ll get around if you’re taking the Historical Walking Tour or the Corregidor Adventure tour.

Bicycles: In my opinion, bicycles are the best way to explore Corregidor. There are no bicycles available for rent at the moment, but bikers can bring their own bikes to join the guided biking tour or explore at their own pace if they decide to stay overnight. (See my separate post: Biker’s Guide to Corregidor)

Motorcycles: Employees stationed in different areas have their own motorcycles and scooters for getting around. While there’s no official place that offers motorcycle rentals on the island, you can bring your own motorcycle to Corregidor for an additional cargo cost of P500/motorcycle. This doesn’t include the RT ferry and other costs.

WHERE TO GO IN CORREGIDOR:

Corregidor Island is divided into four sections, each with their own areas of interest and landmarks.

Topside

The island’s biggest area, which points towards the West Philippine Sea, rises prominently to a large flat area referred to as the “Topside”. Areas of interest here include: Mile-Long Barracks, Pacific War Memorial, Eternal Flame of Freedom, Spanish Flagpole, Cine Corregidor and the Spanish Lighthouse.

Middleside

Middleside is the central area between Bottomside and Topside, which used to be the location of 2-story officers’ quarters, barracks for the enlisted men, a hospital, quarters for non-commissioned officers, a service club, PX, and two schoolhouses. It now contains the Filipino-American Friendship Park, ruins of the Middleside Barracks, Army Hospital and YMCA and the Youth for Peace Campsite.

Bottomside

Bottomside is the lower part of the island that connects the tail and head of the island. South of Bottomside was Barangay or Barrio San José (near what was Navy Beach); on the north is what was Army Dock, with its three large piers, and, east of Bottomside, is the Malinta Tunnel. The Malinta Hill separates Bottomside from the Tail End.

Tailside

The Tailside or Tail End is the remaining portion of the island containing memorials, shrines and the island’s airstrip. Here, you can find Kindley Field and runway, the Japanese Garden and the Filipino War Memorial.

TOUR PACKAGES:

Corregidor Day Tour: The most common and easiest way of exploring the island. This includes RT Ferry transfers, shrine and entrance fees, guided island tour onboard a tram, buffet lunch.

• Day Tour Weekday Adult Rate – P2,350.00/person
• Day Tour Weekend* Adult Rate – P2,549.00/person (*Saturday, Sunday & Holidays)
• Day Tour Child Rate (3-11 yo) – P1,500.00/person

Sunday Biking: Discover the trails of Corregidor by bringing your own bicycle. This special adventure gives biking enthusiasts the opportunity to traverse the island’s well-paved biking trails at their own pace while touring around the historic spots. Regular biker’s rate is P1,700/person (Includes RT ferry transfers, shrine and entrance fees, bike cargo fee) but they sometimes give special discounted promos where lunch & overnight accommodations are included.

Guided Walking Tour: Corregidor offers a special Guided Walking Tour, dubbed “Of Bombs, Big Guns & Lost Gold” which was developed by Ivan Man Dy, the founder and lead guide of Old Manila Walks. The walking tour is concentrated on the “historic core” if the island and provides a broader, more contextual, insightful and critical understanding of World War II in the country. P1,800 (Includes RT ferry transfers, shrine & entrance fees, guided walking tour)

Adventure Challenge: A tour suitable for barkadas and team-building. Participants get to race through the ruins, crawl through tunnels, trek through forests, and explore some of the island’s sites you wouldn’t normally get to visit while completing tasks and puzzles. P2,149/person (Includes RT ferry transfers, shrine & entrance fees, packed or boodle-style lunch, Corregidor adventure race)

OTHER ACTIVITIES ON CORREGIDOR:

Light & Sound Show at Malinta Tunnel: An optional part of the day tour where guests get to walk through the Malinta Tunnel and listen to a re-enactment of World War II’s dramatic events. The show is scripted by national artist and film director Lamberto Avellana and sculptures are made by national artist Napoleon Abueva. The show lasts 30 mins. long and costs. P200/person.

Sunset & Sunrise Viewing: Catch the sunset from Battery Grubbs, one of the disappearing guns perched on a hill overlooking Bataan. Early risers can catch the sunrise tour at the island’s tailside. P250/person (Tunnel Lateral Tour included)

Explore the lateral tunnels of Malinta at night: This “ghost-hunting” tour that takes you through the unexplored side of Malinta Tunnel’s 1,000 bed hospital area during World War II is pretty cool. At times, the guides made us turn off our flashlights and we were forced to walk through the tunnels in complete darkness. P250.00/person (sunset & sunrise viewing included)

Hiking: Hike the woodland trails of Corregidor. First-time hikers can enjoy an easy hike through rediscovered trails, forests and ruins.

Birdwatching: Birdwatchers have spotted species of birds in Corregidor such as White-collared Kingfishers, Zebra Dove, Blue Rock, Asian Glossy Starlings, Eurasian Tree Sparrows, and Black-naped Orioles.

ATV: Rent an all-terrain vehicle and drive around “The Rock.” P500.00/hr.

The Rocket Zipline: A short zipline that goes from Corregidor Inn to the beach area. P100.00/person

Kayak: Rent a kayak and paddle around the designated area for a good workout. This is only available if the waves aren’t too rough. P500.00/hr. (good for 2)

Island Hopping: Circle the island on sturdy outrigger boats to visit neighboring isles, La Monja, Caballo (Fort Drum) and the scenic coast of Mariveles. Stop over at fishing spots nearby for enjoyable sport fishing.

Photography: Corregidor has a discounted rate for Photographers every Sunday. This is a good option for those doing photo walks who don’t want to be restricted by the typical tour. P1,450 + P100 fuel surcharge. (Includes RT ferry transfers, shrine & entrance fees, buffet lunch, drop off and pick-up)

WHERE TO STAY:

Corregidor Inn

The best place to stay on the island is Corregidor Inn, a 31-bedroom hotel & resort with its own restaurant and bar located in the Middleside part of the island. They currently have 16 twin, 13 double, 1 single, and 1 suite rooms available. Check-in time is at 2:30 pm and check-out time is 12nn.

• Single with Breakfast – Php1,500.00
• Twin/ Double with Breakfast for two – Php2,000.00
• Extra Person with Breakfast – Php750.00

Rooms are basic, but cozy and air-conditioned, which you’ll appreciate because it can get quite humid on the island. The bathrooms come with hot and cold showers. Rooms don’t have TV sets unless you get the VIP Suite.

Corregidor Inn has a small 5-feet deep swimming pool for guests staying overnight.

Corregidor Hostel

Corregidor Inn’s Hostel is a fully-airconditioned dormitory type accommodation with two wings. Each wing has 13 double deck beds and can accommodate 26 persons, with a maximum capacity of 52 people.

McArthur’s Cafe Dormitory

The McArthur Souvenir Shop and Restaurant has a few basic air-con rooms for rent. The room rates range from P1.000 (good for 2) – P2000 (good for 4). However, the rooms are a bit run down and the price difference isn’t that far from the hotel.

Camp out on the Beach

You can bring your own tent or rent tents from NhickoJee Souvenir Shop at the South Beach. I spotted a couple of guys who hung up hammocks under the trees near the beach area and had their stuff kept in a shaded gazebo. There are public restrooms and shower areas nearby with running water.

WHERE TO EAT:

Food and drinks on Corregidor Island are admittedly on the expensive side. Beer costs P80 a can (!!!) at the hotel while juice or softdrink costs P40 bucks each in the sari-sari stores. If you’re on a budget and not picky, you can bring your own snacks and drinks (no corkage).

La Playa Restaurant at Corregidor Inn serves buffet lunch that you can avail of (includes welcome drink, DIY salad bar, soup, seafood paella rice, pasta, 2 meat dishes, dessert, fresh fruits). Buffet lunch costs Php480/person during weekdays and Php520/person during weekends. The buffet lunch is usually included in most of the packages. The resto also has a limited selection of ala carte meals. The buffet lunch is just ok, but the Chicken Inasal was pretty good. Breakfast meals consist of Silog meals.

There are several small open-air eateries that serve cheaper local dishes including McArthurs Cafe Restaurant & Souvenir Shop, NhickoJee Souvenir Shop at the South Beach and Baywalk Convenience Store near the port. Average price for breakfast meals with coffee/milo (P150 each), sandwiches (P25-70), short orders (P120-150), meals for sharing (P300). The small stores also sell chips, soft drinks, beer and Emperador Light at a cheaper rate compared to the hotel.

ADDRESS & CONTACT DETAILS:

Sun Cruises Corregidor Reservations Office
Esplanade Seaside Terminal, Esplanade Seaside Park (Seaside Blvd., MOA Complex), Pasay, Pasay City, Philippines [MAP OF TERMINAL]

• Tel. (632) 834-6857 to 58, (632) 831-8140
• Mobile (63)917 513-2625, (63)922 337-0068
• E-mail: suncruises@magsaysay.com.ph
• For corporate and group bookings (10 or more persons), call 527-5555 loc. 4511,
• Book and pay at www.corregidorphilippines.com
• Facebook: CorregidorPH