1.

Intramuros, Manila
Considered the political, educational, and religious
center of the Spanish Empire in the Philippines and the
historic core of Manila, Intramuros used to be an opulent
walled city, strategically located along the Manila Bay. It
was the seat of Spanish rule from the late 16th century to
the 19th century. The walls were constructed between
1590 and 1872, encompassing what was then the entire city
of Manila.
 Up to this day, it houses many significant landmarks like the
Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church (UNESCO World Heritage
Site), Casa Manila, Baluarte de San Diego, and Fort Santiago,
where the national hero Jose Rizal was in prison.

The original campuses of the University of Santo Tomas and

Ateneo de Manila used to be within the fortified city until the
first half of the 20th century. There are still well-preserved
structures like the cobblestone streets, parts of walls, and other
buildings.

Location: Intramuros, 5th District of Manila, Manila, NCR

2. Rizal Park, Manila
Situated on the southern border
of Intramuros, Rizal Park is a 58-
hectare historic urban park, one
of the largest in Asia.
 Its history dates back to 1820 when Paseo de
Luneta was built on the former location of
Bagumbayan. During the Spanish rule, especially in
the 19th century, the park was the site of numerous
public executions, the most notable were that of
Rizal and the GomBurZa (Gomez, Burgos, and
Zamora) priests. Other historic events held here
were the declaration of Philippine independence
from the United States in 1946 and the 1986 EDSA
Revolution.
The most outstanding landmark of the park is the Rizal
Monument, where his remains lie and marked by a statue
made of bronze and granite. Declared a national park in
1955 as Luneta National Park, it was then renamed Rizal
Park in 1967 in honor of the country’s national hero.

Location: Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, NCR

3. Binondo, Manila
Driving further north of Intramuros,
across the Pasig River through Jones
Bridge, the huge and intricate New
Binondo Chinatown Arch greets and
bids commuters and city dwellers.
 Established in 1594, Binondo is the first and the
oldest Chinatown in the world. That alone makes
this a worthy historical destination. The location
just outside Intramuros was strategic in the sense
that the Chinese Catholic immigrants could still
continue trading while being monitored by the
Spanish government in the 16th century. Up to this
day, the area is a hubbub of trade and commerce,
mostly run by Filipino-Chinese residents.
One of the main draws of Binondo is its colorful and
delicious food scene. There are so many gastronomic
gems scattered around this extensive food hub,
most of which cannot be found anywhere else but in
Binondo. Other famous products have branched
out, but local tourists still visit the origin of their
favorite Binondo grubs

Location: Binondo, NCR, City of Manila

4. Rizal Shrine, Calamba, Laguna
Declared by the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines as a
national shrine, the structure stands
on the same location of the Rizal
family’s ancestral house.
It is a reconstructed version of the original two-
story Spanish-era bahay na bato. Using similar
materials like hardwood, adobe stones, bricks, and
capiz shells among others, the reconstruction began
in 1949, as ordered by then-President Quirino, and
was launched to the public on the 19th of June 1950,
in time for the 89th birthday celebration of Rizal.
The only deviation from the original exterior
appearance is the walls painted in green instead of
the original white.
As the birthplace of Rizal, it features collections
and memorabilia that center around his childhood.
The shrine also cradles the remains of Jose Rizal’s
parents. The property also houses a library, a gallery,
an audio-visual room, and a souvenir shop. Other
landmarks near the shrine are St. John the Baptist
Parish Church and the City College of Calamba.

Location: Corner of Rizal Street and Mercado

Street, Poblacion 5, Calamba, Laguna
5. Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao
Built by the ancestors of the
indigenous people of Ifugao centuries
ago, the Banaue Rice Terraces was
declared by the government as a
National Cultural Treasure in 1973.
These terraces embody the culture of the Ifugao
people, which was largely influenced by rice
cultivation and agriculture. The importance of these
terraces is evident in the many agricultural rites
connected to rice production. The traditional and
indigenous techniques applied in building the
terraces reveal the extensive knowledge of the
Ifugao people in earthwork, stonework, irrigation,
and the preservation of the integrity of the rice
terraces.
Interestingly, the Banaue Rice Terraces is not included in
the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Rice
Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras due to the
presence of modern structures in the area. However, two
of the five listed are located not too far away — the
Batad Rice Terraces and the Bangaan Rice Terraces. The
Banaue Rice Terraces are the ones that can be seen from
different view decks along the main road (Nueva Vizcaya-
Ifugao-Mountain Province Road).

Location: Banaue, Ifugao, CAR

6. Tabon Cave Complex, Palawan
Situated on Lipuun Point in the town of
Quezon on the southwestern part of
Palawan Island, the cave complex is part
of the Lipuun Point Reservation,
protecting and preserving the cultural
and historical artifacts within the area.
Cradling numerous important archeological artifacts like the
Tabon Man, the oldest modern human bones in the
Philippines; and the Manunggul Jar, a National Cultural
Treasure and one of over a thousand burial jars discovered in
the cave complex.
Designated as a National Cultural Treasure by the National
Museum in 2011, the complex is said to have 215 caves, but
only seven of these are accessible to the public including
Tabon, Igang, and Liyang among others.

Location: Lipuun Point, Quezon, Palawan

7. Mactan Shrine, Cebu
Located along Punta Engaño Road on
the northern part of Mactan Island in
Cebu, the Mactan Shrine encompasses
two monuments: the Lapu-Lapu Shrine
on one end and the Magellan Marker
(also Magellan Monument) on the other.
The site faces the Magellan Bay, a reminder of the Battle of
Mactan, which took place in April 1521 between the Spanish
troops led by Portuguese explorer Magellan and the Mactan
natives led by Lapu-Lapu. The battle led to the defeat of the
Spaniards, causing them to retreat.

If you get hungry while exploring the shrine, try the

traditional Visayan sutukil from the nearby Sutukil Seafood
Market Restaurant Chain.

Location: Punta Engaño Road, Mactan, Cebu

8. Magellan’s Cross, Cebu City
Located adjacent to Basilica Minore
del Santo Niño in the heart of Cebu
City, the Magellan’s Cross is one of
the most visited historical landmarks
in Cebu.
The site is said to be the exact location where
Portuguese Magellan planted the cross upon his
arrival in Cebu in March 1521. As stated on the
marker at the bottom of the cross, the original
artifact is encased inside the wooden Tindalo
cross. The painted ceiling illustrates this historic
event.
Location: P. Burgos Street or D. Jakosalem Street, Cebu
City, Cebu
9. Sandugo Shrine, Bohol
In March 1565, a blood compact between Spanish explorer
Miguel López de Legazpi and Bohol chieftain Sikatuna took
place as a symbol of friendship between the Spaniards and
the Filipinos. This was famously called the sandugo, a tribal
tradition sealing allegiance and confirming solidarity
between tribes. Both representatives cut their arms and
pour their blood into a cup, divide the mixture equally, and
drink them until both cups are emptied.
The moment is immortalized by the Sandugo Shrine (Blood
Compact Shrine) in Tagbilaran City. But the truth is, this
monument does not mark the actual spot where the historic
treaty was made. In 2006, the government of Bohol
determined the actual site where it happened to be in Loay,
the municipality between Alburquerque and Loboc.
The actual site, now called Blood Compact Marker, is
situated along Bohol Circumferential Road/Tagbilaran East
Road.

Location: Bool, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

10. Barasoain Church, Malolos, Bulacan
“Baras ng Suwail”
The dungeon of the defiant. The 19th-century Barasoain
Church witnessed many monumental events in the history of
the Philippines. It served as the headquarters of the
illustrados who were against the Spanish rule and was the
site of one of the most pivotal events in Philippine
democracy — the Malolos Congress, also known as the First
Philippine Congress.
The Malolos Congress was formed in June 1898 by
Emilio Aguinaldo in defiance of the Spanish regime.
Although this one was short-lived, this was a testament
to the Filipinos’ passion for democracy.

This Baroque church is made of adobe and concrete

materials and is centrally located in Malolos.

Location: Paseo del Congreso Street, Malolos, Bulacan

11. Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite
Declared a National Shrine in June 1964, the Aguinaldo
Shrine encompasses the whole ancestral house and grounds of
Emilio Aguinaldo and extends to the park across the main house.
This was the site of the proclamation of Philippine
Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898 with the unfurling of
the Philippine flag. This was also the event where the instrumental
music of the Philippine national anthem was first heard. Every
year, a flag-raising ceremony is held during the Independence Day
celebration.
 Completed in 1845, the mansion has undergone
renovations in 1849 and 1919. It was donated to the
government by Aguinaldo himself and is currently being
managed by the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines. The lush garden behind the mansion nestles
the final resting place of Aguinaldo. The main house
functions as a museum now.

Location: Tirona Highway, Kawit, Cavite

12. Leyte Landing Memorial Park
I shall
Return…
 Proclaimed a national park in July 1977, the MacArthur Leyte
Landing Memorial National Park (also called MacArthur Park)
was also designated as a national historic landmark by the
National Historical Commission in 1994.
This park was established in celebration of a significant event
in history, the A-Day Landing in October 1944, where Douglas
MacArthur, together with his entourage, finally fulfilled his
promise to come back and help the Philippines gain back its
independence from the Japanese. A few days later, the Battle of
Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle of World War II erupted.
The memorial national park features a shallow manmade
pool with seven bronze statues representing General
Douglas MacArthur, President Sergio Osmeña Jr.,
Brigadier General Carlos P. Romulo, Major General
Courtney Whitney, Lieutenant General Richard
Sutherland, Sergeant Francisco Salveron, and William J.
Dunn. The memorial park faces the San Pablo Bay/Leyte
Gulf.

Located: Barangay Candahug, Palo, Leyte

13. Dambana ng Kagitingan, Bataan
Established in 1970, the Dambana ng
Kagitingan, also known as the Mount Samat
National Shrine or Shrine of Valor, is a
memorial complex honoring the fallen Filipino
and American soldiers who fought against the
Japanese in the Battle of Bataan in 1942.
Mount Samat was the last bastion of freedom where many lost their
lives fighting for independence against the Imperial Japanese Army. It
was declared as a National Shrine in April 1966.

The complex also harbors the Colonnade, stretching wide and

welcoming visitors from the parking lot. The Colonnade houses a war
museum. The most dominant feature is the colossal white Memorial
Cross with the Cross’s arms serving as a viewing gallery. Further
behind the Colonnade are paths leading to the base of the cross. The
whole complex offers a panoramic view of Bataan and Corregidor
Island.

Location: Mount Samat Road, Pilar, Bataan

14. Bataan Death March Markers
Three months after the Battle of Bataan, the
Japanese army decided to transfer about 75,000
Filipino and American prisoners of war from Bataan
to Camp O’Donnel (now Capas National Shrine) in
Capas, Tarlac. This was called the Bataan Death
March because this long, brutal walk claimed the
lives of thousands of Filipino soldiers and hundreds
of American soldiers.
Each kilometer is marked by a modest white obelisk
stand with illustrated Death March sign and plaques.
There are a total of 138 Death March Markers — 97 in
Bataan, 33 in Pampanga, and 8 in Tarlac — dotting the
roads between Bataan and Tarlac with the one in
Mariveles, marking the Kilometer 0.

These markers are managed by the Filipino-American

Memorial Endowment (FAME), a non-stock and non-
profit foundation. They are also raising funds for the
continuous maintenance of these historical markers.
15. Corregidor Island
Strategically situated at the mouth of Manila Bay
and facing the West Philippine Sea, Corregidor
Island played an important role as a military base
during World War II. Nicknamed “The Rock”, this
fortified island was part of the harbor defenses,
protecting Manila Bay from enemy attacks. The
island suffered massive destructions after the war.
 Most people assume that Corregidor is a part of
Bataan because of its close physical proximity and
historical ties, but it is in fact under the jurisdiction of
Cavite City.
Today, the whole island and its ruins remind visitors of
the past and serve as war memorials. Here are some of the
significant historical sites on the island: Pacific War
Memorial, Malinta Tunnel, Filipino Heroes Memorial,
Corregidor Lighthouse, Japanese Garden of Peace, and
Mile-Long Barracks.
Location: Corregidor Island, Cavite
16. Rizal Park and Shrine Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte
The four-year exile of Jose Rizal in
Dapitan was one of the most eventful periods
of his life. Rizal’s work and activities were
deemed subversive by the Spanish regime,
prompting them to send the Laguna-native to
Mindanao for exile.
 The places where he lived and worked are
preserved as part of the José Rizal Memorial Protected
Landscape, also called Rizal Park and Shrine. Aside from
this, Dapitan’s map is dotted with several historic
landmarks including Liwasan ng Dapitan, Punto del
Desembarco de Rizal, Casa Real, Cotta de Dapitan, and
St. James the Greater Church. Dapitan is nicknamed the
Shrine City in the Philippines.
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
17. Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte
The island is historically
significant because it said that it is
where the first-ever mass in the
Philippines was held in March 1521 by
Father Pedro de Valderrama.
 Located off the southern tip of Southern
Leyte, the municipality of Limasawa used to be
under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Padre
Burgos until 1978. With six barangays on the island,
Limasawa officially became a separate town in 1989
through a plebiscite.
Location: Limasawa, 1st District, Southern Leyte
18. University of Santo Tomas, Manila
Originally named Colegio de Nuestra Señora del
Santisimo Rosario, the University of Santo Tomas
dates back to the early 17th century when it was
founded by the third archbishop of Manila Miguel
de Benavides in April 1611. The name was changed
to Colegio de Santo Tomas and eventually elevated
to university status in November 1645.
Over four centuries later, the university stood the test
of time and is regarded as the oldest university in the
Philippines and in Asia. It was originally located inside
Intramuros, the walled city of Manila during the Spanish
colonial period, before transferring to its current
location.
Prominent alumni are Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, Jose
P. Laurel, Diosdado Macapagal, Sergio Osmeña, Manuel
L. Quezon, and Nick Joaquin among others.
Location: España Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila, NCR
19. Cagsawa Ruins, Albay
Remember the iconic photo of a
church’s tower (or what’s left of it)
buried in volcanic ash with the
temperamental but picturesque Mayon
Volcano in the background?
The late 16th-century Cagsawa Church was
established by the Franciscan missionaries. The
first structure was burned down by the Dutch
pirates in the 17th century. It was reconstructed
in the 18th century. However, the eruption of the
Mayon Volcano destroyed the church along with
the rest of the town in the early 19th century.
What we see today is what was left of the church
— a portion of its tower.
The Cagsawa Ruins Park is co-managed and co-maintained by the
municipal government of Daraga and the National Museum of
the Philippines. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in
Albay. While there, visit the Cagsawa National Museum,
showcasing photos of the Mayon eruptions and other related
collections. And since it’s a popular attraction, there are several
souvenir shops and stalls in the vicinity.

For those who want to explore the park more, you can book ATV
tours offered by many operators and agencies in the area.

Location: Barangay Busay, Daraga, Albay

20. Calle Crisologo, Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Named after a well-loved Ilocano politician and writer
Mena Crisologo, Calle Crisologo is a well-preserved
Spanish-era street lined with heritage houses or bahay na
bato. The cobblestone street, stretching from Plaza
Burgos to Rivero Street, was historically the business and
trade center of North Luzon in the pre-colonial and
Spanish colonial Philippines and where most of the
residents were affluent Filipino-Chinese traders and
merchants.
Today, the street is still flanked with old structures and
heritage houses, the majority of which were converted
to museums, restaurants, shops, or hotels. You can
sample some of Vigan’s signature food like Vigan
empanada and longganisa. Whether visiting during the
day or at night, Calle Crisologo definitely transports you
back in time.

Location: Calle Crisologo, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

21. Baguio City
The highly urbanized City of Pines is
perched in the highlands of the
Cordilleras. This elevation gives it the
chills, something that attracts tourists
from other parts of the country.
After the Americans defeated the Spaniards, the Philippines
fell into the hands of the United States. And at the turn of
the 20th century, the foundations for the development of
Baguio City were laid when the Americans established Camp
John Hay in 1903, the only hill station in Asia. It jumpstarted
the development of the city, which would become Baguio.
Most of the historical structures in Baguio were built under
American rule.
Location: Baguio City, Benguet
Note: Baguio is only geographically located in Benguet, but is not under the
province’s jurisdiction. As a chartered city, Baguio is governed
independently.
22. Sultan Kudarat Monument, Sultan Kudarat
Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat, famously known as
Sultan Kudarat, was revered and hailed as the
greatest sultan that ever ruled in Mindanao. He was
a celebrated warrior, fearless in the face of the
Spanish conquistadors who threatened to occupy his
ancestral domain. He tenaciously defended the
Islamic faith and steadfastly held his ground against
the Spanish invaders.
Monuments were built honoring him for
his bravery and valor. There is one in
Makati (Ayala Triangle) and another in
Cotabato City, Maguindanao (Tantawan
Park). But the most photographed stands
in front of the Sultan Kudarat Provincial
Capitol in Isulan.
23. Malacañan Palace, Manila
Malacañan Palace is the official residence
and office of the President of the
Philippines. It has served numerous
leaders, from the Spanish Governor-
Generals to the Presidents of the
Republic of the Philippines.
The vast palace complex, the result of numerous renovations and
expansion, encompasses many office buildings, mansions, parks and gardens.
Most of them follow the neoclassical and bahay na bato architectural
styles. The most prominent buildings are the main Malacañan Palace, the
New Executive Building, Mabini Hall, Bonifacio Hall, and Kalayaan Hall (Old
Executive Building), which houses the Presidential Museum and Library and
the Former Presidential Museum.
The history of Malacañan Palace dates back to the mid 18th century when
it was built as a private summer house for the Spanish aristocrat, Don Luis
Rocha. In the first quarter of the 19th century, it became the summer
residence for the Spanish Governor-General. It survived the destruction
caused by World War II.
24. Biak na Bato, Bulacan
The Republic of Biak na Bato was officially
established in November 1897 by a
revolutionary movement led by Emilio
Aguinaldo. Although short-lived, this move
sparked hope among other revolutionary
leaders in other parts of Luzon.
The Biak na Bato National Park nestles the site where Aguinaldo
and his comrades planned and initially formed the revolutionary
government in May 1897, months before its official declaration.
The national park encompasses over 2,000 hectares of lush
forest and rocky gorge.
Because of its historical importance, it gained the status of a
national park in 1937. It is presently managed by the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources. The park also features
rivers, waterfalls, and caves, making it a good option for a quick
weekend getaway destination near Manila.
Location: Barangay Biak na Bato, San Miguel, Bulacan
25. Cinco de Noviembre Memorial, Negros Occidental
Also known as the Negros Revolution, it was
the greatest political movement bluff by the
Negrense people that blindsided the Spanish
colonizers and resulted in the establishment
of the Negros Republic on November 5,
1898.
To commemorate this monumental event, a memorial landmark
with a replica of a drugstore building that served as a hideout
and the place where the Negrense revolutionaries plotted the
revolution against the Spaniards. It also features an authentic
Spanish-era cannon.

It is located close to Balay Negrense and the other ancestral

houses in Silay City. Signed in 1989, November 5 (Negros Day) is a
special non-working holiday in the province.

Location: Silay-Mambulac Road, Silay City Heritage Zone, Silay

City, Negros Occidental