Baroque Churches of the Philippines

Philippines
Date of Inscription: 1993
Criteria: (ii)(iv)
Immaculate Conception: District of Intramuros, City of Manila Nuestra Senora: Municipality of Santa Maria, Province of Ilocos Sur San Agustin: Municipality of Paoay, Province of Ilocos Norte Santo Tomas: Municipality of Miag-ao, Province of Iloilo
N14 35 24 E120 58 12
Ref: 677

Brief Description:

These four churches, the first of which was built by the Spanish in the late 16th century, are located in Manila, Santa Maria, Paoay and Miag-ao. Their unique architectural style is a reinterpretation of European Baroque by Chinese and Philippine craftsmen.

These four churches, the first of which was built by the Spanish in the late 16th century, are located in Manila, Santa Maria, Paoay and Miag-ao. Their unique architectural style is a reinterpretation of European Baroque by Chinese and Philippine craftsmen.

Églises baroques des Philippines
Ces quatre églises, situées dans les villes de Manille, Santa Maria, Paoay et Miag, et dont la première fut construite dès la fin du XVI^e siècle par les Espagnols, sont représentatives d'un style unique en son genre où le baroque européen a été réinterprété par les artisans philippins et chinois.

الكنائس الباروكيّة في الفليبين

تقع هذه الكنائس الاربع في كل من مدينة مانيلا وسانتا ماريا وباواي ومياغ. أقدمها بُنيت منذ أواخر القرن السادس عشر على يد الاسبان. وتمثّل هذه الكنائس أسلوبًا فريدًا من نوعه حيث غيّر الحرفيون الفليبيون والصينيون في النمط الباروكي الاوروبي على طريقتهم.

Source: UNESCO/BPI

菲律宾的巴洛克教堂

这4座教堂分别坐落在马尼拉、圣玛丽亚、帕瓦伊和米亚高，其中第一座由西班牙于16世纪后期建造。它们那独特的欧洲巴洛克 式的建筑风格在中国和菲律宾工匠的手中得以再现。

Source: UNESCO/BPI

Церкви Филиппин в стиле барокко

Эти четыре церкви, первая из которых была построена испанцами в конце XVI в., расположены в Маниле и городках Санта-Мария, Паоай и Миагао. Их уникальный архитектурный стиль – результат интерпретации европейского барокко китайскими и филиппинскими мастерами.

Source: UNESCO/BPI

Iglesias barrocas de Filipinas

El sitio consta de cuatro iglesias situadas en las ciudades de Manila, Santa María, Paoay y Miag. La primera de ellas fue construida a finales del siglo XVI por los españoles. Todos estos monumentos son representativos de un estilo arquitectónico excepcional, fruto de la reinterpretación del barroco europeo por parte de los artesanos filipinos y chinos que participaron en su construcción.

Source: UNESCO/BPI

フィリピンのバロック様式教会群

source: NFUAJ

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Daranak falls

Daranak falls is a popular summer getaway for locals, neighboring towns and tourists alike. Convenient to get to, about twenty minutes or so from the town proper then a scenic five to ten-minute route into the mountain side from the main road. Daranak Falls possesses a wide cascade dropping into a cool waterbed where visitors can enjoy swimming. This park is actually managed by the municipal government and charges a minimal entrance fee (P20/pax only) and rental fee for the cottages (but overnight stay is not allowed). Parking areas are also available for private vehicles.

Daranak Falls nestles quietly at the foot of the Tanay mountains, preserved with the natural vegetation, complemented with beautiful waterfalls, ponds, and rivers cascading through elaborate tropical trees and plants. This 14-meter high falls is truly a refreshing site

MABUHAY!

Whether you are careering in a bumpy multi-coloured jeepney along chaotic streets, or trotting gently in a horse drawn calesa through historic avenues; scuba diving in some of the world's finest waters or taking on the challenge of a mountain trek, the Philippines has everything to offer the adventurous traveller.

Welcome! The mission is to introduce the wonders of the Philippine Islands to like minded conservational conscious individuals who care about the welfare and protection of different cultures and habitats, and to those who will have an affinity and understanding to develop, enhance and sustain an ecologically friendly approach to tourism. You are about to embark on a unique virtual journey to the best kept secret in Asia.
Perhaps one day that journey will become a reality.



As a visitor it is important to regard the ground you tread with the same respect you would expect from anyone else who walks up your own garden path.

The Filipino differs from no other in desiring an equal opportunity to make a living in a competitive world. Visit the country, shake the hand, reward the endeavour and applaud the tenacity. Step lightly on the land and gaze in awe at it's beauty.

Take nothing but your memories, leave nothing but goodwill. Treat your host as a much loved friend, and you will be rewarded manifold.

The Popular Natural Wonders of Cebu Philippines

Butterfly Sanctuary

One of the must-sees when in Cebu is the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary and Art Gallery of the multi-awarded artist-lepidopterist J. N. Jumalon. This haven for nature and butterfly lovers is located near the Basak Elementary School, Barangay Basak – Pardo, Cebu City, is a butterfly sanctuary cum botanical garden. The sanctuary provides a natural habitat for at least 53 butterfly species and different kinds of moths. More than a hundred plant species that are mostly the life support of butterflies in their larval and adult stages are also being grown in the sanctuary.

Aside from the butterfly sanctuary, the place also boasts of Lumalon’s lepido-mosaic “paintings” which are not actually paintings but artworks made of discarded butterfly wings. The butterfly wings, which come from other butterfly collectors, were recycled using their natural colors in creating art, rather than use factory-processed pigments.

Jumalon’s butterfly collection, which is perhaps the oldest in the country, is also featured in the art gallery. The collection includes exotic butterflies from different countries. Also available for viewing are Jumalon’s other collections which include coins, stamps, dolls, key chains, seashells, rocks and artifacts.

The place is definitely ideal for students who want to research on butterfly and moth habitats, as well as local or foreign tourists who want to relax and enjoy a day with butterflies and interesting collections.

Orchid Farms

Thett Orchid Gallery in Moalboal has one of the biggest orchid displays in South East Asia. Growing over 200 kinds of orchids, the orchid farm is even a major supplier of potted plants and orchids in Cebu. Here you can find tropical orchid varieties from Asia, South America and Hawaii, rare orchid varieties and even Vandas and Cattleyas that have big flowers. After a stroll in the farm, which has a tropical garden settings and visitors can relax in the gallery’s swimming pool.

Olango Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the ways to experience nature in Cebu province is to visit the Olango Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern part of Olango Island. The island is located six miles off the East Coast of mainland Cebu. The wildlife sanctuary has atotal area of 920 hectares and consists mainly of sand flats and mudflats, mangrove forests, sea grass beds, sandy ridges and coconut groves.

Olango became famous after the Philippine Wetland and Wildlife Conservation Foundation Inc. discovered the presence of 40,000 to 60,000 migratory birds in the area. The discovery had a great impact on bird studies in the East Asian Flyway, one of the most important shorebird and water bird migration pathways in the world. The PWCF says that there is a total of 77 species of migratory waders that use this Flyway and the Philippines host half of this number in Olango Island.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the peak of the migration months when most birds have arrived at the island. The peak of the Southward Migration is from September to November while the peak of the Northward Migration is between February and April.

Getting There:
To reach the island, one can take a jeepney ride from Cebu City to Lapu-Lapu City at the terminal at the North Reclamation Area. Upon arriving in Lapu-Lapu City, take a tricycle or multicab bound for Angasil then disembark at wharf beside Portofino Beach resort, take a pump boat to Sta. Rosa in Olango Island. One can reach the sanctuary found in Barangay San Vicente by foot or by tricycle from the Sta. Rosa Wharf.

Diving Around Cebu

Cebu is a haven for diving enthusiasts, whether beginners or experts divers. The island is surrounded with beautiful diving spots that will surely captivate local and foreign tourists. Among the popular dive sites in this island province are the dice sites in Mactan Island and in Malapascua Island such as the Monad Shoal, Tapilon Japanese Wreck and the Doña Marilyn Wreck. There are also the popular dive sites in the southern part of the province such as the House Reef, Pescador Island and Sunken Island in Moalboal and the Wall of death in Santander.

Cebu, aside from being s diver’s haven, is also very diver friendly. Almost all hotels in the island’s coastline and all the beach resorts have complete diving facilities and have diving instructors. There are even dive operators that offer dive tours called dive safaris. These dive packages are inclusive of accommodations, round trip transfers, meals, boat, guides and other incidentals.

New 7 Wonders of the World - Vote WOW Philippines

Philippines is a “wow” country as one couldn’t help but really say this comment at the very first site of the archipelago. I would like to invite everybody not only Filipinos but all people around the world. There is no place like Philippines. Let us bring three places from the Philippines to get nominated in the New Seven Wonders of the World record. The three places in the Philippines nominated are Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Mount Mayon Volcano of Bicol and Tubbataha Reef of Palawan. As of today, Chocolate Hills of Bohol garnered the 13 slots so with your help we could bring the beauty of the Philippines by placing the three places. After voting the site will send you letters to your applied email address, just don’t forget to confirm.

Chocolate Hills is composed of around 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills of about the same size, spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres (19 sq mi). They are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, This is the reason why it is called Chocolate Hills.

The Chocolate Hills is famous tourist attraction of Bohol. It is in the Philippine Tourism Authority’s list of tourist destinations in the Philippines and it has been declared the country’s third National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage

You can also nominate places that you feel go beyond the eyes of millions of people. Here, but you have to set up official supporting committee.

New 7 Wonders of the World were announced during the Official Declaration ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday, July 7, 2007 and history was made! This inaugural worldwide vote also produced the first-ever Global Memory and a new set of 7 Human Virtues.

Update: New7Wonders of Nature 2009 Vote

Three Beautiful Places in the Philippines

he Philippines is a great place to visit, because of the tropical climate it offers year round. With over 7000 islands, there’s so much to choose from. Surrounded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the China Sea it is the perfect destination for water activities. The mountains are rich with vegetation, rare birds and animals, exotic plants and rugged terrains.

One of the places I love in the Philippines is Palawan. They call this island the “Last Frontier of the Philippines.” It is the only island in the Philippines rated as the best island destination in the East and Southeast Asia in 2007, by the National Geographic Traveler magazine. Palawan is also the cleanest city in the Philippines.

The waters of Palawan are excellent for diving and fishing. The Busuanga Island, in Coron is the jump-off point for many dive operators. Under those pristine waters are 12 WWII Japanese shipwrecks sunken by the US Navy in 1944. It is about 131 ft. (40M) deep from the surface. It is a great exploration experience for shipwreck enthusiasts. This is one of the ten best scuba sites in the world according to Forbes Travelers Magazine.

The Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is home to some of the exotic animals from Africa such as giraffes, zebras, elands, impala and waterbuck mixed with local animals such as the mouse deer, Palawan bearcat and peacock. This is like a mini-African safari where to these days the animals are free to roam around. This is a really great sight to see in Palawan.

El Nido is the most beautiful place in Palawan with a mega-diverse ecosystem such as rainforests, white sand beaches, rich marine life, mangroves and their famous coral and limestone reefs. The “dugong” or sea cow, which is the rarest marine mammal in the world, is found in the waters of El Nido.

This isolated island is separated from the main island by three bodies of water naming, the Luzon Sea, China Sea and Sulu Sea.

The El Nido resorts at Lagen and Miniloc are a little more expensive, with cottages on stilts set above the crystal clear ocean waters.

In Puerto Princesa—the province capital—is where you’ll see the Honda Bay. The bay consists of several islets with shallow reefs, beautiful beaches and resorts. The bay is a favorite destination for people who love swimming, snorkeling and diving. Locals and tourists alike love this place. For a small fee, you can go island hopping at the Honda Bay.

You can also go underground at the St. Paul Subterranean National Park and explore the underground river with plenty of beautiful rock formations inside. The St.Paul National Park features limestone karst landscape. The distinguished feature of the river is that it flows directly to the sea. It also consists a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem and some of the most significant forests in Asia.

Tarlac Tourist Attractions and Activities

Historical Sites

Tarlac Provincial Capitol and Maria Cristina Park (Tarlac City)
An imposing historical landmark in the province is the seat of provincial government, the Capitol building, built in 1906. Giving more grandeur and beauty to the place is the Maria Cristina Park, fittingly named after a Tarlac beauty queen, Maria Cristina Galang, Ms. Philippines 1952.

Capas National Shrine (Capas)
A concentration camp subsequently serving as the burial grounds for thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who perished during WW II. The site was the ultimate destination of the infamous Death March.

Capas Death March Monument (Capas)
The historical marker of the infamous concentration camp where nearly 30,000 Filipino and American soldiers who participated in the Death March perished in 1942.

Sto. Domingo Death March Marker (Capas)
The site where about 60,000 Filipino soldiers camped like sardines in closed boxcars were unloaded to start the second phase of the tragic Death March.

Maria Clara Museum (Camiling)
Preserved and displayed in this museum are the priceless mementos of Leonora Rivera, the sweetheart of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Leonora Rivera is immortalized as the heroine Maria Clara in the novel of Rizal.

San Sebastian Cathedral (Tarlac City)
The site of the revolutionary congress. The demolished Tarlac Catholic Convert had once become the highest Filipino seat of learning when the Literario Sciantifico Universidad was transferred from Malolos, Bulacan to Tarlac on March 31, 1889.

Accolalao (Paniqui)
It was in this old townsite of Paniqui where Ali Madin, deposed Sultan of Sulu, formally embraced the Christian faith on April 29, 1750 and assumed the name, Don Fernando Ali Mudin I.

Camiling Church (Camiling)
Its convent was the place of death of General Pedro Pedroche and his men in the hands of General Francisco Makabalos and his revolutionary troops upon the order of General Antonio Luna on charges of rebellion.

Cultural Heritage

Aquino Center (Tarlac City)
The Aquino Center offers modern conference facilities, spacious functions rooms, convention hall, library containing books and memorabilia of former President Corazon Aquino and the late Senator and patriot Benigno Aquino, Jr. The museum offers a vivid display of the life and works of the late Senator with a mini-theater depicting in visual drama his illustrious life. Tour of Tarlac is never complete without a memorial visit to the center.

Carlos P. Romulo Memorial Library (Tarlac City)
Established on May 9, 1952 during the administration of Governor Antonio E. Lopez, this institution was originally named after the late President Manuel A. Roxas, and was later renamed in 1990 after the prominent statesman.

Tarlac Museum (Tarlac City)
Tarlac Museum has an extensive collection of official documents of the different revolutionary personalities like the letters of Francisco Makabulos and Gen. Servillano Aquino. This museum stages exhibits every 45 days such as the National Costume of Luzon and many other themes that depict the history and life in the province of Tarlac.

Natural Formations

Mt. Pinatubo
Made famous by its catastrophic eruption in 1991, now a source of travel and study among tourists and travelers visiting Central Luzon.

Bueno Hot Springs (Capas)
Located within the reservation area of Clark Air Base. The terrain is mountainous and the place can be reached only by trail.

Dolores Spring (Tarlac City)
Its water is believed to be medicinal.

Anao Quinabutok Creek (Anao)
Rich with aquatic resources and a favorite site of picnic goers and excursionists for fishing and swimming.

Religious Structures

St. Rose of Lima Church (Paniqui)
Built during the Spanish colonization, and one of the oldest in the country. This structure underwent extensive reconstruction in the early 1970s.

San Sebastian Church (Tarlac City)
Located in front of the Municipal Hall, the church was the site of the revolutionary congress. The demolished Tarlac Catholic convent had become the highest Filipino seat of learning when the Literario-Sientifico Universidad of Malolos, Bulacan was transferred to Tarlac on March 31, 1889. The first graduation ceremonies on Sept. 29, 1890 were held inside the Catholic Convent premises. Diplomas then were signed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.

Man-Made

Bamban Park (Bamban)
The park was carved along the hilly area near the national highway in Tarlac and is quite visible from the road with its imposing grotto of Virgin Mary pedestalled on a hill. One has to hurdle a 100-step stairway before reaching the grotto. The area is characterized by stretches of roadside mini-restaurants and bonsai farms - all catering to commuters bound for the north. People visit the place to pay homage to the Blessed Mother or do mountain trekking on the side.

Tinang Site Voice of America (Concepcion)
This radio transmitting facility was used by the Voice of America, the International Broadcasting Service and the U.S. Information Agency in communicating to the world for over 30 years.

Magsaysay Dam (Mayantok)
This dam, named after the late Pres. Ramon Magsaysay, boasts of crystal-clear water from the mountain and a scenic view of surrounding areas.

San Bartolome Treehouse (Mayantok)
Located in Brgy. San Bartolome, this treehouse, constructed through the initiative of the barangay council in 1973, is one of the most interesting attractions in the province.

Tarlac Sugar Mills (Paniqui)
The province of Tarlac takes pride in having two large sugar mills, namely CAT Sugar Mills in Tarlac City and Paniqui Sugar Mills in Paniqui town. These sugar mills help boost the economy of the province.

Diwa ng Tarlak (Tarlac City)
A civic and convention center built during the time of Gov. Federico Peralta, it houses a convention hall, ballroom, trade exhibit hall and dining facilities. It is a favorite venue for special functions such as seminars and conferences.

Hacienda Luisita (Tarlac City)
The Cojuangco-owned hacienda in Tarlac City houses the famous Tarlac Industrial Park where a growing lists of international export producing companies are located. It boasts of an 18-hole championship golf course, shopping malls, world-class restaurants, hotels, a Beverly Hill - type of residential estate and a vast sugar plantation. Also located in the complex is the Aquino Center and Museum.

Luisita Golf and Country Club (Tarlac City)
Located within a sugar plantation owned by the Cojuangco Family. Designed by the world-renowned Robert Trent, this place is a magnificent landscape of verdant slopes and restful lagoons.

Plaza Luisita Center (Tarlac City)
A modern and masterfully designed commercial and business complex for shopping malls, offices, retail shops, food establishments and recreational centers. It houses such retail food outlets like Max's Restaurant, McDonald's, Jollibee, Pancake House, Greenwich, Cindy's, Travieza and Chow King

Festivals
Mt. Pinatubo Trek (30 November, Capas)
An annual trekking event is held every November 30 to commemorate the world-famous eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Hundreds of local and foreign visitors on board all-weather vehicles drive for one hour along the rocky and watery streambed in O' Donnell, Brgy. Sta. Juliana in Capas, Tarlac only to take on a 2-hour walk to the crater of the volcano to witness the tranquility and peacefulness of Mother Nature. Participants join the annual event to contribute part of their resources for the benefit of the conservation and local infrastructure development projects of the host community of Sta. Juliana. The event is participated in by the Angeles City Four Wheelers Club with support from other motoring groups. The project is organized by the Department of Tourism - Region III as part of their mission to "build better quality of lives thru travel and tourism."

Special Interests
Conquer Mt. Pinatubo
Trek to the crater of the world-famous Mt. Pinatubo. Spectacular views, towering lahar canyons, cool mountain springs, and cascading waterfalls make the trip up the volcano an experience to remember. The tour may be taken via Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac.

How to Get to Tarlac
All buses from Manila going to the Ilocos Region and Baguio City pass through Tarlac. Most of these buses make rest stops along the highway at the town's many restaurants. Philippine Rabbit in Manila has buses that leave for Tarlac every 10 to 30 minutes, twenty-four (24) hours a day. The types of available land transportation are cars, vans, jeepneys, tricycles, and buses.

Tarlac Emergency Services
Medical Facilities
Jecsons Hospital
MacArthur Hwy., Tarlac City
Tel. No. (63 45) 982-5501 - 5508
Contact Person: Dr. Jose Y. Chua, Jr.

Police
Tarlac Police Station
Tel. No.(6345) 982-2102; 166

Fire Station
Tarlac Fire Station
Tel No. (6345) 982-1356

Tourist Information and Assistance
DOT Region 3
MR. RONALDO P. TIOTUICO, Regional Director
Paskuhan Village, San Fernando, Pampanga 2000
Tel.: (6345) 961 2665
Fax: (6345) 961-2612
Cell. Phone: (0919) 427 8351
E-mail: dot3@pldtdsl.net
Website: www.luzoncentral.com

Capas, Tarlac
Tel. No. (63 45) 925-0154
Website: http://www.capaslgu.gov.ph
Email: capaslgu@mozcom.com
Contact Person: Rodolfo Dalagan - Municipal Tourism Officer

Tarlac City
Tel. No. (63 45) 982-1923
Contact Person: Wilfredo Toldanes - City Tourism Officer

source: Department of Tourism