Philippines Hotels and Resorts

Manila is all things for all Filipinos. It is the seat government administration, the fashion center, the intellectual pace-setter, the fountain head of all religious and educational movements; and of course, enormous shopping arcades. It is polictics and art; markets and churches; banks and universities - the whole life.

For most Filipinos - especially those who have yet visit Manila - it is political and economic summit, the city of dreams. For the millions ekking out living in its slum and for its westernized middle classes; it is an asphalt jungle - gawdy and ruthless but irresistable.

Manila is an old city, may be older than historians can determine. Perhaps having been around for a long time give its "Poise and Grandeur."

Manila City: Climate - Weather condition in Manila are more or less the same as those prevailing in other cities. Due to its lower elevation, the temperature is generally higher, humidity and wind velocity are proportional higher.

Manila experiences the highest amount of rainfall in the months as early as the second week of May to October. The number of storms passing the city is the same as those prevailing in the Metro Manila area.

Manila City: Population - Manila is home and working place to nearly 2 million industrious, charming and hospitable people; likewise the city is the haven of approximately 3 million day time transients.

Manila City: Language - Literacy in Manila is relatively high. English spoken in the country, particularly in the city. It is the basic language in business, government, schools and everyday communications.

Manila City: Festivals

January 9 - Quiapo Fiesta (Black Nazarene)
Quiapo, Manila
January 15 - Sto. Niño Fiest (Tondo)
Tondo, Manila
January 19 - Buling Buling ng Pandacan
Pandacan, Manila

February 3 - Liberation of Manila, Manila Chinese New Year
Binondo, Manila

June 12 - Independence Day
Rizal Park, Manila
June 24 - Araw ng Maynila (Manila Day) Citywide Manila Film Festival

November Feast of Nuestra Señora delos, Malate
Remedios, Manila

December Feast of Birhen ng Loreto
Sampaloc, Manila (second Sunday)

Makati is located within the quadrangle of One Hundred Twenty degrees (120) latitude north and One Hundred Forty Three degrees (143) longitude east. It is bounded on the north by the Pasig River facing the city Mandaluyong, on the east by the Municipality of Pateros and on the northwest by Manila and on the south and southwest by the city of Pasay.

Political Subdivision -Makati is one of the eight (8) cities of the National Capital Region. The city is composed of two (2) districts further subdivided into thirty two (32) barangays the biggest of which is Forbes Park with 8.5 percent while the smallest is Kasilawan with 0.3 percent of the area.

Climate - Like anywhere else in the country, Makati has no pronounced seasons: the dry summer months from November to May and rainy months from June to October.

Population - Makati has total population of Four Hundred Fifty Three Thousand One Hundred Seventy Three (453,173) with an anuual growth rate of 2.3% as of 1995.

Language - Filipino is commonly used being the national language. English is also widely spoken and the second language is for commercial and legal translation.

FESTIVALS

Caracol - Conceptualized in 1988, CARACOL is a Spanish term for snail and refers to "the shell used by the people to protect them from life's detrimental realities." It is a combination of the three major ethnic festivals of the Philippines. Declared official festival of Makati through the passage of Resolution 351. Held every last Sunday of January.

Flores De Mayo - One of the biggest processions in Metro Manila participated in by 120 yourng ladies representing the thirty two barangays of the City, tourism oriented establishments, local and government offices, corprations based in Makati. Every year a flower Queen is crowned by the Mayor. Held last Sunday of May.

Kasalan - A free mass wedding for unmarried couples who have lived together without the benefit of a church wedding. Free wedding arrangements with first class receptions. The participants also have the Mayor as Sponsor. Held during MAKATI! MAKATI! celebrating the Foundation Day of the City.

Likhang Kamay - A yearly exhibit of top of the line native handicrafts. Instrumental in the discovery and development of native crafts producers. Mounted in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry, International Association of Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows, it supports local artists and artisans by providing venue and marketing. Held between March and April.

Senakulo - A street re-enactment of the life, death and passion of Jesus Christ. Event is mounted during the Lenten Season in the barangays.

TOSM - Ten Outstanding Students of Makati, the creme de la creme of youth leaders representing the private and public schools. The crop has produced many winners outstanding in their professional careers, notably of a Baron at the PMA - Ferdinand Picar; Sid Hildawa, an artist; Chichi Fajardo, newscaster and Julio Benedicto, summa cum laude-economics at Yale University. Held one month before high school graduations in one of the schools.

Ganito Kami Noon - a commemorative Ball hosted by the Mayor and held at the City Hall Quadrangle every first of June. Host and guests representing the local government, socio-economic sector wear turn-of-the-century native customes. Highlight of the eveyning is a Rigodon de Honor presided by the Mayor and his lady.

BAILES delos ARCOS - Performed on June 29 during the feast day of the Saints Peter and Paul at Barangay Poblacion by daughters of past participants with impeccable reputations as homage to the Virgen dela Rosa for her kindness. Dancers are trained for a year.

Costumes, Trinkets and Xong Di - an exhibit representing seventeen ethnic tribes of the People's Republic of China showing the similarities in costumes and trinklets of our ethnic tribes, hence, the Chines word Xong Di meaning brother.

Pasko sa Makati - A raffle draw for the rank and file. Considered as a concrete example of NGOs working with local government. Prices are donated by the private sectors, usually held a week before Christmas with the Mayor hosting the year.

Chinese New Year - Mounted during the celebration of the Chinese New Year. Frames of fireworks donated by the business sector are ignited after the presentation of the Dragon and Tiger dances. One of the events viewed by thousands of spectators.

Belen sa Makati - Conceived in 1987. Facades of building are decorated by creches and complemented by locally made lanterns. Barangay halls, school premises, and local government offices put up their own versions of the creche. The event is also one of the biggest affairs of Makati in cooperation with the NGOs. Starts in December.

TOURIST FACILITIES

Accommodation - Aside from providing a haven away from home, Makati boasts of a number of first class hotels which offer exciting nightlife to tourists and guests. Each of the hotels transforms in the daytime to amore relaxing ambiance at night with shows or singers serenading its patrons.

Records show that Pasay City originated way back during the reign of Rajah Soliman who married a Sumatran princess who bore him two heris, namely Princess Pasay and Prince Sowaboy. Even before his death, he distributed his realm to his two children. Princess Pasay got a portion of that realm, hence the name Pasay.

In 1727, Pasay was formerly attached to Sta. Ana and annexed to Malate. IN 1863, prominent people of Pasay petitioned civil and ecclesiastical authorities that they be granted the opportunity to govern themsleves. Said petition was granted through the recommendation of Archbishop Gregorio Meliton, thus making Pasay independent.

As timed changed, the population increased and so did the industries. Farming was once an important livelihood in the barrios of San Isidro, San Roque and Malibay, but later gave way to the manufacturing business. Fishing too, was a livelihood not until Roxas Boulevard was constructed. Roxas Boulevard was formerly named Dewey Boulevard.

The economic life of the town steadily improved until its income exceeded the limit for an ordinary town, so it became a city on August 16, 1947 and named after our national hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal. By virtue of Republic Act 183 in June 7, 1950, it was changed to Pasay City. A fast becoming progressive city and its nearness to Manila, business firms and factories are among the reasons why many people from all walks of life have settled and built beautiful residences in it. The city has modern conveniences and cheap forms of transportation.

Geography - Pasay City is the third smallest political subdivision in the National Capital Region. Adjacent to the city of Manila and bounded to the south by Paranaque, norhtwest by Makati City and Taguig to the west. The city has a total land area of 19 square kilometers of which 5.5 square kilometers is the city proper. The Air Transportation Office (formerly CAA) occupies 9.5 square kilometers which inclides the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Villamor Air Base, and the reclamation area, Pasay City has the greatest area devoted to utilities covering 61% of its total land area of 11.7 square kilometers.

The city is known for its entertainment business, particularly located along Roxas Boulevard facing the Manila Bay, known as Manila's “tourist belt.” Commercial and residential areas are merged in a zone.

Political Subdivision - Pasay is composed of seven (7) districts, divided into twenty (20) zones, with a total of 200 barangays. Zone 19, covering barangays 178 to 91 is the largest among the zones with an area of 5.10 square kilometers. Zone 1, on the other hand, is the smallest covering barangays 1 to 14 and 14 to 17 with an area of 100,000 square meters (0.1 sq. km.)

Population - In 1990, Pasay City's population was 366, 702 (NCSO census). The population change is attributed almost equally to migration.

Zone 20 has the highest growth rate, which is due to the proliferation of squatters in the area Zone 6, a blighted area , registeres to have the second highest growth rate, Zone 3, a commercial area, had the lowest growth rate. These indicate the continuing influx of migrants into low income areas.

The average population density of Pasay is more that 19,301 per square kilometer. This points to congestion, one of the city's serious problems.

The most congested parts of Pasay are Zones 1, 8, 13, 12, 17, 19, 2 7 and 11. Only Zone 20 has a population density less than the regional average.

Being one of the oldest local government units of the metropolis, concentration of commercial establishments account for the extremely high density of the City. People from the province who have found employment in Pasay's commercial establishments, eventually settle in the area.

At the rate its population grows, Pasay will have a density of 29,157 by 1995 and 33,638 by the year 2000. The figures are way above tolerable limits. A key policy issue would be in control of immigrants and decongestion of specific zones.

TOURIST ATTRACTION

Cultural

1. Nayong Pilipino - Nayong Pilipino is a theme park where one can breeze through an enticing country of 7,107 islands enlivened by the astonishing diversity of 111 linguistic, cultural and racial groups. Found in this 46 hectare parkland are replicas of six major regions in the archipelago. The Nayong Pilipino also features ethnological onjects at the Philippine Museum of Ethnology. Other attractions in the village are the Museum of Philippine and Intenational Dolls, the Nayong Pilipino

Located at MIA Road near the old Manila International Airport and the Philippine Village Hotel, one can take any of the airport-bould buses from EDSA or passenger jeepney from the NAIA-bound jeepney terminal from Rizal Park, Taft Avenue, it is about 30-45 minutes by Tramo/Baclaran-bound jeepney.

2. Philippine Museum of Ethnology - One of Nayong Pilipino's several museums, The Philippine Museum of Ethnology
exhibits the different cultural attractions in the country. It showcases ethnological objects and artifacts which form part of the Philippines' rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Located at MIA Road near the old Manila International Airport and the Philippine Village Hotel, one can take any of the airport-bound buses from EDSA or passenger airport- bound buses from the NAIA-bound jeepney terminal at Airport Road nera Domestic Airport Terminal and get off near the entrance of Nayong Pilipino. Travel time is 15-20 minutes. To Airport Road jeepney terminal from Rizal Park, Taft Avenue, it is about 30-45 minutes by Tramo/Baclaran-bound jeepney.

3. Cultural Center of the Philippines - Built to symbolize the country's national cultural development,, the CCP is an institution mandated by Philippine laws to preserve, promote and enhance the Filipino people's cultural heritage. Built on reclaimed land in Manila Bay, the CCP was designed by leading Filipino architect Leandro Locsin. It houses a main theater, little theater and museum with ethnographic exhibits and a changing exhibit of Philippine art or ethnography.

To go to the CCP Complex which is in Roxas Boulevard, take any of the orange- colored shuttle jeepneys stationed at Vito Cruz corner Taft Avenue (10-minute ride). From Rizal Park, the Cultural Center of the Philippines is about 15 to 20-minute jeepney-ride away.

Telephone Nos. are 831-2137/831-1890/831-2201 to 16.

4. Folk Arts Theater -Not far from the Cultural Center of the Philippines stands the Folk Arts Theater. Still the work of Architect Leandro Locsin, the 10,000-capacity theater is used for popular performances which anticipate extensive audiences. It was inaugurated in July 1974 after a record construction of 77 days.

To go to the CCP Complex which is in Roxas Boulevard Pasay, take any of the orange-colored shuttle jeepneys stationed at Vito Cruz corner Taft Avenue (10-minute ride); from Rizal Park, the Folk Arts Theater is about 15 to 20-minute-jeepney-ride away.

Telephone No. is 832-1125.

5. Coconut Palace - Situated in the 21-hectare CCP Complex, the Coconut Palace showcases Filipino artistry in the use of coconut tree. Over 70% of the structure is made from different parts of the coconut tree. The Palace consists of seven suites with each unit depicting a different region in its use of materials indigenous to that region.

To go to the Coconut Palace, take any of the orange shuttle jeepneys stationed at Vito Cruz corner Taft Avenue (10-minute ride). From Rizal Park, the Coconut Palace is about 15 to 20-minute-jeepney-ride away.

TOURIST FACILITIES

Transportation - The major thoroughfares in Pasy City are Roxas Boulevard. Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), Aurora Boulevard, Domestic Road, Harrison, Libertad, Leveriza, Taft, Buendia and St. Andrew Avenue. \the busiest streets in the area are EDSA, Roxas Boulevard and Aurora Boulevard with an average of 66,000 vehicles per day. EDSA is a circumferential road starting from Paranaque passing through Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan and linking Quezon City to Caloocan. Roxas Boulevard, on the other hand, connects Paranaque to Pasay and Manila.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Support Services

The large commercialestablishments (those with more than 10 employees, which are into wholesaling of construction materials) are all along EDSA; 85% of establishments dealing on land motor vehicles and parts are located along Taft Avenue; and 75% of commercial firms on retailing of home furnishings and of automobile parts and supplies are in Taft Avenue; gasoline stations are clustered in Harrison (44%) and Taft Avenue (60%); all the services allied to air transport are along the Domestic and MIA Road; banks are scattered along Taft Avenue and Libertad, (60% of commercial banks are in Taft Avenue, while 40% at Libertad; 40% of savings and mortgage banks are in Taft Avenue, while 60% are distributed at Libertad and EDSA); a greater number of restaurants, day and night clubs, cocktail lounges, and bar operations are along Taft Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Harrison and Cuneta Avenue.

Commercial activities are broken down into: 54% - retialing; 22% - wholesaling; 17% -
banks; 2% - non-banks and 5% - for real estate.

Recreational activities top the service (43%) followed by personal services (13%),
transportation (12%), health (11%), educational (7%) and others.

A. MEDICAL

Hospitals:

1. Manila Sanitarium & Hospital
1375 Donada, Pasay city

2. Miraculous Medal Hospital
2017 F.B. Harrison, Pasay City
Tel. No. 831-6922/831-9026

3. San Juan De Dios Hospital
Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Clinics (Lying-in)

1. Government 1
2. Private 1

Government Health Centers: 9

Social Welfare:

In Metropolitan Manila, 18.4% of slum dwellers live in Pasay. Most of the depressed
barangays in the City are situated along Tripa de Gallina.

Social services in the City are geared towards the upliftment of the people's welfare,
specifically in the depressed areas. These services are rendered by the staff of the Department of Social Services and Development in coordination with the local government and the national agencies.

Aside from the DSWD, private associations like Lion's Club, Jaycees and religious
groups like CARITAS and CWL also render social services to the residents of Pasay, such as free health check-up, free medicines, etc.

The only social welfare institution located in Pasay in Nayon Ng Kabataan, an
orphanage at CAA. Most of the children referred to the institution are not from Pasay.

Pasig is approximately 12 kms. East-south-east of Manila with a total land area of 3,100 hectares or approximately 31 sq. kms. Sprawled along the banks of Marikina and Pasig Rivers.

Boundaries:

North - Quezon City and Marikina
East - Cainta and Taytay
West - Mandaluyong
South - Pateros and Taguig

The biggest barangays, each occupying 12% of the total area, are Manggahan and Ugong. Ranking third and fourth are Pinagbuhatan and Rosario, 11% and 10% respectively. Of the total land area, 85% is residential, institutional commercial and industrial use, 15% agricultural and open space. Pasig is considered urbanized in 85% of its area, and 15% is for agricultural use.

There are 1,705 hectares for residential use, 248 hectares for commercial activities like
schools, hospitals and others, 558 hectares for undustrial purposes, and about 589 hectares for parks, cemetery, open spaces, and institutional areas.

Language - Native Pasiguenos are Tagalogs and are a close-knit group, somehow related with each other. The earliest settlers are from Taytay and Cainta and other neighboring towns which were already existing long before the coming of the Spaniards. Pasig was at that time an old sitio of Pinagbuhatan. People of Pasig are religious, literate, akillful, and industrious. They are warm, friendly and hospitable. There are many migrants in Pasig that include Ilocanos, Bicolanos, Visayans, each proud of being a part of Pasig.

History - There are several and different legends about the origin of the word “Pasig.”

A pair of lovers, named Virgilio, a Spanish mestizo and a Filipina beauty named Paz, customarily spent their evening together on the bank of the river. They found a banca and went boating one moonlit night but as fate had it, the banca capsized. Virgilio not knowing how to swim, was carried away by the current and desperately kept afloat but to no avail. He shouted “Paz sigue me” (meaning “Paz, come with me”), until he could only utter Paz sig and finally sank into the river. Thus, the name Pasig.

It was also believed that it came from the Sanskrit word “passis” or sand and refers to the community on a river bank which was sandy. Historians who are less inclined to rely on a legendary romantic origins traced the town's name to the word “mabagsik” meaning violent in action or force which aptly describes the river. Its strong and swift current brought the woods of Montalban to Manila.

It was also called “mapaksik” by the Chinese living in Binondo. As time went on, “mapaksik” became “Pasik” then later on “Pasig”. Another belief was that it was derived from “pasigan” which means “baybay ng ilog”, river edge or bank in English.

The most convincing theory on the origin of the name comes from the late Dr. Jose Villa Panganiban, linguist, polyglot, professor, and former director of The Institute of National Language, who said that “Pasig” is an old Sanskrit word referring to a “river flowing from one body of water to another,” in the case of the Pasig River, from Laguna de Bay (pronounced Ba-I) to Manila Bay.

Political Subdivision - Pasig is directly under the jurisdiction of the Metro Manila Authority. Before it became a
part of Metro Manila, it was the capital of the province of Rizal, then the premier province of the country.

At the helm of the local government is the mayor, assisted by the vice-mayor and the
municipal council. The Pasig Town Hall is the seat of government located at the end of a wide, well-paved and well llighted Caruncho Avenue in the center of the town. It has thirty barangays, each headed by a barnagay captain with a barangay council that oversee the continuing projects of the barrio.

Historical Attractions

1. Pasig Town Hall - It is the seat of government.

2. Church of the Immaculate Cinception

3. Bahay na Tisa - Tech family owned residence of Spanish architecture that serves as
venue for art shows and cultural forums.

4. Dona Geronima's Cave - legendary caves along the banks of Pasig River.

5. Concepcion Residence - multi-story mansion successively used as Japanese and American headquarters during the World War II on top of which the American flag was hoisted on Liberation Day February 19, 1945 and now used as the Pasig National Museum.6. Heroes Monument - a monument built to pay tribute to the town's war heroes.

7. Provincial Capitol - It is the seat of government of the province of Rizal.

How to get there: From T.M. Kalaw, ride a jeepney with a Quiapo signboard and then get off at Quiapo. From Quiapo, take a jeepney with a Pasig signboard.

Man-Made Attractions - Mutya ng Pasig Market with an 11-storey tower with revolving top floor - the center of business activities in Pasig.

Quezon City is 10 kms. North of Manila. To the City's east are San Mateo (Rizal) and
Marikina (Metro Manila); to the west are San Juan and Manila (both in Metro Manila); to the north are Kalookan City and San Jose del Monte (Bulacan); and to the south are the cities of Pasig and Mandaluyong.

Quezon City has a land area of 15,359 hectares. It is five (5) times bigger than Manila
and in area, it is second to the country's biggest city - Davao city.

Rolling hills spread over a large portion of Quezon city. Its lowest altitude is 25 feet
above sea level, while its highest is 55.

Political Subdivision - The affairs of government of the city are carried out by an elected Mayor as the Chief. Executive and an elected Vice-Mayor as head of the legislative department composed of the City Councilors who are likewise voted into office by their constituents to represent their respective districts, and two (2) ex-officio members from the Liga ng mga Barangay and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation.

The City is divided into four (4) districts represented by six (6) City Councilors for each
district, where also four (4) representatives, one from each district, are lected as members of the National Legislature.

Climate - Weather conditions in Quezon City are more or less the same as those prevailing in Manila. Due to its higher elevation, the temperature is generally lower, relative humidity and wind velocity are proportionately higher.

Quezon City experiences the highest amount of rainfall during the months of July to October averaging to 9.79 inches. The number of storms passing the city is the same as those passing in the Metro Manila area.

Population - The city is the country's melting pot. Hundreds if nor thousands of Ilocanos, Bicolanos,
Visayans, Bulakenos and Moslems migrate to this city every year. Quezon City's population as of May 1, 1990 is 1,666,766.

Language - Literacy in Quezon City is relatively high. English is widely spoken, though it is
Tagalog which is predominantly used.

TOURIST ATTRACTION

1. Quezon Memorial Circle Shrine Location: Elliptical Road, Quezon City

Description: the tallest structure in the city which pierces 66 meters to the sky, is a fitting tribute to the founder of Quezon City and one of the country's greatest statesmen - President Manuel Luis Quezon.

The monument which was built in the center of the 27 hectare rotunda park also boasts a museum housing priceless Quezonian items plus the added attraction of the remains of this great man laid to rest in a bronze casket and a marble niche.

How to get there?: From Mabini Street of Taft Avenue, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off right at the side of the Quezon Memorial Circle.
Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes.

2. Barrio Pugad Pawin (Balintawak) - Location: Just a stone's throw away from the Cloverleaf Bridge in Balintawak. Across the Cloverleaf Market.

Description: A foremost Philippine Historic site where the Great Plebian and founder of KKK, Andres Bonifacio launched the Philippine Revolution against the Spaniards in 1896. The uprising was then called the "Cry of Balintawak".

How to get there?: From Taft Avenue, hail a PUJ bound for "Blumentritt/Dimasalang". Get off at Blumentritt market and hail another PUJ bound for "Novaliches". Get off at Cloverleaf market.
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour.

3. Barrio La Loma - Location: La Loma, Blumentritt

Description: Another historical landmark in Quezon City is La Loma. It was in the said barrio that the Filipinos first fought the Americans during the Philippine-American War.

How to get there?: From Taft Avenue, hail a PUJ bound for "La Loma".
Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes.

4. Quezon City Hall - Location: East Avenue, Quezon City

Description: It was in this imposing 14 storey edifice where the new "Philippine Constitution" was signed in 1971. The building not only is the center of city government activities but it also houses other national government agencies. Its location is beautified by the refreshing view of a man-made lagoon.

How to get there?: From Taft Avenue or T.M. Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off right at the side of the Quezon Memorial Circle. Take a 5-minute walk towards the Quezon City Hall.
Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes.

5. Welcome Rotonda - Location: Within the center-end of Espana Blvd., Quezon and E. Rodriguez Avenues. (in between United Doctors Medical and PLDT).

Description: this imposing rotunda which was built in 1948 by City Architect Luciano V. Aquino (in the office of then Mayor Ponciano Bernardo) serves as the gateway to Quezon City from the neighboring city of Manila. This is where three (3) of Metro Manila's busiest roads meet, namely: Espana Blvd. In Manila and Quezon Avenue and E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City. Here on September 27, 1984, government troops violently dispersed and anti-government rally. This incident clearly showed that even peaceful expression of the citizens' righteous indignation was not allowed by the Marcos Administration.

On May 17, 1995, the 43-year old "Welcome Rotunda" was renamed "Mabuhay Rotunda"' the ceremony was attended by Quezon city Mayor Ismael A. Mathay, Jr., outgoing Vice-Mayor Charito Planas, Vice-Mayor elect Herbert Bautista and restaurateur Rod Ungpauco who has suggested the popularization of the word for "Welcome".

How to get there?: From Taft Avenue or T.M. Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview" or "Cubao". Get off right at the side of the rotunda.
Travel Time: Approximately 20 minutes.

6. University of the Philippines - Location: Diliman, Quezon City

Description: the state-owned University of the Philippines which was established in June 1908, is the country's institute of higher learning and considered the finest in the Far East.

Sprawled over an area of 450 hectares, the university provides a cool ambience amidst tall and ancient trees conducive to one's learning.

Although a government entity, the University enjoys its own charter of independence from government and other external agencies.

Its subsidy from the national government allows it to provide education at a very minimal cost to most students and a totally free education to the meritorious through an extensive scholarship program. Many of our famous leaders, artists, writers and professionals had been in UP as students and/or teachers; and it is still the center for the fermentation of ideas as well as for the training in various fileds of knowledge.

How to get there?: From Taft Avenue or T.M. Kalaw St., hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off right at the UP campus.
Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes.

7. Araneta Coliseum - Location: Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

Description: The world's largest covered dome (in the 60's) which towers 220 feet and has a seating capacity of 32,000. It is located in Cubao, Quezon City and holds court as the district's focal point.

The Coliseum has staged various shows from the moment it captured the Philippines' first postwar world boxing title by the legendary Gabriel "Flash" Elorde. It presented too the classic "Fight of a Lifetime" - between Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier in 1976. Also worth mentioning are the beauty pageants and basketball tournaments of national and international tones plus local shows ranging from the musical concerts to athletic events.

How to get there?: From Taft Avenue or T.M. Kalaw St., hail a PUJ bound for "Cubao". Get off at Cubao. Take a 10-minute walk towards Araneta Coliseum.

Take the Light Rail Transit (LRT) at the United Nations Avenue station or Pedro Gil station. Get off at the Monumento Station. Hail a bus with the signboard "Cubao" or "Baclaran". Get off right at the Araneta Center.
Travel Time: Approxinmately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

8. Camps Crame and Aguinaldo - Location: EDSA, Quezon city

Description: Two of the most important military headquarters where the 4-day rebellion started. It was here, on February 22, 1986 that Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and then Constabulary Commander and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Fidel V. Ramos holed up with just one battalion of soldiers. Here they announced their withdrawal of support from the Marcos government. Here they waited for Marcos' remaining loyalist troops to arrest them, determined only to defend themselves and to die with honor rather than live like puppets protecting the dictator. But the attack never came, for what they thought to be their last, grand gesture sparked a popular revolt against the tyrant and these two military camps became the symbols of the Filipino people's long struggle against tyranny and oppression.

How to get there?: Take the LRT at UN Avenue station of Pedro Gil station. Get off at Monumento North Terminal. Hail a bus with the signboard "Cubao" or "Baclaran". Get off right at the gates of the two camps. From T.M. Kalaw St., hail a PUJ bound for "Cubao:. Get off at EDSA corner Aurora Boulevard. From EDSA, hail a bus going to Baclaran. Get off right in front of the two camps.
Travel Time: Approximately one hour and 15 minutes.