Binondo, established in 1594, is the oldest Chinatown in the world. It was established for Chinese residents during Spanish rule. The goal was both to have a space for the Spanish to confine Chinese immigrants and also to facilitate converting Chinese to Catholicism.

Binondo offers a number of unique and fascinating sites for visitors to the Philippines. Among these sites are the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo Church, the Chinatown Arch and Jones Bridge.

Visitors hoping to find unique souvenirs while in the Philippines should visit Ongpin Street. There are numerous drugstores and shopping malls. Cafes that are largely geared toward tourists also line the street.

Escolta Street, just beyond the New Binondo Chinatown Arch (not to be confused with the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch), is an excellent spot to find authentic food. Escolta is also one of the oldest streets in Manila. Visitors can look for the First United Building, which is one of the few art deco style buildings in Manila. Other buildings to look for are the beaux arts-style Calvo and Natividad Buildings as well as the 1930's Capitol Theatre.

Fort Santiago is an important, historic structure in the walled city of Manila, Intramuros. Five flags have flown over the fort since its construction in 1593.

Fort Santiago was named for the patron saint of Spain, Saint James. Its purpose was to defend the Spanish government while it ruled the Philippines. In particular, Fort Santiago served as defense for the spice trading ships that traveled between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico.

Briefly, during the Battle of Manila, British occupying forces took over Fort Santiago. The fort served as the base of operations for the British Royal Navy from 1762 through 1764. When a ceasefire was declared, the fort reverted into Spanish control.

The Philippine-American War took place from February 1899 through July 1902. The United States overtook the fort, which then served as the headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Philippines.

The fort was captured by Japanese forces during World War II. It was used to house prisoners of war, hundreds of whom died in the dungeons as they succumbed to suffocation and hunger.

Fort Santiago has been under Philippine control since the country gained its independence in 1946. It was declared a shrine of freedom in 1950 and was restored shortly thereafter. It is now part of a historic park that recognizes the rich and sometimes tragic history of the country.

Visitors are welcome to explore the interior and exterior of the fort. The dungeon is a particularly somber experience where visitors can honor those who perished. A marble cross in the dungeon signifies the mass grave where 600 prisoners of war were buried.

Fort Santiago is located near many other important landmarks in Manila. Visitors can easily add this must-see spot to their walking tour of the city.

Why You Should Visit:
- To witness one of the most important sites in the Philippines
- To pay honor to those who died in the dungeons of the fort

Tips:
Fort Santiago is open daily from 8 AM through 6 PM. The dungeon is open from 2 PM through 10 PM.

The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception or the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica is one of the most important churches in Manila. Standing poignantly in the Intramuros district of Manila, the Cathedral has looked over the city for over 5 centuries. With its solid Neo-Romanesque architecture, one cannot ignore the almost over powering effect it has on its visitors and passersby. This is one of the many reasons that the Cathedral is one of the most famous venues for many locals as well as foreigners to share nuptials vows.

Despite its reputation and opulence, the Cathedral has had a very turbulent past. Although the Church has been on site since the early 16th century, the structure has changed several times over the years. The present, being the eighth reincarnated version of the original structure! The Cathedral was destroyed by earthquakes and terrible fires, but despite that, it has always managed to maintain that special possession not only in the city’s skyline, but also the hearts of the denizens.

With the Cathedral and the city having the same patroness, the Virgin Mary, the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica is also the highest seat for the Archbishop of the country.

Rizal Park is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. At 140 acres, the park is home to the National Museum Complex, the Rizal Monument, a series of gardens, public art and event venues.

The National Museum Complex consists of the National Museums of Fine Arts, Anthropology and Natural History. This complex is held in a series of buildings that were once part of the Filipino government.

The gardens in Rizal Park are in a variety of styles. Including among these gardens are the Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion, Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden. The Children's Playground offer multi-color slides, swings and climbing structures.

The Rizal Monument is a memorial and the final resting place of Filipino nationalist, Jose Rizal. The monument is an obelisk that holds Rizal's cremated remains, his two novels and a statue in his honor. The monument is arguably the most famous sculptural landmark in the Philippines.

The Manila Ocean Park, situated in Manila, is an oceanarium owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Inc., a company registered in Singapore. Nestled behind the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park, it boasts various attractions catering to marine enthusiasts and visitors alike.

The Oceanarium, the park's highlight, is home to 14,000 sea creatures representing approximately 277 species indigenous to Southeast Asia. Divided into seven sections, it holds 3,000 cubic meters (110,000 cubic feet) of sea water. A notable feature is the 25-meter (82 feet) 220° curved walkway tunnel, preceded by a 55-meter walkthrough. The water sourced from Manila Bay undergoes filtration to ensure suitability for marine life. Additional amenities include educational areas, event spaces, and viewing decks for observing sharks and stingrays across two levels. The Jellies Exhibit showcases jellyfish, while the Back of the House offers insights into the facility's operations.

Trails to Antarctica, the park's signature feature, houses Humboldt penguins, with a successful breeding program resulting in 13 offspring by May 2017. Other attractions include the Birds of Prey Kingdom, exhibiting Brahminy kites, and the World of Creepy Crawlies, showcasing frogs, insects, spiders, and worms.

Visitors can engage in various services, including the Mermaid Swim Experience, underwater diving, Fish Spa, and glass-bottom boat rides. Live shows such as the Sea Lion Show and All-Star Bird Show, accommodating up to 1,900 attendees per performance, entertain guests while promoting environmental conservation through the "I Love My Ocean Planet" CSR program. The Symphony, featuring multimedia effects and fountains shooting water 40 meters (130 feet) high, further enhances the park's attractions.

Robinsons Place Manila is a shopping and entertainment hub situated in the heart of Manila's historic district. Spanning an extensive area of 240,000 square meters, it holds a distinguished status as the city's primary shopping destination. Its strategic positioning within a bustling community, encompassing residential zones, governmental and corporate offices, educational and medical establishments, parks, iconic landmarks, churches, hotels, and vibrant nightlife spots, further enhances its allure and accessibility, particularly given its proximity to the picturesque Manila Bay and major thoroughfares like Taft Avenue and Roxas Boulevard.

The mall itself is an expansive seven-level complex, catering comprehensively to diverse needs. It features an extensive range of over a thousand shops encompassing local and international retail brands, dining venues, entertainment facilities, and service outlets. Evolving since its inception in the 1980s, Robinsons Place Manila continually adapts, emphasizing innovation and customer value. Presently, it draws over 1.5 million residents and professionals from the city, firmly establishing itself as an essential destination for shopping, dining, and leisure pursuits.

A key aspect of its infrastructure is its direct linkage to two residential high-rise condominiums, namely Robinsons Place Residences and Adriatico Residences. This integration offers unparalleled convenience to residents and employees, seamlessly blending living spaces with leisure and retail amenities. Robinsons Place Manila transcends its role as a mere shopping center, ingraining itself as a dynamic element within the cityscape, delivering a sophisticated and comprehensive experience to all patrons.