Sunday, March 4, 2018, Manila (1 of 2), Philippines

- March 04, 2018

Founded by a Spanish explorer in 1571, Manila is one of the Philippines’ oldest cities. For centuries, it was a major center of Spanish trade in the Far East as galleons sailed here from their newly established settlements in the Americas. Though much of the city was destroyed during World War II, hints of Spanish, Chinese, American, and Malay influences remain. Fort Santiago, a stronghold from Spain’s 300-year rule, and San Agustin Church, a splendid UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand among them, as do the city’s glorious art deco theaters. The historic streets of Intramuros, Manila’s walled Old Town, provide a glimpse of the colonial age, while its many art galleries reveal its creative side.

We were greeted by local entertainers upon our arrival in Manila.

Signs Viking places in all tour buses. We happened to be on the first bus today.

Rizal Park (details below).

This flag pole is "Mile Post 0," the beginning distance for streets/roads that begin here.

The Rizal Monument in the park.

Detailed information on Jose Rizal and the park is at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rizal_Park

Rizal was a pain in Spain's occupation of the Philippines in the late 1800s. They executed him because his writings and speeches were critical of Spanish rule. He asked to face the firing squad but his request was denied. He did his best to turn upon gun shots but only got part way around.

Sample of tall buildings in Manila, located on perimeter of Rizal Park.

Fort Santiago is a citadel first built by Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi for the new established city of Manila in the Philippines. The defense fortress is part of the structures of the walled city of Manila referred to as Intramuros.

The fort is one of the most important historical sites in Manila. Several lives were lost in its prisons during the Spanish Colonial Period and World War II. José Rizal, one of the Philippine national heroes, was imprisoned here before his execution in 1896. The Rizal Shrinemuseum displays memorabilia of the hero in their collection and the fort features, embedded onto the ground in bronze, his footsteps representing his final walk from his cell to the location of the actual execution.

Mote around the fort with gate.

Plumeria.

Statue of Jose Rizal. Our guide said he was only 5-foot, 2-inches tall.

Theater in Fort Santiago.

"Cells" where Filipinos were interned during World War II. Many died due to inhumane conditions and lack of food. A terrible page in Japanese history.

Pasig River from Fort Santiago mote wall.

End of final correspondence by Jose Rizal.

Embroidering design on pineapple cloth made from pineapple leave fibers.

The ladies use one hand on top and one on the bottom of the hoops. Because the needle and thread are extremely fine, this lady could push the needle up from the bottom without turning it around. In other words, she pushed the blunt end back up without turning the sharp end around and up.

These ladies are weaving hats.

Post cards with pictures of taxi/buses made from left over World War II American Jeeps.

Small child on motorbike nearest our bus. Note maze of wires on utility poles.

One of many churches rebuilt after World War II destruction. 85% of Manila was completely destroyed by bombings of Japan and US.

Note wires!

Bicycle frames made of bamboo!

Front of university. Note wires.

The actual taxi/buses made from left over US Jeeps.

Note McDonalds (in China Town) with Chinese writing. Fire trucks were out in force today because March is fire prevention month (ironic more fires this month than any other) and it's Sunday.

Filipino-Chinese Friendship arch. The largest China Town in the world (outside of China!).

Sky scrapers every where. And more under construction.

Ship yards off our starboard side. Coast Guard boats for a lot of islands. Manila Bay is a strategic location economically and militarily in the Pacific.