Top Rated Attractions in Manila

Opened in the mid-1960s, this memorial park brought the (then) novel concept of having sprawling grassy knolls and pleasant promenades amid the tombstones, thereby banishing the sinister and forlorn atmosphere of cemeteries. An aviary, a plant nursery, a lagoon teeming with fish, flower markets in the vicinity and beautiful landscaping enable visitors to reflect and enjoy. Weekends especially give the park a holiday feeling with families sitting on the grass, reading, resting, or strumming a guitar. Not surprisingly, this is where the affluent bury their departed.

The U.S. maintains memorial cemeteries in various countries around the world. This sprawling 61.5-hectare plateau, where the remains of more than 17,000 American soldiers killed in the Philippines and New Guinea during World War II have been laid to rest, is the biggest of these cemeteries. The grand mix of white marble crosses radiating from a central chapel, freshly tended lawns, luxuriant greenery and towering trees creates a place of peace and tranquility. The south southeast side of the plateau yields a magnificent view of the countryside surrounding Metro Manila.

An hour's drive from Manila will take you to Baraoain Church where the first Philippine Constitution was drafted in 1898. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the republic, proclaimed the ratification of the constitution from the balcony of the adjoining convent on January 21, 1899. The architecture of Barasoain Church engages the viewer for its curved facade, rose window and medieval bell tower. Floral motifs and frescoes of angels and saints adorn the interior.

Although adults often come here with excited children in tow, it is not always the kids who wear the widest grins. At this "hands-on" museum, visitors are encouraged to touch, smell, listen and feel numerous themed exhibits. To name but two examples, Old Manila features "talking telephones" that allow the listener to hear a national hero introduce himself, while Bodyworks introduces various parts of the body through over-sized models that can be assembled and reassembled. Devote at least half a day to this highly entertaining and informative museum.

This is a pocket of peace and quiet in the very heart of Makati's busy Ayala Center. Bordered by the Ayala Museum on one side and a string of eateries on another, Greenbelt Park draws a mixture of office workers, young lovers and churchgoers. The tranquil atmosphere is at times enhanced by the heavenly sounds of praying and singing that emanate from a circular church where Catholic Mass is said at certain hours. It is a very pleasant place for a breath of cool air in the mid-afternoon or evening.

Opened in 1913, the Manila Aquarium was a very popular tourist attraction during the American colonial period, but was closed down during World War II. It resumed operations after the war, but again closed its doors in 1983. The current revival dates from 1998. The aquarium, renamed Acuario de Manila, displays a fascinating diversity of marine life in tanks set against the old adobe walls of one of fortifications along the walls of Intramuros. Admission: PHP50.