History, art, and hidden stories—Manila’s National Museum and Fort Santiago revealed the city in a whole new light. Curious what I discovered? Read my blog!

May 28, 2022
Batangas, Philippines

Date of tour: May 22, 2022
Manila, Philippines

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated

On a hot Sunday afternoon in Manila, my friend Toby and I decided to visit the Manila National Museum and Fort Santiago. We were meant to go to La Mesa Ecopark on Saturday, but I wasn’t feeling well due to the booster shot.

Museums offer valuable insights into human history, culture, and history through art, photography, textiles, and glass. They enhance well-being, expand minds, and provide a different perspective on the future. Additionally, visiting museums helps expand social connections and understand the Philippines better.
National Museum of Fine Arts
P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Manila

In addition to the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology, and the National Planetarium, the National Museum Complex in Rizal Park also houses the National Museum of Natural History. We started off in the Fine Arts. It houses many priceless works of art from the past, such as paintings, prints, and sculptures.

Everyone, including Filipinos, tourists, students, adults, and children, can visit the National Museum of Fine Arts for free. They welcome walk-in customers; only groups of 20-30 are required to reserve a spot in advance via their website. You can pay them a visit any time between 9 AM and 6 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. You can find more in their Facebook page.

A large canvas painting of the Spoliarium by Juan Luna greets visitors as they enter the National Museum. It was massive and extremely important historically. The sheer magnitude of its existence and significance had a profound effect on me. Juan Luna, the painter, spent eight months on the piece, which showed dead gladiators. Our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was moved to pen Noli Me Tangere after viewing this painting. My favorite portion of the museum trip was right here.

Fort Santiago
Intramuros, Manila

It’s unbelievable that such a peaceful and historic place exists in the middle of Manila. I’ve already recommended Intramuros to a friend as a fantastic place to go on a date. Besides being home to Fort Santiago, the area’s other romantic features include the San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral.

On the banks of the Pasig River, you’ll find the picturesque fort of Santiago. Gardens, plazas, and fountains surround the ancient structure, which the Spaniards completed in 1590. Dr. Jose Rizal’s cell and the courtroom where he was tried have been recreated at the fort. The Philippines honor Jose Rizal as their national hero. Visiting here was like being whisked away to a tranquil, historically significant destination. For me, this is a must-visit location. This is one of the sites I’d love to take my international friends..

Raffaele Woodfired Pizza
The Bayleaf Hotel
Php 1,000-Php2,000

We’re exhausted after the day, so we’ve made a reservation at one of the Bayleaf Hotel’s restaurants; we would have preferred to go to the rooftop bar, but it was already packed. Nonetheless, we dined in their air-conditioned restaurant on Wild Mushroom n’ Truffle pasta and Butcher’s Choice pizza. The pasta is smooth, velvety, and savory. It’s the ultimate in decadence! Every single bite was delicious. The meat on top of the pizza was delicious, and the dough was perfect. This is a place I intend to revisit!

I enjoy visiting museums and parks. This may seem geeky to some, but they truly make me happy, and I am grateful that Toby exists to be with me on that day and every time I needed a life boost. Our friendship, like museums, has a long history dating back to 2015. I don’t know how to express how grateful I am to have him in my life, but I can guarantee that I will always choose to be the best friend he needs for the rest of his life.

P.S. I’m still finding the right guy for me! hahaha!

Love,
Maria, sometimes Niskie