Complete Guide to Returning Overseas Filipinos To The Philippines During Quarantine

All returning Filipinos from abroad are required to undergo a an RT-PCR test upon arrival and a mandatory quarantine while waiting for a negative result.  But the process differs on classification.

Upon arrival, the groups are segregated by the coast guards to OFW's and Non OFW.  Each are ushered to different holding areas.  

Photo by DOT NCR

FOR OFW's

The OFW's will take turns on the Red Cross Verification counter to validate their information.  

It is recommended that they are able to pre register online using this link: https://e-cif.redcross.org.ph/

After validation, bar codes are issued to be given to swabber with the remaining 1 to stick on the passport.  This unique barcode is important to monitor the status of your result.

You can verify your result through this link: https://e-cif.redcross.org.ph/

Nowadays, result from red cross are usually available within 3-5 Days of extraction.

After extraction, the OFW's will now be classified to either Land Based or Sea Based.  The Land Based OFW's are assisted by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) while the SEA BASED are taken to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Desk.  OWWA is in charge of providing the Quarantine Hotels for returning Land Based OFW while the Manning Agency will provide the accommodation for Sea Based OFW's at no expense to the passenger.  The privilege also includes transportation to destinations outside of Manila after the mandatory quarantine.  

But please bear in mind that only active members may avail of this privileges.  Inactive members are re classified as Non OFW.

For Non OFW

Returning non OFW's will have to undergo the RT-PCR test from private diagnostic laboratory stationed at the airport.  Price of the test is 4,500 pesos but the result is made available within 1 to 2 days, sometimes earlier.

For passengers of Philippine Airlines arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2, you need to register through their own Electronic case Investigation Form using this link:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=CwHXSIWn90GG3l93kpp6nm4esAJ-fclAnuuFwHYvxXZUN1I4QklBWFNKMEdDRzc4UUtZOEhIUTFGNSQlQCN0PWcu

After the swab extraction, they will be ushered to the Department of Tourism (DOT) desk to validate their hotel quarantine facility.  It is recommended that these hotels are booked in advance because the options at the airport are limited as compared to those online.  Just make sure that the chosen hotels have been inspected either by the Department of Health or the Department of Tourism.

DOT Desk at Terminal 1 (Photo by DOT NCR)

DOT Desk at Terminal 2 (Photo by DOT NCR)

List of Accredited Hotels For Mandatory Quarantine by DOH: http://quarantine.doh.gov.ph/facilities-inspected-as-of-september-30-2020/

List of Accredited Hotels For Mandatory Quarantine by DOT: Click on the Accreditation Page on the link http://www.tourism.gov.ph/

Please note that only hotel within Metro Manila are allowed as mandatory quarantine for returning overseas filipinos.  A booking confirmation must be presented at the desk.  It's best that you keep a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready on your device.  Messages and handwritten documents will not be honored.

Transportation

For OFW's

OWWA and Marina will provide shuttle transfers free of Charge.

For Non OFW

The are 3 options for returning non-ofw all to be paid by the passenger.

1. Hotel Transfer with identification

2. Coupon Taxi (Fixed Rate, SUV)

3. Yellow Metered Taxi

A handful of forms will be given, but the most important is the Affidavit of Undertaking.  This will be given to the Philippine Coast Guards upon exit.  Get ahead by downloading and filling out the form below:

This will serve as your gate pass.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I ask my relatives to pick me up?

Only accredited transport is allowed to enter the arrival area.  Having your relative pick you up totally defeat the quarantine purpose.  Only when a negative result is available and presented to the hotel representatives will you be allowed to reunite with your families.

I have my own condominium unit or apartment, and I'm the only one living there, why do I need to incur additional expense and book a hotel as a quarantine facility?

The Accredited and Inspected facilities adhere to strict health and quarantine protocols imposed by the government.  They will limit your mobility and report to IATF any violations.  Something the government cannot impose on private homes.

I just had a negative result before flying, why do I need to get one upon arrival?

The government is exerting all efforts to protect our borders from the virus.  Although you can vouch for your own health, there's no guarantee that the rest of the passengers on the same flight did the same thing.  You become a vulnerable candidate the moment you boarded the flight especially the long ones.  It also serves a preparatory document to your next destination.

What if I don't have money to pay for the swab test and hotel?

In extreme cases where you can't afford to pay for private swabbing, you may opt to avail the one by Red Cross, but be prepared to wait a bit longer for the release of result.  Government Quarantine facility is also available free of charge, but you might have to wait up to the last flight of the day to be taken to Eva Macapagal Quarantine Complex.  The Coast Guard needs to gather all availers from different flights and terminals before the transfer.

Please comment if you have other questions below!

An Act Of Kindness In The Airport

For the last 2 months, I have been doing work for the Department of Tourism at our International Airports.  Since, tourism activities are not allowed during ECQ, serving our arriving overseas Filipinos is a welcomed opportunity because it still allows me to interact with guests.

Last September 10, me and fellow DOT frontline Lara were assigned to Terminal 3 assisting 2 arriving flights.  One from Dubai and the other from Quatar.  Our duty went smoothly until an elderly passenger was taken to our desk.  He was a 73 year old Navy Veteran from the US.  He is suffering from early stages of alzheimer, not knowing his whereabouts on certain periods of our encounter.  We need to constantly remind him that he's at the Manila International Airport, and only then will he be able to remember his trip and journey.  He seemed to have lost his mobile phone and ipad, and only a small note bearing a number is our contact to his final destination in Samar.

As part of the protocol for arriving tourists, RT-PCR test is done upon arrival and a negative result is required before his connecting flight to Tacloban.  He needs to stay at a hotel Quarantine Facility to wait for his result, but the Airline personnel was worried that he might not remember his flight if left without a companion.  His money was just enough to pay for the private swabbing and got only 1000 pesos from his ATM account, not enough for a night stay.

The DSWD can only offer to escort him, but with his frail condition, we don't want to risk leaving him in a hotel room by himself, because he can barely walk and would not touch the food we gave him.

Our initial plan was just to let him stay at the airport, under the custody of the Philippine Coast Guard while being monitored by the medical team at Terminal 3 so that he can easily catch the earliest departing flight to Tacloban leaving the next day.  The Bureau of Quarantine issued an exemption and expedited a fast release of his result.

During our conversations and the search for his missing devices and phone book, we stumbled upon his medical kits for Diabetes.  Its only at that time that we realised that he's not been taking his insulin shots since he started travelling.  That explains his heavy breathing and the medical staff immediately checked for his blood sugar levels.

With Lara's conversation with his deceased wife's relative, although they know of his pre existing diabetes, they were not aware that he's experiencing Alzheimer.  They offered to care for him here in the Philippines since it's here that he feels he has family and he cannot afford to pay for his nurse in the states anymore.  Lara was in tears after the phone call.

His blood sugar was high, and his pulse rate extremely low.  The doctor on site recommended that he'd be taken to a hospital to get proper care otherwise risking him getting into a coma.  He even administered his own insulin shot, but his condition did not improve.

With no money, the Undersecretary of Transportation Raul Del Rosario offered to pay for his bills while coordination with the US Embassy was undertaken.

Because of Covid, we had a hard time looking for a hospital that would take him.  We called 6 hospitals until eventually Manila Doctors Hospital accepted him.

It was past midnight when he was taken to the hospital.

The following day, we were informed that his SWAB test result came out negative and he made it safely to Tacloban.

As of this writing, he's now in the care of his wife's relative undergoing home quarantine in Samar.  

I have never seen kindness to strangers exemplified in this manner.  The relatives wanted to extend their gratitude to the Airline staff who did not leave his side until his connecting ticket was issued.  The airport porter who took him in his wheelchair at every stop, even when he got mad because it was not his home toilet he was taken to when he wanted to visit the restroom.  To the Philippine Coast Guards who made sure he's safe at the airport even escorting and staying at the hospital.  To the DSWD staff who made sure the relatives are informed of what's happening and ensuring he'd be picked up upon his arrival in Tacloban.  To USEC Del Rosario for not hesitating to take care of the hospital bills and remotely staying on top of everything.  To Lara for searching for the hotdog sandwich (Jolly Hotdog) he requested and coordinating with every agency involved.

I was merely a spectator as I watch this story of kindness unfold, apart from making him feel comfortable with small chats.  It was these people who went beyond their call of duty for this man.  

We all had the same mindset, that if this would have been our relative or us in the future, we're hoping people would still extend the same treatment.

Book your vacations with Airbnb:

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How To Cook Pinakbet With Bacon

Pinakbet Is A Popular Filipino Vegetables That is A Staple for people residing in the northern part of the country.  I have made it more appetizing by adding bacon.   Because everything tastes better with it!

Ingredients:

250 Grams Bacon

1 Medium Sized Onion

4 Cloves of Garlic

2 Medium Sized Tomatoes

2 Table Spoon of Shrimp Paste

1 Cup of Squash Cut Into Cubes

2 Eggplant Cut Into 2 Inch Strips

1 Bitter Gourd Slice Thinly

1 Cup Of Water

1 Beef Broth Cube

1 Cup of String Beans  Cut Into 2 Inch Lengths

1 Cup of Okra Cut Into 2 In Lengths

Salt and Pepper To Taste

Procedure:

1. Fry Bacon until golden crispy brown and reserve the rendered oil
2. On the same pan, saute onions and galic and crush the tomatoes with a spoon.
3. Add shrimp paste and saute for 2 minutes
4. Stir in Squash, Eggplant and Bitter Gourd.  
5. Add the water and beef cubes.
6. When the squash is slightly cooked, add string beans and okra and simmer until tender.
7. Add pepper and adjust with salt when necessary.  
8. Transfer to a serving dish and top with bacon slices
9. Enjoy!

Make sure to try this at home and comment below how it goes!

Best Foodie Spots In Mandaluyong During Quarantine

The quarantine should not stop us in experiencing places. One way to get to know your city is through its food. Now that most food establishments are open, join us on a food tour of Mandaluyong City in the Philippines to get to know our culture through our food!

Mandaluyong City Food Trip

Metro Manila, or the National Capital Region of the Philippines is composed of 16 Cities and 1 Municipality.  I was born and raised within the Metropolis moving from different cities growing.  Now, I am based in Mandaluyong, the City located within the centre of the Capital Region.

Mandaluyong boasts of its Shopping Centers, hosting 2 of the biggest Malls in the country.  Beyond these shopping centres, the residential district is where you'll find some of the best Hole In The Wall restaurants, popular to mostly residents.

Kanto Freestyle Breakfast

Since my first visit in 2013, the roadside breakfast eatery has now expanded to 3 different locations, but still traces its origin in Mandaluyong.  They serve all day breakfast meals that is elevated yet not intimidating by making the price affordable!  Read my 1st visit here.

Chef Arch's Lime

It was also 2013 when we first explored this Residential Garage turned into a restaurant.  The food is a mix of asian and filipino favourites, but they're popular with the Street Food "na Pinasosyal" or made fancy!

RJ Bulalohan

Just bordering the Maysilo Circle is RJ Bulalohan.  Its a 24 hour restaurant but we normally come here after a night of drinking.  Nothing cures a hangover than the piping hot broth from beef bone marrow or what we call the Bulalo.

Read more about RJ on my previous blog here.

Goto Believe

Another local favourite thats elevated is Goto or Rice Porridge mix with an assortment of toppings.

Goto Believe made this more interesting with their create your own concept choosing from a variety of skewers, sides and egg preparation.

Aling Tonang's Palabok

This a favourite of long time residents, but a recent discovery for me.  A friend recommended the place, and its only during the lock down that we were able to have their Palabok delivered to our condominium.

I'm sure there's more foodie establishments we haven't discovered.  Comment below your recommendations!

Susan Calo-Medina, My Travel Influencer

Photo: CTTO

More than 20 years ago, I remember staying up late on a Thursday night to watch episodes of Travel Time.  It introduced me to destinations like Boracay, and Pagudpud where very little development was done in those areas that time.  But it was her ending message that resonates to me up until now.  "Huwag Maging Dayuhan sa Sariling Bayan" or Do not be a foreigner in your own country.

It was because of her feature of Taal, Batangas that influenced our thesis proposal in Architecture to propose a Tourism Development Within the Volcano Island.  During our site visit, we didn't know the duration of the trek, but we opted for the one that would take us to the actual crater navigating through lava formations and black sand dunes.  Unprepared, and with limited cash, we we're literally gasping for water once we reached the crater lake.  Once were back to the town of Talisay, came the challenge of commuting for the return ride back to Manila because we missed the last bus.  I remember, me and my partner Michelle Ramos (Now Michelle Cunanan) hitched a ride at the back of a pick up truck intended for produce going up to Tagaytay.  It rained the middle of the journey and we were soaked to our skin once reaching the top.  It was the monsoon season that time, and the rain continued flooding the roads entering Manila.  We ended up walking on flooded streets just to get home.  This was before mobile phones we're invented and our parents we're worried sick about us.

Susan Calo-Medina and her show Influenced my love for travelling although it was expensive during those times.  When eventually I started working, whatever is left of my pay check is usually spent on exploring different destinations.  My only regret was that there was no social media to document these adventures.  Otherwise, I would have been a popular travel influencer myself.  Back in the days, we were so focused on finishing the degree, making a career and your real life passion was sidelined.

I was able to visit Coron when the only affordable way to get there was through a 15 hour ferry ride.  I visited Boracay when boats were still allowed to dock on the white beach and the boat men literally carry you to the shore so you wouldn't get wet.  Those were fun memories.

It took 20 years, when I finally decided to make a living through travel and tours.  I retired from my corporate job in 2016, then spent the last 2 years figuring what future plans would be.  I chanced upon Airbnb experiences and made good money out of it until the start of this year.

It was only last year that I was able to come back to Taal Volcano.  This time, I was taking foreign guests to visit the volcano as part of the experiences I was selling.  My last visit just 5 days before it erupted.

Now, my experiences we're put on hold because of the COVID 19 Pandemic.  Just when I thought I was gaining momentum.

But I have no regrets.  I feel that my life skills prepared me for this.  I just need to re think my strategy so that when the travel ban is over, we're going to come out stronger.

My ultimate goal now is to look for experience hosts on all of the Philippine destinations, beyond areas serviced by the Airbnb platform.  With the availability of information on the internet, tourists are more keen on immersing themselves in the culture.  Instead of sight seeing and just tasting local delicacies, why not teach the guests how to make it themselves.  Would you agree if I suggest that on top of seeing Calle Crislogo in Vigan, making your own Vigan Empanada would make your visit more meaningful?

Not only will this revive the local tourism industry, it would also create additional income to the local hosts.  An empanada vendor would probably earn the same if she sells them the whole day for 20 pesos per piece as compared to teaching tourists to make them for 1 hour.

I just need to figure out where to get my resources.  I should probably start a Go Fund Me campaign.  But should you have connections, or this would be the same area you want to explore, or just maybe your also one of those people influenced by Susan Calo-Medina, please drop a message on the comment section.

2 Nights in Siargao, The Quick Escape

Siargao is gaining popularity as one of the most favoured destinations in the Philippines.  Last February me and my best friend Teddy Manuel managed to squeeze a quick escape within our busy schedule to celebrate his birthday.  It only permitted us 3 Days and 2 Nights.

To maximise the trip, we  solicited the help of a tour guide to plan our itinerary and hired @metro.siargao for our photos.

Day 1 

12:00 pm                    Sayak Airport

12:30 pm                    ETA Del Carmen Tourist Center (Lunch at Nearby Resto)

Straight from the airport, we were met by our guide Jake Encarnacion, including our van for the transfer.  From the airport, we went to the Del Carmen Tourist Center for a quick lunch.  Afterwards, our guide arranged our boat and fees for Sugba Lagoon.  We changed to our swimming clothes and proceeded after.

1:30 pm                      ETD Sugba Lagoon

Sugba Lagoon, is 30 minutes boat ride away from Del Carmen, passing by the protected Mangrove Forest.  The lagoon is surrounded by limestone karst similar to that of El Nido and Coron of Palawan.

2:30 pm                      ETA Sugba Lagoon

A man made 2 story structure is created for activities catering to visitors.  Tables are available for lounging and snacks. Kayak, Bamboo Raft and paddle board rentals are also available.  What makes the area popular is the makeshift diving board that sets you plunging to clear waters approximately 15 feet high.

4:00 pm                      ETD Back to Del Carmen

5:00 pm                      ETA Tourism Office

Before going to our accommodation in Gen. Luna, we made a stop on the Coconut Plantation Deck 

to appreciate the expansive farm.

5:30 pm                      ETD Going to Gen Luna

6:30 pm                      ETA Gen Luna (Isla Cabana)

We arrived at Isla Cabana earlier than scheduled because we did not spent too much time at Sugba Lagoon.  We were able to check out the views and amenities of our resort.  Isla  Cabana is among the top beach side resort, conveniently located within the town center of Gen. Luna.  Just outside the reception you will find rows of themed restaurants and souvenir shops and the bars are just walking distance.

7:30 pm                      Dinner (Isla Cusina)

For dinner, we opted for Isla Cusina, owned and operated by the same resort we're staying!  They serve a mix of local and international dishes.

9:00 pm                      Free Time Bar Hopping Explore

Since, its our first night, we tried to sample the night life in the Island.  In Siargao, they follow a schedule on which bars to go to depending on the days.  This allows bar owners to share on the tourist arrivals. Our guide accompanied us to Bravo, and allowed us to taste Enkanto, the beer.  Just hop on to any tricycle and ask where the happening for the night is held.

Day 2 (Monday Feb 17)

6:00am                       Wake Up Call

7:00am                       Breakfast

The next day, we had breakfast at the resort's beach side restaurant.  Since it was a bit gloomy, we asked that our Island hopping be moved in the afternoon when the weather improves and  just use the time to take a dip in the pool and swim at the beach fronting the property.

Our photographer arrived around noon and were off after having lunch.

1:00 pm                      ETD for Island Hopping Private ( 3 Islands Daku, Guyam, Naked)

Our guide asked us to meet him at the Boulevard Market, the jump off to the boats that will take us to three islands.

1:30 am                      ETA Naked Island

Naked Island is a sand bar, with little to no vegetation, hence the name.  It is completely submerged during the monsoon seasons, but we were fortunate to see how two opposing waves crash on its shore.

2:00 pm                     ETA Daku Island

The next island we visited is Daku, translated as big, being the biggest of the three.  There are a few Instagram nook at the resort that operate in the island, but we just opted to try out the swing and less frequented spots.

Photo by: @metro.siargao

Photo by : @metro.siargao

2:30 pm                      ETD Going to Guyam Island

The last island we visited was Guyam, translated as small, being the smaller of the two inhabited island.  It was here that we got to taste the Spider Shell.  A local delicacy enjoyed by the island dwellers.

3:00 pm                      ETA Guyam Island

Photo by: @metro.siargao

4:00 pm                      ETA General Luna Boulevard

4:30 pm                      ETA Cloud Nine for Sunset Shoot

The most iconic attraction in Siargao would be the boardwalk and wooden tower of Cloud 9.  Its mainly used by surfers and enthusiasts to reach the waves conveniently from the shore.

Photo by: @metro.siargao

Seated is our Photographer Wendell Good of @metro.siargao, Our guide Jake Encarnacion and Puti, Me and Teddy

5:30 pm                      ETD Going Back to Hotel

7:00 pm                      Dinner ( Mama's Grill)

After the long day, we made a stop to Mama's Grill for dinner.  Here, you pre order your meats on skewers by the counter and wait until they're grilled to perfection.  This would be the more reasonable restaurants and is popular both to locals and tourists.

8:00 pm                      Free Time 

After dinner, we went back to the resort and resisted the temptation to go out.

On our last day, we had breakfast at the beach side restaurant of Isla Cabana again and just prepared our things for check out.  We were suppose to go to Mapupungko Rock Formation, but decided to just sleep longer in time for Check Out.  We availed of the hotel transfer to airport instead of the private van.  Before our service arrive, we went for a walk along the main road to look for a place to have a  light lunch.

We were drawn by the cozy decor of Kook Cafe, and enjoyed their set meal of shakes and sandwiches.

After lunch, we went back to the hotel and just waited for our ride to the airport.

We hoped we had more time exploring Siargao, but that just gives us a reason to come back.

Contact @jakeencarnacion12 for tours and surf lessons.

Pasig City Bucket List Challenge

Pasig City is one of the city in Metro Manila, that when you visit it's old center has kept its  provincial charm with its old  houses, narrow streets and century old establishments.

Make sure to visit these attractions to get a glimpse of the culture and taste of the city.

Metro Manila Bucket List Challenge

Exploring the country especially all of the 81 provinces can be overwhelming and expensive.  For the city residents like me, lets start by exploring our environs. 
For a person that lived in Metro Manila all my life, its only very recent that I have explored areas outside of my place of residence and work. 

Metro Manila Cities

• Caloocan
• Las Pinas
• Makati
• Malabon
• Mandaluyong
• City of Manila
• Marikina
• Muntinlupa
• Navotas
• Paranaque
• Pasay
• Pasig
• Quezon City
• San Juan
• Taguig
• Valenzuela

Metro Manila Municipality

• Pateros

Have you been to all the cities and municipalities of Metro Manila?

Comment below!

Metro Manila and 81 Provinces of The Philippines Bucket List Challenge

Tourism was hit hard because of the current pandemic spread of the NOVID CORONA Virus.  Being in the tourism industry for the past 2 years, we are currently feeling the effects of the flight cancellations and international travel vans.

As a country, we need to take this opportunity to explore the provinces of the country with the current direction to promote local tourism with discounted fares and reasonable accommodations.

Tourism bucket lists have became viral, but the one broken down into provinces is yet to be promoted.  I am on a personal journey to complete this myself, and is making this my 2020 goal.

• Metro Manila 

1. Abra
2. Agusan Del Norte
3. Agusan Del Sur
4. Aklan
5. Albay
6. Antique
7. Apayao
8. Aurora
9. Basilan
10. Bataan
11. Batanes
12. Batangas
13. Benguet
14. Biliran
15. Bohol
16. Bukidnon
17. Bulacan
18. Cagayan
19. Camarines Norte
20. Camarines Sur
21. Camiguin
22. Capiz
23. Catanduanes
24. Cavite
25. Cebu
26. Cotabato
27. Davao De Oro
28. Davao Del Norte
29. Davao Del Sur
30. Davao Occidental
31. Davao Oriental
32. Dinagat Islands
33. Eastern Samar
34. Guimaras
35. Ifugao
36. Ilocos Norte
37. Ilocos Sur
38. Iloilo
39. Isabela
40. Kalinga
41. La Union
42. Laguna
43. Lanao Del Norte
44. Lanao Del Sur
45. Leyte
46. Maguindanao
47. Marinduque
48. Masbate
49. Misamis Occidental
50. Misamis Oriental
51. Mountain Province
52. Negros Occidental
53. Negros Oriental
54. Northern Samar
55. Nueva Ecija
56. Nueva Viscaya
57. Occidental Mindoro
58. Oriental Mindoro
59. Palawan
60. Pampanga
61. Pangasinan
62. Quezon
63. Quirino
64. Rizal
65. Romblon
66. Samar
67. Sarangani
68. Siquijor
69. Sorsogon
70. South Cotabato
71. Southern Leyte
72. Sultan Kudarat
73. Sulu
74. Surigao Del Norte
75. Surigao Del Sur
76. Tarlac
77. Tawi Tawi
78. Zambales
79. Zamboanga Del Norte
80. Zamboanga Del Sur
81. Zamboanga Sibugay

Sunset Walk In Intramuros and Binondo

With the extended hours of Fort Santiago, a visit to Manila can now be done late in in the afternoon towards the evening.

I personally visited the area to check on the sights I could visit beyond the museum hours.

I started the tour at the Sky Deck on top of the Bayleaf Hotel within Intramuros.  Its a good place to catch the famous Manila Bay sunset over the horizon while looking down on the walled city.

The National Museum as viewed from the Sky Deck of Bayleaf Hotel

The sun setting over the horizon at Manila Bay.

 Afterwards, I walked my way to San Agustin, the oldest stone church in the country.  By this time, the Museum complex is now closed and I had to settle to just marvel at the facade and the imposing wooden doors.  A glimpse of the church interiors can be seen should there be a mass being celebrated on the time of your visit.

San Agustin Church

 I walked my way around the back of the church to check the Gallery of the Philippine Presidents.

Just around the corner is the Plaza San Luis Complex.  Only the shop houses are open, but Barbaras, the restaurant is now preparing for their nightly buffet dinners that comes with a cultural show.

Casa Manila at Night

The Patio at Casa Manila at Night

 I navigated my way to Manila Cathedral, where you can marvel at the adjacent buildings like the Palacio Del Governor and the Ayuntamiento.

Palacio Del Governador

Manila Cathedral

Manila Cathedral at Night

Ayuntamiento

 Right at the end of General Luna Street is the entrance to Fort Santiago.  This would be the first time I'm visiting at night and  I love how the structures and park were lit.

Fort Santiago Gate at Night

View of Manila from the Postigo de La Nuestra Senyora De Soledad

Jose Rizal Prison Cell

Since its just a few days before Chinese New Year, I decided to continue the trip the Binondo just across the River and made a stop at the newly improved Jones Bridge.

Preparations for the Chinese New Year celebration is very evident on the streets with fruit vendors selling charms to attract prosperity.

I lighted an incense at an altar on the side of the road before finding a spot for dinner.

I opted for vegetarian food right at the corner of Salazar Street and Ongpin Street, since they're the only one that doesn't have a long line of patrons waiting by the door.

I must say, experiencing the old city at night is a different way to appreciate the city, its history, culture and food.