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

Vest Ramen In Town, A Must Visit In Malate

Being notorious for traffic, Manila is now becoming just a stopover for most tourist to the island destinations of the country.

But for those who want to get immersed in the history of our capital city, a tour of Intramuros is a must, and synonymous to that is sampling the food and night life in Malate.

Get the Island feel in the City!

There are a few establishments in this part of Manila worth trying. As I recently discovered, Vest Ramen along Adriatico St. gives you a glimpse of how diverse our culture is.  The place reminds me of an Island Shack somewhere in Boracay where you can just hangout over a few bottles of beer paired with our local favourite beer-match the sisig, while watching people pass by.  Except of course, the place is located on a busy street, and surprisingly among the items that made them popular is their Ramen.

Don't be discouraged by its appearance.  The Ramen they serve here is among the best in the city. and the most expensive variant they offer is only 90 pesos (2USD).  Its no surprise that the place is always full, and you would probably wait a bit longer to get seated and served.

My 90 Peso Tantanmen

It's also the cheap and safe place to try other Filipino street food.  Take a chance on the unfamiliar offerings from their menu.

If ever you find yourself in Malate, don't forget to check this place out!  It's located close to Remedios Circle beside Malate Pensionne.

Its this good!

Oceana, A Gastronomic Gem in SM MOA

The first I saw this restaurant was during a fun run along the bay area of the SM Mall of Asia.  I saw the posters of their brunch buffet but I finished the run early and could not wait for another 3 hours until they open.

Today we had the opportunity to visit the establishment.  We were not able to try out their Brunch Buffet since it was late in the afternoon.  Instead we tried out their Ala Carte Selections.

The white interiors reflect the ocean concept with blue as the accent color.  The walls were made interesting through the lighting and the back-lighted damask cutout on walls.  It's a culinary art school, restaurant and event place in one.

The all glass walls provides an unobstructed view of Manila Bay, and the buildings along Roxas Boulevard are spectacular during the sunset and night time.

We tried one of their Lenten Specials, the Cereal Prawns and Chili Pesto Pasta.  For 550 pesos, it comes with unlimited drinks, soup, salad and appetizers.

The prawns were perfectly cooked and the heat from the chili pasta was subtle.  The soup was good, but the 3 appetizers were great.

Cereal Prawns with Chili Pesto Pasta

Chicken Pate with Crustini

Mushroom and Tofu Appetizer and
the Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

 

Another reason to come back to Oceana would be their Unlimited Cakes and Coffee for only 200 pesos.  They have 7 cakes to choose from, perfect for a lazy afternoon.

1000 Things To Do and See in the Philippines – Metro Manila 21-25

-->

21.  Check out the Malate Night Life.  For years, Malate has been the favorite destinations of Night Owls.  Malate and the nearby Mabini earned its reputation of being the red light district of Manila during the 70’s and early 80’s.  Nowadays, the Nakpil –Orosa Street intersection still host interesting nightspots.  You can catch a drag show and dance the night away at O-bar.  Go clubbing at Bed at the Orosa Courtyard, and Chelu, or just simply have a beer or two at the many establishments along Nakpil.  Café Adriatico is the only remaining landmark at the Remedios Circle and it’s worth a visit.  Try the Hot Chocolate or the Suman sa Lihiya with Salabat after fun night out.

1000 Things To Do And See In The Philippines - Metro Manila (11-20)

-->

11. Coffee in Greenbelt, or if you have some cash to spare, might as well go shopping.  I have included Greenbelt since its one commercial development that integrates environmental features through the use of wide and open spaces and gardens.

1000 Things To Do And See In The Philippines - Metro Manila 1-10

1. Symbolically start your journey at the Kilometer Zero Marker and check out the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park.

1000 Things To Do And See in the Philippines

A few days back, I started on a project for myself.  I want to come up with 1000 things to do and see in the Philippines, before I die inspired of the TLC program, which has a list for the entire world.

It’s actually harder than I thought it would be.  I started by listing down all the provinces per region and researched as many possible things to do and see in that area.  Here’s what I have so far:

Metro Manila	1	Kilometer 0 and the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park.
	2	Walk along the Walls of Intramuros and visit all the attractions within the walled city.
	3	Malacanang Palace
	4	Binondo Church and a Calesa Ride in Chinatown
	5	Shop in Divisoria
	6	Shop in Bonifacio Global City, High Street and Town Center
	7	Have Halaan Soup at Igmaan, Seaside Macapagal
	8	Explore SM Mall of Asia and the Bayside
	9	Visit Malate Church and watch the Sunset along Roxas Blvd
	10	Coffee in Greenbelt
	11	Have lunch at Greens near Tomas Morato in Quezon City
	12	Watch a performance at CCP
	13	Ride the LRT from Baclaran to Balintawak
	14	Check out the Galleries and Get some booze at Cubao Expo
	15	Visit the Bamboo Organ in Las Pinas
	16	Dinner at Cafe Juanita in Pasig
	17	Offer a prayer at Baclaran Church
	18	Try your luck at the casinos of Resort World Manila
	19	Spa at Wensha
	20	Ayala Museum
	21	Night Out in Malate
	22	Shopping in Ortigas
	23	Elevation 0 at the Welcome Rotunda
	24	Ace Water Spa
	25	Manila Bay Cruise
	26	Picnic at the La Mesa Eco Park
	27	San Agustin Church
La Union	28	Check out the Ma Cho Temple
	29	Stroll the Botanical Gardens of San Fernando
	30	Chill and get into conversations over dinner with Lola Nanny Landrigan of Lola Nanny’s
	31	Learn to surf on the breaks of San Juan
Ilocos Norte	32	Watch the Sunset in Pagudpud
	33	Kabigan falls
	34	Roadkill shot at Patapat Viaduct
	35	Explore the caves of Bantay Abot
	36	Sand Dunes
	37	Paoay Church
	38	Lunch at Herencia Café
	39	Bangui Windmills
	40	Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
	41	Tobacco Monopoly Monument
	42	General Ricarte National Shrine
	43	Aglipay Shrine
	44	Juan Luna Shrine
	45	Marcos Museum & Mausoleum Or Balay Ti Ili
	46	Malacañang Of The North
	47	Loom Weaving
	48	Paoay Lake National Park
	49	Abang Falls
	50	Sinking Belltower
	51	Trek up the river of Karingking in Solsona and take a dip by the magnificent waterfalls
	52	Sample yummy Ilocano chow at Dap-ayan ti Ilocos Norte – the Laoag Empanada is just uber-delicious
	53	Catch the sunset at Pangil in Currimao
Ilocos Sur	54	Vigan Empanada
	55	Calle Crisologo Stroll
	56	Go Museum Hopping (Crisologo Museum, Burgos Museum, Syquia and Quema Houses
	57	Check out the churches of Bantay, Santa Maria and St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral
	58	Take a calesa ride through the Mestizo District
	59	Visit and shop for Abel Iloco in Barangay Camangaan
	60	Try your hands in making your own burnay at the Paburnayan
Pangasinan	61	Kayak or do island-hopping at the Hundred Islands
	62	Snorkel and check out the Giant Clams at Silaki Island
	63	Chill out the Patar Beach in Bolinao
	64	Sample the Boneless Bangus
	65	Explore the beach of bolinao and Light House
	66	Our Lady of Manaoag
Isabela	67	Bonsai Forest at Sumanget
	68	Sta Victoria Caves
	69	NORTHERN SIERRA MADRE NATURAL PARK (PALANAN RAINFOREST)
	70	GUIBANG CHURCH
	71	PARISH CHURCH OF ST. MATHIAS IN TUMAUINI
	72	THE CHURCH OF ALICIA (Our Lady of Atocha Parish) AND GAMU
	73	MAGAT DAM TOURISM COMPLEX (MAGAT HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER PLANT)
	74	SAN PABLO CHURCH
	75	AGUINALDO SHRINE in Palanan
Batanes	76	SABTANG ISLAND
	77	ITBAYAT ISLAND
	78	BATAN ISLAND
	79	MOUNT IRAYA
	80	Y’AMI/AMIANAN
	81	DI-ATAY BEACH
	82	SONGSONG
	83	NAIDI HILLS
	84	SITIO JURA AT RACUJAIDE
	85	NAKABUANG CAVE
	86	MT. MATAREM
	87	WHITE BEACH
	88	RADAR TUKON
	89	OLD LORAN STATION
	90	RUINS OF SONGSONG
	91	SAN JOSE CHURCH
	92	KANYUYAN BEACH & PORT
	93	SAN CARLOS BORROMEO CHURCH
	94	Batanes Houses
	95	RADIWAN POINT
Cagayan	96	The CALLAO CAVES TOURIST ZONE of Peñablanca
	97	JACKPOT CAVE
	98	ODESSA-TUMBALI CAVE SYSTEM
	99	SAN CARLOS CAVE
	100	SAN VICENTE, STA. ANA & THE PALAUI ISLAND
	101	Cape Engano
	102	PORTABAGA FALLS
	103	THE CAGAYAN RIVER OR RIO GRANDE DE CAGAYAN
	104	APARRI DELTA
	105	THE BUNTUN BRIDGE
	106	MAGAPIT SUSPENSION BRIDGE
	107	ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY
	108	CARSUMCO
	109	LALLO
	110	CAGAYAN PROVINCIAL MUSEUM & HISTORICAL RESEARCH CENTER
	111	REV. FR. GERRY Z. FILLIPE HO, OFM MEMORIAL MUSEUM
	112	THE BASILICA MINORE OF OUR LADY OF PIAT
	113	IGUIG CALVARY HILLS and the PARISH OF ST. JAMES THE GREATER
	114	ST. PETER AND PAUL METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
	115	ST. HYACINTH CHURCH OR SAN JACINTO CHAPEL
	116	ALCALA’ ST. PHILOMENE CHURCH
	117	THE OLDEST BELL IN THE FAR EAST is in Camalaniugan’s San Jacinto de Polonia Parish
Nueva Vizcaya	118	Mt. Pulag
	119	Mt. Ugu
	120	Provincial Capitol
	121	People's Museum and Library
	122	St. Vincent Ferrer Church
	123	St. Dominic Cathedral
Quirino	124	Nagbukel Caves
	125	Mighty Cagayan River
	126	Aglipay Caves and Campsite
Bataan	127	Las Casas de Acuzar
	128	Climb Mt. Samat
	129	Visit the Pawikan Conservation Center. Donate
	130	Admire the panoramic vistas from the viewing gallery of the Dambana ng Kagitingan
	131	Hit the trail and climb Mt. Natib
	132	Visit the many historical markers in the peninsula
	133	Walk the hanging bridge in Morong
Aurora	134
Bulacan	135
Pampanga	136	Foodtrip from San Fernando to Angeles
	137	Gabaldon Schoolhouse
	138	Nayong Pilipino sa Clark
	139	Bale Herencia
	140	Bale Matua
	141	Camalig
	142	Pampanga Lodge & Restaurant
	143	Abe's Farm
	144	Bale Dutung
	145	Everybody's Cafe
	146	These are Guagua (Razon’s), Angeles (Corazon’s) and Arayat (Kabigting's and Jurado's) halo-halo.
	147	Also check out Aling Lucing's at the Crossing (Henson Street, Angeles City)
	148	Hot Air Balloon Festival
Nueva Ejica	149
Tarlac	150
Zambales	151	Camp in Nagsasa Cove,
	152	Check out the Wildlife Farm in Botolan
	153	Do a quick island hop – Camara and Capones Islands; Snake and Grande Islands
	154	Go waterfall-hopping
	155	Eat famed Zambales mangoes, the sweetest mangoes in the Philippines after Guimaras
Cavite	156
Batangas	157	Beach Bumming in Laiya
	158	Taal Heritage Town
	159	Trek the Crater Island of Taal

I am yet to come up with activities for Aurora and Bulacan for Region 3 and Nueva Ecija and Tarlac for Region 4.

Feel free to contribute if you think I've missed out on some areas.