These include Francisco Balagtas, whose poems spoke about resisting Spanish rule, and the poet’s nephew Gregorio del Pilar, who led the Battle of Tirad Pass in 1899. A visit to Bulacan will ignite Filipino pride, as you wander through its historic attractions and immerse in its culture and traditions.

Since it is one of the nearest provinces to Metro Manila, Bulacan is a popular quick respite from city life.

There are many things to see and experience, from heritage tours to eco-parks to Bulakenyo delicacies. These include Empanada de Kaliskis, Chicharon, and Pastillas, which are popular treats that tourists bring home. Those with green thumbs can also take a trip to the town of Guiguinto to find garden plants at very affordable prices.

Take that short and scenic drive to Bulacan to experience these attractions and more:

Barasoain Church

This Baroque stone church in Malolos, Bulacan plays a pivotal role in the struggle for Philippine Independence.

After General Emilio Aguinaldo transferred the capital of the Revolutionary Government to Malolos, Barasoain Church became the site of the country’s first national convention. The assembly was held on September 15, 1898 with 193 delegates from different provinces all tasked to write the Philippine Constitution.

This gives the Philippines the distinction of being very first Asian Government to promulgate a Constitution. Visitors can better appreciate the historical events that unfolded in Malolos at the church’s light and sound museum that is managed by the National Historical Institute.

Casa Real Shrine

Casa Real in Malolos, Bulacan has served many purposes throughout Philippine history. It was built in 1580 as the town’s Casa Tribunal, Ayuntamiento, and Casa Presidencia Municipal and was the residence and Office of the Gobernadorcillo during the Spanish era.

During the time of the Philippine revolutionary government, it served as the Imprenta Nacional, with its printing press used to make copies of the 1896 Constitution and the Heraldo de Revolucion. It also served as a public library before becoming the seat of the American military government. After which, it went through different iterations: hospital, an annex to the Bulacan High School, and then the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce during the Japanese Occupation.

Today, it is a historical shrine that holds memorabilia from its different iterations, including relics of the 21 Brave Women of Malolos. Dr. Jose Rizal dedicated a poem to these women for their courage to set up a school against objections from the towns friars.

Bistro Maloleno

To have a taste of history, head to Bistro Maloleño Events Place & Restaurant that has a menu based on the favorite dishes of Philippine heroes and historical figures: Andres Bonifacio’s Nilitson na Manok sa Saha, or roast chicken stuffed with lemongrass; Jose Rizal’s Tinola, which he preferred to cook with squash; Marcelo del Pilar’s Pochero, which is the restaurant’s bestseller, Gen. Gregorio del Pilar’s Arroz ala Cubana, which was served during the Bulacan liberation; and Mariano Ponce’s tempura, from a recipe he brought home from Japan.

Bulacan ancestral houses

With distinct architectural styles reflective of different eras in Philippine history, Bulacan’s heritage houses offer visitors a chance to travel through time.

The Bautista mansion in Kamistisuhan Street in Malolos is a two-story mansion built in 1877 that used to house the Ministry of Interiors during the First Philippine Republic. Among its distinguished guests was Dr. Jose Rizal during the time of the La Liga Filipina movement.

The home of ophthalmologist Dr. Luis Santos is another mansion that is a must-visit. It is a study in Art Deco architecture and it has a ceiling mural done by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo and a garden sculpture by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino.

San Rafael River Adventure

Eco-adventures abound at the San Rafael River Adventure Park. Situated along the banks of the Angat River, the park has exciting water activities available to guests: boating, jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, banana boating, wake boarding, and fishing from a floating hut.

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, they can try other activities such as riding an ATV, biking, or horseback riding.

There are amenities available for glamping or for those who want to experience luxe accommodations in the middle of nature. These unique lodgings include their glass villa or stilt glass cabin that have private bubble pools.

The nature-bound activities of San Rafael are included in the Department of Tourism Eco-Farm Circuit that links it to a sweet potato farm in Moncada, Tarlac.

Travel safely!

Bulacan beckons with its historical sites and natural attractions, and to fully experience the excitement that the Province offers to urban-weary tourists, it is important to keep the safety of everybody in mind.

All tourist destinations in Bulacan have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip, check the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel, or download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

The post Immerse in Heroes, History, and Heritage at Bulacan appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

The Holy Week is an important occasion for Catholics. In the Philippines, about 83% of the population belong to the Roman Catholic faith.

One of the traditions that Filipinos have been practicing is the Visita Iglesia, wherein the faithful visit at least seven different churches (sometimes even 14) on the evening of Maundy Thursday or on Good Friday, and pray before the Blessed Sacrament.

During the pandemic, Catholics resorted to virtual or online Visita Iglesia. But now that travel restrictions have eased, Filipinos can go back to practicing their Lenten traditions.

Metro Manila has over a hundred churches, some are heritage structures, such as the San Agustin Church, the Manila Cathedral, the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church), and the Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Church), to name a few. But if you wish to discover other historical churches and be spiritually and culturally enriched with their own stories, here are some in nearby provinces that you can include in your itinerary.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (Barasoain Church)
City of Malolos, Bulacan

A national shrine, the historic Barasoain Church was built in1885. It served as the session hall of the Malolos Congress in 1898 and the birthplace of the First Philippine Republic, the first in the whole of Asia, in 1899. The Universidad Literaria Cientifica de Filipinas, the first state university established by the Filipinos, was housed in its convent in 1898. The Barasoain Church Historical Landmark boasts of a light and sound museum called Museo ng Republika ng 1899 which is being managed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

Saint John the Baptist Church
Calumpit, Bulacan

Founded in 1572, St. John the Baptist Church is the oldest church in Bulacan. The church had been a witness to the Filipinos’ struggle against Spanish, American, and Japanese rule.

Inside the church is a tunnel that, according to history, was used by priests during the Spanish regime to keep gold, religious statues, and ornate jewelry hidden from the sight of treasure hunters. Likewise, it is in this tunnel where Filipino revolutionaries and Spanish soldiers were buried during the war.

Saint Dominic de Guzman Church (Abucay Church)
Abucay, Bataan

Built in 1588, Abucay Church is considered as the oldest in Bataan and one of the oldest churches in the country. The structure of the church was made of red bricks with adobe stones that withstood the test of time. It was where Tomas Pinpin, the first Filipino printer, printed the earliest books in the Philippines together with Fr. Francisco Blancas de San Jose, his co-author, and teacher.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church (Orani Church)
Orani, Bataan

Enshrined in this church is the wooden statue of Virgen Milagrosa del Rosario del Pueblo de Orani. This iconic pilgrimage church sits right in the middle of Orani.

The original structure built in 1714 was initially made from nipa leaves, molave wood and bamboo. The chapel was eventually reconstructed with stronger materials like adobe and stone. It was damaged by an earthquake in 1852 and razed by fire in 1938.

The Orani Church served as witness to many historical events including the Philippine Revolution and the Japanese occupation during the World War II.

On September 09, 2019, Pope Francis of the Vatican granted this church the title of Minor Basilica.

San Guillermo Parish Church
Bacolor, Pampanga

The church serves not only as a reminder of the tragic Mt. Pinatubo eruption, but also as a testament of Bacolorenos’ strong faith and resilience. The church was constructed by the Augustinian Friars in 1576, with rich decoration that depicts the advanced stage of Baroque and Rococo.

On September 3, 1995, lahar mudflow from the slopes of Mount Pinatubo which erupted on June 15, 1991, covered the town and buried the San Guillermo Church in half. The church, whose remaining features were preserved and maintained, is still being used as a place of worship.

Saint James the Apostle Parish Church (Betis Church)
Betis, Guagua, Pampanga

It is dubbed as the “Sistine Chapel of the Philippines” because of its interiors, particularly the intricate paintings on the church’s walls and ceiling that are comparable to the frescos of Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. These paintings are attributed to several local artists, including Macario Ligon, Victor Ramos, and Simon Flores. Through its intricately carved wooden main door, wooden flooring, and some wooden statues, the church pays homage to the woodcarving heritage of the province, with Betis being the center of this craft and industry.

The National Museum and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) declared the Baroque-inspired Betis Church a National Cultural Treasure in 2001.

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church (Maragondon Church)
Maragondon, Cavite

The first structure was built by the Jesuits when the parish was established under the patronage of Our Lady of The Assumption in 1618. During the Spanish-Dutch War, the church was destroyed for fear of becoming a Dutch fort. After the war, the church was rebuilt using wood, then was renovated to stone.

This church is the only heritage structure in the municipality of Maragondon and was declared by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure.

Church of St. Mary Magdalene (Kawit Church)
Kawit, Cavite

This is the parish church of the Municipality of Kawit in the Province of Cavite. First built made of wood in 1638, it is considered one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The construction of the current church started in 1737 and was restored in 1990. Located few meters away from the mansion of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, this is the church where the president of the First Philippine Republic was baptized.

Our Lady of Light Parish (Cainta Church)
Cainta, Rizal

The original stone structure was built in 1707. From the time of its erection as a parish, it belonged to the Archdiocese of Manila. It was placed under the Diocese of Antipolo in 1983. The church suffered damages due to an earthquake in 1853. When the church was burned downed during the Filipino-American War in 1899, it took more than 60 years before restoration efforts started. The facade was kept untouched.

Cainta Church was declared a historical site by the NHCP for its significant role during the Filipino-American War.

San Idelfonso de Toledo Parish (Tanay Church)
Tanay, Rizal

The first parish was actually established in 1606. From then, it had its own history of destruction and reconstruction. The present church was completed in 1783. Retablos with several images—particularly of Our Lady of Anguish, the Immaculate Conception, Saint Joseph, Saint Peter of Alcantara, the Baptism of Jesus Christ, and Saint Ildephonsus of Toledo—adorn the altar. Carvings of the 14 Stations of the Cross inside the church are masterpieces believed to be created by native artists of the town.

The parish houses the relic of a piece of a bone of Saint Ildephonsus of Toledo. It was declared by the NCCA as a National Cultural Treasure.

Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian (Lipa Cathedral)
Lipa, Batangas

More commonly known as the Lipa Cathedral, this renaissance church, which was established in the 1700s, serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Lipa. The structure features stained glass windows, a painted ceiling with a domed center, and a grand altar lit by round glass panes in front.

The original structure was made of light materials and was located on the shore of Taal Lake. It was destroyed when Taal Volcano erupted in 1754. Reconstruction efforts for the transplanted church started in 1779 and was completed sometime between 1865 to 1894. After World War II, the cathedral suffered massive damages and underwent intensive renovation afterwards.

Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours (Taal Basilica)
Taal, Batangas

This magnificent landmark sits atop a hill right at the center of the town. It is named after the patron saint of Taal, Saint Martin of Tours. The dominant religious structure measures 96 meters in length and 45 meters in width.

The Basilica’s size and Baroque façade is awe-inspiring. Its extraordinary structure is even more captivating with the addition of dome ceilings hand painted with intricate detail. Perhaps the most outstanding element is the illuminating altar wall made with shining sterling silver and gold, symbolizing the sacred liberation of the tabernacle.

Travel safely!

All these destinations have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks and face shields, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post Heritage Churches to Consider for Your Visita Iglesia appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

With the Philippines as an emerging health tourism destination, the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Luzon has been developing its medical and wellness tour packages that offer not only health services but also its culinary treasures and adventure destinations.

The region has a number of DOT-accredited medical and dental institutions with sophisticated state-of-the-art medical equipment and world-class experts that are guided by the health and safety protocols of the Department of Health.

Medical, Dental, and Eye Care Tour Packages

Whether you need a health screening or dental or eye procedures, these packages will give you the care, comfort and relaxation that you need. The packages can be as short as a 3 Days-2 Nights trip, or as long as 10 Days-9 Nights, depending on the number of days the treatments will require, and includes accommodation at a 4-star Hotel with breakfast (twin sharing), tours to pre-selected destinations, airport-hotel and hospital/clinic transfers, services of an English-speaking coordinator, and of course, the warm service of Filipino health and tourism workers, among others.

Medical packages available are Health Screening, Hip Replacement Surgery, and Prostate Surgery. For dental tour packages, they have the Dental and Beauty Package, Dental Veneers Treatment, and Dental Crown and Tooth Bridges; while eye care tour packages available are the Comprehensive Eye Exam Package and the Lasik Surgery Package.

Holistic Health Packages

The region also offers wellness packages aimed at improving the overall well-being. The packages include accommodation at Orissa Garden of Wellness, choice between Angeles Heritage Tour or Clark City Tour, visit to souvenir shops in Pampanga, airport transfers, services of an English-speaking coordinator, and the Filipino brand of service. Holistic food are also available upon request.

• The Red Therapy (blood circulation therapy) is a treatment with cold laser for pains and aches. It improves circulation and energy, immune system, and opens all meridian points.
• Aura Purification is for aura cleansing through Himalayan crystals purification and full moon sound therapy. The sound therapy is a vibrational medicine for alignment using the principle of healing sounds to wake up the cells and reharmonize them, deeply touching every part of our body, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
• Mind, Body and Spirit Restoration Package or Chakra alignment, which refers to energy points in the body that should stay “open” and aligned. It focuses on healing the nerves, major organs, and areas of our energetic body that affect our emotional and physical well-being.
• The Resonance Therapy is supportive medicine for cancer prevention, diabetics, as well as for hypertension, fatigue, liver and kidneys, lungs, insomnia, power booster, among others.

Tourists may book their medical and wellness tour packages through these accredited travel agencies:

Ties That Travel Inc.

(+63)45499-0358; 922-8552965 to 66

tiesthattravel@gmail.com

Amega Travel and Tours

(+63)45321-0045; 9176264907

sales@amegatravelandtours.com

Explore Central Luzon

While the medical and wellness packages are mostly offered in Pampanga and Bulacan, travelers can also explore the other destinations in the region.

Travel to the Province of Aurora, a surfer’s haven with surfing sites that have gigantic waves of up to 2.7 meters high. An interesting spot is the Diguisit Rock Formation that was formed by the pounding waves. It is located along the semi-white beach of Diguisit and just lying beside the famous Cobra Reef—an ultimate surfing location in Baler.

Relax and unwind in the beautiful sand beaches of Zambales and Bataan. Take a trip back to the Old Manila at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. Situated in Bagac, Bataan, the resort showcases the best of Filipino heritage and culture thru Jose Acuzar’s collection of restored Spanish-Filipino houses. Each casa serves as a bridge between the rich history of the Spanish colonial era and the contemporary luxury and comfort of a modern hotel.

For adventure lovers, the Mt. Pinatubo journey is a must-experience. It includes one and a half hours of 4×4 jeepney ride and an hour trek, passing along the stretches of sand and almost Alpine, white-gray-brown mountain formations. The highlight of the tour is the crater lake whose color changes from blue green to deep blue depending on the season.

Of course, a trip to the region known as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines” would not be complete without discovering its culinary treasures. Savor the heritage dishes that speak about the region’s culture as well as fusion cuisine from some of the best-known chefs in the world. But don’t forget to try Pampanga’s most iconic dish, pork sisig, which was even dubbed as “the greatest pork dish on Earth” in an article on The New York Times.

The region is continuously exploring and developing its food tourism offerings. The DOT Central Luzon has discovered more than a hundred heirloom dishes each in the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan through its food mapping that will serve as their guide in further developing the region’s culinary tourism.

New Terminal of Clark Int’l Airport

Central Luzon is accessible by land, air, and sea.

Whether you are coming from the north or south of Luzon, the region is accessible by land through major expressways such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Foreign tourists coming in from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are just an hour and a half away from the region through these expressways.

Meanwhile, Subic Bay Port is one of the major port of entries of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

Travelers can also come in through the Clark International Airport, which is connected to a lot of the major cities in the world with direct flights to key airports in Asia and the Middle East. It’s soon-to-open new terminal building will offer fast, safe, and efficient air travel services such as contactless self-check-in and bag drop, advanced docking guidance system, and even contactless ordering for pre-flight dining. The terminal also promotes inclusivity with all-gender restrooms, nursing stations, and prayer rooms.

Aside from these services, the new terminal is a sight to behold and may even be a tourist attraction in itself featuring modern Filipino architecture inspired by the slopes of Mt. Arayat and the Filipino Christmas lantern.

In fact, the new terminal is one of the top six finalists in the 2021 World Selection of the prestigious Prix Versailles Architecture and Design Awards under the Airport Category. Finalists of the Prix are chosen for their innovative qualities, creativity, and design connection to culture and heritage.

For more updates about open destinations in the Philippines and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel or download the Travel Philippines app at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

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