Everybody is out for vacation this holy week. But me, I just stayed home. Well not exactly at home. Haha.  Even before, we always stay at home to observe the Holy Week, I remembered when I was a child, we always go to my grandparents to sing “Pabasa” (a traditional singing of how Jesus has been put to death) and since they are already dead, no more of those singing stuff,  it’s just me, the tv, Dvds and my bed. A weekend of   movies and pigging out (we were supposed to be fasting).

I’m glad we still have one tradition. Bisita Iglesia. It is a Filipino custom to go to at least 12 churches and pray on each stations of the cross. At least I was able to get out. Argh!

Catholicism is one of the main contributions of the Spanish Occupation here in the Philippines. Because of these, churches here in Manila can be considered places of interests because its architecture has Classic European Influence.  Many of the Church were built hundreds of years ago but still looked magnificent.

Then just this last Saturday, I was supposed to do some bicycle exercise as part of my therapy. My bf and I went to CCP Complex in Roxas Blvd to go biking. But there were no bike rentals there anymore. So we decided to just walk around the area and took some photos.

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and belonged to NCR or National Capital Region which serves as the center of industrialization of our country. There are lots of interesting places that you can actually see here.

Before we go downtown, let’s start somewhere near out place, UST. The oldest, royal and pontifical University of Santo Tomas. I studied here in highschool and I would say,  the prettiest campus in town.

The Kilometer zero. Bagumbayan, now known as Rizal Park, where our National Hero Jose Rizal was shot to death.  Rizal Park has been a place for people who likes picnic. It is the prime park here in Manila. Aside from Jose Rizal, Lapu Lapu’s statue was also placed here donated by Koreans it is also the spot where the Gomburza was punished to death.

Intramuros or the walled city and what I considered closest to the beauty Vigan because of its Hispanic feel. I just love walking around here. Around the area is Fort Santiago, and of course my Alma Mater Mapua Institute of Technology along with other colleges. You can actually go up the wall and relax, watch golf and study (yeah right) oh well just bum around.

Fort Santiago is where Jose Rizal was detained before he was shot at Bagumbayan.

CCP Complex Harbor Square is a very silent area where you can jog, play badminton, do some yoga and whatnot. I was surprised that you could actually find something not so busy here in the city. You can see here the Manila Skyline. You can also do some cruisin around Manila Bay. 250.00/pax for a cruise, add another 250.00 for dinner. What a romantic way to spend your sunset with someone. Yay.

Even Before, Manila City Baywalk is famous for it’s beatiful sunset. It was a very long time since I last saw it there. Oh gosh it still awed me.

Even though I wasn’t able to go far this holy week I could still say that I had blast.

more photos at http://carlakatipunan.multiply.com/photos/album/139