1. National Museum of Fine Arts (formerly Old Legislative Building)

This structure has been known for decades as the legislative building for the country’s statesmen before the war broke out. The structure is a classic example of the neoclassical architecture, which emphasizes the walls rather than it’s other elements that are a result of late Baroque architectural tradition. The structure is now converted into the National Museum of Fine Arts. It has witnessed wars, several demonstrations and numerous calamities.

Paulo Rubio said, “The Old Session Hall of the Senate of the Philippines is a chamber like no other in the country. Soaring three stories to the top of the Old Legislative Building, the hall was clearly intended to be nothing less than a secular cathedral – a temple of wisdom for enlightened debate and the making of laws.” There are galleries that you can visit within the building: Gallery I (Luis I. Alabza Hall) which showcases religious art from the 17th to the 19th century, Gallery II (FFCP Hall) contains prints from the Archives of the Royal Botanical Garden, in Madrid, Gallery III with its academic and Romantic art and Gallery IV (Fundacion Santiago Hall) which showcases academic and Neoclassical sculpture.

National Museum of the Philippines

Address: P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Manila

Opening Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Website: National Museum of the Philippines

2. National Museum of Anthropology (formerly the Finance Building)

The National Museum of Anthropology is formerly known as the Museum of the Filipino People. This area is a part of the National Museum of the Philippines and it houses anthropology and archaeology divisions. It is located in the Agrifina Circle, Rizal Park, Manila, adjacent to the National Museum of Fine Arts building. The building formerly housed the Department of Finance. It also houses the wreck of the San Diego, ancient artifacts, and zoology divisions. The various galleries present information on the Philippines and the Filipino nation. There are four periods of Philippine pre-history: Paleolithic, Neolithic. Metal and the Ceramic Age.

National Museum of Anthropology

Address: Manila, Philippines

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.

Website: National Museum of Anthropology

3. Museo Pambata

Learning is as challenging as teaching. It is a fact that children with their individualities, learn in different ways. And it is such a privilege to be able to see an area which allows them to learn without effort. The Museo Pambata is an interactive museum designed for children. It was established by the Department of Education, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the National Economic Development Authority, whose studies showed that failure to provide children with opportunities can contribute to a wide range of socio-economic problems that will affect them in later years.

While most museums are hands-off, this is a deviation with the goal to address concerns raised in educating children. The establishment showcases puppets at the “Global Village Room”, the “My Body Works Room” which teaches how the body works in relation to food and the “Drink Me Potion” will captivate children with everything made tiny. Workshops and training is also conducted, here, apart from the exhibits.

Museo Pambata

Address: Museum in Manila, Philippines

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.

Facebook: Museo Pambata

4. Bureau of Plant Industry

The Bureau of Plant Industry operates under the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines. It is basically designed to address issues and concerns and run programs pertaining to plant research and development, including crop production. As it is involved in the improvement of plant development and production, providing Filipinos and those living even beyond the country, quality food or produce, BPI provides seminars to educate people on propagation and care. They also provide seedlings and other things needed for producing quality and healthy produce.

In a city, you have to buy vegetables in malls or in the wet markets where you are not assured of product handling and safety. Hence, even urban gardening is encouraged here, to provide one with healthy foods to eat. You can visit their nurseries and take seedlings with you or buy seeds to help support a clean environment and a healthy lifestyle.

Bureau of Plant Industry

Address: 692 San Andres Street Malate, Manila

Contact: Tel. +63 (02) 525-7857 or 525-7909

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5. Office of the World Health Organization

A healthier future is a dream for every nation, for it is where the nation’s future lies. Since people are the most importance resource, each government has to address concerns and issues concerning health and well-being. While the Philippine government, under the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, is currently fighting the existing problem of drug addiction, it also faces several diseases arising from social interactions and the Filipino sense of discipline, including poor health and nutrition.

The country, together with the WHO has developed the CCS which means the Country Cooperation Strategy. This focuses on the vision of the WHO to help the Philippines in its goals of having better health, sustained health financing, and a responsive health system. WHO’s programs in the Philippines has established initiatives to address communicable diseases, emergency and humanitarian action, emerging disease surveillance and response, environmental health, food safety and many other important areas of focus. Creating a healthier future is everyone’s concern. So if you would like to see and maybe contribute to humanity’s well-being, check out this place of business.

WHO

Address: Building 3, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Ave. 1003 Manila

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6. Saturday X Future Market

Saturday X Future Market is a gathering of artists and entrepreneurs who exhibit their work and items and sell them to the public. The interesting thing is that the artists actually let you see how their artwork is made. They openly share to their customers how they do things, their inspiration and the kind of materials used and where it comes from. The 98B Collaboratory have organized this event in old Manila, in Escolta. You will see out of the box items that you’ll probably want to bring with you for a souvenir.

Butterscotch Arts and Novelties

Address: Local business in Marikina City

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.

Facebook: Butterscotch Arts and Novelties

7. Food and Entertainment

With Taft’s busy areas and the variety of things and activities it can offer, you’ll be sure to work up an appetite. Taft is home to non-transient and transient people and there is plenty of fun and good food on offer. A choice of sumptuous snacks is available mostly in the areas surrounding the universities. The Korean-inspired cafe just across from DLSU or De La Salle University is a must-visit. If you are into tender American chicken and buffalo wings, Flaming Wings offers you these with a variety of great sauces, rice, and a drink for 130 PHP or around 2.61 USD. Or you can just stroll around and find what suits you best.

Cafe Travel

Address: Malate, Manila

Contact: +63 905 224-8003; +63 929 155-9770

Le Cheat Kitchen + Bar

Address: 1059 Arellano Ave cor Estrada St infront of Hotel Benilde, Taft, Manila

Pleasures abound

When you visit Taft, there are plenty of activities to entertain you during your visit. Book your trip and discover all the great things to do in the area.