By Maria Sophia Y. Buendia

It’s almost needless to say that Manila has a lot to offer and with NLEX Connector in place, it has opened doors to unforgettable Manila experiences. Regardless, if you’re coming from the north or south of the metro, you can access some of the most iconic and valued places in the city for culture and nature appreciation.  

Dose of History and Culture at the Museums 

Manila has been one of the key cities that sits at the forefront of important historical events that shaped our nation. To better understand and learn about this, you can visit the museums which house the biggest collections of artifacts and artworks from the pre-colonial period up to this day.  

A prominent landmark in Manila, the National Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit, as it showcases the evolution of Philippine art with 29 galleries and hallway exhibitions comprising of 19th century Filipino masters, National Artists, leading modern painters, sculptors, and printmakers.  

There’s also the National Museum of Natural History at the former building of the Department of Tourism with neoclassical architecture which has 12 permanent galleries that exhibit the Philippines’ rich biological and geological diversity.  

Go deeper into the heart and soul of the Philippines when you also visit The National Museum of Anthropology. It is a treasure trove of cultural artifacts in Manila that offers a meaningful journey into the Philippines’ rich history and diverse ethnicities. 

All these museums are just a walking distance from each other as these attractions are situated just within the same area. If you are starting with the National Museum of Fine Arts, take the NLEX Connector España Exit going to Quiapo, Manila then head towards Ermita and find its building along T.M. Kalaw Ave. For the National Museum of Natural History, head towards Agrifina Circle inside Rizal Park while the National Museum of Anthropology is just located at the P. Burgos Drive, also within Rizal Park. 

Another museum to visit in España, Manila is the UST Museum which was established in 1867; considered as the oldest existing museum in the Philippines. It showcases pre-colonial artifacts, the Philippine revolution era, and an ethnographic collection. It’s also rich in collections of flora and fauna specimens, including fossils, insects, and marine life. 

There’s also something to discover at the official residence of the Philippine presidents. By heading towards the Malacañang Complex in San Miguel, Manila via the NLEX Connector Magsaysay Ave Exit, you’ll find a cluster of heritage houses that shows a glimpse of how the past presidents lived their lives and the Filipino culture, as well. 

There’s Bahay Ugnayan, which is also a museum that highlights President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s presidential journey; The Goldberg Mansion, a french-inspired mansion; and the Teus Mansion, a 19th-century historical residence that now serves as Presidential Museum.  

Manila’s Urban Oasis 

Dubbed as Manila’s Last Lung, Arroceros Forest Park is a refreshing delight to see and experience at the heart of the metro. Guests can exercise, walk, admire the landscaped gardens, and breathe in fresh air with over 3,000 trees surrounding the area. The park is located at Antonio Villegas St., Manila (near the corner of Padre Burgos Ave. and Taft Ave.); accessible via the NLEX Connector España Exit. 

References :

https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/national-museum-of-fine-arts-in-manila-philippines-gm1391005748-447771610

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