What and where to buy: Southern NCR

By now you should have a glimpse of how urban Southern NCR is so it's not common to see souvenir shops around town. But malls are everywhere! So if you're around the city and wants to buy souvenirs, your one-stop shop could be Kultura.

Click here to go to Kultura's official website. 😊

A variety of products are sold there, from shirts, to food, to accesories, to wines and novelty items. By viewing products there, you can already have a glimpse of what Filipino culture is about.

Photo Credit

You can also go to Tiendesitas in Pasig City. Various local products and handicrafts are being sold there and at a reasonable price. You'll definitely have fun browsing through stores. Your family will also have fun strolling around.

Photo Credit

If you're interested in buying luxurious items and not afraid to spend loads, drop by stores and malls in Bonifacio Global City and also in Resorts World Manila. While shopping, you can also relax, dine and enjoy your day.

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Did you know? : Southern NCR fun facts

Since a large population of the Filipino people live in Metro Manila, places here eventually become open books on its history and culture. But here are some fun facts that you may still not know about Southern NCR.

• Did you know that there are underground tunnels in Makati and Taguig?

Yes, you've heard that right! There are secret underground tunnels in Metro Manila!

According to filipiknow.net...

In January 2011, the crew of Manila Water discovered a tunnel during one of their digging operations at the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA)-Guadalupe area. Although few information has been revealed about the said man-made tunnel, it is reportedly located 3.5 meters below the street level and is wide enough to fit several dump trucks.

The Fort Bonifacio Tunnel, on the other hand, has a more interesting history to share. Located near Megaworld, the tunnel is about 2.24 km long and 4 meters wide. It is equipped with 32 built-in chambers, a 6-meter-deep well, and 2 exits leading to Brgy. East Rembo and Brgy. Pembo in Makati City.

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• Did you know that the Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area is also home to migratory birds?

 You may have passed once or twice on Cavitex without knowing how precious that area is to our wildlife. Photographers also travel just to see that area to take shots of the unique birds found there.

• Did you know that Makati City and Taguig City once fought over the authority of Fort Bonifacio?

• Did you know that Makati City is the site for the world's largest photo mosaic?

Close Up, a local toothpaste maker put up the world's largest photo mosaic along EDSA in Makati City. The structure, measuring 15,000 square feet, consisted of 34,560 photos surpassing the previous record of 6,928 square foot mosaic in the United Kingdom

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• Did you know that Muntinlupa City was once notoriously known as the home of the maximum security National Bilibid Prison? 

This is where the country's most dangerous criminals were detained. But recently, Muntinlupa city shook that image off and showed everybody how progressive their city can be.

Photo Credit

Picturesque Spots in the South

Top of MOA Eye

Photo: elaljanelasola.com

Ride the MOA Eye and don't forget to take a picture when you're at the peak. You'll have the chance to snap a photo of the famous sunset in Manila Bay.

Makati skyline

Photo: golfingphilippines.com

This highly urbanized city looks majestic during day and night. City lights from the streets and buildings are snapshot-worthy sceneries especially if you have the chance to view it from the top of a really tall building and when the moon is at its highest.

Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area

Photo: ebonph.wordpress.com

Although it is not easily accessible (because it is beside an Expressway without car stopovers), this place is really captivating usually during sunrise and sunset. There could also be migratory birds photobombing every picture you take since birds are very abundant there.

BGC Night lights

Photo: traveldrafts.wordpress.com

The safety and security in this place is really high so it is fun and ok to stroll during the night when all the lights are lit up.

Foodie's list for Southern NCR

1. Mercato Centrale, Taguig City

Photo: worldurbanista.com

If there was a convenience store for excellent cuisine, then Mercato is the place for you. This place is perfect for any weather since they offer indoor and outdoor dining. From grilled to fried, appetizers to dessert, breakfast to dinner, you name it!

2. Aguirre street, BF Paranaque

                                                              Photo:spot.ph

A haven for foodies around South. This food strip makes people travel south because of its unique and diverse restaurants. It can also be viewed as the ''Maginhawa of the South''.

3. MOA Seaside Food Strip

Photo: flickr.com

If you're in Sm Mall of Asia but don't want the usual dining experience served inside the mall, then go outside to thw Seaside Food strip. Not only does it have a beautiful view of the Manila Bay, but also provides different sights and sounds. Street performers and bands are visible during nights especially on weekends.

4. Balut from Pateros

Photo: danamarquez.wordpress.com

Pateros is on the southern Part of NCR and this place is very famous for this delicacy. It is said to produce the most delicious balut in the country!

5. Molito, Alabang

Photo:molito.com

It is found in Muntinlupa near Alabang Town Center. Although, most of the restaurants here are not that budget-friendly, rest assured every piso is worth it.

Tourist Attractions of Southern NCR ♥

As you've learned by now if you follow my previous blogs, you'd know how urbanized NCR is. :) So instead of looking at the natural attractions of this region, let's look at the top 10 tourist attractions to give you more choices on where to go if you decide to visit this region!

Photo:whereinmanila.com

First is the SM Mall of Asia. You wouldn't miss it if you pass by since it has a humongous structure! Not only is it popular because of its sheer size but also because of its concert grounds. Lots of foreign artists hold their concerts in the SM Arena because of its huge capacity and world-class facilities. Swing by hundreds of stores to fulfill your shopping needs. :)

Photo: bigsale.ph

Star city is for the young-at-heart. You get to ride thrilling and extreme roller coasters and play games at a cheap price. You can also watch mini plays or concerts here. This place is perfect for families who want to enjoy the weekend or for friends who just want to have fun. :)

Photo: byxbuzz.blogspot.com

Resorts World Manila is for those who want to enjoy and relax while not being afraid on spending lots of cash. There are lots of high-end restaurants to choose from. The famous club, Republiq can be found here. :)

Photo: bambooman.com

The Bamboo Organ. Yes, it's an organ made of bamboo, amazing right? Others visit the St. Joseph Church in Las Pinas City to take a picture of the Bamboo Organ and to listen to it. A once in a lifetime experience, don't you think?

Photo: alainpascua.com

Get your cameras ready when you go to the Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area. This mangrove site is popular for photographers since migratory birds flock here and also because it has a beautiful view of the Manila Bay. If you're lucky, you might snap some photos of birds that are only here for a short while. :) 

Photo: blog.benetton.com

Your minds will be blown away when you visit the Mind Museum. Activities and Exhibits can be seen left and right. You'll get the chance to have interactive experiments which your kids (or even you yourself) will surely love. :)

Photo: spongebob-squarepants-summer.blogspot.com

Bonifacio High Street is also where tourists go to since there is diversity in the choices of activities. You can choose from exquisite restaurants, to shopping your hearts out, to exercising out in the open field, to walking your dogs and to watching street performances. Surely you'll find something that'll suite your taste. :)

Photo: dmcinet.com

The Cultural Center of the Philippines is definitely a picture-worthy structure with its beautiful architecture and landscaping. Here you can watch plays, events and performances for all ages. :)

Photo:liyab.com

Ayala Museum is also visited by serious art enthusiasts, students, families and friends. Works by prominent people are displayed here. You will be able to see a brief past on the history of the Phlippines. If you are interested about history, but you want to view it in a modern environment, then Ayala Museum is the place for you. :)

Photo: shrines.healthypinoy.com

National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help or mostly known as the Baclaran Church is said to be the most attended church in Asia. Christians from all over the world visit this church since it is believed that those who devote themselves to this shrine usually gets their petitions.


Info:
visitmyphilippines.com
itsmorefuninthephilippines.com

The ultimate bucket list of Southern NCR!

Congratulations! You've reached the ultimate bucket list of Southern NCR!

Here are the 5 things that you MUST do when you're around town. :)


1. Shop in SM Mall of Asia and ride the MOA Eye!

Source: runningpinoy.wordpress.com 

With almost four hectares of floor area, there are so many shops to choose from! This also has an eight story high IMAX Theater for movie buffs out there.This place is also a paradise for shopaholic mommies who want to go shopping yet don't want to bore their children. Why? Because conveniently located near the mall is the SM MOA By The Bay Amusement Park with rides for kids and teens (or adults if you're still up for those kinds of things). There are also activity places that you and your companions will surely enjoy like the skating rink, bowling alley and other gaming centers. You can also ride the famous MOA Eye, a 55-metre (180 ft) tall ferris wheel which has air-conditioned carriages that has a wonderful view of the Manila Bay and the city when you're at the very top! Let's not forget the numerous restaurants to choose from! Surely you'll enjoy strolling around whether you're with your family, friends or even when you're all by yourself. ♥

Source: metrodeal.com 

To know more about the SM Mall of Asia, click here~



2. Visit the Mind Museum

The first ever world class museum in the Philippines. Not only will the kiddies love it but also the whole family! There are so many interactive exhibits that will surely leave you amazed. ♥

Here is a short video to inform you on what to expect when you visit The Mind Museum.

To know more about their rates and schedules, visit their website here~


3. Pray at the Baclaran Church (National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help)

Source: demsyjoji.blogspot.com 

Almost all Filipinos know this church, and hundreds flock to this place every Wednesdays to pray the novena and go to mass. This shrine is famous to Filipinos because it was personally blessed by Pope John Paul II when he visited the Philippines. Besides that, this church also has a beautiful facade and interiors. ♥

To know more about the history of this church and its services, visit their website here~


4. Listen to the Bamboo Organ

Source: www.bambooman.com 

Declared as Philippine National Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines because "It is the only 19th century Bamboo Organ in the Philippines that has survived and is still functioning.". It has more than 1000 pipes and 900+ of it is made of bamboo. Take pictures of the prominent 200 year old unique musical instrument then visit the museum inside the St. Joseph church afterwards. You'll learn a lot from the history of the church while having a distinctive experience listening to the bamboo organ. ♥

Visit their website here~

5. Go bird watching in the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Eco-tourism area

Source: www.erendaeger.wordpress.com 

The only remaining mangrove site on Coastal Road. This 175-hectare protected area is a sanctuary for migratory and resident birds. It is famous for bird watching activities since lots of migratory birds stop here. It is also the first Critical Habitat established in the country according to DENR. You'll have fun seeing and taking pictures of new and beautiful birds passing by. ♥
Sources:

www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com
www.themindmuseum.org
www.baclaranovena.org
www.bambooorgan.org
www.smmallofasia.com
www.ncr.denr.gov.ph