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DAY 2: CITY TOUR AND SHOPPING
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, take a half-day city tour of Old Manila.
The tour starts with a drive through Roxas Boulevard to Rizal Park, named in honor of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. After a brief picture stop, proceed to the Walled City of Intramuros to visit the remnants of Spain’s conquistadores. Travel through the cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, the country’s oldest stone church, and view its wide collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments and other religious articles. Across it is Casa Manila, a reproduction of a 19th century house equipped with oriental and european décor, as well as Philippine antique furniture. Then proceed to Fort Santiago, Manila’s main line of defense against invaders from the sea. It is a stone fort guarding the entrance to the city from Manila Bay. It has been the site of many tragic moments in Philippine history. From Fort Santiago, drive on to Manila’s central district, Quiapo, often referred to as the heart of Manila with its market, pilgrimage church of the Black Nazarene, jeepney terminals and bazaars. Then, proceed to the Chinese cemetery, the only one of its kind in the world, where the mausoleums are as big and as elaborate as houses and where the fusion of eastern and Christian religions are very much in evidence. End the tour with a short sightseeing tour of the bustling financial and commercial district of Makati City. In the afternoon, proceed to shopping either at the Asia’s 2nd largest mall – Mall of Asia, or Greenhills Shopping Center, a mecca for those in search for electronics, mobile phones, and latest jewellery fashion trends at the most affordable prices. (B, L)
 
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