This is a fort in Manila Philippines although I have been there multiple times I have never been…read morehere. Disclaimer here, I have a long and semi obsessive history with well history. I loved this, we didn't have a tour guide (if they even have any) we went all over and then finally went into this museum which does have a charge to enter. You can't wear any hats inside as a sign of respect. Also if you are over 6 ft (183 cm) be prepared to squat, twist bump most parts of your body as this was built for Philippinoes a long time ago ie: short. If you can take this part of it then you will definitely enjoy it or at least learn something new. Well I would say try it and learn from history. Enjoy.

Nice and a unique historical site to visit and learn. Quite big and on the river front with couple…read morebuildings. Cost for entrance are cheap but long line to get it. Short distance to the plaza de Roma and other attraction places.

I have to admit, I was very surprised by what I saw when I came here. Initially I figured it would…read morebe completely historical with stone fortifications, but instead there's an actual city with restaurants and homes. Must be pretty cool living within history, there's also an amazing view from top of the walls.

Intramuros has endured wars, calamities and foreign invaders and yet this 64-hectare stone city…read morestill stands as strong as it first did 400 hundred years ago. How could it live through such a beating? Clearly, there was so much more to these massive stone walls than its impeccable engineering. Everybody has a lot to say about this citadel, its squatters and scammers but it's the only window to our past and even if we try to look away, we will always come home to it. It's the heart our city, the last breathing structure that has escaped the commercialization of Manila. And while all of us will go on, the undead will remain on its streets guarding the last memory of the Philippine's colonial past.

Sad to say all your contact numbers are just ringing, WALA PONG SUMASAGOT SA LAHAT NG PUBLSIHED…read moreNUBERS NYO EXCEPT BARANGAY PROGRESO...I need to follow up payment for training conducted last week of October...sabi sa Treasury ...a SJ City Ha ll me employee gave a number which again sad to say...WALA PON NASAGOT! hope your improve this aspect of your service

I have had too many bad experiences in different city halls (QC, Makati and Mandaluyong, to be…read morespecific) so I was extremely surprised when I arrived at the San Juan City Hall. The city hall can easily been seen from Pinaglabanan Street. It is also not difficult to park here since there is ample space provided for vehicles. Since they had just moved to this location, everything looks clean and new. The facade alone already looks welcoming and inviting. Upon entering, there is a reception desk with 2-3 employees ready to assist those who approach them. The lady I spoke to quickly directed me to the windows I needed to go to. I love how the building is well-lit and airy. It did not feel cramped or dirty like other city halls. They also have specific windows with proper numbers and labels for specific needs (i.e. a specific window for getting your cedula, another window for property tax, another window for barangay clearance, etc.). Another plus is that you can pay for what you need at that specific window. No need to go to a centralized cashier and go back to the previous window. This saved me so much time! I went there to get my cedula (CTC) and to pay property tax and I was out of there in 15 minutes! Their staff were efficient and did not dare ask for any money beyond what I had to pay for. (BIG disapointment in other city halls!!!) Another big plus for them was their well-kept restrooms. I have never been to a government office with an extremely clean restroom. ;) Kudos to their janitors who maintain them! I was so thrilled with my experience here that I no longer dread having to go back after a year for my annual errands. I really hope they maintain this and act as a model for other city halls as well.

This has to be the most organized SSS Office in Metro Manila. It's smaller than the other branches…read morebut, because not many people see it, the wait in line is not long. Also, the entire office has air-conditioning and many seating areas. Near this branch, there is a PhilHealth & BIR office. Across the street is Pag-iba Fund office. So, it's the perfect place to get ALL your government ID's. The staff, from the guard to the people at the counters, are very accommodating and patient with everyone. The process is quite efficient and I did not wait long for my turn in line. Unfortunately, I could not finish the processing of my SSS ID because of an injury on my index finger. So, I couldn't complete the Biometrics. So frustrating! But, the lady kept my application and all I need to do is go back once my finger is healed. Yay! Just so you know, all SSS now offer the UMID! This is the Universal ID that contains government info such as you SSS, Pag-Ibig + PhilHealth identification numbers. So, it's the one ID you'll every need! I would have applied but, I don't have my Pag-Ibig ID yet. Sayang! Oh well, lessened learned.

There were recent reports that the magnificent Post Office Building in Liwasang Bonifacio would…read moresoon be sold to a Korean conglomerate which would turn it into a five star hotel. The purchase came with the promise that the exterior would not be touched. If this report is true, then it may be acceptable. For all its beauty, there is no questioning the fact that the global postal system is in flux. The traditional post offices are all facing serious challenges brought about by modern technology. The Philippine Postal Corporation tried to put up a bank to make remittances easier. Instead of sending postal money orders by mail, it would be infinitely better to send funds bank to bank. There have also been serious attempts to speed up the delivery system. All these attempts have been in vain, and the reason cited for possibly selling the awe inspiring Post Office building is because of the heavy losses of the government agency. As long as the building itself is never destroyed, we can live with whatever it becomes in the years and decades to come. But it would be better if a Filipino rather than a foreign group were to take over the edifice with its classic Roman architecture.

Take a good look at this building. It may not look like much, but back in the 50s and 60s, it was…read moreconsidered a high-rise. Not just any high-rise, mind you. It was also considered a landmark of sorts. The Roman Santos building in Plaza Lacson now houses a branch of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, or BPI. Previously, it was where the Monte de Piedad had its Manila headquarters. The bank, owned by the Catholic Church, is all but history now. At least BPI has kept its facade intact. Look above the BPI sign and you will notice not just a bas relief, but a full sculpture of Greco-Roman style. This alone makes the building a historical landmark, one that should be maintained and not torn down, as has happened with some classic, old buildings downtown. The building may not look like much compared to the skyscrapers that dot the metropolis, but its historical value cannot be overstated. Indeed, it is a beautiful structure for those with an eye for architectural masterworks.

We were part of a US/ PI Ambassador Tour group with several dignitaries and business people. One of…read moreour stops were to meet some dignitaries and politicians at Malacanang Palace. We were invited to have lunch at the Palace as one of the politicians gave a keynote address. Unfortunately, the President was not on the groups during our visit. As our tour bus came on grounds, we had to wait for the all clear. Prior to us going inside the gates, we were already warned of no cell phones, so we left our phones on the bus. If we were to bring our cell phones, tape would be placed on the part of where the camera is. So we opted to just leave it altogether. We drove into the gates, and we had to be searched in the lobby before proceeding to the ballroom. Your name had to be checked off the list and then we were escorted to our table. The dress code is business casual, but for our luncheon, all guests were wearing the barong or the filipinana. Since I don't own a filipinana, I dressed in an appropriate conservative dress. We were served a buffet luncheon, and the food was really good! Sorry no photos since we left our phones on the bus. Nonetheless, the food and desserts were very good. We were then treated to a tour of the museum. What was NOT told to us was that photos are allowed in the museum. GRRRRR!!! So basically we didn't have our phones, but the museum was amazing! Luckily, one of our friends decided to bring his phone so we scabbed off him to take a few photos of us. Lots things to see on the grounds of the Palace. If you get invited or even a chance to go, do so!

There isn't anything more grand than the house that shelters the Head of State of the Philippines…read more Malcanang Palace has served as the home of our Presidents since the Commonwealth in 1935. Its halls are filled with history and stories of the Filipino People. By scheduling a tour through the Presidential Museum and Library Office you too can walk these halls and get a glimpse of the life inside the protected walls. I've done this tour several times since I was a kid and I learn something new each time! Up to today it's still being used by the President so be sure to follow the proper guidelines in booking your tour and don't forget the security measures! They don't charge too much (50 pesos for an adult) so missing out on this tour would really be your loss. If you're a Filipino or not, I would put this destination up there on your things to do!

When I was completing my requirements for the new company I was joining, I completely and utterly…read moredreaded going to government offices to get my IDs or to file my papers. I just thought that these things would take up so much time and effort on my part. I needed to do them but it doesn't mean I will thoroughly enjoy it. Thankfully, my brother-in-law told me about the government branches in SM Aura's Business Tower. He said that the 7th floor of the tower housed offices of SSS, Pag-Ibig and Philhealth. It was perfect! I could do all my errands here without having to go from one city to another, braving the scorching summer heat and the insane Manila traffic. If you happen to get the need to visit the SSS office in Aura, I suggest you swing by early since the office still tends to fill up fast. They open as early as 7am but the place tends to gather people by 9am. The service here is pretty fast considering the number of people waiting for their turn. It's also air-conditioned (YIPEE!!!) and they have chairs for people waiting. If I'm not mistaken, they also offer drinking water for everyone!