But,
have you ever wondered when the National Heroes Day first celebrated? Well,
here's a quick trivia for ya'll! It was first celebrated during the American
Colonial Period but it was originally scheduled on the last Sunday of August.
It was only until the former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed the
Republic Act No. 9492 which moved National Heroes Day on every last Monday of
August.
Some
will see this holiday as an opportunity to go on vacation because why not? It's
going to be a long weekend after all! But if you still haven't made up your mind on where best to go, let our list below be of help to you!
5 .
ILOCOS
REGION
If
time-traveling is your thing, then Ilocos is where you should be. This place is
known for its old-world charm from well-preserved old Spanish houses,
hundred-year-old churches, cobblestone streets, to amazing lighthouses! There
are also several museums here that showcase Ilocos' history and culture as well
as prominent families' memorabilia.
One notable
attractions here is the Calle Crisologo in the Heritage City of Vigan. It was
named after Marcelino "Mena" Crisologo, which is a prominent Ilocano
Poet, writer, and politician. Everywhere you lay your eyes on in this street
will make you forget that you're living in the modern world! Check out the old
Spanish-style houses here that remained as it is while some were turned into
hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants, and even museums. Enjoy an insightful
Walking Heritage tour at Calle Crisologo either by foot or by riding a
horse-drawn calash or Kalesa!
Sights to See: Calle Crisologo, Paoay Church, Juan Luna Shrine, Sinking Bell Tower, Paoay
Church
4 .
CEBU
ISLAND
When it comes to the best long weekend destinations in the Philippines,
Cebu is always on top of the list. This place has a handful of places that will
feed you with adventure and knowledge from the past!
Especially on the National Heroes Day, one cannot afford to miss the place
where the first hero of the Philippines from! Who is it? It's none other than,
Lapu-Lapu! He was a native and ruler of Mactan who initiated the very first
resistance against the Spaniard's occupation. It was him that defeated
and killed the Portuguese conquistador, Ferdinand Magellan.
His bravery inspired lots of locals and is widely celebrated up until now.
To commemorate his triumph, he has his own bronze statue that stands tall at
Mactan Island where the infamous Battle of Mactan took place. Make sure to pay
a visit there to take a closer look!
Sights to See: Mactan Shrine, Fort San Pedro, Magellan’s Cross, Colon
Street, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House
3 .
MANILA
When in
Manila, you've probably seen its towering skyscrapers, modern malls, and even
its lively nightlife, however, beyond this bustling metropolis are several
remarkable historical sites that had been witness to both the dark and
glamorous past of the Philippine.
If you can't
travel far this holiday, Manila is your best option! You can start off by
visiting the famous "Walled City of Intramuros". From there, check
out Fort Santiago, Rizal Shrine, Bahay Tsinoy, and even Manila Cathedral! All
these spots exude an amazing appeal that will surely leave you in awe!
There are
also some places here such as Rizal Park and Mausoleum for Veterans of the
Revolution (Mausoleo Delos Veteranos de la Revolucion) at the Manila North
Cemetery, that'll host various events to acknowledge the brave Filipinos who
fought for the independence of the country.
Historic
delights aside, Manila also has a great option of hotels where you can savor
a relaxing staycation experience!
Sights to See: Intramuros, EDSA Shrine, Rizal Park, National Museum of the
Philippines, Escolta Area
2 .
BATAAN
Often underrated but Bataan is one of the best places in the Philippines
to learn more about World War II; It was the American's last stronghold and
location of the infamous Death March.
As you explore Bataan on National Heroes Day, you'll get to see markers,
museums, and statues that hold more than just history, but also all the memories
of the brave heroes who fought fearlessly for their beloved country!
One of Bataan's iconic sites is the Mount Samat National Shrine or Dambana
ng Kagitingan. It's a cross-shaped edifice erected to commemorate our fallen
heroes. Aside from this, you can also have a historical adventure at Las Casas
de Filipinas de Acuzar - an open-air
museum of antique mansions, brick streets, balsa transport, and other
structures that are well-preserved from the Spanish Colonial period.
Sights to See: Bataan World War II Museum, Zero Kilometer Death March Marker, Mount Samat
National Shrine, Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar
1 .
CAVITE
Top of the list is Cavite! In here, you'll get a good glimpse of the what
Filipinos did during the Philippine Revolution as well as the previous wars
inside parks, ancestral houses, museums, and at historical landmarks. Good
thing, Cavite is just a stone-throw away from Manila, so it can be a great
place for a quick weekend drive.
Cavite is also known as the birthplace of the Philippine Independence and
apart from that, many Filipino heroes are known to be born in here including
the first president of the Philippine Republic, Gen Emilio Aguinaldo. His home
in Cavite was turned into a museum where the public can find his personal
memorabilia and more artifacts. From the outside, there is a park with
a promenade, pools, and a garden where Aguinaldo’s 1924 Packard
limousine car and the tomb where he was interred are displayed. There are also
a number of monuments here worth visiting such as the Battle of Binakayan,
Battle of Zapote, and Battle of Imus.
Whether
you're a history geek or just want to rediscover your Filipino identity, make
sure to visit Cavite!
Sights to See: Corregidor
Island, Aguinaldo Shrine, Battle of Binakayan, Battle of Binakayan Monument
Have you decided which destination you’ll go to? Well,
if that’s the case, make sure to start planning your long weekend trip now!
****
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our recommendation helpful enough? Let us know by commenting below or send us
an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.com. If you'd rather
talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63 (2) 651-9003.
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