2.1.0+Top+10+Historic+Destinations+in+The+Philippines




 * 1. Rizal Park, Manila**

Rizal Park has been the site of various historical events in Philippine history. It is where Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, was executed in December 30, 1896, provoking the start of Philippine revolution in the quest to gain independence from Spanish rule.

**2. Barasoain Church, Bulacan** Barasoain Church is a Roman Catholic Church, is known as the “Cradle of Democracy in the East,” and is also considered to be the most important religious building in the Philippines. It is where the First Philippine Congress Convened in 1898, and is also where the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated in 1899. Nayong Pilipino, meaning “Philippine Village,” is a 45-acre theme park featuring a miniature version of the Philippines as well as its history and culture. It exhibits minatures from all over the country, including various replicas of Philippine landscapes, historical landmarks, primitive houses and villages, a wide array of cultural presentations, and many more. **4. Cagsawa Church, Albay** Only remnants of this church remain visible today. It is located in front of Mayon Volcano in Albay, which is known for its perfect cone. The church was buried gradually by volcanic deposits and lava, so that only the belfry tower remains above the ground.
 * 3. Nayong Pilipino, Pasay**

**5. Rice Terraces, Ifugao** The Banawe Rice Terraces goes way back 2000 years ago, carved into the mountains by the indigenous people, with the use of crude equipment, and done mostly by hand. It is said that if the steps were put end to end, it would encircle half the globe. To this day, the Terraces is used as a farming site for rice and vegetables. In 1521, Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, who in his quest to discover the Spice Islands by going West in order to arrive East, landed on Philippine soil introducing Christianity to the country. Upon arrival in the island of Cebu, Magellan planted a Christian cross as a symbol of their peaceful intentions. This cross is housed in a chapel beside the Santo Nino Church in Cebu, where a replica of the original stands. Fort San Pedro is a military defense structure built by Spanish and Cebuano laborers by command of the Spanish Government. It served as a fortress for Filipino revolutionaries during war times at the end of the 19th century, and also served as the center of Spanish settlement in the Philippines.
 * 6. Magellan’s Cross, Cebu**
 * 7. Fort San Pedro, Cebu**

 **8. Leyte Landing Memorial, Palo** Before Gen. Douglas MacArthur left the Philippines for Australia from Corregidor under the command of President Franklin Roosevelt of the United States, he parted with a promise, “I shall return.” He kept this promise when he returned with an army of 700 ships containing 174 000 American soldiers at Red Beach, Palo, Leyte on October 20, 1944. In memory of this historical event, statues were built that included Philippine President Sergio Osmena, Gen. Basilio J. Valdez, Brig. Gen. Carlos P. Romulo and Gen. Richard Sutherland. This monument was built in honor of Lapulapu, Ferdinand Magellan, and the Battle of Mactan. Lapulapu was the chieftain of Mactan Island when the Spaniards first came to the Philippines. He was the first Filipino to reject Spanish colonization as well as conversion to Christianity. This resulted to a battle in Mactan, where Magellan died and was defeated. The shrine stands today in the supposed spot where the battle took place.
 * 9. Mactan Shrine, Mactan**

 **10. Rizal Shrine, Dapitan** Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, in his quest to enliven the Filipino spirit of nationality and patriotism, was exiled in Dapitan, a small island in Mindanao, as punishment for possession and creation of controversial writings against the Spanish government. In his four-year stay in the island, Rizal was able to improve its standing in the lines of farming, agriculture, science, education, and many more. He built a fortress there which he called home, practiced medicine, and continued his patriotic writings until he was executed in 1896.