Sunday, July 12, 2020

San Agustin Church and Taal Volcano

Had the chance to visit the oldest church in the Philippines, San Agustin Church on one Sunday by myself. Turns out that the first Sunday in December every year is the Grand Marian Procession, where people will gather around the "Wall of Churches" in Intramuros, Manila, from afternoon till night and that really affected how I was going to get a cab to leave the place.

Well, I didn't know about all that and happily visited the San Agustin Church by myself. Alas, found out that some couple was also holding their wedding ceremony that day and I couldn't enter the main hall. Not an issue though, as I witnessed one of the most beautiful wedding scenes in my life from the top of the church hall. So all's good! So now, let the pictures do the talking!


Main hall. There was an on-going wedding and I only managed to get this picture before being turned away


The museum area when visitors first step in







Yea tombstones




Going up the second floor





Choir and organ area where I can overlook the main hall

Waiting for the bride....

Just look at the train of the gown! So gorgeous!

Grand Marian Procession


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On another occasion, we also made it a point to visit one of the world's smallest active volcanoes: Taal Volcano.

Before going to the Volcano, we needed to go through a short lesson with the staff. Then it was a 20min boat ride to the island. As usual for Volcano attractions, they would offer the option of self trekking or horseback riding. Obviously in that kind of weather, we chose the horseback riding that takes us about 30min to the top.







This was the view that greeted us at the top. Honestly, having been to large volcanoes like Mount Bromo or Kawah Ijen, the view here couldn't really compare. 


However, because Taal Volcano is special: The crater lake on Volcano Island here is the largest lake on an island in a lake on an island in the world. It was worth visiting since I was there!


Because the view from the free spots weren't magnificent enough, we had to pay an additional fee to go up another route that promises a better view. Had to climb up a narrow path here. If u accidentally trip and fall to the sides here u would tumble off the cliff and hit the rocks beneath. 


Well, it was true, managed to get some nicer photos here since there are no barricades here. But it was scary shit to be sitting at the edge.



So that's all for my Manila adventures! 

To check out the food I had there, click here.

Also check out the VLOG I did for the Manila trip!

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