Adventure land

Manila

MANILA, Philippines - 1. Carlos Celdran Walk This Way Tour — There is so much more to Intramuros than beautiful buildings and colorful kalesa. If you have the money to splurge, sign up for Carlo Celdran’s walking tour of Intramuros for an experience a typical guidebook can’t give.

2. UST Museum — The museum is divided into sections: visual arts, natural history, coins, medals, and memorabilia, oriental arts, ethnography, and Philippine religious images. All of which are housed inside UST’s picturesque architecture.

3. National Museum — You were probably a kid when you last visited the National Museum, so why not refresh your art history with some Luna and Amorsolo. Don’t forget to throw in some Eraserheads for good measure. Drop by on a Sunday for free admission!

4. Presidential Museum + Library — Ever wondered what the Malacañang palace looks like? Reserve online for a spot in their museum and library tour. Don’t forget to tag them on Twitter or Instagram if you take a photo!

5. Metropolitan Museum of Manila — After going to the Money Museum, you can head over to the Met and view their collection of classic art, and pottery and goldwork from the 8th to 13th century. Museum hours are at 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

6. Money Museum — You think your lola’s money collection on your living room table is cool? Go to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’s for a showcase of Philippines currency throughout the years. The best news? You get to keep your money for your own collection because you don’t have to pay anything to enter. 

Quezon City

1. Ateneo Art Gallery — If you’re in Katipunan area and you don’t have the time to travel to Manila for a museum visit, check out Ateneo’s Art Gallery. It holds over 600 artworks from Chabet to Tabuena to Olazo. The gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. 

2. Sip and Gogh — Unleash your inner Van Gogh and translate all the accumulated inspiration from all the museum tours into a work of art. Make sure you make a reservation online to secure a spot.

Marikina City

1. Marikina Shoe Museum — If you want a different take on Philippine history, head over to Marikina Shoe Museum. It currently houses over 3,000 pairs of shoes, 800 of which are from Imelda Marcos herself. The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Makati City

1. Ayala Museum — Tired of walking around the malls of Makati? Head to Ayala Museum for a change. Don’t forget to check out The Diorama Experience for a unique take on Philippine history. Entrance fee is P150-P225 for residents and P75-P125 for students, depending on what galleries you are going to visit. 

2. Silverlens Gallery — If you think you’ve seen all the creativity the Philippines has to offer, think again. Silverlens Gallery showcases the work of emerging artists such as Ryan Villamael, Dina Gadia, and Mariano Ching. Museum hours are at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. 

Taguig City

1. The Mind Museum — If you’re more of a Mythbuster than a Work of Art fan, head over to Mind Museum for a better understanding of how the world works. Entrance fee is P600 for adults, P450 for children and private school students, and P150 for public school students, teachers, and senior citizens. 

Elsewhere

1. Museo Orlina — Aside from their signature glass sculptures by Ramon Orlina, the museum is also known for art cars designed by National Artist BenCab, Elmer Borlongan and Orlina himself. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

2. Hidden Valley Tour — If you’re up for a road trip, sign up for the Hidden Valley tour for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the metro. It is more expensive than some tours but it’s a small price to pay for a buffet lunch and a dip in their six natural pools. 

3. Crescent Moon Cafe and Studio Pottery — You don’t have to go all the way to Tagaytay for a garden dining experience. Head to Crescent Moon Cafe in Antipolo, Rizal for good food and quaint potter to take home. No Ghost drama included.