The Backpack Adventures

Update: With heavy hearts, I would like to announce that Mali, the lone elephant of Manila Zoo, died at 3:45 PM today (November 28, 2023). As of January 23, 2019, Manila Zoo was closed to the public to improve its sewerage system and water treatment facilities. It was reopened to the public last November 22, 2022. I have yet to revisit it. Located in the heart of Manila, Manila Zoo is the oldest zoo not only in the Philippines but also in Asia. Manila Zoo Manila Zoo history Formally called  Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden . This 5.5-hectare zoo opened to the public on July 25, 1959. It is home to hundreds of animals belonging to more or less 100 different species.  Manila Zoo Check out the NHI Marker of Manila Zoo Mali - the lone elephant The most famous (and controversial) of these animals is Mali, the lone Asian elephant. Mali was only a 3-year old calf when it was brought to Manila Zoo from Sri Lanka. At present, Mali is the only captive elephant in the Philippine

Located in the District of Binondo in Manila, Binondo Church is an old church built during the Spanish Colonial era of the Philippines. Binondo Church Binondo Church History Also known as  Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz  and  Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish , the church was built sometime in 1596 and was under the Dominican Order. The church was founded with the goal of converting the increasing population of Chinese traders and providing religious guidance to the people living in the area called Extramuros or outside of the wall. The "wall" of course refers to Intramuros. Binondo Church / Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz Binondo Church interior Binondo Church altar Check out the paintings on the ceiling The left side of the Binondo Church interior The right side of the Binondo Church interior Binondo Church interior as seen from the altar The original church was built using wood as its primary material. A bigger church wa

Located along General Luna Street in the walled city of Intramuros in Manila,  San Agustin Museum   is housed inside the monastery of the San Agustin Church . San Agustin Museum San Agustin Museum details San Agustin Museum entrance is on this side. San Agustin Museum entrance Found just beside the oldest stone church in the Philippines, San Agustin Museum is well-known for the Pre and Post Spanish era artifacts and painting collections that are housed inside it, not to mention the crypt where a number of notable Filipinos and Spaniards are buried. The entrance to the crypt Inside the San Agustin Museum 's crypt Some of the well-known personalities inside the crypt Since the museum is privately owned and is maintained by the Augustinian friars, expect that entrance is not free, but don't worry the fee is just right and the artifacts inside make the entrance fee worth its cost. I think that's the papal banner A painting of Taal Basil