Fort Santiago: Manila’s Iconic Colonial Fortress

Fort Santiago (Spanish: Fuerte de Santiago; Filipino: Moóg ng Santiago), built in 1593, is a historic citadel constructed by Spanish navigator and governor Miguel López de Legazpi for the newly established city of Manila in the Philippines. This iconic defensive fortress, actively involved in protecting Manila from various foreign invasions over the centuries, is strategically located in Intramuros, the famed walled city of Manila, which itself is rich in cultural heritage and colonial history. The fort, originally made of wood but later rebuilt using stone, played a pivotal role during the Spanish colonial period and continues to be a significant landmark that reflects the country’s colonial past, drawing visitors who are eager to learn about its storied history and the events that unfolded within its walls.

Mount Capistrano: The Ultimate Rock Climbing Experience in Bukidnon

Mount Capistrano, known among rock climbers as the “Rock Garden,” is located in Malaybalay City and spans three barangays: Barangay Managok, Barangay San Martin, and Barangay Binalbagan. The “Rock Garden” specifically refers to the area situated in Barangay San Martin. In 2019, investors conducted a survey to develop an “Extreme Sports Activity” facility at the mountain’s stone walls. The planned activities include Via Ferrata, bivouacs, canyoneering, a glass bridge, a zigzag zipline, and more. The investors aim to attract not only locals but also to compete on an international level.

In Barangay Managok, there are numerous caves, with the most significant being seven large caves that contain rooms. Some of these caves have stone chairs and tables as large as those found in a cathedral or a basketball court, which are believed to have served as a parking area for aircraft. Central Mindanao University, the legitimate owner of this 2,000-plus-hectare area, has coordinated with the City Government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to develop the site for tourism purposes. In Barangay Binalbagan, the route to the peak, known as Simaya, will be fully improved, and additional facilities will be established.