Junel BensigContributed by JB Wanders
Europe has been one of my dream go-to-destinations abroad. Whenever I see videos or read magazines and blogs about Europe, I often imagine myself travelling to its different countries, eating their delicious food, getting to know the people and culture, learning a few languages, and just be simply amazed by all its beauty and wonder. I am particularly interested in Europe’s rich history as well as the architectural styles of its different structures like Medieval, Renaissance, and Neoclassicism.
To experience all of these is a bit of a hurdle as Filipinos need to get the Schengen Visa which is a relatively tough nut to crack. I like a challenge but it needs a whole lot of preparation so for now, I will settle with my own version of Europe here in my country and share with you a personal discovery of my top 5 striking, Instagram-worthy, and equally amazing Philippine destinations that somehow satisfied my European wanderlust.
Also read: 13 Amazing Places in the Philippines that Look Like Foreign Destinations
Disclaimer: I just based my comparison on the scenes and images I’ve seen in the television, movies, travel magazines, and other reference materials. Please don’t get me wrong teehee.
1. National Museum of the Philippines – Manila
European Vibe: Buckingham Palace – London, England
The National Museum of the Philippines is located in Padre Burgos Ave., Erminta, Manila. It is just a few walks away from other attractions like the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park and Fort Santiago in Intramuros. It houses the most famous painting by Filipino Artist Juan Luna — the Spoliarium. It also features other collections on Fine Arts, Archaeology, Ethnography, and Natural History. If you’re into arts and history like I am, then this place is a must visit for you. Admission to the National Museum is now permanently free of charge for all visitors, Filipino or foreign, so I suggest that you really check this one out.
When I arrived at the place, I was instantly amazed by the structure of the building. Its facade had classical features using Corinthian columns and ornamentation. When I got inside the museum, it felt like I was transported to another place and time and got a glimpse of the past. What made me include this in the list is because of its interiors which give you that vibe of being inside a European palace. Also, the architectural design of the building somehow resembles that of the Buckingham Palace in London, England.
2. Baluarte de San Diego – Intramuros, Manila
European Vibe: Colosseum – Rome, Italy
Next on my list is the Baluarte de San Diego located along the walls of Intramuros at the back of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. This stone fortification was built by Jesuit Priest Antonio Sedeno as a circular fort in 1587 and then renovated in 1953 to join the walls of Intramuros.
Before entering the site, one needs to pay an entrance fee amounting to ₱75 for Adults and ₱50 for Children / Students (with valid IDs). When I went inside, I was greeted by these beautiful gardens and pergolas. The site is very appealing and it’s suitable for special occasions like wedding receptions or anniversaries. Then I passed through a stairway that led me to the actual fort. When I set foot on the place and gazed at the circular stone walls, I felt like I was inside the Colosseum in Rome. The site gave me the good chills being the remains of an old city and a hulking reminder of the past.
3. Pinto Art Musuem – Antipolo, Rizal
European Vibe: Santorini, Greece
Third on my list is the Pinto Art Museum located on the hilly landscapes of Antipolo, Rizal. It is just 40-minute to an hour of travel (depending on the traffic) from Manila via a private transport. Pinto is home to several art collections which include paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media art. It also has other amenities inside like an Italian restaurant, a coffee shop, and a swimming pool.
I could say that Pinto is a place where every corner is a work of art. The architectural design of the structures themselves is a beauty to behold which provides a Mediterranean vibe to its visitors. It has white-washed walls, natural lighting and good ventilation of fresh air coming from its surrounding lush greenery. And since it is situated in a mountainous setting, the gallery structures are connected via different terraces. Personally, I could compare this place to the white buildings in Santorini, Greece.
Also read: Greece Itinerary: Witnessing The Magic of Athens, Santorini and Mykonos in 10 Days
4. Venice Piazza – Mckinley Hills, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
European Vibe: Grand Canal – Venice, Italy
Coming in at number four on the list is the Venice Piazza which is the newest attraction in Mckinley Hills, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. This place has residential areas, commercial complexes and restaurant chains offering visitors an overall European and Mediterranean experience. Its top features include the Piazza Grande for concerts and events, Rialto Bridge, Venice Grand Canal Mall, and St. Mark’s Tower which are exact replicas of the same structures found in Venice, Italy.
To complete your Venetian experience, you can try their Gondola Ride in the Venice Grand Canal for ₱500 per head. The ride is open to the public every weekend. When I went to the place, there were a lot of people taking selfies and groufies, most of them are couples on a date. The place is indeed perfect for lovers out there who want to get the feel of having a romantic date in Italy. It has lived up to its title as the “most romantic mall” in the Philippines.
5. Fortune Island Resorts – Nasugbu, Batangas
European Vibe: Parthenon – Athens, Greece
Last but definitely not the least is the Fortune Island, which is an hour away off the coast of Nasugbu in Batangas. This is not your ordinary Philippine tropical island with white sand beach and turquoise waters. It is an island made for the gods which features these iconic Grecian pillars of the Acropolis and statues on top of a cliff.
When I went to see these constructions, I imagined myself as if I was one of the Greek gods of Olympus. I thought that the place was really mystical and was almost like heaven on earth. Aside from taking Instagram-worthy pictures with these beautiful pillars as your backdrop, there are other stuff that you can do in the island which include: cliff diving (highly recommended!), trekking to the lighthouse, snorkelling, and exploring the bat cave.
There are no facilities around however, being an abandoned island beach resort years ago. Tourists need to bring their own food, water, tent, and other necessities if they plan to visit the island. The local tourism office offers a day tour and overnight stay in the island for an entrance fee of ₱300 and ₱400 respectively. There are a lot of Bangka drivers in Nasugbu whom you can contract to take you to the site for an average fee of ₱ 3,500 (at least that’s what we paid for one Bangka on a day tour). So if you want to have a quick dose of the beach with a mythical godly touch, then just head your way to Fortune Island, the country’s version of Athens in Greece.
Also read: These Stunning Spots in Cebu Will Take You to Different Parts of the World
After visiting these wonderful destinations, I realised that the Philippines has a lot more magnificent places that are just waiting to be discovered. I may not be able to visit Europe anytime soon but the Philippines has somehow made up for my European wanderlust. Indeed, it is really more fun in the Philippines, so for those of you who haven’t been to these spots, I highly recommend that you check them out!
