The Silahis Center

Right in the heart of Intramuros, there’s a souvenir shop that sells everything Filipino-made. From furniture to utensils, paintings to clothes, accessories and toiletries, name it, the store has it. The arts and artifacts are made from native materials originating from different regions and tribes of the archipelago.

The Silahis Center is along Gen. Luna St., near the San Agustin Church. If SM has Kultura, Intramuros has Silahis.

It is a 4-gallery place that only sells Philippine products. The ground floor is mostly furniture and other home decoration items.

 Religious items are also widely sold here.

 

And organic products, too.

 

The store is indeed packed with almost everything you need for your home decorating necessities.

 

 My cheap finds:

Tradewinds Bookshop is on the third floor. Books, magazines and other cultural publications were being sold at affordable prices.

 

Then there's the Galeria De Las Islas.

 

A massive display of paintings, sculptures and other artworks from staircase to every corner of the room...

 

I had fun exploring the store. Our native products are being exported and patronized by foreigners, why can't we?

I have knick-knacks of all sorts that I gathered from my travels. I like buying anything native. My way of showing support to our local industry.

Wearing my Traveling Dress for the 19th time =)

Silahis Center:

Main Branch
744 Calle Real del Palacio (Gen. Luna)
Intramuros, Manila

Makati Branch
LRI Business Plaza,
210 Nicanor Garcia St.,
Bel Air, Makati

 

Rizal Park, Manila

Have you ever set foot in Manila’s Rizal Park? I just did, my first time ever, in my 7 years of residency in the city.

I always see the park whenever I take the LRT, or pass by it along Taft. But it never occurred to me to drop by until recently, when I was on my way to SM Manila.

This is the back portion of the Rizal monument along Taft. The monument is facing Roxas Boulevard. I did not drop by the monument as the heat was too intense. I just lingered in the park area.  

There are bridges or walkways crisscrossing the pond. The map of the Philippines is actually splattered on the pond.

The park is well maintained. The plants were green and the pavements were clean.

There were also framed pictures on display around the park. Pictures of buildings/structures with its historical background.

Facing the bayside, the park is sandwiched between the Department of Tourism and National Museum buildings.

National Museum. Must visit. Soon.

I didn't know that a lot of activities are actually being held here every month. Its calendar of events for the month of May is actually full. 

Right beside the Rizal Park is this:

A haven for kids. Cheap thrill for family.

It's nice to be staying outdoors from time to time. Manila is all about malls. One should try to visit parks and enjoy the sunshine.

Wearing the Traveling Dress for the 16th time.