Cultural Tours

As the culminating event for Dialogo: Philippine Studies Goes Global, we invite all conference participants to embark on a unique cultural tour of Manila on the third and last day of the conference (29 November, Friday). This tour offers two curated itineraries, each designed to showcase the richness of Filipino culture, heritage, and history.

Choose between exploring the renowned National Museum Complex of the Philippines or venturing into the historic Intramuros district, Manila’s centuries-old Walled City. Whether you choose the National Museum or Intramuros, this cultural tour is a special opportunity to close your conference experience by deepening your understanding of the Philippines’ rich history and heritage.

Date: Friday, 29 November 2024 

Time: 1:00–5:00 PM

Meeting Point: GT-Toyota Asian Center, UP Diliman, Quezon City

Transportation: Shuttles will be provided to transport all participants to and from the tour destinations.

Deadline for Registration: 26 November 2024

Option 1: The National Museum of the Philippines

Website: The National Museum of the Philippines

Explore Philippine heritage with a guided visit to the National Museum of the Philippines—the country’s premier institution for and repository of the nation’s heritage. Participants may choose to explore one of three distinct museums within the Complex, each offering a unique perspective on the nation’s cultural wealth.

At the National Museum of Fine Arts, visitors will be captivated by iconic masterpieces and works from celebrated Filipino artists, capturing the spirit, struggles, and aspirations of the Filipino people. The National Museum of Anthropology presents a fascinating collection of ethnographic artifacts, including textiles, pottery, and indigenous tools, illuminating the diversity of the Philippines’ ethnic groups and cultural practices. Finally, the National Museum of Natural History invites participants to discover the wonders of the Philippines’ unique biodiversity, featuring immersive exhibits on the country’s rich flora and fauna and its extraordinary natural landscapes.

This enriching tour provides a comprehensive journey through the Philippines’ multifaceted identity, from artistic achievements and historical narratives to the ecological marvels that shape the nation’s vibrant landscapes.

Option 2: Intramuros, the Walled City of Manila

Website: Intramuros Administration

Step back in time and discover Intramuros, Manila’s iconic Spanish colonial-era Walled City. Established in the late 16th century by Spanish colonizers, Intramuros served as the heart of political, religious, and cultural life during the colonial period, showcasing historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old churches.

Participants will journey through several key sites that bring this era to life. At Fort Santiago, once a military defense fortress and prison, visitors will walk the paths taken by the national hero Jose Rizal in his final days, capturing the resilience and sacrifices that shaped the nation. Casa Manila, a meticulously reconstructed 19th-century mansion, offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Manila’s upper-class families, with period furnishings and artifacts that tell of daily life during Spanish rule. Finally, the newly opened Centro Turismo de Intramuros provides a modern perspective, showcasing exhibits, multimedia displays, and archival material that connect past and present, highlighting the cultural exchanges between the Philippines and Spain.

This immersive tour of Intramuros offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with the Philippines’ colonial legacy, experiencing firsthand the architectural splendor, historical landmarks, and cultural narratives that continue to shape the nation today.

Scroll to Top