“A retro journey with a Vintage tour” is how I can characterize the recent partnership between the Tourism Promotion Boards of the Philippines and the Volkswagen Club of the Philippines through The Domestic Tourism Invitational Program Manila and Environs. The tour from Manila to Baguio involved more than 20 Volkswagen owners, including media partners and tour operators.
Exploring Cultural Riches
The journey commenced on day 1, exploring Lakbay Museo, which the participants appreciated for its friendly and interactive atmosphere. Lakbay Museo caters to all ages and features Filipino cultures, including dances, foods, and places. One noteworthy aspect of this museum is their invitation for guests to play a game that connects with Philippine culture, with ice cream as a prize for the winners. Performances were also well-received. The second stop was the National Museum of Natural History, home to the famous and most significant taxidermied crocodile skin. The museum docent highlighted the tour by revealing that Lolong was a victim of human-wildlife conflict, suspected of eating a young girl alive. Lolong suffered from anxiety, stress, and organ failure in captivity, leading to his eventual demise. An autopsy found no signs of human DNA. Furthermore, the historical Manila Hotel served as the day’s last stop, where participants spent the night.
Unveiling Historical Marvel and Hidden Treasures
On the 2nd day, the historical day tour took center stage with museums. Before the journey began, Luneta Park was the first stop to reminisce and pay respects to the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Museo San Agustin, in the heart of the Walled City, Intramuros, was also visited to appreciate the sacred culture of history. This museum is an underrated yet worthwhile exploration, where I discovered that Juan Luna was buried. Before reaching our next destinations, we passed through the Binondo – Intramuros Bridge, which opened in 2022, and passed by Binondo going to Museo El Deposito. This museum, different from the typical one we know, features a centuries-old water reservoir beneath the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City, once the primary water source for every Manila household during the Spanish era, with free admission.
Next to Museo El Deposito, we also visited the Museo ng Katipunan, dedicated to the Katipunan, showcasing the Philippine Revolution using old papers, unique items, secret messages, and sharp weapons used by Katipuneros.
Enchanting Journey to Baguio: A Blend of Scenic Landscapes and Volkswagen Festivities
From that day forward, the tour to Baguio began. We started at Comercio Central in Mabalacat, Pampanga, for lunch and a taste of coffee at D’Grounds Cafe. Comercio Central is also perfect for dinner, with reports of different bands performing there. The most exciting part followed as we passed through Kennon Road to Baguio, witnessing the landscape for the first time during daylight. Arriving in Baguio felt surreal, riding a vintage car from Metro Manila to the Provincial City. The highlight of our Baguio experience was the celebration of the 36th Volkswagen National Annual Meeting held at SM Baguio City, displaying hundreds of Volkswagen vehicles from different year models but united in one community.
Moreover, the tour will only be complete with the Atok, Benguet side trip. The famous Northern Blossom has been a buzz on social media. Northern Blossom will prove that anything you can see abroad is already in the Philippines. The thousand flowers will give you millions of reasons why you should visit the Philippines. Certainly, you can also witness clouds during sunrise. Furthermore, since Atok, Benguet is a two-hour drive from Baguio City, you should leave the city at 4 in the morning to enjoy the full blast of cold temperatures, ranging from 12 degrees Celsius to 16 degrees Celsius.
In addition, the tour aimed to showcase vintage Volkswagen cars and revisit memories, with support from the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines. Thanks to the Volkswagen Club of the Philippines, the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines, and Travel Experts for this unique and unforgettable experience—a perfect memory to conclude 2023.
This recent collaboration between the Tourism Promotion Boards of the Philippines and the Volkswagen Club of the Philippines resulted in a remarkable vintage car tour from Manila to Baguio. The journey brought together enthusiasts, media partners, and tour operators to explore cultural gems like Lakbay Museo and historical sites such as Museo San Agustin. Additionally, the side trip to Atok, Benguet, with its famous Northern Blossom, showcased the natural beauty of the Philippines.
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