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Getting There

Taguig is located at the southern section of Metro Manila and the northwestern shore of Laguna de Bay. It is easily accessible via taxi or public transportation.

Attractions

Intramuros
During the Spanish colonial period from the 1500s to 1800s, Intramuros was the seat of Philippine government. The historic walled city remains replete with sterling examples of the colonial lifestyle and Spanish architecture, including the Manila Cathedral, the region’s oldest church. Intramuros is best visited during the day; various tours are available at the Fort Santiago visitors’ center.

Taal Volcano
Just two hours south of Manila is the world’s smallest active volcano, which features Vulcan Point, an island within Crater Lake, which is on Volcano Island, within Taal Lake. It is not only well worth seeing, but an adventure to approach, since the peak is accessible by boat, horse, or hike. Overnight and day tour packages are available onsite.

Find out more information here.

Useful Information

Weather
The Philippines has a tropical climate, with heavy rainfall from June to August, cooler temperatures from late November to early February, and very sunny summers from March to May. Regardless of the season, it tends to be humid all year round, so lightweight clothes and especially cotton are recommended.

Time Difference
GMT +8, or Hong Kong time

Money
Local currency is the peso. Money changers abound, especially in shopping malls or commercial buildings in the business districts. Credit cards, particularly VISA and Mastercard, are widely accepted.

Festivals

Santa Anang Banak Taguig River Festival – July 26
This grand fluvial parade celebrates the four-centuries-old legend of Taguig patroness Saint Anne, who is said to have gathered thousands of schools of banak fish in the river to feed the populace during a time of hardship, when harvests were ruined by flooding. Every part of the legend is represented in the festival events.

Amid the pagodahan—the river parade proper, awash with themed boats and costumes depicting the diverse cultural backgrounds of Taguig’s people—is the pasubo, in which revelers throw one another gifts of food, particularly fruit and various types of eggs, including salted ‘red’ egg and balut (fertilized duck egg). The end of the pagodahan starts off the pandangguhan, in which dancers in native costume perform the pandanggo, balancing candles on their heads, hands, and sometimes feet, in honor of how women once lit the riverbanks to guide their fishermen home. The public is more than welcome to join the fun, with or without candles.

Food

Inutak
A smooth, chewy dessert of galapong (sticky rice) and gata (coconut milk), baked over a charcoal fire—delicious with vanilla ice cream, salabat (ginger infusion), or coffee

Tipas Hopia
Taguig’s Tipas Bakery is renowned for its hopia mongo, sweet mung bean paste encased in light, flaky pastry. Other varieties, including a savory pork hopia, are also available.