It may be the smallest of Manila’s cities, but San Juan is a giant name in Philippine records. Its Pinaglabanan Shrine marks the first battle of the Katipunan or the Philippine Revolution that paved way to Filipinos’ freedom from Spanish colonizers.
Accommodations
The city has also been labeled the “Town of Philippine Presidents” that served as the hometown of four Filipino leaders: Diosdado Macapagal Sr., Ferdinand Marcos, Joseph Estrada, and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. As such, San Juan hosts a number of luxury hotels like Greenhills Elan Hotel and Orange Place Hotel. Several decent hostels, houses and rooms for rent are also scattered around Greenhills.
Local festival
In honor of its namesake and patron saint, John the Baptist, San Juan celebrates the Feast of St. John the Baptist every June 24. The festivities include locals’ dousing vehicles and pedestrians with water. For this reason, commuters and drivers often avoid going to San Juan on that date.
Shopping and dining
At any time of the year, however, San Juan is a go-to place, especially among shoppers and diners. The city’s Greenhills Shopping Center is one of the most popular dining and bargain havens in the country, especially for clothing, electronics and knock-off brands.
