Kalesa (Horse-Drawn Carriage) Festival in Manila

Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and your enjoyment. Travelers know that the destination is a major part in planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into an unfamiliar places, people and culture is paramount.

Expand your horizons and set your sight to the Philippines, an off the beaten path travel site! An undiscovered paradise made of thousands of islands and white sand beaches all around! A tiny dot in the map of the world, and yet a haven for travelers, backpackers, retirees and even passersby.

It offers awesome tourist attractions, magnificent beaches, hot spring resorts, colorful festivals, hundreds of scenic spots and world-class hotels and facilities. Not to mention the tropical climate, the affordable prices as well as the friendly and hospitable, English-speaking people! You will be glad you came, and we’re sure, you WILL come back for more FUN in the Philippines!

KALESA FESTIVAL

Photo from: senorenrique.blogspot.com

Every year, for one day in September, the unpopular and rarely-used kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) becomes the king of the road.

Photo from: city-data.com

One of the most widely-used modes to ferry people and produce in the 18th century, the kalesa is now more commonly used carrying tourists around historical attractions in Intramuros and Chinatown in Binondo. Outside of Manila, they can be seen traversing the cobblestoned streets of Vigan in Ilocos Sur and a few other rural towns.

Photo from: news.bbc.co.uk

Once ubiquitous, the kalesa however is vanishing. Seeing the need to preserve this centuries-old symbol of tradition and influence, the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) created the Kalesa Festival in 2004 in recognition of its humble yet significant contribution to Philippine history and culture, and identity.

Photo from: postcards.delcampe.net