Brick by plastic brick, the whole archipelago of the Philippines was represented in all its Lego glory by Jig Manaloto and the Philippine Bricksters. They were inspired to create a local version of the LEGO Brickstructures that features famed landmarks all around the globe, but their finished product was even more mind-boggling, they Lego-fied the whole of the Philippines!

THE UNDERGROUND RIVER IN PUERTO PRINCESA

Delightful is the word as I checked the miniaturized version of our country. I was astounded by the creativity of the builders that made this possible—turning colorful plastic blocks into landmark designs that echo the Philippines’ heritage.

THE LIGHTHOUSE IN BATANES AND THE PAOAY CHURCH IN ILOCOS

I started circling the Philippine Lego Land from the topmost part of the country. From the lighthouse of Batanes, I went down to the UNESCO World Heritage Church of Paoay, then into the nearby giants of Bangui Windmills, and finally, to the historic streets of Vigan City.

INTRAMUROS AND RIZAL PARK IN MANILA

I traced the walls of Fort Santiago in Manila and arrived at Jose Rizal’s shrine in Luneta, dropping down on the Mall of Asia, before heading onwards.

POSH HOTELS IN BORACAY

CROCODILE FARM IN PUERTO PRINCESA

EL NIDO’S LUXURIOUS RESORTS

I then visited the island of Mindoro for some beach adventure, leapfrogging to the grand hotels of Boracay, the posh huts of El Nido and into Puerto Princesa for more fun in the sun. I then rode a boat into Palawan’s New Seven Wonders of the Natures finalist, the Underground River, and checked the action at the Crocodile Farm.

MAGELLAN’S CROSS IN CEBU AND THE CHOCOLATE HILLS IN BOHOL

I visited Iloilo’s Museo Iloilo, attended the colorful Masskara Festival in Bacolod, and then it was time for Cebu and it’s iconic Magellan’s Cross. A few Lego bricks later and I was hopping across the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and into Mindanao.

VINTA BOATS IN ZAMBOANGA

THE ST. JAMES CATHEDRAL IN ZAMBOANGA AND SINTANKAI HOUSES IN TAWI-TAWI

I sailed on colorful vintas and visited Zamboanga’s St. James Cathedral, then glided across Lake Sebu and hopped to Tawi-Tawi’s Sitankai Houses.

THE MAJESTIC MARIA CRISTINA FALLS IN ILIGAN CITY

EVEN FESTIVALS ARE REPRESENTED IN THE LEGO EXHIBIT

Sailing to Davao, I attended the Kadayawan Festival and tried to look for the Philippine Eagle. After lounging around the Pearl Farm and hiking to majestic Maria Cristina Falls, it was time to go back to Visayas.

GENERAL MACARTHUR’S LANDING SITE IN LEYTE

THE SAN JUANICO BRIDGE IN SAMAR AND LEYTE

THE MAJESTIC CONE OF MAYON VOLCANO

First on the itinerary was MacArthur’s Landing Memorial in Leyte. I then crossed the longest bridge in the country, the San Juanico Bridge, and travelled all the way to majestic Mayon Volcano. I swam with Sorsogon’s massive butanding whale sharks before proceeding to Camsur’s Capitol.

A CLOSE UP OF IFUGAO’S RICE TERRACES

Ferrying through the waters of the Philippine Sea, and I was back in Luzon, finishing my countrywide tour by climbing the stone stairs of the Banaue Rice Terraces.

Whew! What a ride eh? I was able to zip through the whole Philippines in less than half an hour!

THE SPRAWLING EXHIBIT AT SM MALL OF ASIA

Sadly, I was only able to check the exhibit on its very last day at the Mall of Asia. Hopefully Lego Pilipinas could also have a run on other venues. It’s an excellent and playful way of promoting tourism and patriotism to today’s kids and the young at hearts. Lego Pilipinas! Tara Na, indeed!

AN AMAZING LEGO MASTERPIECE, LEGO PILIPINAS, TARA NA

 

 

Lego Pilipinas, Tara Na
Address: SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
Exhibit Dates: August 18 to August 27, 2011
Open Hours: Mall Hours
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates Map: 14.535295, 120.982071