Museo del Galeon, SM MOA Complex in Pasay

This spectacular maritime heritage museum opened May 1, 2026 at the SM MOA Complex. It is connected to the mall so it is quite accessible. Tickets prices are a bit expensive but every cent is worth the interactive experience of being inside an actual massive galleon ship. 

We went there on May 7, 2026 (Thursday) at around 5:55 PM so we had merely an hour to explore the museum. It highlights our rich maritime tradition from the indigenous tradition of boat making, the galleon trade up to our present day heroes, the Filipino seamen whose indefatigable contribution to the shipping industry is globally recognized.

The Balangay is made of hand carved planks 

stitched or pegged together.

The Balangay are made of lugs carved on planks, lashed to the ribs
of the boat with fiber ropes.
A strong and flexible vessel totally devoid of any metal materials.

The discovery of nine plant boats in Butuan in 1976 dating between the 7th and 10 century, confirms the uninterrupted 1000 year old indigenous tradition of boat making.

Intricate small scale model of the building of a galleon

The huge galleon is located on the second floor of the exhibit. There are escalators as well as an elevator so it is very accessible. The entrance to the ship is through a slightly elevated ramp.

Thousands of native men were recruited to provide mandatory paid labor to work
on the building of the 'castles of the sea'. It is said that as many as 6,000 laborers 

were hired to cut and haul lumber needed for the masts of a SINGLE galleon.

It could carry supplies to last long voyages and still have space for valuable cargo.
From 16th century Europe spanning three centuries, it was the vessel for world exploration.

Only the highest ranking offiers and important paying
guests were assigned private cabins. Other officers were accommodated on the
gun deck with sleeping  quarters separated by canvas curtains.

The Captain's cabin had windows as well as a table used for dining 

as well as for meetings for the officers.

The museum is open from Wednesdays to Sundays
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Ticket prices: 675 pesos for adults
Discounted rates for students, teachers, seniors and PWDs.

Tickets can be purchased on site at the museum or online at their website.

Wat Pho (The Reclining Buddha), Bangkok Thailand

First of all, I want to offer my sincere condolences to the Thai people on the passing of their beloved Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha at the age of 47, after nearly 4 years in a coma. Everyone we met in Bangkok and in Ayutthaya were quite fond of Princess Bha, the eldest child of the King Maha Vajiralongkorn also known as King Rama X, the tenth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty.  May she rest in peace.

Now back to the third and last stop of our private tour with Sam, our guide. We took the river boat again to cross the Chao Phraya River.  Then we were driven to the Phra Nakhon district where WAT PHO is located. 

We ate a quick lunch at a local restaurant recommended by Sam and I'd have to say that no meal in Thailand is complete without the ubiquitous mango sticky rice. To say that I overloaded on this famous and delicious dessert during our vacation is an understatement. 

Wat Pho, a first class royal temple is one of the largest and oldest temples in Thailand. The 80,000 square meters sprawling temple complex houses the largest collection of Buddha figurines in Thailand. 

More importantly, Wat Pho is the location of the 46 meters long and 14 meters high, gold plated Reclining Buddha situated inside a dedicated hall. You are required to wear a sarong to cover your legs and remove your shoes when you enter the massive hall.

The soles of Buddha's feet are 5 meters long and inlaid with mother of pearl.

These 108 auspicious symbols represent a complete map of Buddhist cosmology.

For a minimal amount you can buy 108 coins and then drop them into 108 bronze bowls lining the hall. The tradition of dropping coins is an act of merit. The number 108 signifies the auspicious characteristics and virtues of the Buddha.

Wat Pho Ticket price: 300 Thai Baht (Single Entry)
Open daily from 08:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Visitors are required to dress properly and appropriately.
Be respectful and do not destroy historical artifacts.

Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Bangkok Thailand

Let us get back on track of my Bangkok (April 26 - May 4, 2025) trip blog posts series. 

From the Grand Palace, we were driven to the river boat station to board a river taxi to cross the Chao Praya River to reach the Wat Arun Temple which is one of Bangkok's most iconic landmarks. Just a short boat ride but quite scenic as you can already see the towering prang of the majestic temple with its intricately encrusted millions of colorful pieces of Chinese porcelain and seashells. 

It was a really hot and warm day so I changed my top because I was soaking wet from buckets of sweat. Even my hair strands were dripping wet. Goodness!

The Temple of Dawn has existed since the Ayutthaya Kingdom period (1351 - 1767), its original name was "Wat Makok". It is said that King Thasin the Great wanted to establish a new capital of Thonburi.  He travelled along the Chao Praya River and arrived in front of Wat Makok just as dawn was breaking, hence it was named "Wat Chaeng" which means "Temple of Dawn".

A major restoration of the prang (spire) was made in the 19th century during the reign of King Rama II and the name was changed to Wat Arun Ratchatharam and served as the temple of his reign.

During the reign of King Rama IV, the temple was renamed Wat Arun Ratchawararam after further restoration and construction works were done. The primary prang shaped chedi symbolizes Mount Meru or the center of the universe.

You can hire/rent tradtional Thai costumes (complete with head gears and umbrellas) both for males and females then have your picture taken with  these majestic prangs as your background. 

Inside the Ordination Hall is the Niramitr Buddha statue designed by King Rama II. The sitting Buddha was crafted out of wood, cast in bronze then covered with gold leaf.  The base of the main Buddha image is believed to house the ashes of King Rama II.