Manila: Pearl of the Orient Manila: Pearl of the Orient Email: support@dumagueteinfo.com Manila: Pearl of the Orient Manila: Pearl of the Orient Manila Located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, bisected right in the middle by the mighty Pasig River just west of Quezon City on the island of Luzon , Manila is the chief seaport and cultural center of the Philippines. This 3,855-hectare land is the country’s seat of political and administrative power as it is the home of Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippine Republic, the Supreme Court and other major government agencies. The city’s name is derived from the phrase “May Nilad,” which literally translates to “the place of the nilad,” referring to the flowering mangrove plant that grew in abundance centuries ago on the marshy shores of Manila Bay. Even in Pre-Hispanic times, this ancient city traded with India and China as it was once a part of two powerful Hindu empires, the Srivijaya that ruled Sumatra, and later, the Majapahit empire based in East Java.

Starting from the country’s colonial period in 1565 up to its independence in 1946, the city was the center of government by a succession of Spanish and American colonizers and Japanese invaders. Up until the start of the Second World War, Manila was considered the most beautiful city in Asia. But this distinction was abruptly put to an end when carpet bombing by U.S. Forces and house-to-house fighting leveled the city to the ground and made it the most ravaged city in the world second only to Warsaw in Poland. Although the Philippines is said to be the largest Catholic country in Asia, Manila’s cosmopolitan culture mirrors a society that has held on to its roots. It has a mixture of different religions such as Muslims, Hindus and Christians that live together in harmony. This premiere city’s stature as the capital of the Philippines is globally recognized as Paris is widely known as the capital of France. The City Seal of Manila, which shows a pearl embedded in a shell aptly describes the city as the “Pearl of the Orient” because of its picturesque location and astounding golden sunsets viewed from the shores of enchanting Manila Bay.

What to see in Manila On account of its strategic location, this modern, teeming metropolis is used as a base for further travel to other parts of the country that is why it is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Philippines.” However, many people who stop to explore the city on their way to other parts of the islands discover the friendliness and charm of its blend of cultures, and invariably find nuggets of treasured sights to behold and experiences to remember. Manila is an exciting place to be and communication with its friendly people is easy because English is widely spoken, prices are dirt cheap and you can definitely get much more than your fair share of sunshine. A visit to Manila can never be complete without a tour of the following: The Walled City of Intramuros: Located south of the Pasig River along Sta. Clara Street, this ancient fortress built by the Spanish colonizers in 1571 is the old and original enclave of Manila, which was the exclusive preserve of the Spanish ruling class. One of the oldest spots in the country, Intramuros is packed with ancient churches and buildings. The walls are almost what remained of the original fortress after the devastation of World War II.

And, if you walk on its 4.5 kilometer long rampart, you can almost feel a strong sense of its glorious history. Rizal Park: Said to be Asia’s largest park, this 60-hectare expanse of ornamental gardens, paved walks, open lawns, and wooded areas, is bordered by Burgos Street, Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw and Quirino Streets. The most familiar spot in this historically significant park is the monument of Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero, who was executed on this site by the Spanish colonialists, and where his remains now lie buried. Other attractions in the park are the National Museum, the Planetarium, Orchidarium, the Butterfly Pavilion, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens. Hundreds of locals and tourists alike flock here daily for a relaxing early morning or late afternoon stroll or to go people watching. Ermita-Malate Tourist Belt: The Ermita and Malate Districts located south of the Pasig River are the centers of bohemian nightlife and are two of the city’s most well-known tourist districts known for night entertainment.

In this area, tourists can also shop till they drop in the daytime for priceless souvenir items such as indigenous and tribal products crafted from fabric, wood, shells, silver, leather and other handicrafts and elegant embroidered products. The more adventurous bargain hunters can go to a cluster of stalls located under the Quezon Bridge in the Quiapo District north of the Pasig River where native handicrafts are sold at rock-bottom prices. Where to Eat in Manila The historic past of the city is reflected on its blend of flavors and cuisine–from American to Spanish, Chinese and Japanese recipes, with specialties ranging from steaks to seafood and noodles. Understandably, the best Spanish food in the Far East can be found in Manila, the Philippines being the only former Spanish colony in Asia. However, a host of American fast food chains also dot the city such as Burger King, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, KrispyKreme, Shakey’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Chow King (Chinese), Saisaki (Japanese) and Jollibee , the Filipino version of McDonald’s are found in most malls, tourist and university belts.

A typical burger or chicken meal in these fast food chains can be had for as cheap as USD2.00 – USD3.00, or P80.00 –P120.00! On the other hand, casual or sit-down dining in city restaurants fall under the mid-range price category, which amount to about USD8.00-USD10.00, or about P320.00-P400.00 per person. For this price range, you can also eat all you can buffet style in some of the city restaurants. Ilustrado: Located in 744 Gen. Luna St. in Intramuros, this mid-range restaurant is set in a reconstructed Spanish-era house in the historic Walled City of Intramuros. European, Spanish and Filipino food are elaborately prepared and served here. Harbor View: This establishment can be found at South Boulevard, in historic Rizal Park. Dining here is complemented by the clean, fresh sea breeze because the restaurant is located on a jetty fronting Manila Bay, which gives the illusion of dining aboard a yacht that is cruising on the bay.

Where to Stay in Manila Because people from all over the country and around the world flock to Manila all year round, there are all sorts of hotels and resorts in the city that cater to all levels of visitors. Most of these are conveniently located near tourist attractions and commercial centers. Friendlys Guesthouse: This hostel offers good clean accommodation aimed at backpackers and budget conscious travelers. It has large living areas, a big kitchen and free wi-fi. Big Bed Aircon Rooms With Private Bath – P800.00, Triple Economy Double Deck Aircon Rooms (sofa bed on bottom and single bed on top for 3 persons) – P800.00, Big Bed / Double Deck Bed Aircon Rooms – P700.00, Aircon Dormitory – P300.00, Single Bed / Big Bed Fan Rooms – P400.00, 450.00 & 500.00. 1750 Adriatico cor.

Nakpil Streets Malate, Manila +632-0917-333-1418 Lotus Garden Suites: This hotel is emerging as one of the most preferred standard hotels in Manila, whose best rates of USD33.00, or P1,320.00 is just right for the visitor looking for mid-range cost accommodations. 1227 A. Mabini cor. Padre Faura Streets Ermita, Manila +632-522-1515 Fax: +632-522-0768 The Manila Hotel: Located right beside the Rizal Park a short distance away from the Walled City of Intramuros and the Baywalk area, this historic hotel will surely fit the budget of visitors who love to splurge for a taste of class. Fax: +632-527-0022 How to Get to Manila How to Go Around the City: Public transportation like buses, jeepneys and taxi cabs are aplenty in the city.

To avoid the nightmarish city traffic, you can ride the Light Rail Transit (LRT), whose two elevated lines run from Monumento in Caloocan City to Baclaran in Pasay City and from C.M. Recto in Manila to Santolan Avenue in Quezon City. Going around the city entails the minimum fare for a jeepney or bus ride. In addition, horse drawn carriages called “calesas” are popular means of transportations in certain areas, such as Intramuros, Rizal Park and Chinatown in Binondo. Cebu to Manila and Back: To reach Manila from Cebu, you can either fly or sail from Cebu to Manila. Approximate cost of a round trip plane ticket is P3,500.00 – P5,000.00 while a round trip boat fare is approximately P3,000.00 – P4,000.00. After you disembark at the Manila Domestic Airport or Pier area, you can take a cab, which will cost about P150.00 to P250.00 (one way).

If you are not in a hurry, from your point of disembarkation, you can hop on a bus, jeepney or LRT which will take you to Manila for less than P30.00 (one way). Dumaguete to Manila and Back: To reach Manila from Dumaguete, you can fly from Dumaguete to Manila. Approximate cost of a round trip plane ticket is P3,500.00 – P5,000.00. After you disembark at the Manila Domestic Airport, you can take a cab to Manila, which will cost about P150.00 to P250.00 (one way). But if you have less money and more time to spend, you can hop on a bus, jeepney or MRT which will take you to Manila for less than P30.00 (one way). Manila Philippines: Pearl Of The Orient ~ Travel Channel - Tips for Traveling the World| Explore Traveler Manila Philippines: Pearl Of The Orient We love to share our ideas, tips, and opportunities with you. Email * Yes, I would like to receive emails from .

(You can unsubscribe anytime) By submitting this form, you are granting: ExploreTraveler Inc, 187 E. Warm Springs Rd Suite B, Las Vegas, NV, 89119, permission to email you. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. (See our Email Privacy Policy ( for details.) Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. Manila Philippines Manila Philippines: Pearl Of The Orient Manila, Philippines is often called the Pearl of the Orient. Like the Oyster whose shell is difficult to break into, so is Manila. If you want to see the pearls of Manila, you will have to pry and dig. Manila has suffered much hardship and many natural disaster. The people have learned to fight as nature is often cruel. Out of the abundance of huge shantytowns, has come beautiful tall skyscrapers. Manila has a brand new world of air-conditioned Malls and high-tech buildings. The roads are full with traffic going no where. But Manila is alive and is one of the world’s mega cities. Tourists willing to put in a little effort, will find the creative side of this mega city.

Art galleries of every kind and music from around the world keep the pulse of this city bursting with life. It has Art markets, coffee shops, and endless small markets ran by the people. Manila has it all and it is rightfully called the Pearl of The Orient. For out of this chaos comes life. Excitement is in the air. Adventure is everywhere! There are night markets, morning markets, and street markets …..all waiting to be discovered in Manila Philippines. Manila is located on Manila Bay in the South China Sea. The bay is fed by the beautiful Pasig River. Manila, being the capital of The Philippines, is a modern mega city made up of six smaller cities and 12 towns. It is both historic and artistic. It is rich and poor. It is modern and archaic. It is Manila! One extremely popular place is the walled area of Intramuros. Dating back to Spanish Colonial times, it is historic and ancient. It is living history! Here you will find dungeons and rooms to make gunpowder. But Intramuros has another side, it is artistic. Intramuros is loaded with art galleries and museums. It is filled with quaint little shops, parks, and churches.

Sidewalk cafes dot the landscape. The night-life is active and fun…..lasting till the rising of the sun. Intramuros is alive! Manila Philippines is blessed with some of the most romantic hotels. Many of these are on the beach. Step outside and hit the beach. Now that is romance over the top. Manila has some of the nicest beaches in the Philippines. They are just waiting to be discovered. They are waiting for you! Kokoro Ramenya in Fisher Mall in Quezon City is a fancy Ramen Restaurant. It is one of the most popular Japanese Restaurants in Manila. Located on the bay, it has a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. The restaurant appears spacious with good lighting. Most seem to think that the menu is slightly limited, but the food is excellent. Ramen and Sashimi seem to be house favorites. Most feel the service to be excellent. Manila Philippines is not the biggest tourist area in the Philippines. It is however loaded with pearls for those who like to seek out the jewels of an area. Make this the visit where you look for pearls, in Manila Philippines. The hotels are modern and quality abounds. Restaurants are varied from awesome small local cafes to High quality dinner houses.

Whatever you are looking for, surely you will find it in Manila Philippines. Here is our favorite restaurant in Manila. Visit Manila - the "Pearl of the Orient" | Travel to the Philippines Visit Manila – the “Pearl of the Orient” 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! Destination – Manila, Philippines! Manila is the capital of the Philippines .

Because of its ideal location, between China and the west coast of North America, Manila eventually became the center of Spanish activity in the Far East and one end of the Manila–Acapulco galleon trade route linking Latin America and Asia. This caused it to be called the “Pearl of the Orient”. It is located on the eastern shores of Manila bay, and is bisected by the Pasig River. Almost the entire city sits on top of centuries of prehistoric alluvial deposits built by the waters of the Pasig and on some land reclaimed from Manila Bay. Manila is by far the largest metropolitan area in the Philippines and the second largest in Southeast Asia. It is the commercial, administrative, cultural center and chief seaport of the Philippines. About 12 percent of the population of the Philippines is concentrated in the Manila metropolitan area. Manila is also the major destination for tourists who visit the Philippines. Coconut trees, giant kaleidoscopic lamp posts, and various cafes line the Baywalk, the perfect location for tourists to view the afternoon sunset. Numerous points of interest in the city attract about 1 million visitors annually from all over the world.

Many of Manila’s tourist sites are found in the old downtown area and along Roxas Boulevard, which parallels Manila Bay. Traveling in Manila is like having a glimpse of the 500-year history of the Philippines. To this day, there are relics of everyday from pre-Hispanic era, and their respective colonial era in the Philippines has been through the last century – Spain, America, and Japan. This city is built for the Spaniards, it has stood the test of time and contains some of the most unique churches, museums, and incredible ruins in the country. It is one of the most visited historical locations in the Philippines today. The Philippines has gone through the hands of many countries, meaning that Manila is an intense melting pot of Spanish, Chinese and Filipino culture, architecture and foods, making for an off-the-brochure experience like no other. Manila’s Climate Together with the rest of the Philippines, Manila lies entirely within the tropics. Its proximity to the equator means that the temperature range is very small, rarely going lower than 20 °C and going higher than 38 °C. However, humidity levels are usually very high which makes it feel much warmer.

It has a distinct, albeit relatively short dry season from January through April, and a relatively lengthy wet season from May through December. – Wikipedia Though the weather ranges from “hot” to “hot and rainy,” it seems that locals and visitors, alike, tend to maintain an upbeat attitude. The Filipino People English is the language most widely used in education and business throughout the Metro Manila region. A number of older residents can still speak basic Spanish, which was a mandatory subject in the curriculum of Philippine universities and colleges, and many children of European, Arab, Indian, Latin American, or other migrants or expatriates also speak their parents’ languages at home, aside from English and/or Filipino for everyday use. Minnan Chinese (known as Lannang-oe) is spoken by the city’s Chinese-Filipino community. – Wikipedia Truly, Manila is one city that one must not miss to visit when traveling to the Philippines! RECOMMENDED READINGS Groovy Map ‘n’ Guide Manila (2010) – A laminated map and guide to Manila’s most happening places, best of dining, bars, clubs, shopping, markets, street-side eats, gambling, and more.

We tell you where to get a midnight snack, get a foot massage, have your fortune told! Visit Makati, visit Malate, get confused at the names, and then get a spa! We also give you our ‘Groovy Day’ a linked column covering what we’d do in 24hrs if money were no object and we had the stamina of a teenager. AND now, updated with completely new maps fonts, coloring — less contrast, bigger and better for older eyes! 6 Maps: Downtown Manila, MRT Manila Rail Transport, Bel-Air Village 2, Ermita & Malate, Greenbelt & Ayala Center, and a hotel index included. 5 out of 5 stars. GET YOUR COPY Lonely Planet Philippines (Country Travel Guide) – Experience the best of the Philippines with Lonely Planet. With our 10th edition you’ll discover the dramatic beauty and unique culture of these Asian islands – careen through Manila in a jeepney, swim with the whale sharks off Bicol, hike inland for jaw-dropping scenery or unwind on idyllic white-sand beaches. Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit.

This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip. GET YOUR COPY Sundays in Manila – “Bob Boyer offers affectionate-often intimate-portraits of Filipino life and culture, formed over many visits to a country that many, if not most, Americans know only in the broadest terms: as a staunch ally in the Pacific and its other wars, as the rack of Imelda’s shoes, and as the home of Manny Pacquiao. Bob sharpens that picture with factual detail. Whether he’s riding a jeepney, sipping iced tea at the Chocolate Kiss, exploring the mysteries of Quiapo, or marching up Bataan and Corregidor, Dr. Boyer invariably delights and inevitably instructs; sometimes-like all good teachers do, but ever so gently-Bob disturbs and critiques us with his observations. It’s hard to imagine how a visitor from the snowbound American Midwest could connect so well with sun-baked Pinoys, but Bob Boyer did-and does again, through this eminently enjoyable book.” –Jose Y. Dalisay, Jr., PhD, Professor, University of the Philippines Diliman.

“I have not met Prof. Boyer. Yet, I feel that I know him quite well. His style of writing for Sundays in Manila is not only easy to read, it is also personal. During my four decades of travel to the Philippines I walked many of the paths Prof. Boyer writes about. The scenes are described so vividly and with such clarity that I feel I am at his side. The book also served as a learning experience for me. While I visited many of the same sites, the book describes them in so much additional detail that I now know the sites better. The Philippines is blessed by a number of historic sites as well as those associated with the American period and World War II. Professor Boyer serves both as a personal historian and a guide as he brings historic events to life. The book serves as an excellent reference for persons interested in Philippine history as well as for those who plan to visit the country.” –John A. Ballweg PhD, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

GET YOUR COPY Manila Reborn - Google Arts & Culture Manila Reborn An exhibit on the postwar reconstruction of a city "Pearl of the Orient" Manila is said to have been called "Pearl of the Orient" since the 1750s, but before World War II, guidebooks and other books have certainly referred to the city as such. Manila: The Pearl of the Orient (1908) lays down the terrain to tourists of old: "Manila is divided by the Pasig River into the north and the south sides; on the south bank are the old Walled City and the districts of Ermita, Malate, and Paco, while on the north side are the Escolta, the principal business section, and the districts of Binondo, San Nicolas, Tondo, Santa Cruz, Quiapo, and Sampaloc. The Escolta is the main business artery of Manila, and on it are located the chief business houses of the city.

The junction of the Escolta and the Bridge of Spain is the principal business center, and at this point cars may be taken for nearly any part of the city or suburbs." A foreign tourist at the time enthused: "She is easily the queen of the cities of the East, and for one who knows how to find the buried treasures, a year of residence in Manila may be one of the most profitable in a lifetime." Built heritage in prewar Manila--such as the art deco buildings, the "Walled City" of Intramuros, and Chinatown--vividly reflected the confluence of Asian, European, and American cultures. After Spanish colonization of the country, American rule led to the institutionalization of education and the creation of public infrastructure which opened Manila to world trade and culture. Cosmopolitan Manila was a city that "felt equally at home with the tango, the flamenco, the waltz, the jive, and Balinese dancing." It enjoyed an era called "Peacetime." Manileños before the war were entertained by "vaudeville, talking pictures, a big basketball game, [or] a gala night at the Santa Ana Cabaret." Meanwhile, America sank into The Great Depression.

As the country's capital, Manila was important in World War II for its ports, airfields, edifices, shipyards, factories, and warehouses. But when the war first broke, the city was taken by surprise. "They must also be thrown into the river" As with the duration of the war starting in 1941, the capture and control of Manila was inevitable towards the end of the war four years later. The Battle for Manila between the joint Filipino and American forces and the Japanese Imperial Army from February 3 to March 3, 1945 caused the loss of more than 100,000 lives and a massive destruction of the city. According to the historian William Manchester, "seventy percent of the utilities, 75 percent of the factories, 80 percent of the southern residential district, and 100 percent of the business district was razed" in the course of the Battle. Gen. Douglas MacArthur had planned to liberate Manila as soon as the United States Army entered it on February 2, 1945. Little did he know that the Japanese had been setting up defenses since December 1944.

Japanese equipment consisted of everything but armor and aircraft. The Japanese had machine guns, anti-aircraft and automatic cannons, howitzers, mortars, and rocket launchers. Due to the Japanese's widespread use of residences and public buildings as defense positions, the Battle for Manila was costly in terms of damage to public and private property. As Filipino and American troops entered Manila, Japanese soldiers began to detonate buildings everywhere in the city in a calculated program of destruction. The Filipino-American army waged the Battle for Manila with tanks and tank destroyers, heavy artillery, bazookas, machine guns, flamethrowers, snipers. The Americans were ordered not to fire on areas that housed civilians. Civilians, however, were randomly sniped at by the Japanese or used as human shields. Civilians were raped, bayoneted, massacred. Dead bodies were ordered to be gathered in houses scheduled to be burned or destroyed. "They should also be thrown into the river," a battalion order went. The havoc was complete.

As Bambi Harper wrote, "The combatants took our history when they leveled Intramuros, they took our future when they slaughtered our youth." "Stinking with the thousands of dead" The editor and publisher AVH Hartendorp described Manila in the wake of the Battle: "Manila lay waste, stinking with the thousands of dead of massacre as well as battle. It had lost its piers, docks, and bridges, its electric light and power and gas plants, its telephone exchanges, radio stations, and newspaper plants, its factories and warehouses and office-buildings, its schools and universities, libraries, museums, churches, and theaters, its hotels and apartment houses, nine-tenths of its private homes, even its parks and avenues and streets. A great city, of a million inhabitants, a metropolis, three hundred years in building, was gone." Among the prewar structures destroyed as a result of the Japanese defense position was the Bureau of Posts Building on the south bank of the Pasig River. Another was the Legislative Building. Designed according to the Beaux Arts tradition, it had housed majority of the items of the National Museum of the Philippine Islands. The Finance Building was not spared. Neither was the Commerce and Agriculture Building.

First constructed in the 1590s, the Manila Cathedral is virtually as old as the city of Manila. The seat of the country's highest prelate, it had endured many storms, earthquakes, and wars. Some important cultural structures were completely lost, like the Bureau of Science Building which contained the Divisions of Ethnology and Anthropology of the National Museum. Manila came to be the second most devastated Allied city in World War II. Ruins of the Battle for Manila--and the city's prewar culture--were bulldozed to give way to reconstruction. "Forgotten and forgiven" When the war officially ended in September 1945, recovery was slow. The Philippines had no one to turn to for help but the Americans, who had pledged to pay for all war damages. As per the pre-war schedule, independence from American rule was celebrated on July 4, 1946. Although in theory it gave the Philippines the independence it long aspired for, it also deepened the country's economic and political dependence on the United States. Part of the United States' war assistance to the Philippines was the clearing of debris in Manila, and the provision of surplus US military equipment and property already in the country.

War had changed how Manileños navigated their city. For instance, right-hand driving was introduced in the country during the Battle for Manila, when it facilitated the movement of American troops. The United Nations sent $11 million worth of food, clothing, medicine, and farm implements, but the relief program ended when the Philippines became independent in 1946. The United States allotted $1.24 billion as payment for war damages even if the Philippine government's estimate was $8 billion. Payment was enforced only upon the approval of US-controlled free trade. With little to go on, Filipino leaders counted on unity, loyalty, and mercy to support rehabilitation policies. Sergio Osmeña pushed for political unity by appointing former guerrillas to public office. Manuel Roxas insisted that "errors of the mind rather than the heart must be forgotten and forgiven." Elpidio Quirino gave clemency to collaborators and enemy soldiers despite the massacre of his family in 1945. The money paid by America for war damages helped cover the reconstruction of some heritage structures, like the Bureau of Posts, the Legislative Building, and City Hall.

Compared to reconstruction in contemporary times, postwar rehabilitation was relatively quick and took only a few months or years. But rebuilding life from scratch was hard. Manila five years after the war was, as Nick Joaquin wrote, "in the same condition in which it had been left after the Japs and the GIs were through with it." "The makeshift devices of the Liberation days, like the pontoon bridge and the quonset hut, had...become the normal conditions...like the ruins, the relief goods, the racketeers." "Abnormality had become the pattern of our lives. And the abnormality showed most in the three freaks that the Liberation had spawned in Manila--the jeepney, the barong-barong, and the squatter." Life went on as Filipinos tried to recover their strength. Carlos Garcia's "Filipino First" policy encouraged Filipinos to venture into trade, leading to the proliferation of factories in Manila. "A New Society" By the 1960s and 1970s, as the Philippine government continued to grapple with corruption, civilian unrest, and foreign debt, life was not so much back to normal, as different.

Ferdinand Marcos pushed for the creation of a "New Society" in which old values were supposed to be rejected in favor of progress and reform. Assisted by the military and police, Marcos embarked on a decades-long restructuring of Manila, a venture that included a reclamation project on Manila Bay and the building of cultural centers inspired by local aesthetics. In 1975, Marcos decreed the creation of Metro Manila under which Manila was subsumed. Marcos appointed the First Lady, Imelda Marcos, as governor of Metro Manila. Rather than reconstruct old buildings, new ones were built, such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in the reclaimed area of Pasay, another sub-city of Metro Manila. Businesses left war-torn Escolta, and the once-grassy municipality of Makati prospered as the new commercial center of the region. Eventually, Makati became a city within Metro Manila. By the 1980s and 1990s, with the country trying to reclaim democracy as it approached the new millennium, World War II had already been quite forgotten despite its relics.

"Ciudad Insigne y Siempre Leal" In 1571, the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi landed in Manila and declared it a city founded in the name of the King: "in his name will I defend it, maintaining peace and justice for all Spaniards, citizens, and foreigners, and for all the natives, giving equal justice to the rich and to the poor, to the humble and to the great, and succoring widows and orphans." Almost 500 years later, Manila is still a "City Distinguished and Ever Loyal," sustaining the same types of people that Legazpi swore to protect. With half a millennium of history on its back, the city is home to new generations of Filipinos from all walks of life. Through the vigilance and commitment of cultural workers and old timers, Manila is still able to preserve some of the country's history. The Legislative Building again houses the National Museum. The former Commerce and Agriculture Building was briefly home to the Department of Tourism and is now set to open as the National Museum of Natural History. In this age of social media, email, and SMS, the Post Office Building remains one of the grandest American-era structures in the country.

The Neo-Romanesque Manila Cathedral reopened in 2014 after another round of renovation and restoration. In early 2015, it welcomed thousands of Filipinos during a mass by Pope Francis. "Challenge and Response" Perhaps no one can best describe the constant rebirth of Manila other than National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, who was born in the old district of Paco in 1917: "The history of Manila can be put in three words: challenge and response. It almost seems as if every problem, every crisis, arises just to prove the aliveness of this city: continually destroyed and continually rebuilt, ever decaying and ever re-greening." # # # Filipinas Heritage Library Manila Manila zh-cn:马尼拉 zh-tw:馬尼拉 To see all articles with the same name, see Manila (disambiguation) . Manila P (Maynila P in Filipino ) is the capital city of the Philippines . The city stands on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on the island of Luzon . It is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and its metropolitan area is the country's economic, cultural, educational, and industrial center.

Manila is often called the Pearl of the Orient. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Density—41,014 per km². Area: 38.55 km² Congressional districts : 1st to 6th districts of Manila Class: 1st class; urban The city itself is the Philippines' second most populous city at more than 1.5 million inhabitants. Only Quezon City , a suburb and the country's former capital, is more populous. Manila is the hub of a thriving metropolitan area of more than 10 million people. This metropolis, called Metro Manila , but often simply called Manila by foreigners and non-residents, consists of 17 cities and municipalities. This articles discusses the city itself; see Metro Manila for the article on the metropolis. Over the centuries, Manila grew from a small Muslim fishing village on the banks of the Pasig River into the seat of the colonial government of Spain when it controlled the Philippine Islands. Later on, the Americans controlled the Philippines and Manila became and internationally-known city in the Orient. During World War II, much of the city was destroyed, but was eventually rebuilt.

In 1975 , Manila and the surrounding towns and cities was incoporated into the independent entity of Metro Manila to better manage the affairs of the fast-growing region. Today, the city and the metropolis thrives as an important cultural and economic center. However, overpopulation, traffic congestion, pollution, and crime challenges the city. The Seal of Manila depicts the words Lungsod ng Maynila and Pilipinas, Filipino for City of Manila and Philippines, in a circle around a shield. The circle also contains six yellow stars representing the city's six congressional districts. The shield, in the shape of pre-colonial people's shield, depicts the city's nickname Pearl of the Orient on top; a sea lion in the middle, in reference to the city's Spanish influences; and the waves of the Pasig River and Manila Bay in the bottom portion. The colors of the seal mirror that of the Flag of the Philippines . Table of contents 4 External Links The City Manila lies at the mouth of the Pasig River on the eastern shores of Manila Bay , which is on the western side of Luzon . It lies about 950 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong and 2,400 kilometers northeast of Singapore .

The river bisects the city in the middle. Almost all of the city sits on top of centuries of prehistoric alluvial deposits built by the waters of the Pasig River and on some land reclaimed from Manila Bay. The layout of the city was haphazardly planned during Spanish Era as a set of communities surrounding Intramuros. Intramuros is the original walled-city of Manila. During the American Period, some semblace of city planning using the architectural designs by Daniel Burnham , was done on the portions of the city south of the Pasig River. Manila is bordered by several municipalities and cities in Metro Manila : Navotas and Caloocan City to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong City to the east, Makati City to the southeast, and Pasay City to the south. The city is divided into 16 geographical districts. These districts correspond to the original 13 Spanish pueblos: Intramuros and the surrounding 12 towns. Two of these districts were later split in recent times to correspond to the city's six congressional districts. Only one district was not an original town.

The eight districts north of the Pasig are Binondo, Quiapo, Sampaloc, San Miguel, San Nicolas, Santa Cruz, Santa Mesa, and Tondo . The other eight are Ermita , Intramuros, Malate, Paco, Pandacan, Port Area, San Andres, and Santa Ana. San Andres was previously part of Santa Ana, and Santa Mesa used to be in Sampaloc. Port Area is the only district not previously a town. All of these districts, with the exception of Port Area, have their own pamilihang bayan (public markets) and churches, and several of the them have achieved recognition in their own rights. The district of Binondo is the city's Chinatown . Tondo is the poorest, while the districts of Ermita and Malate are world-famous and popular with tourists, having many bars, restaurants, five-star hotels, and shopping malls. The Pasig River is crossed by a number of bridges in Manila. Eastward they are Roxas Bridge, Jones Bridge, McArthur Bridge, Ayala Bridge, Nagtahan Bridge (also known as Mabini Bridge), Pandacan Bridge, and Lambingan Bridge. Map of Manila.

See the (233 KB). Directly south of Intramuros lies Rizal Park, the country's most significant park. Also known as Luneta and previously as Bagumbayan, Rizal Park sits on the site where Jos� Rizal , the country's national hero, was executed by the Spanish on charges of subversion. Rizal Park is Kilometer Zero for road distances on the island of Luzon . Aside from Rizal Park, Manila has very few other parks throughout the city. Paco Park, Adriatico Circle, Malate Park, Manila Zoo, and the Malaca�ang Garden are some of the other parks in the city. In the northernmost part of the city lies the three cemeteries of Loyola, Chinese, and Manila North. Interesting Spots Ermita and Malate Night Life National Museum Cultural Center of the Philippines Folk Arts Theater Redemptorist Church or Quiapo Church San Agustin Church Malate Church or Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Sports Chinese Cemetery History Manila began as a Muslim settlement at the mouth of the Pasig River along the shores of Manila Bay .

The name came from the term maynilad, literally "there is nilad." Nilad is a white-flowered mangrove plant that grew in abundance in the area. In the mid-1500s, the areas in present-day Manila was governed by three rajahs, or Muslim community leaders. They were Rajah Sulayman and Rajah Matanda who ruled the communities south of the Pasig, and Rajah Lakandula who ruled the community north of the river. Manila was then the northernmost Muslim sultanate in the islands. It held ties with the sultanates of Brunei , Sulu , and Ternate in Cavite . Arrival of the Spanish In 1570 , a Spanish expedition ordered by Miguel L�pez de Legaspi and led by Martin de Goiti departed from Cebu and arrived in Manila. The natives tentatively welcomed the foreigners but a later conflict pushed Goiti to conquer the settlements. Legaspi followed the next year and made a peace pact with the three rajahs and organized a city council consisting of two mayors, 12 councilors, and a secretary.

The enclave of Intramuros, at the southern banks of Pasig River was built to protect the Spanish colonizers. On June 10 , 1574 , King Philip II of Spain gave Manila the title of Distinguished and Ever Loyal City. In 1595 , Manila was proclaimed as the capital of the Philippine Islands. The Philippine Revolution American Period The headquarters for USAFFE were located here as were the 31st Infantry Regiment and the 808th Military Police Company. The headquarters and bulk of the Philippine Division was located just to the south, at Fort William McKinley . The headquarters for the USAFFE Air Force was on the outskirts of town, at Nielson Field . Nearby, at Nichols Field was the 20th Air Base Group . A battalion of the 12th Quartermaster Regiment was located in the port area and training was conducted there for quartermasters of the Philippine Army . There were 6 airfields, for the Far East Air Force , within 130 km of Manila, notably Clark , Nichols , and Nielson Fields.

World War II Manila was captured by Japanese forces on January 2 , 1942 but on February 5 , 1945 American General Douglas MacArthur fulfilled a promise to return to Manila and on February 23 the city was liberated. Manila and Terrorism Manila has become a hotbed for terrorism. Targets in the city have been targeted several times by groups Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Abu Sayyaf . In addition, Al-Qaida allegedly used Manila as a recruiting base. Project Bojinka , which was a large-scale terrorist attack being planned in late 1994 and early 1995 , was being planned in Manila. The project was abandoned after the night of January 6 , 1995 and the morning of January 7 , when an apartment fire led investigators to a laptop computer containing the plans. External Links Manila About Manila Manila, capital, largest city, and chief seaport of the Philippines. The city is located on central Luzon Island, on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, at the mouth of the Pasig River, just west of Quezon City. It is the commercial, administrative, and cultural center of the Philippines.

The Manila metropolitan area, or Metro Manila, officially called the National Capital Region, comprises an area of 636 sq km (246 sq mi) and includes Manila proper, Quezon City, Pasay, Caloocan, Makati, and the municipalities of Las Pinas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinglupa, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan del Monte, Taguig, and Valenzuela. A small Muslim settlement named Maynilad was located in the vicinity of present-day Manila when the Spaniards arrived in 1571. The city's name, shortened first to Maynila and then to Manila, is thought to have been derived from the nilad plant, a flowering shrub that once grew extensively on the banks of the Pasig River. Mountains surround Manila on three sides. Because of its picturesque location, Manila is often called the Pearl of the Orient. AFA News and Updates Interested in taking one of our famous "Singles Tours"?

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Question: Nicknamed 'The Pearl of the Orient', which capital is bisected by the Pasig River?
Answer: MANILA