Manila, Philippine Islands - definition of Manila, Philippine Islands by The Free Dictionary Manila, Philippine Islands - definition of Manila, Philippine Islands by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . Manila The capital of the Philippines, on southwest Luzon Island and Manila Bay, an inlet of the South China Sea. Founded in 1571, the city was controlled by Spain until it was seized by US troops in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. It was held by the Japanese from 1942 to 1945 during World War II. ma·nil·a Manila | national capital, Philippines | Britannica.com national capital, Philippines Alfredo Lim Manila, capital and chief city of the Philippines . The city is the centre of the country’s economic, political, social, and cultural activity. It is located on the island of Luzon and spreads along the eastern shore of Manila Bay at the mouth of the Pasig River .

The city’s name, originally Maynilad, is derived from that of the nilad plant, a flowering shrub adapted to marshy conditions, which once grew profusely along the banks of the river; the name was shortened first to Maynila and then to its present form. In 1975, by presidential decree, Manila and its contiguous cities and municipalities were integrated to function as a single administrative region, known as Metropolitan Manila (also called the National Capital Region); the Manila city proper encompasses only a small proportion of that area. Manila, looking across Roxas Boulevard. Paul A. Souders/Corbis Manila. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Manila has been the principal city of the Philippines for four centuries and is the centre of its industrial development as well as the international port of entry. It is situated on one of the finest sheltered harbours of the Pacific region, about 700 miles (1,100 km) southeast of Hong Kong . The city has undergone rapid economic development since its destruction in World War II and its subsequent rebuilding; it is now plagued with the familiar urban problems of pollution , traffic congestion, and overpopulation .

Measures have been taken, however, to ameliorate those problems. Area city, 15 square miles (38 square km); National Capital Region, 244 square miles (633 square km). Pop. (2000) city, 1,581,082; National Capital Region, 9,932,560; (2010) city, 1,652,171; National Capital Region, 11,855,975. Landscape City site Manila occupies the low, narrow deltaic plain of the Pasig River , which flows northwestward to Manila Bay . The swampy delta of the southward-flowing Pampanga River lies to the north of the city. Immediately to the northeast and east of the urban region lies a stretch of lowlands, beyond which rise the peaks of the southern range of the Sierra Madre . Laguna de Bay , the large lake from which the Pasig River flows, flanks Metropolitan Manila to the southeast. Enclosing Manila Bay to the west is the mountainous Bataan Peninsula .

Although the city’s area is constricted, it is an excellent port site because of its sheltered harbour, its access to inland agricultural areas by way of the river, and its relative proximity to the Asian mainland. Climate Baguio The city is protected from extreme weather conditions by the hills of the Sierra Madre and the mountains of the Bataan Peninsula. The tropical climate is characterized by a wet season that lasts from June to November and by a dry season lasting from December to May . The wettest months are July , August , and September , when thunderstorms are especially common. The average annual rainfall totals about 80 inches (about 2,000 mm). There is little monthly variation from the mean annual temperature, which is in the low 80s F (about 27 °C). Plant and animal life The city is dotted with palms, banyans, acacias, and other tropical trees, and bamboo grows in many public parks. Domestic mammals—such as water buffalo , horses, dogs, pigs, and goats—are common, while wild birdlife includes shrikes, doves, and pigeons.

Manila Bay abounds with sardines , anchovies , mackerel , tuna , snappers , and barracuda . The city’s natural beauty is marred, however, by air and water pollution caused by the expansion of industry and the growing number of motor vehicles. City layout The city is bisected by the Pasig River. It is divided into six administrative divisions that comprise 17 districts. Most of the districts developed from the original fortress city of Intramuros (“Within Walls”) and the 13 villages located outside its walls. About two-thirds of the districts lie to the north of the river and the remaining third lies to the south. The two sections of the city are connected by several bridges. Capitals & Cities: Fact or Fiction? Although business areas are widespread, the districts to the north of the river—especially along the bay and in the city’s west-central region— constitute the chief centres of trade and commerce. The district of San Miguel is the site of Malacañang Palace, the presidential residence; and several universities are located in Sampaloc, on the northeastern edge of the city.

Adjacent to the heavily populated districts on the northern shore is Manila North Harbor; Manila South Harbor, the main international port, is on the southern shore. Intramuros is renowned for its 16th-century San Agustin church as well as for the ruins of its old walls and of Fort Santiago. On the south shore, Ermita and Malate are choice residential districts and the sites of hotels and embassies. The districts to the southeast are generally middle-income residential areas. Manila. Ringling Bros. Folds Its Tent Metropolitan Manila includes the cities of Manila, Caloocan City to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, and Pasay City (located near the shore of Manila Bay) to the south and 13 municipalities. The municipalities include Makati , Mandaluyong, San Juan , Las Piñas, Malabon, Navotas , Pasig, Pateros, Parañaque , Marikina, Muntinlupa, Taguig, and Valenzuela. Metropolitan Manila was created in order to provide integrated services such as water supply, police and fire protection, and transport and to permit central planning for simultaneous and unified development.

Housing The city has a chronic housing shortage, and tenement housing projects have been constructed by the government to help house the poor. A landmark—if ultimately unsuccessful—project undertaken from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s was the Bagong Lipunan Improvement of Sites and Services (BLISS), initiated by the governor of Metropolitan Manila. To provide homes for squatters, the government also developed resettlement projects in and around Manila that are easily accessible by land motor transportation. Residential buildings include the single-family dwelling; the duplex for two independent households; the accessoria, whose dwelling units have individual entrances from the outside; the apartment building with common entrance; and the barong-barong, a makeshift shack built of salvaged materials (flattened tin cans, scrap lumber, cartons, or billboards) that is common in the poor areas. Architecture Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest Architectural styles reflect American, Spanish, Chinese, and Malay influences. Rizal Park and a number of government buildings were designed by U.S. architect and city planner Daniel H. Burnham . Modern buildings—including multistoried commercial houses and public and private buildings—are commonly made of reinforced concrete and hollow cement blocks.

Houses of modern design—especially low, sprawling ranch houses with spacious lawns—are common in the districts of Ermita and Malate. Spanish-style houses, with tiled roofs, barred windows, and thick walls, were common before World War II and have remained popular. The churches of the city are American, Spanish, or European in character. The Manila cathedral was rebuilt in the 1950s and is an important landmark. It succeeds five earlier cathedrals—the first dating from the mid-16th century—that were destroyed either by earthquakes or during wartime. People Metropolitan Manila is densely populated and contains a significant proportion of the population of the country. This concentration of people has been brought about by a constant rural-urban migration. The strain on municipal services has had an adverse effect on the quality of life in the urban area. Consequently, various government policies and resettlement projects have been implemented in an effort to address the problem of population density. Almost all the residents of Manila are Filipinos. The largest single foreign community , representing less than one-tenth of the population, is made up of Chinese. The population of the city is predominantly Roman Catholic , although there are some Protestants , Muslims , and Buddhists .

The two national churches—the Iglesia ni Kristo and the Philippine Independent, or Aglipayan, Church—have small congregations. Economy Manufacturing The diverse manufacturing activities of Manila include textile production, publishing and printing, food and tobacco processing, and chemical processing. Manila also produces lumber and wood items, rope and cordage, soap, and other goods. Factories generally are small and are located mostly in the congested districts of Tondo (which also has the railroad and truck terminals), Binondo, and Santa Cruz . Heavy industries are located in the districts of Paco, Pandacan, and Santa Ana . Finance and other services Manila is the centre of trade and finance in the Philippines. Trade flourishes within the metropolitan area and between the city and the provinces and other countries. Most of the Philippines’ imports and exports pass through the port of Manila. Financial institutions headquartered in Manila include such establishments as the Development Bank of the Philippines, the Philippine National Bank, the Philippine Veterans Bank, the Government Service Insurance System, the Social Security System, and many private commercial and developmental banks. Private insurance companies and the Philippine Stock Exchange also contribute to the mobilization of savings for investment.

Transportation Editor Picks: Exploring 10 Types of Basketball Movies Within the area of Metropolitan Manila, public transportation is provided principally by buses, jeepneys (small buses built on the chassis of jeeps), and taxis. Traffic congestion is serious, especially at the bridges during the morning and evening rush hours. Adjacent towns serve as dormitory suburbs, and many people commute to the city, adding to the traffic problem. Bus services operate routes to northern and southern Luzon. Railroad services operated by the Philippine National Railways also connect the city with northern and southeastern Luzon. An elevated rail line, linking Caloocan City and the city of Baclaran (to the south of Pasay City), was completed in 1984. It was the first phase of a transit system, called the Light Rail Transit, that by the early 21st century had lines extending throughout much of the metropolitan area. Interisland and international transportation is provided by domestic and foreign airlines and by shipping. Manila South Harbor, with its enclosed customhouse, warehouses, and sheds, is sheltered by a low breakwater. There are no railway lines within the port area, and cargo is transported from the piers by trucks or barges.

The piers and warehouses of Manila North Harbor are busy with heavy traffic from all ports in the Philippines. In the 1980s additional port facilities for international shipping were built, partially on reclaimed land, in the area between the two harbours. Administration and society Government Metropolitan Manila is administered by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Within the MMDA is an administrative council consisting of the mayors of each of the constituent cities and municipalities as well as a number of other officials. The Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Assembly) of each city or municipality helps in administration and legislation. It is composed of the mayor, vice mayor, councillors, captains of barangays (neighbourhoods), and representatives from other sectors who are appointed by the president upon recommendation of the local unit. Municipal services Eyjafjallajökull volcano Potable water comes from a supply network managed by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System. Satisfactory sanitation conditions are maintained by constant surveillance of markets, restaurants, movie theatres, recreation halls, and slaughterhouses.

Insecticides are sprayed regularly on open sewers, uncollected garbage, and standing water; garbage is collected by a fleet of trucks that operate night and day. Moreover, workers maintain cleanliness in the metropolitan area and are also responsible for the beautification of the city as directed by the governor of Metropolitan Manila. Health and security Health facilities in Manila are among the best in the region. The city government maintains numerous health centres as well as San Lazaro Hospital, where patients are treated free of charge, and subsidizes a number of government hospitals. There are also many missionary and private hospitals in the city. Police and fire services are well organized and well supplied, and personnel are comparatively well trained and well paid. The Police Community Relations Group helps to combat local crime, as do barangay brigades and barangay tanods (guards) throughout Metropolitan Manila. Members of those groups are volunteers and selected leaders of the barangays who aim to maintain peace and order in their communities . Education Nearly all citizens over age 10 are literate. More than 100 free public schools are maintained, in addition to the night vocational and secondary schools and the Manila branch of the University of the Philippines.

Educational opportunities are also provided for children with disabilities, orphans of school age, and adults. As the education centre of the Philippines, Metropolitan Manila houses many of the major institutions of higher education of the country, including the University of the Philippines (with its main campus in Quezon City), the Philippine Normal College, and the Technological University of the Philippines. There are several universities sponsored by religious bodies, including the University of Santo Tomas (founded in 1611) and the Ateneo de Manila, as well as nonsectarian institutions such as the University of the East and the Far Eastern University. Cultural life The centre of the performing arts in the country is the Philippine Cultural Center. There is also the Folk Arts Theater, facing Manila Bay, the renovated historic Metropolitan Theatre, and an open-air theatre in Rizal Park.

The many libraries and museums include the National Library and the National Museum, known for its anthropological and archaeological exhibits; the National Institute of Science and Technology, with a scientific reference library and large collections of plants and animals; the geological museum of the Bureau of Mines and Geosciences; the Planetarium; Fort Santiago, which houses original works of the Philippine patriot José Rizal; and the Kamaynilaan (Manila City) Library and Museum, which contains valuable carvings, paintings, and archives. The foremost outdoor recreational area is Rizal Park, with a Japanese garden, a Chinese garden, an open-air theatre, a playground, a grandstand, and a long promenade adjacent to Manila Bay. Other areas include the Manila Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the Mehan Garden, and Paco Park. Athletic facilities include the Rizal Memorial Stadium and the Jai-Alai Fronton, both located in Manila, and the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Annual festivals and carnivals are held in the sunken garden fronting the City Hall of Manila. History In the late 16th century Manila was a walled Muslim settlement whose ruler levied customs duties on all commerce passing up the Pasig River .

Spanish conquistadors under the leadership of Miguel López de Legazpi —first Spanish governor-general of the Philippines —entered the mouth of the river in 1571. They destroyed the settlement and founded the fortress city of Intramuros in its place. Manila became the capital of the new colony. Outside the city walls stood some scattered villages, each ruled by a local chieftain and each centred on a marketplace. As Spanish colonial rule became established, churches were built near the marketplaces, where the concentration of population was greatest. Manila spread beyond its walls, expanding north, east, and south, linking together the market–church complexes as it did so. The propagation of Roman Catholicism began with the Augustinian friar Andrés de Urdaneta , who accompanied the expedition of 1571. He was followed by Franciscan, Dominican, Jesuit, and other Augustinian priests, who founded churches, convents, and schools. In 1574 Manila was baptized under the authorization of Spain and the Vatican as the “Distinguished and Ever Loyal City” and became the centre of Catholicism as well as of the Philippines.

At various periods Manila was seriously threatened, and sometimes occupied, by foreign powers. It was invaded by the Chinese in 1574 and raided by the Dutch in the mid-17th century. In 1762, during the Seven Years’ War , the city was captured and held by the British, but the Treaty of Paris (1763) resulted in its restoration to Spain. It was opened to foreign trade in 1832, and commerce was further stimulated by the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. The Manila area became the centre of anti-Spanish sentiment in the 1890s, and the execution of Filipino patriot José Rizal in the city in December 1896 sparked a year-long insurrection. During the Spanish-American War the Spanish fleet was defeated at Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, and on August 13 the city surrendered to U.S. forces. It subsequently became the headquarters for the U.S. administration of the Philippines. Battle of Manila Bay, undated print. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

(Digital File Number: cph 3b52211) The U.S. period was one of general social and economic improvement for the city. U.S. policy encouraged gradual Filipino political autonomy , and to help achieve this goal public schools were established in Manila and throughout the archipelago. The University of the Philippines, founded in 1908, became the apex of the educational system. The city developed into a major trading and tourist centre. Upon the outbreak of World War II , Manila was declared an open city and was occupied by the Japanese in January 1942. The city suffered little damage during the Japanese invasion but was leveled to the ground during the fight for its recapture by U.S. forces in 1945. Manila, Philippines, in the aftermath of its recapture by Allied forces in early 1945. U.S. Navy Manila was in shambles when in 1946 it became the capital of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. The city was rapidly rebuilt, however, with U.S. aid. A significant change in its appearance was brought about by industrialization.

In 1948 suburban Quezon City was chosen as the site of a new national capital, but in 1976 Manila again became the capital and the permanent seat of the national government. Metropolitan Manila experienced rapid growth in the late 20th century, which helped establish it as a major economic centre in the Pacific region. The expansion, however, also brought pollution, traffic congestion, and overcrowding. The government took numerous measures to alleviate the problems, but they persisted into the 21st century. Another mounting concern was the rise in terrorism. Once largely confined to outlying regions, terrorist activities perpetrated primarily by militant Islamist and communist groups also have increased. Additional Media The Philippines' best beaches and islands - CNN.com The Philippines' best beaches and islands Candice Lopez-Quimpo, for CNN Updated 12:03 AM ET, Tue November 15, 2016 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. Photos: El Nido, Palawan – Hollywood loves El Nido. Scenes for the final installment of the "Bourne" series were shot here.

The island was also the setting of a pit stop on "The Amazing Race." Hide Caption 1 of 10 Photos: Samal, Davao – Off the coast of Samal lies Buena Vista Island, with its blindingly white beaches. Pretty lady sunbathing not guaranteed. Hide Caption 2 of 10 Photos: Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte – Beyond this pier is Cloud 9, one of Siargao's most famous surf breaks. Hide Caption 3 of 10 Photos: Panglao, Bohol – Just your average Panglao beach. Tired of looking at white sands yet? We're not even halfway through. Hide Caption 4 of 10 Photos: Caramoan, Camarines Sur – Krabi who? The Philippines might not bring in the tourist numbers of Thailand, but its beaches can easily go toe-to-toe with the kingdom's best. Hide Caption 5 of 10 Photos: Bantayan Island, Cebu – If the crowds of Boracay turn you off, Bantayan Island has luxury comforts minus the action. Hide Caption Boracay, Aklan – Sundowners, anyone?

Just another perfect day in Boracay. Hide Caption 7 of 10 Photos: Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley – Getting to Paluai's best beach is a challenge, but the rewards make the hassle worthwhile. Hide Caption 8 of 10 Photos: Pagudpud/Bangui, Ilocos Norte – Nothing says "I'm on vacation" like an Instagram of yourself sunning next to a giant windmill. Hide Caption 9 of 10 Photos: Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga – Great Santa Cruz Island is famous for its pink corralline sand, the only beach of its kind in the Philippines.

Hide Caption Story highlights Philippines launches global campaign thanking the world for post-typhoon support More than 7,000 islands edged by white sand buffer waters filled with some of the world's most diverse marine life Mount Caglago is a pilgrimage site for some, thanks to its gigantic statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary With no resorts or hotels, Palaui Island has only one real option -- camping under the stars (CNN) The Philippines has launched a global campaign to thank the world for its outpouring of help following last year's devastating typhoon that killed more than 8,000 people. As part of the initiative, a series of electronic billboards were lit up with "Thank you" signs in some of the world's most famous locations, including New York's Times Square, Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing, London's Piccadilly Circus and Galeries Lafayette in Paris. Filipinos are also sending out messages of thanks on Twitter with the hashtag #PHthankyou . The campaign, kicked off by the Philippines Department of Tourism, launched on February 8 -- exactly three months after Super Typhoon Haiyan hit.

Given how gracious the nation is being, it's a fine time to revisit one of the Philippines best assets -- its 7,000 islands, edged by white sand buffering turquoise waters filled with some of the world's most diverse marine life. Read More And most of them are relatively unexplored. Of course, not everyone will agree on which one is best but this is a good starting point. Disagree with our picks? Share your favorite Filipino island or beach in the comments box below. This is one pit stop you'll want to extend. This is one pit stop you'll want to extend. 1. El Nido, Palawan If Palawan is indeed "the last frontier" of the Philippines, as it's been dubbed, the coastal town of El Nido is the gateway to wild adventure. Sure, it's got powder-fine beaches and gin-clear waters. But the views are what really sell the place. Off the coast of El Nido are majestic karst limestone formations, empty lagoons, marble cliffs, prehistoric caves and waterfalls. All are easily explored. What to do: El Nido is a popular base for divers.

Surrounding waters contain more than 50 species of coral, and attract whales, whale sharks, sea cows, manta rays, dolphins and endangered turtles. 2. Boracay, Aklan White Beach is the place most frequently associated with Boracay, the most popular holiday destination in the Philippines. Its four-kilometer stretch welcomes everyone from beach bums to adventurers. At night, the beach comes alive with candle-lit sand castles, cozy restaurants and bars that stay open til dawn. Away from White Beach are calmer resorts. There is a less boisterous side of Boracay and it still offers secluded strips of sand, coves, caves and cliffs. What to do: During the early months of the year, Boracay attracts hundreds of kite-boarders and windsurfers who compete in the International Funboard Cup . The rough waves and strong winds make Boracay an ideal destination for water sports fanatics. 3. Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley This isolated island is a natural secret -- only the brave and persevering bother to visit. Glorious white sands surrounded by volcanic rocks on one side kiss blue-green waters on the other.

Snorkeling and diving brings you face to face with coral gardens and a rich marine reserve. Palaui is all about raw beauty. But it takes some work to get there. MORE: Best of Manila Treks should be blessed with clear blue skies, patient companions and trusted local guides. Getting to the island's most prized stretch of beach requires battling thorny grass, muddy ground and a mangrove forest. Uncharted Philippines offers a three-day Palaui Island Photography Tour for $240 that includes transportation, accomodation, food and guides. What to do: With no resorts or hotels, Palaui has only one real option -- camping under the stars. Otherwise, visitors are left to explore homestay options. 4. Panglao, Bohol Once a sleepy island, Panglao is being roused by travelers in search of gorgeous beaches. It's a refuge for those who appreciate a diverse menu of aquatic attractions. Options include dolphin watching, whale spotting, diving with barracudas, jackfish, sea snakes and brilliant coral formations. Natural charms: In addition to its beaches, the island of Bohol is famous for its Chocolate Hills, an unusual rolling terrain of more than 1,000 dome-shaped hills.

The hills are named for their brown color during dry season, when grass dries up. The "world's smallest primate" -- the endangered Philippine tarsier -- also inhabits the island. Random fact: Years ago, a number of foreigners came to Panglao on holiday and never bothered to leave. Locals picked up their languages to better converse with the tourists. In addition to English, in Panglao you have a good chance of meeting a local with a handy grasp of German, Swiss or Japanese. Perfect mix of luxury and seclusion. 5. Bantayan Island, Cebu Bantayan has remained relatively untouched by modern life, save for a smattering of foreigners who have taken up residence, sucked in by the island's white sands, aqua-colored waters and red-gold sunsets. Beers are cold and cheap, townsfolk are hospitable and the dreary troubles of the outside world are easily forgotten. Holy crowds: If you're after peace and quiet, don't plan a stay during the Holy Week before Easter. The island is crowded with Filipino travelers during this period, with rooms and services booked months in advance. What to do: Relax. Action-packed it ain't.

There are no five-star hotels, no malls, no fashion-forward shopping centers. 6. Caramoan, Camarines Sur Named after the local sea turtle, Caramoan is as scenic as it is secluded. Stretches of white sand run between huge boulders and rock formations. Scuba divers, island hoppers and beach bums all converge here. Complementing the beaches are caves, waterfalls, freshwater pools, underground streams and lagoons. Adventure site: The "Survivor" reality show series and similar international programs have used Caramoan as a shooting location. Despite the locale's popularity with TV production companies, there are enough beaches to go around for everyone. What to do in the Philippines: Mountain climbers can trek to Mount Caglago's summit and take in a terrific view of the Caramoan islands and islets. The mountain is a pilgrimage site for some, thanks to its gigantic statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. 7. Samal, Davao A burgeoning tourist destination, Samal is on a mission to get the word out on its 118-kilometer coastline of white sandy beaches.

You know the highlights: pristine waters, lush greens, rock formations, mangrove and coconut palms. Numerous resorts provide a range of choices for visitors, from luxurious resorts to backpacker options. The vanishing island: This curious moniker is the nickname of Shanipaan Shoal, a tiny island that literally disappears from sight during high tide. The only thing visible at high water is a single, elevated cottage poking out of the sea. What to do in the Philippines: The vast Coral Garden Marine Park, a fish sanctuary filled with diverse marine life, makes Sambal a favorite among divers and snorkelers. Even if you can't surf, Siargao is a beautiful beach getaway. 8. Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte Known as the top surfing island in the Philippines, Siargao is often overlooked as a beachcomber's paradise. There are breaks for beginner surfers, moderate ones and even pros looking for three-meter-high waves. For those with zero surf skills -- and no desire to acquire any -- there are also pristine beaches with milder waves, perfect for sunning and swimming. What to do in the Philippines: Ideal days for surfing are between mid-August and mid-December, when the swell is most consistent.

Beginners should visit when waves are smaller, around April or May. 9. Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga On Great Santa Cruz Island, pulverized red coral washed up from the sea floor mixes with white sand to produce a pink-hued beach. It's a different version of perfection: the powdery beach competes with the blue and green shades of the sea. Some parts of the beach are lovely in their undeveloped state. There are signs of civilization -- souvenirs, nipa huts and restrooms. Beach visits are limited to day trips, so you have to squeeze everything into a few hours: swim, sunbathe, snorkel, dive, even fish for your lunch. Just don't mistake serenity for safety -- there's a deep drop in the sea just meters from shore. What to do in the Philippines: The island is just a boat ride away from the city proper, but getting there requires extra precautions, due to local threats. Only those with a tourist permit from the Department of Tourism in Zamboanga City can visit. The permit fee includes armed security escorts. Why the need for security?

According to the Department of Tourism's regional office, it's a preventative measure: "On the security situation in Zamboanga City, there are no militant or terroristic activities recently. Although there were reported shooting incidents, these were intended to specific victims due to personal grudges. The city is very vibrant and relatively peaceful." As a precaution, check with your embassy for security threats before traveling. 10. Pagudpud/Bangui, Ilocos Norte Along the northern tip of the island of Luzon sits the coastal town of Pagudpud. It's a quiet, sleepy and rural community, with little overt commercialism. Perhaps because it takes time and effort to reach Pagudpud, the wide and inviting beaches are usually empty, making them ideal for those who enjoy mixing solitude with sun, sand and surf. A row of windmills down the coast from Pagudpud in the town of Bangui makes for a picturesque if not unusual backdrop for a Filipino beach.

(See above photo.) MORE: 10 tips to fake being a Manila local What to do in the Philippines: Parts of Pagudpud are exposed to winds that blow in from both the South China Sea and Pacific Ocean, making the waves ideal for surfers, especially from July to October. Windsurfers and kiteboarders are starting to take notice of this northern getaway. Getting there General tip concerning all Filipino domestic airlines: if you're not in a hurry to book, watch out for promo fares on their websites as fares can drop considerably. 1. El Nido Several airlines fly from Manila to El Nido, either through a commercial airline or via chartered plane. Flight time: approximately 75 minutes. Domestic flights (El Nido-Manila) - AirAsia From the Puerto Princesa airport, you need to travel to El Nido by road. Take a multi-cab or jeep to the San Jose Terminal (20 minutes). At the station, find the El Nido-bound buses. These are open-air, non-airconditioned buses. (Approximately eight hours, with stops at Taytay and Roxas Towns, about P300 ($6.60) for a one-way trip).

Best to book seats and check schedules in advance: - Sweety Transport, +63 919 716 2210/+63 926 699 8700 - Win Eulen Joy Liner , +63 939 945 9888 The San Jose Terminal is also the departure point for shuttle vans. Prebook to reserve a seat: The following vans are air-conditioned and more comfortable than buses (approximately six hours, P600 ($13) each passenger/P7,000 ($155) for entire van): - Fortwally Shuttle Company, +63 920 9815702/+63 917 276 2875 - Savior Shuttle Company, +63 929 622 5974 - Eulen Joy , +63 939 945 9888 2. Boracay The most direct way to get to Boracay is to fly to Caticlan, Panay Island (either from Manila or Cebu City) .

Domestic flights (Caticlan-Manila) - Philippine Airlines also flies Hong Kong-Kalibo and Seoul-Kalibo. - AirAsia flies to Kalibo from Incheon, Busan, Shanghai, and Taipei. From Kalibo Airport, travel by road (about two hours). There are many vans outside the airport that go directly from the airport to the Jetty Port in Caticlan (approx P300 ($6)/passenger). Buses are available as well at the airport. You can take your chance with what is at the terminal (P200 ($4.50)) or book ahead via travel agencies such as Sourthwest Tours , which can organize the entire journey to Boracay (P300-P450 ($6-10), including boat transfer). From Caticlan Jetty Port, there will be many bankas (ferry boats) ready to take you to White Beach, Boracay, about 15 minutes away. Pay a terminal tax (P75 ($1.50)) and an environmental fee (P75 ($1.50)) at the port before boarding. You'll need to wade in the water a bit so dress accordingly.

For a small amount, boatmen will carry your luggage to shore. Tricycles on the island will take you to your resort. Cost is roughly P20 ($.50)) /passenger, but may rise depending on the location of the resort. 3. Palaui From Manila, board a bus headed to Santa Ana. (Approximately 14-16 hours): - GV Florida Transport (only one with direct routes to Santa Ana from Manila and Tuguegarao) +63 2 7433809/+63 2 781 5894. Otherwise, fly or take a bus to Tuguegarao City. Bus to Tuguegarao - Victory Liner (approximately 10 hours). Domestic flights (Tuguegarao-Manila) - Cebu Pacific When you get to Tuguegarao, take a tricycle and tell the driver to take you to the van terminal bound for Santa Ana. The van trip will take about three hours. At Santa Ana, buy supplies for your island trip then take a tricycle to the San Vicente Port. Register at the visitor's bureau.

Hire a boat (P600 ($13) and a guide (P400-P2,000 ($9-$44) to take you to Punta Verde, Palui Island. Ask for a return trip. Pay the port fee (P50($1.10)). Register again, this time in the community logbook. 4. Panglao Hop on a plane to Tagbilaran City if you're coming from Manila. Domestic flights (Tagbilaran-Manila) - Qatar Airways (via Qatar) Domestic flights to Cebu are available from most cities in the Philippines as well. Upon arrival at the airport in Cebu City, take a taxi and head for the North Bus Terminal. Make sure you get a metered taxi -- and that the driver starts the meter. Get out of the cab if the driver won't comply. Safety tip: hang on to your luggage while getting out of the cab. If your bags are in the trunk, don't let the driver open it until you're ready to grab them. And don't let insistent baggage handlers take your items if you don't need them.

At the North Bus Terminal, take a bus or shuttle to Hagnaya (approximately three hours). The CERES bus is recommended -- look for the buses that are white and yellow with a sign saying "Air Conditioned" in front, and another sign saying "Hagnaya" on the side. Make sure you take a bus that is scheduled to leave no later than 2 p.m. to give you enough time to catch the ferry to Bantayan. Do not let your luggage out of your sight while on the bus. Alternatively, you can pay extra for a taxi to take you all the way to Hagnaya (you can haggle but it should cost approx. P2,000 ($44); driver covers fuel costs). At Hagnaya, the last ferry leaves at 5:30 p.m. for Santa Fe, Bantayan Island (approximately 45-90 minutes, depending on seacraft). Ferry Services (Hagnaya-Bantayan) - Super Shuttle Ferry 6. Caramoan Take a bus or a domestic flight to Naga City. Head to Sabang Port by road, then take a passenger boat to your chosen island.

Buses to Naga - Penafancia Tours , +63 54 811 8595 / 472 3615 - Philtranco, +63 52 851 8078/+63 52 851 8079, info.philtranco@gmail.com - Isarog Bus Lines +63 52 913 3551 Domestic Flights (Manila-Naga) - AirAsia From Naga Airport, take a P10 ($.20) tricycle ride to Naga Public Terminal. At the terminal, you can rent a van for Sabang Port or take a bus to Goa (approximately two hours, P80 ($1.70)). (At Goa, ask around for the jeepney that goes to Sabang Port.) From Sabang Port, take a boat bound for Guijalo Port (approximately two hours, P120 ($2.65)/person). The last boat leaves at 2 p.m. Get ready to wade (or be carried) to reach land area.

Once there, take a tricycle to the town proper (10 minutes away). The best, easiest and most convenient way to enjoy the trip is to let your resort or the Camarines Sur Tourism Office coordinate your transfers (+63 54 477 3344, +63 54 477 3347). 7. Samal Fly to Davao City on either a domestic or international flight. International flights to Davao Take a short cab ride to one of three entry points to Samal Island, depending on where you're headed to: Sta. Ana Wharf, SASA Km 11 Wharf or IGACOS Ferry Terminal (ask your resort for advice on this one). 8. Siargao There are direct flights to Siargao Island. Siargao airport is 45 minutes away from General Luna, the location of the popular Cloud 9 beach. Tricycles or motorbikes are available; the trip would cost around P150 ($3.30). Or, if you can spot a tricycle line, board a tricycle waiting to be filled with passengers for P30 ($.60)/passenger.

Domestic flights (Manila-Siargao Island) Philippines | history - geography | Britannica.com Philippines National anthem of the Philippines Official name Republika ng Pilipinas (Filipino); Republic of the Philippines (English) Form of government unitary republic with two legislative houses (Senate [24]; House of Representatives [291]) Head of state and government Literacy: percentage of population age 15 and over literate Male: not available 1Other government offices and ministries are located in Quezon City and other Manila suburbs. 2Piso in Filipino; peso in English and Spanish. Country Data Overview (PDF) Philippines, island country of Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean . It is an archipelago consisting of some 7,100 islands and islets lying about 500 miles (800 km) off the coast of Vietnam . Manila is the capital, but nearby Quezon City is the country’s most-populous city. Both are part of the National Capital Region (Metro Manila), located on Luzon , the largest island. The second largest island of the Philippines is Mindanao , in the southeast. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Fishing boat at sunset, Boracay Island, central Philippines. © Digital Vision/Getty Images Overview of the history and people of the Philippines. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. The Philippines takes its name from Philip II , who was king of Spain during the Spanish colonization of the islands in the 16th century. Because it was under Spanish rule for 333 years and under U.S. tutelage for a further 48 years, the Philippines has many cultural affinities with the West. It is, for example, the second most-populous Asian country (following India ) with English as an official language and one of only two predominantly Roman Catholic countries in Asia (the other being East Timor ). Despite the prominence of such Anglo-European cultural characteristics, the peoples of the Philippines are Asian in consciousness and aspiration . Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. The country was wracked by political turmoil in the last quarter of the 20th century. After enduring more than a decade of authoritarian rule under Pres. Ferdinand Marcos , the broadly popular People Power movement in 1986 led a bloodless uprising against the regime.

The confrontation resulted not only in the ouster and exile of Marcos but also in the restoration of democratic government to the Philippines Related People Imelda Marcos Contemporary Filipinos continue to grapple with a society that is replete with paradoxes , perhaps the most obvious being the presence of extreme wealth alongside tremendous poverty. Rich in resources, the Philippines has the potential to build a strong industrial economy, but the country remains largely agricultural. Especially toward the end of the 20th century, rapid industrial expansion was spurred by a high degree of domestic and foreign investment. That growth, however, simultaneously contributed to severe degradation of the environment . The Philippines also emerged as a regional leader in education during the late 20th century, with a well-established public school and university system, and by the early 21st century the country had one of the highest literacy rates in Asia. Villagers tending a rice field in the Philippines. © Goodshoot/Jupiterimages Land The Philippine archipelago is bounded by the Philippine Sea to the east, the Celebes Sea to the south, the Sulu Sea to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the west and north.

The islands spread out in the shape of a triangle, with those south of Palawan , the Sulu Archipelago , and the island of Mindanao outlining (from west to east, respectively) its southern base and the Batan Islands to the north of Luzon forming its apex. The archipelago stretches about 1,150 miles (1,850 km) from north to south, and its widest east-west extent, at its southern base, is some 700 miles (1,130 km). The island of Taiwan lies north of the Batan group, the Malaysian portion of the island of Borneo is to the south of Palawan, and the eastern islands of Indonesia lie to the south and southeast of Mindanao. Only about two-fifths of the islands and islets have names, and only some 350 have areas of 1 square mile (2.6 square km) or more.

The large islands fall into three groups: (1) the Luzon group in the north and west, consisting of Luzon, Mindoro , and Palawan, (2) the Visayas group in the centre, consisting of Bohol , Cebu , Leyte , Masbate , Negros , Panay , and Samar , and (3) Mindanao in the south. Time-lapse video of the Batan Islands, Philippines. Kris Guico (A Britannica Publishing Partner) Relief Olongapo Outstanding physical features of the Philippines include the irregular configuration of the archipelago, the coastline of some 22,550 miles (36,290 km), the great extent of mountainous country, the narrow and interrupted coastal plains, the generally northward trend of the river systems, and the spectacular lakes. The islands are composed primarily of volcanic rock and coral, but all principal rock formations are present. The mountain ranges for the most part run in the same general direction as the islands themselves, approximately north to south. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

The Sulu Archipelago comprises hundreds of volcanic and coral islands and numerous rocks and reefs … Ted Spiegel—Rapho/Photo Researchers World Wars The Cordillera Central , the central mountain chain of Luzon , running north to the Luzon Strait from the northern boundary of the central plain, is the most prominent range. It consists of two and in places three parallel ranges, each with an average elevation of about 5,900 feet (1,800 metres). The Sierra Madre , extending along the Pacific coast from northern to central Luzon, is the longest mountain range in the country. That range and the Cordillera Central merge in north-central Luzon to form the Caraballo Mountains . To the north of the latter, and between the two ranges, is the fertile Cagayan Valley. The narrow Ilocos, or Malayan, range, lying close along the west coast of northern Luzon, rises in places to elevations above 5,000 feet (1,500 metres) and is seldom below 3,500 feet (1,000 metres); it is largely volcanic.

In the southwestern part of northern Luzon are the rugged Zambales Mountains , consisting of more or less isolated old volcanic stocks (rock formed under great heat and pressure deep beneath the Earth’s surface). A tour of Batad and Sagada in the Cordillera area of Luzon, Philippines. Kris Guico (A Britannica Publishing Partner) Most of the central plain of Luzon, about 150 by 50 miles (240 by 80 km), is only about 100 feet (30 metres) above sea level. The greater part of southern Luzon is occupied by isolated volcanoes and irregular masses of hills and mountains. The highest peak is Mayon Volcano (8,077 feet [2,462 metres)]), near the city of Legaspi (Legazpi) in Albay province on the island’s Bicol Peninsula in the southeast. Mayon Volcano, Luzon, Philippines.

Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest The island of Palawan is about 25 miles (40 km) wide and more than 250 miles (400 km) long; through it extends a range with an average elevation of 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,200 to 1,500 metres). Each of the Visayan Islands except Samar and Bohol is traversed longitudinally by a single range with occasional spurs. Several peaks on Panay and Negros reach a height of 6,000 feet (1,800 metres) or more. Mount Canlaon (Canlaon Volcano), on Negros, rises to 8,086 feet (2,465 metres). Taytay, Palawan island, Philippines. Andrew Lillis There are several important ranges on Mindanao ; the Diuata (Diwata) Mountains along the eastern coast are the most prominent. To the west lies another range that stretches from the centre of the island southward. Farther west the Butig Mountains trend northwestward from the northeastern edge of the Moro Gulf.

A range also runs northwest-southeast along the southwestern coast. Near Mindanao’s south-central coast is Mount Apo , which at 9,692 feet (2,954 metres) is the highest peak in the Philippines. A number of volcanic peaks surround Lake Sultan Alonto ( Lake Lanao ), and a low cordillera extends through the Zamboanga Peninsula in the far west. Mount Apo, Mindanao island, Philippines. Kryzzler Although volcanoes are a conspicuous feature of the landscape, there is relatively little volcanic activity. There are altogether about 50 volcanoes, of which more than 10 are known to be active. Mount Pinatubo on Luzon, once regarded as extinct, was in 1991 the site of one of the world’s largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century. All gradations of volcanoes can be seen, from the almost perfect cone of Mayon, which has been compared to Mount Fuji in Japan , to old, worn-down volcanic stocks, the present forms of which give little indication of their origin.

The several distinct volcanic areas are in south-central and southern Luzon and on the islands of Negros, Mindanao, Jolo , and elsewhere. Tremors and earthquakes are common. Gas and ash rising from Mount Pinatubo, central Luzon, Philippines, just prior to eruption in June … David H. Harlow/U.S.Geological Survey Treaty of Paris The most important rivers of the Philippines are the Cagayan , Agno, Pampanga , Pasig , and Bicol on Luzon and the Mindanao (Río Grande de Mindanao) and Agusan on Mindanao. The northern plain between the Sierra Madre and the Cordillera Central is drained by the Cagayan, while the central plain is drained in the north by the Agno and in the south by the Pampanga. The Pasig, which flows through the city of Manila, was once commercially important as a nexus for interisland trade but is no longer navigable except by small craft; heavy pollution has required significant cleanup efforts. Most of the Bicol Peninsula lies in the Bicol basin.

On Mindanao the Agusan drains the fertile lands of the island’s northeastern quadrant, while the Mindanao River drains the Cotabato Valley in the southwest. One of the Philippines’ most unique waterways lies underground, emerging directly into the ocean at Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park on the island of Palawan; the park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. The largest lake in the archipelago, with an area of 356 square miles (922 square km), is Laguna de Bay , on the island of Luzon. Also on Luzon and just to the southwest of Laguna de Bay is Taal Lake , which occupies 94 square miles (244 square km) inside a volcanic crater; a volcanic cone emerges from the lake’s centre. Lake Sultan Alonto on Mindanao is the country’s second largest lake, covering an area of 131 square miles (340 square km). Volcano Island in the centre of Taal Lake, southwestern Luzon, Philippines.

Peter Mouginis-Mark, Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawaii Soils The alluvial plains and terraces of Luzon and Mindoro have dark black cracking clays, as well as younger soils that are especially suitable for rice cultivation. Much of the land of the hilly and mountainous regions consists of moist, fertile soils, often with a significant concentration of volcanic ash, that support fruit trees and pineapples. Oil palms, vegetables, and other crops are grown in the peatlike areas, as well as in the younger, sand-based soils of the coastal plains, marshes, and lake regions. The dark, organic, mineral-rich soils of the undulating terrain of the Bicol Peninsula, much of the Visayas, and the northwest tip of Luzon are used to grow coffee, bananas, and other crops. Highly weathered, often red or yellow soils are prominent in the central and southern Philippines and are typically planted with cassava (manioc) and sugarcane; these soils also support forests for timber harvesting.

The poor, precipitation-leached soils of Palawan and the eastern mountains of Luzon are largely covered with shrubs, bushes, and other secondary growth that typically emerges in areas that have been cleared of their original forest cover. Coffee plantation, Basilan Island, Philippines Ted Spiegel—Rapho/Photo Researchers Climate The climate of the Philippines is tropical and strongly monsoonal (i.e., wet-dry). In general, rain-bearing winds blow from the southwest from approximately May to October, and drier winds come from the northeast from November to February. Thus, temperatures remain relatively constant from north to south during the year, and seasons consist of periods of wet and dry. Throughout the country, however, there are considerable variations in the frequency and amount of precipitation . The western shores facing the South China Sea have the most marked dry and wet seasons. The dry season generally begins in December and ends in May, the first three months being cool and the second three hot; the rest of the year constitutes the wet season. The dry season shortens progressively to the east until it ceases to occur.

During the wet season, rainfall is heavy in all parts of the archipelago except for an area extending southward through the centre of the Visayan group to central Mindanao and then southwestward through the Sulu Archipelago; rain is heaviest along the eastern shores facing the Pacific Ocean. From June to December tropical cyclones (typhoons) often strike the Philippines. Most of these storms come from the southeast, their frequency generally increasing from south to north; in some years the number of cyclones reaches 25 or more. Typhoons are heaviest in Samar, Leyte, south-central Luzon, and the Batan Islands, and, when accompanied by floods or high winds, they may cause great loss of life and property. Mindanao is generally free from such storms. November through February constitutes the most agreeable season; the air is cool and invigorating at night, and the days are pleasant and sunny. During the hot part of the dry season in most places—especially in the cities of Cebu, Davao , and Manila—the temperature sometimes rises as high as 100 °F (38 °C).

Overall temperatures decline with elevation, however, and cities and towns located at higher elevations—such as Baguio in northern Luzon, Majayjay and Lucban south of Manila, and Malaybalay in central Mindanao—experience a pleasant climate throughout the year; at times the temperature in those places dips close to 40 °F (4 °C). Page 1 of 12 Google Map of the City of Manila, Philippines - Nations Online Project Satellite view is showing Manila, the national capital of the Philippines , the island nation in Southeast Asia, east of Vietnam and south of Taiwan . The city is located on the island of Luzon, the largest and most populous island in the Philippines, at the estuary of the Pasig River, which flows into Manila Bay. The strategic location of present-day Manila along the bay was an ideal location for the Tagalog and Kapampangan people to trade with merchants from China , India , and Indonesia . In the mid-16th century, the area were ruled by native rajahs.

Rajah Matanda and his nephew, Rajah Sulayman ruled the Muslim communities south of the Pasig River, including the Kingdom of Maynila, while Rajah Lakandula reigned the Kingdom of Tondo north of the river, until the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. With the Spanish came Catholic missionaries, they established the Diocese of Manila in 1579. Cultural Center of the Philippines, Pasay (Manila), Manila's venue for state of the art performances and exhibitions. Image: © Visit Philippines Today Manila is one of the sixteen cities which make up Metro Manila, known as the National Capital Region. The metropolis is bordered to the west by Manila Bay, a natural harbor, to the east by Laguna de Bay (light blue, the largest lake in the Philippines). Lake Taal (Lake Bombon (dark blue)), with its complex volcanic system lies to the south. Today Manila has a city population of more than 1.78 million inhabitants (census 2015), more then 12.87 million people live in the metropolitan area (the National Capital Region). Spoken languages are Filipino and English.

Largest city in Metro Manila, in population and land area is Quezon City, one of the former capitals of the Philippines (1948-1976). Manila Points of Interest The historic core of the city and its oldest district is Intramuros (Spanish, "within the walls"), the Walled City in the heart of Manila. To protect the city from foreign invasions the Spanish colonial government constructed the defensive walls between 1590 and 1593. The construction included Fort Santiago, a defense fortress. The first fort was destroyed by Chinese pirates who invaded the city in 1574. San Agustin Church, constructed between 1586 and 1607 within Intramuros, it is one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines , that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rizal Park, better known as Luneta, one of the largest urban parks in Asia, the historical park is located along Roxas Boulevard, adjacent to the old walled city. Malacañang Palace, official residence of the President of the Philippines.

National Museum of the Philippines (showcasing Filipino heritage) The map shows a city map of Manila with expressways, main roads and streets, Ninoy Aquino International Airport ( IATA code : MNL) is located 12 km (7.5 mi) by road (via R-1) south of Manila. To view just the map, click on the "Map" button. To find a location type: street or place, city, optional: state, country. Local Time Philippines: Time zone: Philippine Time (PHT) UTC / GMT +8 hours φ Latitude, λ Longitude (of Map center; move the map to see coordinates): , Google Map: Searchable map/satellite view of Manila, Philippines. City Coordinates: 14°35′N 120°58′E Bookmark/share this page Map Help [ show ] to pan the map click on the respective arrow on the pan button or click on the map and move your mouse/pointer to drag the map around (pan). to Zoom in +, or Zoom out – use the zoom buttons; or double click on the map to zoom in.

Map Type Control Buttons; To switch between various map types click on this buttons: Click the Map button for a street map, this button holds the option for Terrain, it displays a physical map with topographical details. Click the Satellite for a satellite image; with the option to switch Labels (names, borders, roads, business, etc.) on and off, for a combination of satellite image and street map. The "Pegman" symbol offers the switch to Google's street view, the 360-degree, panoramic street-level imagery. To enjoy street views, grab pegman with your cursor and hoover over the map, when street view is available parts of the map will change to blue, drop pegman there and you might have a lot of fun within unimaginable boring landscapes. One World - Nations Online .:. let's care for this planet Made to improve cross-cultural understanding, global awareness, and cultivating a cosmopolitan consciousness.

Question: On which island of the Philippines is Manila?
Answer: LUZON