ABOUT MANILA

Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of 16 cities comprising Metro Manila.

As early as the 10th century, Manila was recorded to have had trade relations with Japan, China, and other kingdoms in Southeast Asia. In 1571, Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi founded the city of Manila in what today is Intramuros. Manila was designated as the capital of the Philippine Islands, which Spain would colonize for over 300 years. In 1898, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States, which initiated the expansion and modernization of Manila. The Second World War visited severe devastation upon Manila. Since then, the city has been rebuilt into what it is now – a bustling city of 1.67 million residents.

Manila is composed of 18 districts. Among its better known districts are:

1. Intramuros. Taken from the Latin, intra muros, literally "within the walls", Intramuros is the ‘History Town of the Philippines’ and is considered as ‘Old Manila’.
2. Ermita. One of the two areas in the ‘Tourist Belt’ (the other one is Malate), Ermita is home to bars, cafes, and coin, art and antique shops. Ermita is also where the American Embassy, Rizal Park, and Museo Pambata (Children’s Museum) are located.
3. Malate. Dubbed as the center of bohemian night life in the metropolis, Malate is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes offering food and drinks, live music, and comedy.
4. Binondo. The country's Chinatown before the arrival of Spaniards in 1571, Binondo is the city's main center of business, finance, trade, and exotic food.
5. Quiapo. Hometown of the Black Nazarene, Quiapo is also where serious bargain hunters buy a wide range of inexpensive items.
6. San Nicolas. This is home to the Divisoria Flea Market, where adventurous shoppers may go for cheap buys.
7. Paco. This is known for a historic park cemetery, where open air concerts are also performed.

Some of the interesting places to visit in the city are the following:

1. Baywalk (along Manila Bay)
2. Chinatown
3. Intramuros (old walled Spanish settlement)
4. San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral (colonial churches)
5. National Museum of the Philippines
6. Museo Pambata (Children’s Museum)
7. Metropolitan Museum of Manila
8. Rizal Park
9. Manila Ocean Park
10. SM Mall of Asia

On the south of Manila lies Makati, the financial capital of the country and home to world class shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels. To the north is Quezon City where the University of the Philippines, the national university, and most of the government offices are located.