Manila
INTRO
City of the Bay, Distinguished and Ever Loyal City, Pearl of the Orient, Lungsod ng Maynila, Maynilad or simply Manila Do you know that Manila is the premier Christian city of Asia and home to the most vibrant theatre scene in Southeast Asia? The capital, cultural and economic centre of the Philippines is a special kind of global city, with a turbulent history and many hidden treasures. The breathtaking sunsets on the Baywalk enhance the kaleidoscope of faces, sights and landscapes, scattered along the city. The prevailing cosmopolitan atmosphere fails to dwarf the awe-inspiring, warm and humble attitude it shows to its visitors.
City Profile
City: Manila
Country: Philippines
Area: 38.55 km2
Population: 1,581,082
Districts: 16
Mayor: Alfredo Siojo Lim
Language: Filipino, English
LOCATION
Manila is situated on the eastern shores of Manila Bay on the country's largest island, Luzon. The Pasig River bisects the city, dividing it into two almost equal parts, connected by a number of bridges. The city of Manila is a part of the Metro Manila area. Also known as the National Capital Region, it consists of 17 cities and municipalities. Its location is in the southern portion of Luzon, between Manila Bay and the inland lake of Laguna de Bay.
TIME TO VISIT
Manila has a tropical climate, characterized by two distinct seasons: a wet and a dry season. The dry season lasts from December to May and coincides with the southwest monsoon in April and May, which are generally the hottest months. The mean temperature during this time is 29.6°C. The wet season from June to November can be accompanied by typhoons and tropical storms. The coolest weather occurs during December and January, when temperatures range from 24 to 30°C at the most. This is by far the best time to visit the city, especially if you are not used to great heat.
POPULATION
With a population of more than 1.5 million inhabitants, the city of Manila is the second most populous city in the Philippines. Moreover, it has the highest population density of any major city in the world, namely 41,014 people/km2. The metropolitan area in its own right houses over 10 million people. The ethnic groups, represented in the local population are the native Talalogs, the Chinese and the Spanish. The official languages are Filipino and English and the official religion is Roman Catholicism.
DISTRICTS
The city of Manila is divided into sixteen districts. Eight are located north of the Pasig River and the other half south of the river. Only the district of Port Area was not an original town. Several of the districts have achieved recognition in their own right. The district of Intramuros is the old and original enclave of Manila. It is most worth mentioning together with a couple of others.
- Intramuros is the oldest district of Manila, also known as Old Manila during the Spanish colonial rule. Its name means "Within the walls" as it was a city itself, enclosed by thick, high walls and moats lining the southern banks of Pasig River. Within its walls you can find a number of churches, fortifications, monuments and museums.
- Binondo is home to the city's Chinatown because it is populated mainly by overseas Chinese. This district was formerly the chief business district. It is dotted with all types of business from Chinese merchants.
- Malate is situated at the southern end of the city. It is a bustling shopping area and a famous entertainment and nightlife district, often referred to as bohemian.
- Ermita is located between Intramuros and Malate. It could be regarded as the city's administrative district since it houses the Philippine Supreme Court, the City Hall of Manila and the Philippine Postal Office. It is furthermore an educational centre and in general a goldmine for tourists.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
All kinds of unforgettable sights and irresistible tourist attractions parade in front of your eyes in the city of Manila. They entice you with an endless power and you are bound to fall victim to their magic. Some of the most tempting among them are:
- Rizal Park lies at the heart of the city of Manila, on Roxas Boulevard, overlooking Manila Bay. It was called Bagumbayan during the Spanish occupation and later popular as Luneta. The 60 hectare park was the site of the national hero, Jose Rizal's execution and was officially named after him. The monument in the park serves as the Kilometre Zero in the Philippines. More info at: http://www.nationalparks.ph/rizalpark/main.htm
- Baywalk is the promenade in the city of Manila. It is located along Roxas Boulevard and overlooks Manila Bay. Here you can experience and fully enjoy the inimitable Manila sunsets. Besides, there are numerous open air bars and restaurants, scattered among coconut trees and futuristic lamp posts. More info at: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Philippines/City_of_Manila/Manila-1391614/Things_To_Do-Manila-Manila_Bay-BR-1.html
- Manila Cathedral is located in Intramuros. It was the seat of the Archbishop of Manila under the Spanish colonial rule, but was later destroyed and rebuilt a couple of times. It is also called the minor basilica of the Immaculate Conception, today it still represents the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Manila. More info at: http://www.manilacathedral.org/
- Malacanan/ Malacanang Palace is the official residence of Philippines' President. It is located in the districts of San Miguel and Pandacan, along the northern bank of the Pasig River. Except Malacanan Palace itself, the complex consists of Bonifacio Hall, Kalayaan Hall, Mabini Hall and the New Executive Building. More info on the admission fee and how to get there: http://www.op.gov.ph/museum/
- San Agustín Church is the only building to survive after the destruction of Intramuros. Built between 1587 and 1606, is also appears to be one of the oldest churches of Philippines. It is the first European stone church in the Philippines designed in Spanish architectural style. It was therefore designated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site toghether with three other Baroque Churches of the Philippines. More info on the admission fee and how to get there: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2767619-san_agustin_church_manila-i
AIRPORTS
The city of Manila is easily reachable from over 26 cities and 19 countries worldwide. There is one international airport, which has three different terminals.
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main airport that serves the Metro Manila Area and the international gateway to the Philippines. It is located about 7 kilometers south of the city of Manila, along the border between Pasay City and Paranaque City. The most convenient way to reach the centre seems to be by coupon (pre-paid) taxis, available at the airport. For destinations within Metro Manila, you should expect to pay USD10-15.
- Terminal 2 "Centennial Terminal" is the terminal of Philippine Airlines, used for both its domestic and international flights. Situated at the Old MIA Road, it actually has the most flights of all the NAIA terminals.
- Domestic Terminal is the oldest terminal of Philippine Airlines that holds domestic flights. More info at: http://www.ato.gov.ph/web/airportsNAIA.htm
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
The most efficient modes of transportation within the city of Manila and the Metro Manila Area are as follows:
- Jeepneys are said to be the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They are flamboyantly decorated evolved versions of US military jeeps, which were used during World War II. The minimum fare for the first four kilometers is P7.50 and for every additional kilometer thereafter you have to pay P1.25.
- Taxis are metered and most of them have air-conditioning. They are more expensive but still affordable. You should however make sure that the meter starts at P30 when you hire a taxi.
- Buses are common on the major thoroughfares of Metro Manila and mostly the EDSA route. Both ordinary and air-conditioned buses are available. The fare structure of ordinary buses is nearly the same as that of jeepneys whereas the fares of air-conditioned buses are not regulated by the government.
- The Metro Rail Transit is a light rail transit system, running along one of the main thoroughfares in Metro Manila, EDSA. It is a very cheap way of traveling with fares of P15 for the entire length.
HISTORY
History of Manila began when it was a small Muslim settlement on the banks of the Pasig River. The city took its name from a white-flowered mangrove plant (nilad) that grew in abundance in the region. The name Maynilad literally means "there is nilad". Since the 16th century Manila has been the seat of the colonial government of Spain. The Spanish colonial era lasted for over three centuries from 1565 to 1898. Manila was proclaimed as the capital of the Philippine Islands in 1595 and thus became a hub of trans-Pacific trade. The United States occupied and controlled the city and the Philippines from 1898 to 1946. After World War II Manila was the second most devastated city after Warsaw. In 1975 the Metropolitan Manila area was enacted as an independent unit and today the city of Manila is classified as a global city.
CITY LINKS
- Manila Times, the oldest English language newspaper in the Philippines: http://www.manilatimes.net/
- Official Website of Manila: http://www.manila.gov.ph/
- Useful tips: http://wikitravel.org/en/Manila
- Manila's Ultimate Online Dining Guide: http://www.manilaguide.com/
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila(PLM)/University of the City of Manila, the largest government-funded, tuition-free university in the country: http://www.plm.edu.ph/main.html
- De La Salle University-Manila, a private Catholic university: http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/
- Far Eastern University (FEU), a nonsectarian, private university in the University Belt area: http://www.feu.edu.ph/