An Overview of the City of Manila

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The City of Manila, capital of the Republic of the Philippines, is not just home to millions of people (it is the second most populated city in the country) but it is also recognized for being the site of numerous landmarks, owing to its rich history.

During the period of the Spanish occupation, the city became the center for the distribution of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not), a novel that in no uncertain terms criticized the way the Spanish friars were running Manila. It was also in another part of Manila, in Tondo, that Andres Bonifacio took arms against the Spaniards. During World War II, Manila, in particular Intramuros, was the site of some of the bloodiest battles between the Allied Forces and the Japanese.

The history of Manila can be found in numerous landmarks in the city, the most renowned being Rizal Park, or Luneta. This is where Jose Rizal was executed by the Spaniards, and there is a statue that has been built in his memory. Besides this, other points of interest in the area include the National Museum, the Quirino Grandstand, and the Butterfly Pavilion, where some of the finest cultural events are held regularly.

There are several landmarks in Manila. With its storied past and continuing progress, it has become the place where one can see the greatest historical sites and also the most modern in entertainment.

Among history buffs, there is Intramuros, constructed during the Spanish times and for a time, comprised the entire city itself. There is also the Martial law Memorial Wall, a site dedicated to all the people who suffered under the period of military rule. One can also check out the Museo ng Maynila and the Chidlren’s Museum, and of course, the historic Plaza Miranda.

Owing to its bustling population, Manila has become the center for various forms of religious worship and numerous churches and shrines can be found throughout the city. These include the Quiapo Church, Manila Cathedral (home of the Archdiocese) and the San Sebastian Church, known as the only church in the continent constructed in the Gothic style.

While predominantly Roman Catholic, there are also plenty of churches for the various Protestant denominations, such as the Central United Methodist Church, the Ellinwood Malate Church for the Presbyterians and more. Quiapo is where most of the Muslim population reside, and it is also there that the Golden Mosque can be located.

Manila is also well known for its nightlife. In Malate and Ermita one can find the very best clubs, discos, restaurants and more. Scattered throughout the city are various movie theaters, shopping malls and various other entertainment venues.

Among the other areas in the city that will interest the visitor include Binondo, or Chinatown; Fort Santiago where according to legend General Yamashita buried his treasure; Liwasang Bonifacio, the Manila Zoo, Paco Park (where several noteworthy cultural performances have been held).

Means of transportation in Manila are varied. The international airport (NAIA) is in the city; there are also rail transports available courtesy of the Philippine National Railways and the Metro Rail Transit. The premier ports of the country, the North and South harbor, are also in the city.

The City of Manila is virtually synonymous with the Philippines, and deservedly so. With its rich history and places of interest, one will realize why Manila is the capital of the Philippines.