About Manila, Philippines

About Manila

Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is located in the northern island of Luzon close to Quezon City. Quezon City was once the capital, from 1948 to 1976, and is actually the most populous city. Manila is the second most populated city with a population of 1,652,171. It is just under 15 square miles, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the Philippines and in the world. It is where the seat of the Philippine government is located.

History

The earliest known records of the city date back to the tenth century. It was known as the Pearl of the Orient because of its location in the Pacific as an important trade route. The city suffered devastating destruction during World War II but has since been rebuilt. It is now the center of education, headquarters to the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, and attracts more than one million tourists each year.

Transportation

Manila has two international airports and a Light Rail Transit System of 11 different above ground train stations. There are also taxis, motorcycles with sidecars known as tricycles, and the most popular form of transportation known as jeepneys, which are jeep-like public utility vehicles. They have their roots from World War II with the surplus jeeps that were sold to the Philippines who painted them in bright native colors and began using them and producing them for family and tourist transportation.

Places to visit in the Philippines

The Rizal Park Rizal Park or Luneta Park is the most famous landmark in Manila. The country’s national hero and genius, Jose Rizal’s monument stands in the facade of the park across the Roxas Boulevard and the Manila Bay. Many tourists and locals go there every day to have some photos taken in the famous statue and park. No entrance fee in the park so chillax.

Fort Santiago and Intramuros One of many favorite places to visit in Manila is Fort Santiago, also part of the famous Intramuros. If you love visiting historical places and seeing vintage stuffs, you’ll surely enjoy this place. Seeing Fort Santiago mirrors the life and culture of the country during the Spanish times and the sixteenth century. There are also Kalesa or carriage around the area in case you want to tour around riding it. Only 250 for 30 minutes The National Museum The National Museum is also an extraordinary place to visit in Manila. Juan Luna’s famous and stunning masterpiece, The Spoliarium will greet you at the entrance. The painting is superb, huge and enigmatic. Of course, that’s only a warm up. Walking through the museum, you’ll see more of Philippines’ archives and treasures.

Manila Bay or Baywalk In line with the Manila Ocean Park and the US embassy, is the Manila Bay, usually called as Baywalk, too. Perfect venue to chill and watch the ships, yachts and the sunset.

Philippines Major Shopping Centers

These super-regional supermalls each have over a hundred local and international stores and are anchored by at least one department store and supermarket or hypermarket. They are also the largest malls in Metro Manila which feature not just stores but also attractions: movie theaters, rides, skating rinks, bowling alleys and other recreational facilities. These malls serve not only the Metro Manila and Greater Manila Area residents, but also local and foreign tourists.

1. Alabang Town Center - Alabang–Zapote Road, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa 2. Festival Alabang - Corporate Avenue corner Civic Drive, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa 3. Greenbelt - Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati 4. Greenhills Shopping Center - Ortigas Avenue, North Western Street, San Juan, Metro Manila 5. Market! Market! - 26th Street corner C-5 Road, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 6. Power Plant Mall - Rockwell Drive corner Estrella Street, Rockwell Center, Makati 7. SM Aura Premier - C-5 Road corner McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 8. SM Mall of Asia - Central Business Park, Bay Boulevard, Bay City, Pasay 9. SM Megamall - EDSA corner Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong 10. TriNoma - EDSA corner North Avenue, Quezon City

Famous Beaches

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. 2. Boracay, Aklan - White Beach is the place most frequently associated with Boracay, the most popular holiday destination in the Philippines. 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. 4. Panglao, Bohol - Once a sleepy island, Panglao is being roused by travelers in search of gorgeous beaches. Options include dolphin watching, whale spotting, diving with barracudas, jackfish, sea snakes and brilliant coral formations. 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 redgold sunsets. 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.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2014/02/13/travel/philippines-best-beaches-andislands/ / Photo by http://boholfundivers.com