| | Overview (Source: Frommers) |
The Philippines' capital is perhaps the most Americanized Asian city -- and actually, Manila isn't even a city in the traditional sense. It's a conglomeration of 12 cities and five municipalities, each politically independent, but functioning as one bustling geographic unit. Manila, with its population of 9.5 million, is on the main island of Luzon and offers an impressive view of Manila Bay and its memorable sunsets. Perhaps the most interesting cultural section of Manila is Intramuros, a "walled city" built in 1571, when Spain had control of the Philippines. Here, you'll see such historic landmarks as Fort Santiago, San Agustin (the Philippines' oldest church), Manila Cathedral (seat of the local Catholic Archdiocese), and medieval dungeons. Other Manila attractions include Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ), Malacañang Palace (where the president lives), the University of Santo Tomas, the National Museum of the Philippines, and Taal Volcano. There's also Chinatown, on Pasig River; Rizal Park and its monument honoring Dr. Jose Rizal, a martyr and national hero whose death made possible the founding of Asia's first democracy; and modern Ayala Avenue, with its ritzy fashion boutiques, cutting-edge skyscrapers, the Philippine Stock Exchange, and an active nightlife scene. Manileños are very friendly people despite the fact that their city is beleaguered with traffic and pollution. After the Spanish colonized it, it became an important port; King Philip II call
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| History (Source: WCities) | Top | It may not be apparent to the visitor, but Manila is actually one of East Asia's oldest cities. Predating even Tokyo, Manila traces its written history to 1571 when Spanish conquistadors, led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, wrested control of the city from three rajahs--Manila's pre-Hispanic rulers. In the ensuing centuries Manila grew into a thriving city, enriched by wealth generated by the worlds first global economy—the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. The artistic treasures at San Agustin Museum offer an intimation of this fabulous wealth. Though the Philippine islands were first inhabited tens of millennia before the Christian era, archaeologists estimate the foundation of Filipino culture at around the year 500. As can be gleaned from displays at the National Museum and Ayala Museum , Manilans enjoyed their own system of government and writing long before the advent of the Spaniards, but everything was lost in the destruction wrought by the invaders. Literature and other manuscripts inscribed on bamboo were burned or left to decay, while the native civil code was replaced with Spanish colonial rule. The Kingdom of Namayan can be considered as the precursor of modern Metro Manila. With its capital in Sapa, known today as Santa Ana, Namayan encompassed present-day City of Manila, Mandaluyong City, San Juan, Makati City, Pasay City, Pateros, Taguig and Parañaque City, now all parts of Metro Manila. It is said that in the 13th century a Namayan princess was give
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| How To Get There (Source: WCities) | Top | Getting There: By Air: The Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport ( MIAA ) ( +63 02 877 1109 ) contains three international terminals and a domestic airport. Airlines include: Air Asia ( +603 8660 4343/ http://www.airasia.com ) Air France ( +63 02 831 2226; http://www.airfrance.com/ ) Air Macau ( +63 02 243 3580; http://en.airmacau.com.mo/ ) Air Nauru ( +63 02 595 9350 ) Air Niugini ( +63 02 831 4738; http://www.airniugini.com.pg/ ) Asian Airlines ( +63 02 891 6126; http://www.flyasiana.com/ ) British Airways ( +63 02 831 7131; http://www.britishairways.com/ ) Cathay Pacific ( +63 02 931 1492; http://www.cathaypacific.com/ ) China Airlines ( +63 02 832 3008; http://www.china-airlines.com/ ) China Southern Airlines ( +63 02 8771 3593; http://www.cs-air.com/ ) Continental Air ( +63 02 833 2588; http://www.continental.com/ ) Egypt Airlines ( +63 02 831 0661; http://www.egyptair.com/ ) Emirates Airlines ( +63 02 832 5350; http://www.emirates.com/ ) Eva Airlines ( +63 02 801 0438; http://www.evaair.com/ ) Gulf Airlines ( +63 02 831 9655; http://www.gulfairco.com/ ) Japan Air ( +63 02 831 0718; http://www.japanair.com/ ) KLM Airlines ( +63 02 832 1756; http://www.klm.com/ ) Korean Airlines ( +63 02 832 5974; http://www.koreanair.com/ ) Kuwait Airways ( +63 02 831 3664; http://www.kuwait-airways.com/ ) Lufthansa Airlines ( +63 02 831 4871; http://www.lufthansa.com/ ) Malaysia Airlin
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| What To Do (Source: WCities) | Top | In the free and open atmosphere of Manila, entertainment takes myriad forms. Sometimes you just need a little food for the soul, and here are some places to get your fill. The Cultural Scene Manila is distinguished by a strong theatrical tradition, possibly the most active and varied in East Asia after Tokyo. Because of the city’s early westernization, Manilans have been exposed to English plays, Italian opera, American musicals and other forms of theater to a far greater degree than their regional neighbors. Manila's cultural scene is mainly represented by venues like the Cultural Center of the Philippines , Meralco Theater , and William J. Shaw Theater . In addition, there are auditoriums in practically all of the city’s schools and universities, and these are regularly used for a broad range of theatrical productions. Even shopping malls—for example, SM Megamall and Shangri-La Plaza Mall —lend themselves to concerts and cultural shows. Each of the city's diverse drama companies mounts a season every year, with Tanghalang Pilipino, the Cultural Center’s resident company, setting the pace with productions that blend the best of traditional and avant-garde theater. Repertory Philippines specializes in English-language productions and is devoted to fostering a love of the theater among the younger generation. Ballet Philippines , also attached to the Cultural Center, leads the world of dance, though there are several dance companies and s
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