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HOME >> THE CITY OF MANILA

Manila Bay Sunset

Manila Cathedral
binondo china town

China Town, Binondo Manila
Manila Intramuros Entrance

Intramuros Entrance
san agustin church intramuros

san Agustin Church, Intramuros

San Agustin Museum
walled city, manila

Intramuros Walled City
manila jeepney transportation

Manila Jeepney

Manila Fort Santiago

EXPERIENCE MANILA
Beyond the Walls
Located on the southwest shores of the island of Luzon, it lies right beside historic Manila Bay and its celebrated golden sunset. This fluid, easygoing metropolis immediately places the visitor at ease with its hospitality and modern comforts.

Manila is a city of many striking contrasts. Glass and steel skyscrapers stand alongside the concrete images of heroes past. Sleek cars drive past horse-drawn carriages. Ancestral churches are a stone’s throw away from the poshest of shopping malls. A city plunging head on towards the 21st century with a healthy respect for spirits past.

Manila took its name from a white-flowered mangrove plant, called the nilad. A small tribal settlement along the Pasig River, Manila was then ruled by Rajah Sulayman. By the 16th century, the Spaniards invaded Manila, built a wall around it, and claimed it as their own. Spain ruled the walled city of Intramuros, Manila, and the Philippines, for the next 300 years. Afterwards, it was the Americans’ turn to conquer the islands. But above it all, Manila thrived and survived.

Intramuros or the "Walled City" located along Bonifacio Drive was built by the Spaniards in the 16th Century as defense against marauding pirates and invaders. Though devastated by the last World War, the ruins still retain the old grandeur.

Chinatown
Like anywhere else in the world, the Chinese have found a comfortable niche in Philippine society – and nowhere is this more apparent than in Chinatown. Situated in bustling Binondo, Chinatown is filled with all things Chinese from Peking duck and Buddhist temples to gold watches, snake soup, and wonder herbs. The high chords of Chinese songs and the permeating smell of incense complete the uniquely Chinese ambiance.

Getting Around:
When in Manila, get around as the Manileños do—via the colorful, ubiquitous jeepneys. These "kings of the road" not only get you almost everywhere around the city on a minimal fare, they also provide insights into the Filipino psyche and allow a liberal glimpse of pop art. Otherwise there are the buses, air-conditioned or not, which ply the wider, oft-traveled routes like Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA)—the major artery which cuts through the metropolis and connects important points from Monumento in the north to Baclaran in the south. Some buses go as far north as Novaliches and as far south as Alabang and Muntinlupa.

The light Rail Transit (LRT) runs overhead from Monumento to Baclaran, cutting through traffic and stopping pre- designated stations along the way. The Metro Train plies the rail route from Tutuban in Manila to as far southward as Cavite Province; while the Metro Ferry cross the Pasig River from Fscolta, Manila to Guadalupe, Makati. Taxis about along major streets and within commercial and business centers. Tricycles (motorcycles with side cars) and pedicabs (bicycles with side cars) service narrow roads and inner city alleys. In sections of Manila like Binondo in Chinatown and Intramuros, Kalesas or horse-drawn carriages plod through traffic, carrying passengers and goods. If the preference is for ease and comfort car rental companies offer competitive rates based on mileage or day rates.

Attractions:

Casa Manila showcases turn of the century opulence;
Fort Santiago's dungeons has permanent exhibits of memorabilia of Filipino heroes, including Dr. Jose Rizal, who was imprisoned by the Spaniards there;
Rajah Sulayman Theatre where Tagalog and English plays are staged in an open air courtyard;
The Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church on Calle Real.