subject: About Manila City [print this page] Manila City is the capital of the PhilippinesManila City is the capital of the Philippines. Before the Second World War, the city was known to be among the most beautiful cities in the world; almost at the level of London and Paris.
However, Manila was almost completely destroyed during the WWII. The city was among the most devastated cities during the war next only to Warsaw, Poland. Now, its viewed by tourists and foreigners as a crowded and polluted city.
Manila City History
Manila was used as the capital city during the 3 century colonization by the Spanish of the country. This is why almost all of the old architecture in Manila city is obviously Spanish design. The best examples of this are Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago in Intramuros and the only complete steel church in Asia, Basilica of San Sebastian.
The citys name was taken from a once rich tree in the area named Nilad, prompting the locals during that time to call the city Maynilad which roughly means Therere Nilad trees. Colonization by the Spanish of Manila city began in the year 1571, 50 years after Ferdinand Magellans discovery of the islands. The country was later occupied by the British for about two years before it was taken over by the Americans in 1898.
Metro Manila
Metro Manila is a region composed of 17 municipalities and cities which includes Manila City. Other cities that make up Metro Manila are Makati City, Quezon City, Marikina City, Caloocan City, Mandaluyong City, Pasay City, Pasig City, Malabon City, San Juan City, Paraaque City , Taguig City, Muntinlupa City, Valenzuela City, Navotas City, Pateros and Las Pias City .
Spoken Language
The main languages spoken in the city are Filipino (Tagalog) and English. In the Binondo district of the city, which is called Chinatown, both Hokkien and Mandarin are spoken.
Getting In
The airport nearest the city of Manila is located in the city of Pasay, its called the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Terminal number 1 is the main international terminal. Terminal 2 on the other hand is exclusively reserved for the Philippine Airlines or PAL and the newly constructed Terminal number 3 is being used by Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines.
What to See
Some of the most visited places in Manila city are Rizal Park, Malate (for the bars), Chinatown, Intramuros, Mall of Asia (MOA), Baywalk and Malacaang Palace among others.
