Metro Manila, the Philippines' political, social, economic, cultural, educational and recreational hub. Nowhere else in the country can the visitor acquire a greater dose of local color, a better understanding of the country's multifaceted culture, or as many glimpses of its contrasts as in this pulsating, vibrant metropolis. The city was once a Malay settlement known as Maynilad, named after the nilad, a plant that thrived in the riverine area. Manila was established as a Spanish city in 1571 when conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi ordered the construction of Intramuros, the Walled City. Through the centuries Manila incorporated several suburbs outside of the walls, was redesigned under American hands, almost obliterated in World War II, and reconstructed and expanded until it became the huge metropolis that it is now.
The streets are alive with colorful jeepneys, muffled buses and lustrous automobiles. In old sections of Manila like Intramuros and Chinatown, clip-clopping horse-drawn carriages pick their way through traffic. Glass and concrete towers rise side-by-side with neo-classical government buildings and Spanish colonial houses. Dragon arches, gold-domed mosques and elaborately-styled mansions define the enclaves of the Chinese, the Moslems, the rich and famous. The glare and cheerfulness of marketplaces are mere steps away from the peaceful greenery of parks and the hushed silences of churches.
Besides being the premier gateway to the many islands and tourist destinations north and south of the Philippines, Metro Manila has its own share of attractions to suit every interest. Here, museums, churches and theaters vie for the attentions of culture and history buffs. Malls, boutiques, antique shops and flea markets offer endless surprises for souvenir-hunters and shoppers. Posh restaurants and sidewalk eateries entice gastronomic adventurers. Snazzy discos and cozy bars entertain the night owl. Golfing greens, country clubs and accessible out-of-town resorts provide relaxation and recreation for all. |
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