Official Language:
Filipino
Secondary Language:
Tagalog
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Currency:
Peso (Piso)
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Population:
Over 10 million
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Manila: Hot and humid through the Summer with much rain year round. Seasons can be roughly divided into the cool and dry season from November to February, hot and dry from March to May, and hot and wet from June to October. January is usually the coolest month with an average temperature of 78°F/26°C.
Best time to visit January through April, while May is the hottest at 83°F/28°C Rainfall varies, but some precipitation occurs most of the year-round. Beware of typhoons between May and November
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Manila is the capital of the Philippines, and is a major seaport with a deep and sheltered harbour built on a very modern waterfront. Cruise ships dock at the Port of Manila (tel. 2/479-204) located at Muelle de San Francisco Street. From there, you can take a bus or cab to downtown Manila.
Manila is known for its congested thoroughfares, so its wise to choose your transportation options carefully. Taxis are everywhere in Manila, and the meter runs in absurdly low increments of 3 cents! However, don't let a driver convince you that the meter is broken, as they will often try to do, in order to charge you triple the fare. Manila also has a system of elevated trains, running from Caloocan in the north to Baclaran in the south. Tokens cost a modest 25 cents. If you are truly adventurous, you can rent a car while in Manila if you don't mind horrific traffic. Contact Dollar rent-a-car (tel. 2/844-3120 for more information.
On the south bank of the Pasig river, is the original city, Intramuros, founded in 1571 by the Spanish. Most of the old city was destroyed during World War II. From Manila you can visit the Malacanang Palace, Pagsanjan Falls and Taal volcano. The Philippine capital of Manila was founded by King Philip II of Spain. The Spanish successfully prevented the Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese from settling in the Philippines in the years to follow. During the Seven Years' War the British occupied Manila, but agreed to return it to Spain under the 1763 Treaty of Paris. During the Second World War, the Japanese took control of Manila during a 1942 invasion. The U.S. recaptured the islands and returned them to the Philippines. In 1946, the country was granted independence and the first president was elected, Manuel Roxas. The most recent history brought the exile of former leader Ferdinand Marcos and the new Democratic leadership. This historic and charming city is divided into two sections, Old Manila and New Manila.
Old Manila offers a charming step back in time with the historic Rizal Park, and the walled city of Intramuros. New Manila offers a modern metropolis with trade for all the islands of the Philippines. Goods from the entire country are available here.
The museums and historical sites in Manila are quite fascinating, and offer insight and knowledge into the history and culture of the area. The Filipino heritage is a unique and interesting one, and you can explore it in depth at a number of destinations. Mount Pinatubo is one of the wonders of the world, an exquisite location that is a must see. A few days may be enough for Manila, but they will definitely be an action-packed and exciting few days. The city is very warm the entire year, and the heat can be stifling during the spring and summer months. You may encounter days of rain, but the parade never stops. A little rain or heat certainly won't stop the Filipino locals from having a raucous party. A little weather will not stop you either, because you are sure to get caught up in the fun and excitement of the city. There is a plethora of water sports available in Manila, and dining or relaxing on the beach is quite enjoyable. You can also attend sailing and whitewater rafting excursions that are outstanding. It may seem that the city is disorganized and difficult to navigate, but that's okay, because the taxi service in Manila is reliable and affordable. Getting around is easy, and this is a good thing, because there certainly is a lot to see and do.
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Attractions |
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Plaza San Luis Intramuros, Manila - Named after one of the old barrios of old Intramuros, this is a cultural-cum-commercial complex currently composed of five houses - Casa Manila, Casa Urdaneta, Casa Blanca, Los Hidalgos and El Hogar Filipino. Plaza Ruis will eventually consist of 9 houses representing different eras in Filipino - Hispanic architecture. Aside from gift and specialty shops, the complex has a museum at Casa Manila, containing late 19th century and early 20th century furniture found in a typical Filipino illustrado or the priviledged class home.
Fort Santiago Intramuros, Manila - Which marks its entrance on the northwestern trip to Intramuros, started in 1571 and completed nearly 150 years later by Filipino forced labor. The pre Spanish settlement of Rajah Sulayman was a wooden fort on the ashes of which was built the Spanish fortress which was Spain's major defense position in the islands. It looked out on the sea, towards which is canons were trained to ward off pirates and invaders. Also known as the "Shrine of Freedom", in memory of the heroic Filipinos imprisoned and killed here during the Spanish and Japanes eras. Partly rebuilt from the ruins of World War II, it is now a park and premonade housing a resident theater company - PETA which has used ramparts, old garison and small chapel, as theaters for both traditional and modern plays. How to get there?: From T.M. Kalaw St., walk to Mabini or Pedro Gil Sts. and hail a PUJ bound for the pier and get off at the Bonifacio Drive Intersection. From here, Fort Santiago is a five minute walk going towards Aduana Street.
Rizal Shrine- Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila Description: The restored shrine inside Fort Santiago houses Rizaliana items in memory of the Phiilppines' national hero. Jose RIzal spent his last few days here before he was executed on December 30, 1896. Among the objects exhibited are various books and manuscripts by and about the national hero; sketches, paintings, wood carvings and sculpture done by the hero; paraphernalia and souvenir acquired during his several trips abroad; and a collection of colonial style furniture form his hometown in Calamba, Laguna. How to get there?: From T.M. Kalaw St., walk to Mabini or Pedro Gil Sts. and hail a PUJ bound for the pier and get off at the Bonifacio Drive Intersection. From here, Fort Santiago is a five minute walk foing towards Aduana Street.
Mabini Shrine- Pandacan, Manila Description: Apolinarion Mabini, the intellectual leader of the Philippine Revolution, lived in this house as a law student, a lawyer and worker who advocated Philippine Independence from Spain. During the American Occupation, it was much frequented by foreign correspondents who found Mabini both interesting and informative and became intellectual headquarters of the first Philippine Republic. The house was made of bamboo and nipa roof. the floors are polished bamboo slats and the walls are sawali. It is a typical lower middle income family house. The pieces of furnitures in the house are replicas of the originals. How to get there?: From PWU in Taft Avenue corner Gen. Malvar St., hail a PUJ bound for Paco and get off at the foot of the Nagtahan Bridge. From the bridge, a short walk towards the Presidential Security Group compound leads to the shrine.
Palacio del Gobernador Plaza Roma, Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila Description: Formerly the home of Manuel Estacion de Venegas, a governors' aide, the two-storey structure was expropriated and subsequently made the official residence and office of the Spanish governor-generals in 1654 until an earthquake brought it down in 1863. It lay in ruins for almost a century until the Land Bank of the Philippines built an 8-storey building on the site in 1978. the office of Intramuros Administration is presently housed here. How to get there?: From T.M. Kalaw St., walk to Mabini or Pedro Gil Sts. and hail a PUJ bound for the pier and get off at Bonifacio Drive Intersection. The Palacio del Gobernador is a 15-minute walk going towards Aduana Street. As an alternative route, hail any pier bound PUJ in Quezon City and get off at Aduana Street.
Plaza Samplucan General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila Description: The site belonged to a Spanish merchant who became the paramour of Governor General Alonso Fajardo's wife in 1621. Legend has it that the house in this plaza was their trysting place, shunned as a place of sin and and demolished after their deaths at the hands of the cuckolded official. Tamarind trees spontaneously grew on the spot which, which according to many, is the symbol of their bitter-sweet love affair. How to get there?: From T.M. Kalaw Kalaw St., go to Mabini St. or Pedro Gil St. and hail any pier bound PUJ and get off at the Bonifacio Drive intersection. The Plaza Samplaucan is a 15-minute walk going towards Aduana St. As an alternative route, hail a pier bound PUJ in Quezon City and get off at Aduana Street.
Malacaņang Palace J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila Description: Seat of the head of Government of the Philippines since Spanish times; officially stands on the northbank of the Pasig river whose beauty has been said in legend and in song. Malacaņang, from the vernacular "May Lakan Diyan" meaning "There lives a noble man," was built in the 18th century as a recreation villa for a Spanish aristocrat Luis Rocha. In 1825, the Spanish government bought the palace for P5,000.00 thus turned it into a summer house of governor generals. The earthquake which brought down the Palacio del Gobernador in Intra-muros officially designated Mala-caņang Palace as the permanent seat of the Head of State. How to get there?: From T.M. Kalaw St., hail a PUJ bound for "Quiapo". Get off at Quiapo and hail another PUJ going to "San Miguel". Get off at the J.P. Rizal Laurel Street and proceed to gate number 6 of the palace.
Rizal Park Rizal Park, Manila Description: Considered as one of the largest parks in Southeast Asia. It has an era of 58 hectares which runs from Taft Avenue up to the walls of the famous Manila Bay. Known as the Bagumbayan field during the Spanish era since this was where the Filipino Moslems took refuge after the Spaniards occupied Intramuros in 1571. It was also called "Luneta" which means which means "Little Moon". For 74 years, it was used as an execution ground by the Spaniards for Filipino rebels and multineers. By 1902, Daniel Burnham, architect and city planner chose Bagumbayan as the site of proposed American government center. He designed a U-shaped position building, but only three were erected. These are the Executive House, the Department of Tourism building and the Department of Finance building. It is acquired its present name "Rizal National Park" in dedication to the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal whose mortal remains were interred in the cornerstone of the Rizal Monument in 1912. How to get there?: Coming from the south of Manila, take any Taft Avenue bound jeepney. Get off right at the park. From Quiapo, one can take a PUJ bound fro T.M. Kalaw St. via Taft Avenue and get off right at the park.
Chinese Cemetery South Gate on Aurora Avenue, Blumentritt, Manila Description: Founded in the mid 1850's by Lim Ong and Tan Quien Sien (Don Carlos Palanca) to accommodate the many Chinese, who were not allowed to be buried in Spanish cemeteries. The cemetery covering 54 hectares has streets lined with mausoleums which are richly adorned with marble and wrought iron, some with strained glass windows. Some imposing mausoleum serve the dual purpose of honoring the dead and exhibiting the socio-economic status of the family. The crematorium is opposite the temple. A nearby building houses ashes on 2nd Floors and on the 3rd Floor, the bones of those who will return to the mainland. The poor are buried in terraces to the left of the Buddhist Temple. How to get there?: From T.M. Kalaw St., proceed to Taft Avenue anf hail a PUJ bound for "Blumentritt / Dimasalang". Get off right in front of the SIlver Drugstore. A 15-minute walk towards the south gate on Aurora Avenue. Take the LRT at UN Avenue station or Pedro Gil station. Get off at R. Papa station. The cemetery is right down from the station.
Paco Park and Cemetery Paco, Manila Once a Spanish cemetery surrounded by a massive circular wall during the Spanish era. Intended for the victims of the cholera epidemic niches inside the cemetery were leased for P20.00 for three years, renewable. When all niches were filled, remains of occupants those leases had expired were transferred to the ossorio t allow for new burials. The last interment was in 1913. Remains of Spanish governors and the elite were laid to rest in the Chapel of San Pancratius. Today, only the remains of Governor-General Ramon Solano are still in the chapel. In 1996, the cemetery was declared a National Park which makes it a charming spot where visitors promenade. How to get there?: From Taft Avenue corner Padre Faura Sts., hail a PUJ ato Paco and get off along Padre Faura, and take a 7-minute walk to the park.
Ermita District Ermita, Manila Originally known as "Lagyo". In 1591, a chapel was constructed for Nuestra Seņora de Guia. A Mexican hermit arrived in the place and lived in the chapel and people referred to ti as "La Ermita". Ermita was a fishing village prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. When the Spaniards moved out of Intramuros, they integrated with the Indios in Ermita and adjacent Malate and to a lesser extent, Paco. These became a fashionable residential areas in the Spanish era to the American era. Today, Ermita is the heart of the tourist belt area, with countless restaurants, bars, clubs, handicraft stores and art galleries. How to get there?: Along T.M. Kalaw st. or Maria Orosa St., hail a PUJ going to Mabini and get off right in Ermita.
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. Description: Formally opened on July 17, 1967, is the first university in the country to have its official name in Filipino. The first and only tuition free institution of higher learning in the Philippines and perhaps in Asia. It is also the first and only university funded solely by a municipal government in the country. How to get there?: From Quiapo or from the Manila City Hall, hail a PUJ bound Mabini. Get off at the Round Table a 2-minute walk towards the university.
Plaza Dilao Paco District Paco, Manila Description: On a patch of land across the road from the Paco Post Office building, is a statue of Japanese Feudal Lord Wukon Takayama, who was exiled to the Philippines in 1614 because he refused to disvow his Christian beliefs. At that time, the Spaniards referred to the Paco Area as the "Yellow Plaza" because of the more than 3,000 Japanese who resided there. Plaza Dilao is the last vestige of the old town of Paco. How to get there?: From the PWU in Taft Avenue corner Gen. Malvar St., hail a PUJ bound Paco and get off at the foot of Nagtahan bridge. From the bridge, take a short 15-minute walk towards the Plaza..
University of Sto. Thomas Location: Espaņa, Manila Description: The oldest university of the Philippines and in Asia that was founded on April 11, 1611 by Reverend Father Miguel de Benavides. Originally opened as the College of Our Lady of the Rosary - the university has been bestowed the title "Royal" by King Charles III of Spain 8n 1758, while Pope Leo XIII granted the title "Pontifical" in 1902. Located originally in Intramuros, it was only transferred to its present site in 1911. The university has 3 ecclesiastical faculties, namely: Theology, Canon law and Philosophy. There are 12 colleges and faculties as well. Owned by the Spanish Dominicans which is governed by the Board of Trustees. Until the late 19th century, the university only accepted students od Spanish parentage. Women were first admitted in 1927. UST campus served also as an interment camp for American, British, Canadians and other allied nationals by the Japanese Occupation Forces from January 1942 - February 1945. More than 10,000 people were imprisoned although it never held more than 4,000 at one time. How to get there?: From T.M. Kalaw St., hail a PUJ for "Fairview". Get off right in front of the university along Espaņa.
San Miguel District San Miguel, Manila - During the 18th century, the place developed into a fashionable summer resort area because of its nearness to the once clean and non-polluted Pasig river. Elegant villas fringed the river, streets lined with flamed trees, and occupants commuted by carriage going to the place. How to get there?: From T.M. Kalaw St., hail a PUJ bound for Quiapo and take another PUJ bound to San Miguel. Get off at San Miguel.
Isla de Convalencia (Hospicio de San Jose) San Miguel, Manila - An orphanage which was established in 1782 by Don Francisco Gomez Enriquez and Doņa Barbara Versoza in pious gratitude for Don's recovery from illness. Now known as the Hospicio de San Jose and is under the management of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. The orphanage accepts "Abandoned babies and children." How to get there?: From T.M. Kalaw, hail a PUJ bound for Quiapo. Get off at Quiapo. Take another PUJ going to San Miguel. Get off half-way of the Ayala bridge.
Pasig River Manila (a portion) Considered as the "Cradle of Civilization" in Manila, 1 16-km. long river. Great communities have always sprung along waterways and that was how Maynilad must have begun. How to get there?: One can have a joyride in Pasig river by taking the metro ferry down MacArthur bridge.
Manila Bay Manila (a portion) Considered the finest harbor in the Far East, where the famous "Mock Battle" occured. This was the battle between the Americans and the Spaniards in 1898. Many historians believed that the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade between Philippines and Mexico thrived principally because of the strategic location of Manila Bay. The Galleon Trade lasted for 244 years. How to get there?: One can start the tour from Rizal Park going towards the Bay.
Escolta Escolta, Sta. Cruz, Manila Description: The elite shopping center during the Spanish and American regimes. How to get there?: From T.M. Kalaw, proceed to Taft Avenue and hail a PUJ bound for Sta. Cruz. Get off right in front of Sta. Cruz Church. A 5-minute walk towards Escolta. From Ma. Orosa St., hail a PUJ going to "Divisoria". Get off at Escolta.
Philippine Normal College Taft Avenue corner Ayala Boulevard, Manila Description: The first college institution founded by the American Colonial Government in 1903 specializing in the field of education. How to get there?: One can start from RIzal Park going towards P. Burgos St. Cross Taft Avenue and the college is right in front of the Executive House.
Chinatown Binondo, Manila - The Chinatown which is located along the northern bank of the historic Pasig river symbolizes the long history of the Chinese people presence in the Philippines; long antedating the arrival of the Spaniards. The Chinese had been much involved in business, especially the retail trade and have been absorbed into a Philippine life-style.
San Agustin Church and Museum - The San Agustin Church and Museum which is a private museum under the supervision of the Augustinian Friars is housed inside the Old Monastery of the Church. The collection include 26 huge oil paintings of saints; the DOn Luis Araneta Collection of Antique Santos; the crypt, where Philippine notables are buried, leads to the refactory with its fine collection of colonial religious art; the Capitualtion Room, where the Spanish surrendered to the Americans in 1898; the Sacristy, which houses antique carrosas, richly embroided vestments, a wonderful Saint Michael; and the famous choir loft handcarved from molave wood that dates back to 1614.
Casa Manila - Is a Colonial Lifestyle Museum shich is a part of Plaza San Luis Comples. The house which is rebuilt replica of the original house that stood on the same site was patterned after a mid-19th century house that stood along Calle de Jaboneros in San Nicolas, Binondo. The house features antique furnitures and furnishinga from China and Europe dating back to the 19th century. Some of the famous collections inside are the crystal chandeliers. Persian rugs, Chinese ceramics, four-poster ebony bed, religious images, antique piano and harp, marble-top tables, and such other items that show the luxury of the era.
National Museum of the Philippines - The National Musem is the official repository and guardian of the Philippine cultural, historical and natural heritage. Created on October 4, 1901 under its old name, the Insular Museum of Ethnology, National History and Commerce. The museum boasts of five (5) divisions, namely: Art, Botany, Zoology, Geology and Antropology.
Rizal Monument - The 50 foot high monument was built in the early 1900's in cooperation of then American Governor-General William Howard Taft thru the funds raised by public subscription to honor the Philippine patriot and hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Rizal's statue which was completed in 1912, was cast in Switzerland under the supervision of Richard Kissling; stood on a rhombic base of solid granite blocks below an obelisk.
The Pagsanjan Falls Tour is a fun-filled rapids ride down a sparkling river. You will board a canoe and be steered through rapids, around boulders and lush vegetation, and through a glistening cave. The trip is exciting and will really get your adrenaline pumping, but you are sure to get wet, so do not bring valuables that could be damaged by the water. However, a waterproof camera is a must to capture the adventure and wonder that you will encounter on your excursion.
Mount Pinatubo is a volcano that last erupted in 1991. The landscape around the mountain is peculiar, and you get a true sense of the wide destruction that was caused when this volcano exploded. Near the crater, you can still see smoke rising and sulfuric ravines, two fascinating sites that are sure to humble and impress even the most seasoned nature observers. This is certainly one of the best sites in the Philippines, and perhaps even among the top visual destinations in Asia. The hike through the crater lake is a glorious one, but it will take an entire day, so be prepared. All travel agencies can arrange a tour for you. By contacting Woodland Park Resort Hotel on MacArthur Highway (455/322-3529) you can be set up with a fabulous hiking tour of Mount Pinatubo.
Mount Pinatubo is a volcano that last erupted in 1991. The landscape around the mountain is peculiar, and you get a true sense of the wide destruction that was caused when this volcano exploded. Near the crater, you can still see smoke rising and sulfuric ravines, two fascinating sites that are sure to humble and impress even the most seasoned nature observers. This is certainly one of the best sites in the Philippines, and perhaps even among the top visual destinations in Asia.
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