Travel Destination: Manila
About Manila
Manila is a vibrant city that’s full of surprises, possessing that signature Asian hospitality, warm people and westernised lifestyle. The cityscape is a mix of the old and the new. Both sides are brimming with people from all over to conduct business, study, attend cultural performances or just to have a good time in its bars and dining places.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) serves the metropolitan Manila where the city of Manila is a part of. It is also the main international airport in the country and the gateway to Luzon and the rest of the Philippines. Going around the city is easy for there is a good network of public transport that includes the light rail transit (LRT 1 and LRT 2 ply to various points in Manila), jeepneys, taxis, car hire and buses. English is widely spoken and used as a medium of instruction in schools, together with the official language, Filipino.
European and American influences are evident in its architecture and culture. The seat of power in the Philippines is in Manila. The Malacañang Palace is the official residence of the Philippine President located near Mendiola. It used to be a wealthy Spanish merchant’s home built in 1802.
Some of the most significant Catholic churches are in Manila too, like the Manila Cathedral (Basilica Minore de la Nuestra Señora de la Immaculada Concepcion) which was first erected in 1581, destroyed due to natural and man-made calamities and rebuilt many times. Its present cathedral was constructed in 1954. Other minor basilicas such as Quiapo Church, a Mexican Baroque edifice, and Binondo Church are also symbols of Spanish influence. Malate Church and Tondo Church house some of the oldest Catholic images in the country. The San Sebastian Church, consecrated in 1891 is a minor basilica cited by UNESCO as the only all-steel basilica in Asia, an example of Gothic Revival architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Baroque style San Agustin Church located inside Intramuros (walled city of Manila), consecrated in 1607. The Protestant churches, Islam mosques, Buddhist temples and Jewish synagogues within the city reflect religious freedom.
Aside from the buildings that remind of Manila’s colonial past, it is a very cosmopolitan city with all the modern amenities you’ll find in most cities in the world. Educational institutions and government offices are found here. The US Embassy, Manila Ocean Park, National Museum of the Philippines, Philippine Postal Corporation, Rizal Park and historic Manila Hotel are just some of its well known landmarks.
Night life is thriving especially along Malate, Ermita and Bay walk areas. There are live bands, bars, clubs, cafés and various entertainment establishments to explore as well as dining and shopping places.
The best bargain shopping area is Divisoria. Be ready to haggle but watch your purse as you go around for it’s a highly-populated place. Nearby is the Binondo district where you can revel in Chinatown’s dining and shopping opportunities.
Just a bit outside the city is Metropolitan Manila, a modern destination with big malls everywhere. Follow the Metro Rail Transit that plies along EDSA and you can have your pick of shopping destinations. From the SM chain of stores to Ayala Malls to Shangri-La Mall, mid- to high-end shopping choices await the eager visitors.
Manila is a friendly place with many possibilities for both the local and international tourists. If only for that, there is simply no place like it.