National Capital Region (NCR) | 1

National Capital Region

(NCR)

Introduction

Metropolitan Manila (Filipino: Kalakhang Maynila, Kamaynilaan), commonly known as Metro

Manila, the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines, is the seat of government and the most
populous region and metropolitan area of the country which is composed of the City of Manila and the
cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque,
Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela, as well as the Municipality of Pateros.
The region is the center of culture, economy, education, and government of the Philippines. Its
most populous and largest city in terms of land area is Quezon City, with the center of business and financial
activities in Makati (with the Makati CBD and Makati Poblacion). Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the
world located in the City of Manila is also a center of the thriving economic activities in the region, along
with Ermita and Malate. Other financial areas within the region include: Ortigas Center, which is shared by
the cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig, with parts of it belonging to Quezon City; Bonifacio Global City in
the border of Taguig and Makati; Araneta Center, Eastwood City and Triangle Park in Quezon City; Bay
City reclamation area, which is split between the cities of Pasay and Parañaque; and Alabang in Muntinlupa.
Since the colonial period, Manila has been the center of education. The University of Santo Tomas
(1611), Colegio de San Juan de Letran (1620), Ateneo de Manila University (1859) are some of the
educational institutions established during the colonial period. The country's national university, the
University of the Philippines, along with several state colleges and universities calls the region as its home.
Most of the educational institutions in the country is concentrated on an area called as "the University Belt"
where there is a high concentration or a cluster of colleges and universities. The high concentration of
higher learning institutions makes Manila the country's educational capital.
Its economical power makes the region the country's center for finance and commerce. Its gross
regional product is estimated as of July 2011 to be $159 billion and accounts for 33% of the nation's GDP.
It was listed by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2011 as the 28th largest economy of all urban agglomerations
in the world and the 2nd in Southeast Asia.
Its existence was preceded by the province of Manila, occupying the same area Metro Manila has.
By the time of the colonial rule of Spaniards, the province of Manila was dissolved, and Intramuros became
Manila itself. Other cities belonging to present-day Metro Manila was by this time under the province of
Rizal. On 1976, as proclaimed by Presidential Decree 940, Metro Manila became the seat of government
of the Philippines, with the City of Manila serving the country's capital.
Metro Manila is the most populous of the 12 defined metropolitan areas in the Philippines and the
11th most populous in the world. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 11,855,975, equivalent to
13% of the national population. The sum of total population of provinces with a density above 700 people
per square kilometer (more than double the national average) in a contiguous zone with Metro Manila is
25.5 million people as of the 2007 census. One way to refer to the conurbation around Metro Manila is
Greater Manila Area, Metro Manila itself is compact, constituting 1/4 of Davao City's land area.

Geography

The National Capital Region (NCR), more commonly referred to as Metropolitan Manila, is the
country's premiere urban region and considered t be the political, economic, social and cultural center of
the Philippines. Among the 17 administrative regions, NCR had the second largest population with 11.86
million (2010 census of population, NSO) in an are of 636 square kilometers.
NCR is bordered by the provinces of Bulacan to the north, Rizal to the east, Cavite to the south-
west andLaguna to the south. Manila Bay lies to the west and Laguna de Bay to the south-east. It is the only
region without any province but is instead subdivided into 17 local government units (LGUs) compromising
of 16 cities and one municipality. The 16 cities include: Caloocan, Malbon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Quezon
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 2

City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasay, Pranaque, Las Pinas and
Muntinlupa. Pateros is the lone municipality in the region. Each of the 16 cities and one municipality in
Metro Manila is governed by a Mayor. Of the 17 LGUs, Quezon City has the biggest land area of 161.12
sq. km. constituting one-fourth of the total land area of NCR. The smallest area in the Municipality of
Pateros with a total land area of only 2.10 sq. kms.
Located at 14°40' N 121°3 E, Metro Manila is situated on an isthmus bound by Laguna de Bay to
the south-east and Manila Bay to the west. The metropolitan area lies on a wide flood plain composed
mainly of alluvial soil deposits. The area is bounded by Bulacan to the north, Rizal to the east, Laguna to
the south and Cavite to the southwest. The swampy isthmus on which the western metropolitan area partly
lies has an average elevation of 10 meters. The eastern area lies on a ridge gradually rising towards the
foothills of the Sierra Madre and overlooks the Marikina River valley, which is part swamp.

Economy

Metro Manila is the financial, commercial and industrial center of the Philippines. Makati is the
largest financial and economic hub of the metropolitan area and the country. regarded as the metropolis'
central business district (CBD), it is the base of many Philippines' largest corporations including the Ayala
group of Companies, as well as the nation's major banks. The Makati area is built around the former Nielsen
Air Base, an American installation during World War IIm and its runways now form the district's main
roads, which cross each other at the Makati Triangle, home of the nation's stock exchange. Disserent well-
known skyscrapers in Metro Manila are here like PBCom Tower and G. T. International Tower. Foreign
corporations also have their main Philippine hubs here.
New developsments seeking to become vibrant centers of their own are Bonifacio Global City in
Taguig; Eastwood City in Quezon City; the Manila Bay City Reclamation Area inthe cities of Pasay,
Paranaque and Las Pinas; and Alabang Estates, madrigal Business Park, and Fillinvest Corporate City in
Muntinlupa. triangle park in Quezon City is the latest addition to the list. Ortigas Center is thesecond most
important business district in Metro Manila. Situated in Mandaluyong and Pasig,it is home to the
headquarters of several major Philippine companies such as San Miguel Corporation and Meralco, and
hosts mani shopping malls and hotels. The Asian Development Bank, also has its headquarters here.
The traditional business center of Chinese-Filipino businessmen and the country's CBD prior to the
development of the Makati CBD was the Binondo District in the City of Manila.
Cities and Municipalities Profile

CALOOCAN

Caloocan is one of the cities that comprise Metro Manila, the National Capital Region of the
Philippines. Located north to northeast of Manila, Caloocan is the country's third most populous city with
a population of 1,489,040 as of the 2010 census

History
The word caloocan comes from the Tagalog root word lo-ok; kalook-lookan (or kaloob-looban)
means "innermost area". The City borders many other cities such as Quezon City, Manila, Malabon,
Navotas, Valenzuela and San Jose del Monte in the north. During the formation of the province of Rizal,
Caloocan was included in its matrix until 1975.

Economy
Caloocan City's 10th Avenue area is well known for the clusters of motorcycle dealers and
motorcycle spare parts dealers. Among the major and famous streets are P. Zamora Street and A. Mabini
Street.
Numerous banks have branches in the city such as Banco de Oro, East West Bank, MetroBank,
Maybank, Chinabank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Our Lady of Grace Credit Cooperative, etc.
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 3

The city also has a number of shopping malls and stand-alone supermarkets and hypermarkets
including Victory Central Mall, Puregold Monumento, Araneta Square, Uniwide Warehouse Club
Monumento, and SM Hypermarket Monumento which are located in Monumento area in the south; and
Zabarte Town Center and Puregold Zabarte, which are located in Barangay 175 Camarin area at the north.
Manila North Tollways Corporation (the concession holder of the North Luzon Expressway), is
headquartered in Caloocan.

Landmarks
The city's most celebrated landmark is the monument to revolutionary Andrés Bonifacio, which
stands on a roundabout at the northern terminus of EDSA. The memorial was erected in 1933, and consists
of an obelisk with sculptures by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino. The monument marks the very first
battle of the Philippine Revolution on 3 August 1896.
Recent renovations have been made on the environs of the monument, including the Bonifacio
Circle, its former site, and the Caloocan stretch of EDSA, which is 100 metres away from the landmark.
The whole area is known as Monumento.

LAS PIÑAS

The City of Las Piñas (Filipino: Lungsod ng Las Piñas) is a city in the National Capital Region of
the Philippines with a population of 552,573 as of the 2010 Census. It is bounded to northeast by the
Parañaque; to the southeast by Muntinlupa; to the west and southwest by Bacoor; and to the northwest by
the Manila Bay. Half of its land area is residential and the remaining half is used for commercial, industrial
and institutional purposes. The present physiography of Las Piñas consists of three zones: Manila Bay,
coastal margin and the Guadalupe Plateau.
Established as a small fishing port and becoming a major sea salt producing municipality from
several salt evaporation ponds since the Spanish Era, Las Piñas has grown into an important residential,
commercial and industrial suburb of Metro Manila.
Las Piñas is famous for its Bamboo Organ located inside the St. Joseph Parish Church in the old
district of the city. Built in 1824 by a Catholic priest, Fr. Diego Cera, it is the only organ of its kind in the
world with organ pipes mostly made out of bamboo. This famous organ is praised for its unique, rare, and
melodious sound.
Las Piñas, also known as one of the cleanest cities in Metro Manila, is in the list of the "Clean and
Green Hall of Fame" awarded by the Philippine Government. It is also the first local government unit in
the Philippines that has been honoured with the prestigious Global 500 Roll of Honour of the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP). These honours were in recognition of the city's outstanding
achievements in the protection and improvement of the environment.
Las Piñas has recently acquired the status "Most Competitive City" in the Philippines, together with
Davao City, Makati, Muntinlupa and Marikina.

Etymology
The story about the true origin of the city's name, "Las Piñas", varies. Some said that traders from
the province of Cavite and Batangas shipped first their piña (pineapples) for sale to this town before they
are distributed in nearby markets. Others related that it was "Las Peñas" (the rocks) evident by the quarrying
of stones and adobe which were used to construct buildings and bridges. The old church bell of St. Joseph
Parish Church founded by Fr. Diego Cera has been preserved inside the church museum. An inscription on
the bell states "Siendo cura del pueblo de Laspeñas el M.R.P. Padre Diego Cera se fundio este equilon ano
de 1820" showing that even during the time of Fr. Cera, the town's first parish priest, the town has been
called "Las Peñas" until after sometime that the spelling of the town's name was changed into "Las Piñas".

Landmark:
Las Piñas Bamboo Organ – built in 1824 by Fr. Diego Cera with 1,031 metal pipes and 902 wooden pipes.
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 4

Festivals
Las Piñas town feast - The town fiesta of Las Piñas is celebrated every first Sunday of May each year to
honor its patron saint, Saint Joseph. Saint Joseph's Day celebration is centered in St. Joseph Parish Church
in the old poblacion of Las Piñas in Brgy. Daniel Fajardo on Padre Diego Cera Ave. (Quirino Ave.).

Las Piñas City is home to unique festivals like the:

International Bamboo Organ Festival, a music festival held in February celebrating the music of the unique
Bamboo Organ with performances by local and foreign classical artists.
Waterlily Festival every July 27.
"Parol (Lantern) Festival" celebrated during Christmas season.

MAKATI

The City of Makati (/məˈkɑːtɪ/ mə-KAH-tee; Tagalog: Lungsod ng Makati, Tagalog pronunciation:
[maˈkati]), in the Philippines, is one of the sixteen cities that make up Metro Manila. Makati is located
within the circle of 14′40″ °north and 121′3″ °E right at the center of Metro Manila. According to tradition,
the first Governor-General of the Philippines, Miguel López de Legazpi, while exploring a swamp near the
Pasig River, asked for the name of the place but, because of the language barrier, was misinterpreted by the
Tagalog people. Pointing to the receding tide of Pasig River, the Tagalogs answered, “Makati, kumakati
na,” literally meaning ebbing tide.
With a population of 609,123 Makati is the 16th-largest city in the country and ranked as the 41st most
densely populated city in the world with 19,336 inhabitants per square kilometer. Although its population
is just half a million, the daytime population of the city is estimated to be more than one million during a
typical working day because of the large number of people who go to the city to work, shop, and do business.

Geography
Makati is located within the circle of 14′40″ °north and 121′3″ °E right at the center of Metro
Manila. The city is bounded on the north by the Pasig River, facing Mandaluyong City, on the northeast by
Pasig City, on the southeast by the municipality of Pateros and Taguig City, on the northwest by the city of
Manila, and on the southwest by Pasay City. Makati has a total land area of 27.36 square kilometres (10.56
sq mi); it constitutes 4.3% of Metro Manila's total land area.

Economy and Infrastructure

The city of Makati remains the richest local government unit (LGU) in the Philippines in terms of
income from local sources and on a per capita basis.[18] As of end-2012, Makati had registered over 62,000
business enterprises, which are engaged in financial services, wholesale/retail, services, real estate,
export/import, and manufacturing. Makati also boasts of having the highest number of BPO offices in Metro
Manila at 1,159 companies to date, as well as the highest number of PEZA-accredited IT Parks and
Buildings. The city government of Makati has not increased its tax rates since its new Revenue Code took
effect in 2006. For 26 years now, the city enjoys a deficit-free status.

Landmarks
Museo ng Makati
Located along J.P. Rizal St., the Museo ng Makati is housed in an old building, which was built in
1918 and has been used as Makati's town hall from 1918 to 1961. The museum keeps the records of Makati's
history through a collection of rare photographs, murals, and dioramas. It also contains artifacts, such as
the fossils of pre-historic animals and earthenware.
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 5

Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church

The Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church is a baroque Roman Catholic church which was established
in 1601 by Augustinian fathers. Its original architecture is a blend of the late Spanish Renaissance and early
Baroque design. The touch of the Renaissance period is found in the main entrance with rose window and
simple Doric columns. The interiors and the window details, meanwhile, have influences of Baroque
architecture. The floor plan, on the other hand, is Romanesque. The church was damaged due to an
earthquake in 1880 and in 1898 during the early skirmishes between American and Filipino troops.
The Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church is one of the most popular wedding venues in Metro Manila.

Sts. Peter and Paul Church

Tucked in D.M. Rivera St. and surrounded by skyscrapers and residential areas, Sts. Peter and Paul
Church is the oldest church in Makati, which was constructed in 1620. It was built by Jesuit priest Rev.
Pedro de los Montes at a site named Buenavista through the generous donation of Capt. Pedro de Britto in
1607.
The church's architectural design is a rectangular nave with apse and sacristy, which is a usual
design for colonial mission churches. The facade is composed of three-tiered papal and keys, symbols of
the Papacy, which was first occupied by St. Peter, one of the patron saints of the parish.

MALABON

The City of Malabon is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila in the
Philippines. Located just north of Manila, the city has a population of 353,337 as of 2010.[1] It is primarily
a residential and industrial town and is one of the most densely populated cities in the metropolis. It has a
total land area of 19.714 square kilometers.
Malabon is part of the sub-region of Metro Manila informally called CAMANAVA, which consists
of CAloocan, MAlabon, NAvotas, and VAlenzuela cities. Caloocan lies to the south and east, Navotas to
the west, and Valenzuela to the north. Malabon also borders the town of Obando in the province of Bulacan
to the northwest.

History
Malabon, per legend, came from the words maraming labong which means "plenty of labong", the
edible bamboo shoots. Originally called the town of Tambobong, Malabon was founded as a “Visita” of
Tondo by the Augustinian friars on May 21, 1599 and remained under the administrative jurisdiction of the
province of Tondo from 1627 to 1688.
The newspaper La Independencia was first printed in Malabon’s Asilo de Huérfanos, where
orphaned children due to a plague in 1882 were housed.
Malabon was officially made a municipality of the newly created province of Rizal on June 11,
1901 by virtue of Philippine Commission Act No. 137. When Act No. 942 was promulgated, Malabon was
merged with Navotas under a new government. On January 16, 1906, Act No. 1441 separated Malabon
from Navotas into two distinct municipalities of the Rizal province. The first Mayor of Malabon was
Vicente Villongco.

Economy
Malabon industries include sugar refinery, patis making, cigar making, fishing and Ilang-ilang trees
flower extract production where the distilled perfume is exported.

Other Information
The city is considered as the local Venice, due to year long floods and gradual sinking. The City of
Malabon is a place famous for its Pancit Malabon and its predominantly Atlantic ambience. It is also famous
for other variety of foods(kakanin), such as puto sulot, puto bumbong, sapin-sapin, broas, bibingka and
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 6

camachile. The culinary delights are abundant in its specialty eateries such as Nanay’s Pancit Malabon,
Rosy’s Pancit Malabon, the Pescadores Restaurant and the Balsa sa Niugan, a floating restaurant with 350
seats. Malabon is also the home of the famous Dolor's Kakanin. It is also known for the Bulungan at Tañong
Market, the "bulungan" system or whispered bidding in fish trading. Malabon City is now divided into 21
barangays.

MANDALUYONG

The City of Mandaluyong (Filipino: Lungsod ng Mandaluyong) is one of the cities and municipalities that
comprise Metro Manila in the Philippines. Located at the approximate geographical centre of Metro Manila, it is
bordered on the west by the country's capital, Manila, to the north by San Juan City, to the east by Quezon City and
Pasig City, and by Makati City to the south. The city is known for being the Tiger City of the Philippines and the
Shopping Capital of the Philippines.
One tells of how the place was abundant with a kind of tree called luyong, now more commonly
known as '’anahaw (Saribus rotundifolius), from which beautiful canes and furniture were made.
Another claims that the Spaniards named the place based on the report of a navigator named
Acapulco, who saw the rolling hills frequently being lashed at by daluyong (“big waves from the sea”).
This seems to confirm traditional pre-Hispanic stories that giant waves from the sea would meet the
adjoining hills of the vast lowland, referred to as salpukan ng alon. Felix dela Huerta, a Franciscan historian,
observed that the rolling topography of this land resembled giant waves of the sea. As with the etymological
legends of many Philippine places, when the foreigners asked as to what the place was called, the locals
answered with the description "madaluyong" ("undulating"), later transcribed by Spanish writers into
"Mandaluyong" with the addition of an “n”.
Romantic residents, however, peddle the similarly formulaic legend of a Maharlika named Luyong
who fell in love with Manda, the lovely daughter of a barangay chieftain. The chieftain had no personal
liking for Luyong and forbade him Manda's hand. Luyong overcame this objection by winning a series of
tribal contests which was the custom at the time. The couple settled thereafter in a place which was later
called “Mandaluyong" by means of joining their names.

Industrial activities
Industrial activities are mostly concentrated within the Shaw Boulevard-Pioneer area and along the
Pasig River. Although prominent in the manufacture of foods, medicines and laboratory equipment, these
industries are gradually declining in number, opting to relocate in newly developed industrial zones outside
Metropolitan Manila. In the Pasig River area, particularly in Barangays Namayan and Mabini J. Rizal, areas
formerly industrial are now the sites for residential subdivisions and townhouses. In the EDSA-Shaw-
Pioneer area, the transformation is toward a more economically profitable and globally competitive
commercial activity. And, since 2013, Mandaluyong is the home of one of the largest television networks
in the country, TV5.

MARIKINA

Marikina (Pronunciation: /mərɪˈkɪnə/; English: City of Marikina; Filipino: Lungsod ng Marikina),

located in the island of Luzon in the Philippines, is one of the cities that make up Metro Manila, the National
Capital Region. Marikina shortly became a former capital of the Province of Manila during the declaration
of Philippine Independence from 1898 to 1899.
Marikina was given the title Shoe Capital of the Philippines because of its notable shoe industry,
being the biggest manufacturer of shoes in the Philippines, producing almost 70% of shoe production in the
country. The Shoe Museum houses part of the famous shoe collection of the former First Lady Imelda
Marcos, shoes of some of the world leaders and celebrities and shoes of different countries, making it the
world's largest collection of pair of shoes in a museum
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 7

Marikina is the main gateway of Metro Manila to Rizal Province as well as Quezon Province. It is
one of the most awarded metropolitan city in the Philippines, including the prestigious "Most Competitive
Cities in the Philippines" awarded by National Competitiveness Council in 2003 and 2005, and until now,
Marikina maintains on top 10 list in Philippine rankings, and ranking number 1 in Metro Manila for many
years. The city is rapidly transformed into a highly urbanized and one of the wealthiest local government
unit in the Philippines. It is also home of some of high-end communities in Metro Manila, such as Loyola
Grand Villas, Provident Villages and gated communities in Barangay Industrial Valley and Marikina
Heights where many of the wealthy and famous live.

Location
Located along the eastern border of Metro Manila, it is bordered on the west by Quezon City, to
the south by Pasig City and Cainta, Rizal, to the north by San Mateo, Rizal and to the east by Antipolo City,
the capital of Rizal province. It is approximately 21 kilometers away from Manila and lies within
14°38′24″N 121°5′50″E.

Industries and manufacturing

Marikina is the home to a number of industries, foremost of all, shoe manufacturing, being the best
in local craftmanship. Most of these are scattered across the city but the large companies and industries are
concentrated in the area called "Marikina Industrial Zone" in Barangay Fortune. Aside from shoes, the city
manufactures food processing, cigarettes, porcelain and chinaware, automobile, confectionery, appliances,
electronics, firearms, crafts like bags, hats and jeans, and among other.

Worlds Largest Pair of Shoes - 2002 Guinness World Record Holder with 5.5 meters and 30 people can fit
inside.

MUNTINLUPA

The City of Muntinlupa (Filipino: Lungsod ng Muntinlupa) is the southernmost city in Philippine
National Capital Region. It is bordered on the north by Taguig City; to the northwest by Parañaque City;
by Las Piñas City to the west; to the southwest by the city of Bacoor; by the city of San Pedro, Laguna; and
by Laguna de Bay to the east, the largest lake in the country. It is classified as a Highly Urbanized City with
a population of more than 400,000 and is given the nickname "Emerald City of the Philippines" by the
tourism establishment.
Muntinlupa was once notoriously known as the location of the national insular penitentiary, the
New Bilibid Prison, where the country's most dangerous criminals were incarcerated. Consequently,
Muntinlupa or "Munti" became synonymous with the national penitentiary although it has largely shaken-
off this negative image to become one of the most progressive cities in the country.
Muntinlupa is also home to some of the best commercial establishments in the metropolis and is
the location of Ayala Alabang Village, one of the country's biggest and most expensive residential
communities, where many of the wealthy and famous live.
Muntinlupa is also the first city in the Philippines to ban the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam for
packaging.

Economy
Barangay Alabang, part of the second district of Muntinlupa, has undergone tremendous growth
mainly due to a development boom in the late 1990s. The development of two large scale commercial real
estate projects namely; the Filinvest Corporate City and Ayala Land's Madrigal Business Park, changed the
landscape of Muntinlupa City from what was once vast fields of cow pasture in the late 1980s, into a
supercity that houses new residential, business, industrial and commercial establishments. It was a
transformation reminiscent of Makati City's development boom some 30 years prior.
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 8

Some of the country's premier shopping centers, including the Alabang Town Center and the
Festival Supermall, the towering Insular Life Towers, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, and the
Northgate Business District, which specializes in hosting information and technology industries, are
important places of interest and landmarks of the city. Nightlife is still relatively staid compared to those
of its neighbors, and younger residents often flock to other cities in Metro Manila, particularly Makati,
Taguig, or Manila, during the weekend to enjoy the night out. This city has recently acquired the status
"Most Competitive City" and the "Most Improved City" in the Philippines.

NAVOTAS

The City of Navotas (Filipino: Lungsod ng Navotas) is a 1st class city in Metro Manila, Philippines.
The city occupies a narrow strip of land along the eastern shores of Manila Bay. Navotas is directly north
of Manila, west of Malabon City, and south of Obando, Bulacan.
Dubbed as the "Fishing Capital of the Philippines", Navotas is considered to be a very important
fishing community with 70% of its population deriving their livelihood directly or indirectly from fishing
and its related industries like fish trading, fish net mending, and fish producing having marginal percentage
of inter-Island fish producers. Navotas occupies a portion of the Metropolitan Manila bound in the west
with shoreline of Manila Bay, which is a strategic coastal front and suitable for all kinds of vessels.
Navotas is part of the informal subregion of Metro Manila called CAMANAVA. This subregion,
aside from Navotas, includes the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, and Valenzuela. Navotas is perceived to be
prone to flood especially during the rainy season and during high tide, but the national and local government
are trying to alleviate the problem. Pollution and overpopulation are other problems that the government is
trying to solve. Navotas is famous for fish sauce and shrimp paste (patis and bagoong in Tagalog
respectively).
Navotas celebrates its foundation day every January 16 and it became a city after a plebiscite was
held on June 24, 2007.

Geography
Navotas is a coastal town in the northwest part of Metro Manila. It is a narrow strip of land with an
aggregated shoreline of approximately 4.5 km. In the north, Navotas shares a common border with the town
of Obando, Bulacan, along Sukol Creek. Along the eastern border runs the Binuangan River, the Daang
Cawayan River, the Dampalit River, the Batasan River, the Navotas River, the Bangculasi Channel, the
Malabon Channel and the Estero de Maypajo.
It is bordered on the north by Obando, Bulacan along Sukol Creek; on the south by the city of
Manila; on the east by Daang Binuangan River, Bangkulasi Channel, Malabon Channel and Estero de
Maypajo; and on the west by Manila Bay

PARAÑAQUE

The City of Parañaque (Filipino: Lungsod ng Parañaque) (pop. 588,126 in 2010 Census) is one of
the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila in the Philippines. It is located at 121’01” longitude
and 14’30” latitude and is bordered to the north by Pasay, to the northeast by Taguig, to the southeast by
Muntinlupa, to the southwest by Las Piñas, and to the west by Manila Bay.
Like the rest of Metro Manila, Parañaque experiences a tropical climate with only two distinct
seasons, wet (July to September) and dry (October to June). The city enjoys an annual rainfall of 1,822
millimetres (71.7 in) and an average daily maximum temperature of 34.4 °C (93.9 °F).
Due to its proximity to the sea, Parañaque is one of the major trade and business centers in the
Philippines.
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 9

PASAY

Pasay City (Filipino: Lungsód ng Pasay) is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro
Manila in the Philippines. It is bordered on the north by the country's capital, the City of Manila, to the
northeast by Makati City, to the east by Taguig City, and Parañaque City to the south.
Pasay City was one of the original four cities of Metro Manila. Due to its proximity to Manila, it
quickly became an urban town during the American Occupation.

Geography
Pasay City covers a total land area of 18.50 square kilometres (7.14 sq mi), making it the third
smallest political subdivision in the National Capital Region and fourth in the whole country. It borders
City of Manila to the north, Parañaque to the south, Makati and Taguig to the northeast, and Manila Bay to
the west.
The city can be divided in 3 distinct areas: the city's urban area with an area of 5.505 square
kilometres (2.125 sq mi); the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) complex, which include the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Villamor Airbase, with an area of 9.5 square kilometres (3.7
sq mi); and the reclaimed land from Manila Bay with an area of 4.00 square kilometres (1.54 sq mi).
Pasay is composed of seven (7) districts, subdivided into twenty (20) zones, with a total of 201
barangays. The barangays don't have names but are only designated with sequential numbers. The largest
zone with an area of 5.10 square kilometres (1.97 sq mi) is Zone 19, which covers barangays 178 and 191.
The smallest zone with an area of 10 hectares (25 acres) is Zone 1, covering Barangays 1 to 3 and 14 to 17.

Economy
Philippine Airlines is headquartered in the Philippine National Bank Financial Center beside the
World Trade Center Manila in Pasay City. Spirit of Manila Airlines has its headquarters in Roxas Sea Front
Garden in Pasay City. Cebu Pacific and Interisland Airlines have their headquarters on the grounds of Ninoy
Aquino International Airport and in Pasay City. Oishi (Liwayway), a snack company, also has its
headquarters in Pasay.
National government offices found in Pasay include: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Senate
of the Philippines, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry's export promotions agency – the Center
for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) – located in the International Trade Complex's
Golden Shell Pavilion, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The main office of
the Philippine National Bank is located in the City.
LBC Express headquarters located at the Star Cruises Centre in Newport Cybertourism Zone of
Pasay City.

Landmarks
Coconut Palace
The City is known for its entertainment – business-restaurants, coffee shops, and clubs, particularly
those located along Roxas Boulevard, facing Manila Bay. A large part of Metro Manila's "tourist belt" is
located in the City.

Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (Filipino: Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas, or CCP) is a
government owned and controlled corporation established to preserve, develop and promote arts and culture
in the Philippines. The CCP was established through Executive Order No. 30 s. 1966 by President Ferdinand
Marcos. Although an independent corporation of the Philippine government, it receives an annual subsidy
and is placed under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for purposes of policy coordination.
The CCP is headed by an 11-member Board of Trustees, currently headed by Chairperson Emily Abrera.
Its current president is Raul Sunico.
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 10

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (English: Central Bank of the Philippines; Castilian Spanish:
Banco Central de Filipinas; abbreviated as BSP in both Filipino and English) is the central bank of the
Philippines. It was established on July 3, 1993, pursuant to the provision of Republic Act 7653 or the New
Central Bank Act of 1993.

SM Mall of Asia
SM Mall of Asia is a shopping mall in Bay City, Pasay, Philippines, near the SM Central Business
Park, the Manila Bay, and the southern end of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.
Owned and developed by SM Prime Holdings, the largest mall chain owner and developer in the
Philippines, it has a land area of 42 hectares, a gross floor area of approximately 406,962 square metres
(4.38050×106 sq ft), and attracts a daily average foot traffic of about 200,000 people.
It is the 10th largest shopping mall in the world in terms of gross leasable area. When it opened in
2006 it was the largest shopping mall in the Philippines until SM City North EDSA was redeveloped in
2008, and was relegated to third place by the expansion of SM Megamall in 2011.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA /ˈnaɪ.ə/, also known as Manila International
Airport (IATA: MNL, ICAO: RPLL), is the airport serving Manila and its surrounding metropolitan area.
Located along the border between the cities of Pasay and Parañaque, about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) south of
Manila proper and southwest of Makati, NAIA is the main international gateway for travelers to the
Philippines and is the hub for all Philippine airlines. It is managed by the Manila International Airport
Authority (MIAA), a branch of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
Officially, NAIA is the only airport serving the Manila area. However, in practice, both NAIA and
Clark International Airport, located in the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga serve the Manila area, with
Clark catering mostly to low-cost carriers because of its lower landing fees compared to those charged at
NAIA. In the recent past there have been calls for Clark to replace NAIA eventually as the primary airport
of the Philippines. The airport is named after the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr., who was
assassinated at the airport in 1983. In 2012, all terminals at NAIA handled a record breaking annual
passenger traffic of 31,558,002, making it one of the busiest airports in Asia.

PASIG

Pasig, officially City of Pasig (Filipino: Lungsod ng Pasig) is one of the highly urbanized cities of
Metro Manila in the Philippines and was the former capital of the province of Rizal prior to the formation
the National Capital Region. Located along the eastern border of Metro Manila, Pasig is bordered on the
west by Quezon City and Mandaluyong City; to the north by Marikina City; to the south by Makati City,
Pateros, and Taguig City; and to the east by Antipolo City, the municipality of Cainta and Taytay in the
province of Rizal.
A formerly rural settlement, Pasig is primarily residential and industrial, but has been becoming
increasingly commercial in recent years, particularly after the construction of the Ortigas Center business
district in its east. The city is also the see of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pasig, making its cathedral
(formerly the Immaculate Conception Cathedral) a landmark built around the same time as the town's
foundation in 1573.

Economy
Historically, Pasig produced rice, fruit and sugarcane. The western part of the city is where most
of Pasig's financial resources are primarily concentrated. It includes numerous factories, warehouses,
establishments and commercial facilities. Primarily they situated in the Ortigas Center, Pasig proper and
along E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue (C-5) and Ortigas Avenue. Real estate and commercial developments along
Mercedes Avenue and other areas near the city center are developing. The eastern part was mostly
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 11

dominated with residential areas but numerous commercial establishment are now developing along Marcos
Highway. Per capita income (GDP) of Pasig is $12,032 per year. The barangay of San Antonio has the
largest income in Pasig, second only to San Lorenzo of Makati as the largest single income-generated
government unit in the Philippines. Arguably more significant western part of Pasig, east of the city of
Mandaluyong and as part of the barangay of San Antonio, lies the Ortigas Center

PATEROS (Municipality)

The Municipality of Pateros (Filipino: Bayan ng Pateros) is a first-class municipality in Metro

Manila, Philippines. This small town is famous for its duck-raising industry and especially for producing
balut, a Filipino delicacy that is boiled duck egg. Pateros is also known for the production of red salty eggs
and "inutak", a local rice cake. Moreover, the town is known for manufacturing of "alfombra", a locally-
made footwear with a carpet-like fabric on its top surface. Pateros is bordered by Pasig City to the north,
Makati City to the west, and Taguig City to the south.
Pateros is the only municipality and the smallest, both in population and in land area, in Metro
Manila, but it is the second most densely populated at around 29 thousand people per square kilometer after
Manila.

Economy
As of 1834, Pateros raised and sold duck and had a fishing industry.

QUEZON CITY

Quezon City (Filipino: Lungsod Quezon, popularly known to Filipinos as QC) is one of the cities
that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region of the Philippines, located on the island of Luzon.
It is the most populous city in the country, and the largest city by area in Metro Manila. Quezon City was
named after Manuel L. Quezon, former President of the Philippines, who founded the city and developed
it to replace Manila as the country's capital for 28 years from 1948 to 1976.[4] Quezon City is not located
in and should not be confused with Quezon province, which was also named after the president.
Having been the national capital, Quezon City is the site of many government offices, including
the Batasang Pambansa Complex which is the seat of the House of Representatives (the lower chamber in
the Philippine Congress). The main campuses of two noteworthy universities, the Ateneo de Manila
University and the country's national university, the University of the Philippines Diliman, are located in
the city.

Geography
The city lies on the Guadalupe plateau which is a relatively high plateau on the northeast corner of
the metropolis – between the lowlands of Manila to the southwest and the Marikina River valley to the east.
The southern portion is drained by the very narrow San Juan River and its tributaries to Pasig River, while
running in the northern portions of the city is the equally narrow Tullahan River.
Quezon City is bordered by Manila to the southwest, by Caloocan and Valenzuela City to the west
and northwest. To the south lies San Juan and Mandaluyong, while Marikina and Pasig borders Quezon
City to the southeast. To the north across Marilao River lies San Jose del Monte in the province of Bulacan
and to the east lies Rodriguez and San Mateo, both in the province of Rizal.

Economy
The commercial center of the city is in Cubao where many shopping malls and the Aurora Tower
can be found. There is a farmers' plaza and farmers' market. Fiesta Carnival was an enclosed amusement
park cum carnival which is located in the heart of the Cubao Commercial Center, it has since been replaced
by a branch of Shopwise, a local supermarket chain. the Smart Araneta Coliseum is a venue for concerts as
well as sports events.
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 12

Quezon City is home to the Philippines' major broadcasting networks. Television companies such
as ABS-CBN, RPN, GMA Network, INC TV, UNTV, Net 25, PTV, and IBC all have their headquarters in
Quezon City. TV5 also had its headquarters in Quezon City since 1992, but it moved out to Mandaluyong
City in 2013. However, its transmitter in Novaliches is still being used and operated by the network.

Landmarks
Batasang Pambansa
Sigaw sa Pugad Lawin Monument
Araneta Coliseum
La Mesa Watershed and Eco-Park
Robinsons Galleria

SAN JUAN

San Juan is a city in the Philippines. It is one of the cities that comprises Metro Manila, the National
Capital Region of the Philippines. It is the smallest city in the country in terms of land area.
San Juan is notably the site of the first battle of the Katipunan, the organisation which led the 1896
Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonial government.

Etymology
"San Juan City" is a contraction of the city's longer, ceremonial name of San Juan del Monte
(English: "Saint John of the Mountain"). As with numerous other places in the Philippines, the city's name
combines a patron saint and a toponym; in this case, the place is named for Saint John the Baptist and its
hilly, relatively high elevation compared to surrounding areas.

Geography
It is bordered by Quezon City on the north and east, Mandaluyong City on the south, and the City
of Manila in the west.
The territory of San Juan was once much larger than it is presently, extending all the way to what
is now Caloocan City. Parts of the present-day Districts 1, 2 and 4 of Quezon City as well as areas of
Mandaluyong were originally within the town's colonial-era territorial boundaries. This also explains why
San Juan Reservoir is in nearby Horseshoe Village, a subdivision currently part of Quezon City.

Landmarks
Pinaglabanan Shrine
The city also has several notable places of worship. Saint John the Baptist Parish, more commonly
known as "Pinaglabanan Church", is where the city's patron saint, John the Baptist, is enshrined. The
Santuario del Cristo Church is the settlement's oldest existing church, while Mary the Queen Parish in West
Greenhills serves the local Filipino-Chinese community, and is a popular venue for weddings.

TAGUIG

The City of Taguig (Tagalog pronunciation: [taˈɡiɡ]), (Filipino: Lungsod ng Taguig), is a highly
urbanized city located in south-eastern portion of Metro Manila in the Philippines. From a thriving fishing
community along the shores of Laguna de Bay, it is now an important residential, commercial and industrial
center. The recent construction of the C-5 highway and the acquisition of the Fort Bonifacio development
area has paved the way for the cityhood of the municipality. It will also be accessed by the future C-6 Road.
Taguig City lies on the western shore of Laguna de Bay and is bordered by Muntinlupa City to the
south, Parañaque to the southwest, Pasay to the west, Cainta and Taytay on the northeast and Makati,
Pateros, and Pasig to the north. Taguig River, a tributary of the Pasig River cuts through the northern half
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 13

of the municipality and Napindan River, also a tributary of the Pasig forms the common border of Taguig
with Pasig City.
The city ranked first among Philippine cities in the Ease of Doing Business Index, conducted by
the World Bank's International Finance Corporation.

Etymology
The original 800 farmer-fishermen settlers of the area were good at threshing rice after harvest.
Hence they were referred to as "mga taga-giik," and the settlement as "pook ng mga taga-giik." Spanish
friar Fray Alonso de Alvarado, together with conquistador Rey Lopez de Villalobos who crossed Pasig
River to reach Taguig in 1571 found "taga-giik" difficult to pronounce, and could only produce the word
sounding like "tagui-ig." So many mispronouncements later, "tagui-ig" was shortened to the present day
"Taguig."

Landmarks and recreation

Fort Bonifacio
The National Headquarters of the Philippine Army and the Marine Bases of the Philippine Navy
and Philippine Marine Corps.

Bonifacio Global City

One of Metro Manila's fastest growing financial hubs, a 240 hectare world-class business district
at the heart of the city, home to upscale shopping centers, hotels, condominiums, offices and international
schools.

Camp Bagong Diwa

The camp is in Lower Bicutan, it is where NCRPO headquarters, prison complex and drug
rehabilitation centers are located.

Bantayog ng Bayani
A fitting tribute to the heroes of Taguig during World War II at Fort Bonifacio.

Parola
Built in the 17th century, it stands guard at the mouth of Napindan Channel where the Pasig River
crosses into the Laguna Lake. It became the secret rendezvous point of the Katipunan as it planned its
moves to achieve Philippine Independence. The Parola was chosen by KKK Supremo, Gat Andres
Bonifacio, as a meeting place because of its strategic location being the most accessible channel from
Tondo, Manila and from the Municipios along the Pasig River and the Province of Laguna.

VALENZUELA

Valenzuela, officially known as the City of Valenzuela (Filipino: Lungsod ng Valenzuela) or

simply Valenzuela City, is the 119th largest city of the Philippines and one of the 16 cities plus a
municipality that compose the region of Metro Manila, located about 14 km (7.9 miles) north of Manila.
Valenzuela is categorized by virtue of Republic Act Nos. 7160 and 8526 as a highly urbanized, first-class
city based on income classification and number of population. A chartered city located on the island of
Luzon, it is bordered by Meycauayan (Bulacan) in the north, Quezon City and northern Caloocan to the
east; by Obando (Bulacan) to the west; by Malabon, southern Caloocan and Tullahan River to the south.
With a land mass of 44.59 km2 and a population of 575,356 in August 2010, Valenzuela is the 13th most
populous city in the Philippines. Valenzuela's population is composed of 72% Tagalog people followed by
5% Bicolanos. Small percentage of foreign nationals reside in the city.
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 14

Valenzuela was named after Pío Valenzuela, a doctor and a member of Katipunan. The town
preceding Valenzuela that was originally called Polo was formed in 1621 due to religious separation
movements from parishes of Meycauayan (Catanghalan). Polo has been occupied twice by foreign armies
other than colonial powers Spain and United States: first during the Seven Years' War by the British and
by the Japanese during the Second World War. In 1960, President Diosdado Macapagal ordered the creation
of the municipality of Valenzuela carved from few territories of Polo and is independent from the provincial
government of Bulacan. However in 1963, another law was issued ordering the reversal of the previous
edict and reunifying the towns of Polo and Valenzuela under the single name of Valenzuela. In 1975,
Valenzuela was named as an independent municipality from the government of Bulacan and incorporated
under the administration of Metropolitan Manila Authority. On 14 February 1998, President Fidel V. Ramos
signed Republic Act 8526, or the Valenzuela City Charter, which elevated the status of Valenzuela as a
highly urbanized, chartered city.
Under the Local Government Code of 1991, Valenzuela has a similar government system to other
chartered cities of the Philippines. It is governed by a city mayor and vice-mayor elected through popular
vote. The city is divided into two congressional districts and each is represented by a congressional district
representative at the Philippine Congress. The vice-mayor heads the 12-manned city council: each district
elects six councilors. The current mayor is Rexlon T. Gatchalian.

Geography
Valenzuela is located at 14°40′58″N 120°58′1″E and is about 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) north of
country's capital, Manila. Manila Bay, the country's top port for trade and industry is located about 16.3
kilometres (10.1 mi) west of the city. Valenzuela is bordered in the north by the town of Obando and the
city of Meycauayan in Bulacan, the city of Navotas in the west, Malabon in the south and Quezon City and
northern portion of Caloocan in the east.
The highest elevation point is 38 metres (125 ft) above sea level. Having a surface gradient of
0.55% and a gentle slope, hilly landscape is located in the industrial section of the city in Canumay. The
average elevation point is 2 metres (6.6 ft) above sea level.

Ecology
The vegetation in Valenzuela was originally covered with grasslands suitable for agriculture.
Because of rapid development of industries and economy, land use converts grass covers into cemented
roads. However, the government put into efforts of preserving vegetation such as constructing community
vegetable gardens and techno-demo farms all over the city. In 2003, these gardens numbered up to two
functioning farms.
Flora and fauna in Valenzuela includes the common plants and animals found in Luzon, such as
domesticated mammals. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Protected Areas and
Wildlife Bureau declared a two-hectare mangrove/swampy area in Villa Encarnacion, barangay Malanday
as an ecotourism site. Every year, about 100 species of migratory birds such as Black-crowned Night Herons
(Nycticorax nycticorax) and other native birds such as moorhen (Gallinula sp.), swamphen (Porphyrio sp.)
and Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica) flock the area. Wooden view decks are built to facilitate spectators,
enthusiasts and visitors while having bird watching and counting activities.
In 2007, ordinary fishing ponds in Tagalag and Coloong were transformed into fishing spots which
attracts anglers every year for a prize catch. Fish tournaments are held every year to increase tourism and
livelihood in the area.
In 2008, the Supreme Court of the Philippines mandated Regional Trial Court branch 171 as an
environmental court handling all environment cases in Valenzuela. Thomas Hodge-Smith noted in 1939
that Valenzuela is rich of black tektites occurring in spheroidal and cylindrical shapes and are free of
bubbles.

Landmarks
National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 15

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima (Tagalog: Pambansang Dambana ng Birhen ng Fatima)
is the center of the Fatima apostolate in the country was declared a tourist site in 1982 by the Department
of Tourism and a pilgrimage shrine in 2009 by the Diocese of Malolos. It is near the Our Lady of Fatima
University. The shrine houses the wooden statue of Our Lady of Fatima, one of the fifty images blessed by
Pope Paul VI in 1967 as part of golden celebration of the Marian apparition to three children in Fátima,
Portugal. The images were later distributed to churches worldwide, where one of them is intended for the
Philippines, however, unclaimed ending up in New Jersey. In 1984, Archbishop of Manila Jaime Cardinal
Sin finally claimed the statue and was then transferred under the custody Bahay Maria Foundation, a
Philippine-based Marian organization. During People Power Revolution in 1986, it was one of the iconic
figures held by revolutionaries to oust the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. On 17 October 1999, the statue was
then transferred to the shrine. The feast of Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated every 7 March and 13 May.

San Diego de Alcala Church

The San Diego de Alcala Church and its belfry was built in 1632 by the people of Polo. Residents
were taken to forced labor to complete the church after the town gained its independence through Father
Juan Taranco and Don Juan Monsod. The belfry and entrance arch, which are over four centuries old, are
the only parts of the edifice that remain to this day. The main structure was destroyed by bombs during the
Japanese occupation. Residents of barangays Polo and Poblacion celebrate the feast day of San Diego de
Alcala on 12 November every year, together with the putong polo festival. Located at Malanday, the Hearts
of Jesus and Mary Parish Church,was erected on 17 October 1994 to replace the Sto. Cristo Chapel, and
solemnly declared on 24 June 2001. The Church belongs to the Vicariate of St. Didacus of Alcala –
Valenzuela City, Roman Catholic Diocese of Malolos.

MANILA CITY

Even within heritage districts such as Rizal Park and Intramuros, you won’t be far from a branch
of local fast-food giant, Jollibee. University students pile out of kalesas, then walk the old fort’s walls to
get to class. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) trundles past as families picnic on Luneta park grass.
Like passengers in a jeepney, the past, present and future sit shoulder to shoulder, flying down
Manila’s streets. Get on the same ride. You can sit back, safe, as the city flashes past you. Or you can put
your head out, let your hair fly in the wind and see where the city takes you.

When the Spaniards arrived in the 1500’s, they built a walled city in place of the kuta (fort) of
Rajah Soliman. This city is now known as Intramuros, one of the best models of a medieval fort outside
Europe.
Intramuros contains the UNESCO World Heritage Site San Agustin Church and the San Agustin
Museum. The compound contains fine religious artifacts and relics from the Galleon Trade — from
treasure chests to ivory santos (saints) to gold embroidered vestments. Juan Luna, one of the greatest
Filipino painters, is interred here. Casa Manila, a lifestyle museum replicated from an 1800’s home, is also
in the area. The guards and the owners of the calesas (horse-drawn carriages) are dressed in period costumes
so take a picture with them. They’ll be all smiles with you.
If you want the juicy stuff, join Carlos Celdran’s Walk This Way tour of the walled city. He certainly
makes history alive with his off-the-books anecdotes. This is the stuff that they don’t teach you in schools.
The Philippines’ first hotel is also located here. Established in 1912, the Manila Hotel is grand, classic,
and historical, having hosted famous personalities like Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Marlon Brando, and The
Beatles.
You can ride a calesa through the historic streets of Binondo and Ermita. In Binondo, taste your
way through Chinatown, which is said to be the oldest Chinese settlement in the world, having been
established in the late 16th century. Have a sampling of authentic Fujian and Cantonese cuisine. But don’t
forget to look outside the restaurants too; you will see vendors of dragon fruits and other tropical fruits at
bargain prices.
 National Capital Region (NCR) | 16

Then walk a few blocks to try your luck at the wholesaler’s haven of Divisoria, where the more you buy,
the cheaper it gets!
We know it’s a cliché, but we really do have the best sunsets in Manila Bay. Take a walk down
Roxas Boulevard and see it for yourself. Each day it seems like a different sun.
You can find many of the city’s significant landmarks off of this boulevard. Rizal Park, also known as
Luneta, is the most important shrine in the country – as well a great place to watch the locals spend their
weekend. Settle down on a picnic mat or buy a kite.
Also of importance in the area — the National Museum. The Museum holds the most extensive
exhibit of Galleon Trade relics in the Philippines and illustrates the origins of the Filipino people. But even
without stepping inside, the National Museum itself is a beauty of Neo-Classical architecture.
At night, party your way through the clubs, pubs, and quirky bars of Malate nearby.
But that’s just the basics! Make your own Manila memories by meandering through Manila’s side streets.
You might find an ihawan (hawker-style grill) that serves the tastiest barbecues or maybe an old
book you haven’t found elsewhere. Strike up a conversation with a Manileño and see what makes them
tick. Join a round of karaoke or beat an old man at chess. Whatever Manila you find, drink to it with a cold
glass of San Miguel. As the city center of the Philippines, Manila is a dense stew of urban development and
historic sentiment.

TOP THINGS TO DO (It’s More Fun inthe Philippines)

•Open your senses
Learn about Manila’s rich history through Carlos Celdran; eat your way in Chinatown with Ivan
Man Dy; or see what’s inside the old walls of the National Museum.
•Listen to music
You’re in this part of the world so you might as well do something one of a kind, like listening to
the world’s only bamboo organ. Be moved by its spirited music during the daily masses at Saint Joseph
Church.
•Shop then sleep
If you’re not up for some hardcore shopping in Greenhills, then Mandaluyong is your best bet.
Malls like SM Megamall, Shangri-La Plaza, and The Podium carry a wide range of local and international
labels. Hotels are walking distance so you can easily check in when you get tired.
•Have a staycation
No time for a vacation? Make no excuses. Book a room in one of the premier hotels in Muntinlupa
and have an instant vacation. It’s far enough from grit and grind of the big metro, but close enough to
remind you that you’re still in the city.
•Mix business with pleasure
And we say, a lot of pleasure. Here in Makati, overtime means checking out the newest restaurants
and chilling out in bars and lounges.
•Shop, shop, shop
This is what you do in Manila’s favorite bargain shopping center, Greenhills in San Juan. When
you’re famished, just go to nearby Wilson Street for a food trip.
•Eat, drink, jog
Leisure activities are brimming in Manila’s hottest urban development. You can dine, party, bike,
shop, or walk your dog—you can do it all here.