Manila is the capital city of the Philippines. It is also the seat of government administration and the political and economic summit. But the Filipinos call it "the city of our affections." It is an old city that has been around long enough to give it its "poise and grandeur."
It is also known as the "Premier City of the Philippines."
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HOW TO GET THERE :
Metro Manila has two airports. For flights within the Philippines, there is the domestic airport in Pasay City, and for international flights, there is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) nearby.
WHERE TO STAY IN MANILA :
WHERE TO STAY IN METRO MANILA :
WHAT TO SEE :
China Town
A cultural and business district in Binondo
Ermita District
The heart of the tourist belt area.
Fort Santiago
A park and a memorial partly built from the ruins of World War II, which was once the most important defense location of Intramuros.
Intramuros
Manila's walled city." Worth seeing are the Plaza San Luis--a cultural-cum commercial complex representing different eras in Filipino-Hispanic architecture; and Casa Manila--one of the few original Spanish houses.
Malacanang Palace
The seat of the head of government in the Philippines.
Rizal or Luneta Park
An oasis in the center of the city. You will find here the Rizal Memorial, which is close to where national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was executed by Spaniards in December 30, 1896.
University of Santo Tomas
The oldest university in the Philippines.
Hiraya Gallery
Committed to the promotion and development of imaginative and relevant Philippine Art, especially by young, talented Filipino artists.
Manila Zoological Gardens
A collection of Philippine and exotic African wildlife, including the endangered tamaraw and tarsier.
Mehan Garden
the first botanical garden in Manila, constructed by Spanish Jesuits.
Coconut Palace
A structure 70% of which is made from different parts of the coconut tree.
Manila Bay
Considered the finest harbor in the Far East and famous for its spectacular sunsets.
CHURCHES
Manila Cathedral
the Philippines' main Catholic church, where you will find a large organ with 4,500 pipes, said to be the largest in Asia.
Quiapo Church
famous for its large crucifix of black wood.
San Agustin Church
one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines.
San Sebastian Church
one of the few all-steel churches in the world.
Santa Ana Church
The first museum outside the walled city of Manila.
MUSEUMS
Bahay Tsinoy
Houses precious artifacts brought to the Philippines by the early Chinese.
National Museum of the Philippines
The official repository and guardian of the Philippine culture, history, and natural heritage.
Casa Manila Museum
a faithful reproduction of a typical Spanish residence, which features beautiful courtyards and antique furnishings.
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
has changing displays of various art forms, and also has a souvenir shop and the Met Café.
Museo ng Malacanang
features pictures of former presidents.
Museo ng Sining
the biggest museum of contemporary art in the country.
Museo Pambata
a museum for kids which features, among others, a reproduction of a rain forest, a tram, and a fire engine from old Manila.
Museum of Arts & Sciences
housed by the University of Santo Tomas, it has an extensive collection of historic documents and a library with more than 180,000 volumes.
National Museum
features prehistoric finds, such as pottery, weapons, costumes, and ornaments.
Philippine Museum of Ethnology
has displays of tools, weapons, and musical instruments of the country's cultural minorities, and illustrations and written explanations about the different tribes.
Puerto Isabel II
displays liturgical objects, carrozas (processional carriages), and antique bells.
Rizal Shrine
houses Rizalian items in memory of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
San Agustin Museum
Features oil paintings, antique choir stalls, robes, and other liturgical items.
Archdiocesan Museum of Manila
Includes a collection of ecclesiastical, liturgical, and various antique items.
Museo Manila
Exhibits prints, photographs, and postcards featuring landmarks and architecture of the city of Manila.
University of Santo Tomas Museum of Arts & Sciences
A private museum considered to be the largest and most extensive in the Far East.
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MAJOR EVENTS :
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Flores De Mayo - May
celebrated in honor of the Virgin Mary. This is highlighted by a procession of beautiful sagalas wearing gowns created by the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines.
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Marian Procession - December
a revival of Catholic tradition celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion featuring 60 images of the Virgin.
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WHERE TO STAY IN : City of Manila
PLANE SCHEDULE TO : City of Manila
SEA SCHEDULE TO : City of Manila
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