HOME    ABOUT US    INCENTIVE PACKAGE    INDUSTRY PARTNERS    INQUIRY FORM

MANILA

MANILA'S HISTORY There is archeological evidence that in the 13th century, Manila was already the most important settlement, sea port and trading post in the island of Luzon. Traders from China came to sell fine silks and porcelain in exchange for gold and beeswax. The name Manila came from "nilad", the flower of an indigo plant used for dying native fabrics, in pre-colonial times. By the early 16th century, Manila was a Muslim kingdom ruled by Rajamud Sulayman. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan (a Portuguese navigator who led an expedition for the Spanish monarchs) sighted some islands after crossing the Pacific Ocean. He attempted to land at Mactan, off Cebu, but was killed by its Chieftain Lapu Lapu before he could claim it for the Spanish Crown. With Magellan dead, the Spaniards left but another expedition came fifty years later, this time led by the Mexican-Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi who headed towards the north to Manila. On the ashes of Sulayman's Muslim domain at the mouth of the Pasig River, the Ever Loyal City of Manila was established by the Spaniards. It was a medieval-type enclave, protected by massive stonewalls with ramparts, battlements and drawbridges, and surrounded by a moat. It was called Intramuros (within walls), the seat of the Spanish Empire in Asia until 1898. During the Spanish colonial period, Manila figured prominently in the first trans-Pacific trade, an astounding enterprise that inter-changed products from three continents: Asia, America and Europe; for three centuries. The vessels that plied the lucrative Pacific route were called Manila Galleons. Manila enjoyed periods of prosperity but it also suffered invasions and wars of conquest. Historical accounts relate incursions by Chinese pirates, Dutch, Portuguese and British marauders. In 1898, the United States of America sent invading armies to plaster the First Philippine Republic of 1898, Asia's first constitutional democracy. The Philippines became an American colony for fifty years. After the war, Manila was the second most-destroyed city in the world, next to Warsaw. Today, Manila is the political capital of the Philippine Republic. It has spread out of Sulayman's original domain at the mouth of the Pasig River; spilled out of Intramuros Spain's Ever Loyal City, to encompass 12 cities and 5 municipalities around it. It has close to 12 million inhabitants. The capital became known as Greater Manila, then Metro Manila, and the heart of the National Capital Region.

PLACES OF INTEREST DAY EXCURSIONS Manila is the gateway to many island destinations and offers many places of interest that are easily accessible for day excursions like: Nayong Pilipino (Philippine Cultural Village) which showcases in small scale the country's famous landmarks. Intramuros, the Walled City of Old Manila, transports the visitor into 16th century Manila. Walk through cobbled streets paved with Spanish colonial buildings and old church plazas. Puertas (gates) and baluartes (battlements) have benn heroically restored to preserve the charm and historicity of this once-upon-a-time bastion of Spanish culture. Within Intramuros complex lies the Fort Santiago (one of the oldest fortifications within the walls), which houses the memorabilia of the national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal; the Manila Cathedral (a magnificent architectural feat with its intricate stone carvings, stained glass mosaics, and rosette windows); and the San Agustin Church (the oldest structure in the country) with its baroque interiors and "trompe 'l'oeil" murals. A tribute to our national hero is the Rizal Park popularly known as Luneta. A stone's throw away from it is the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex that consists of modern buildings ideal for conventions and exhibitions, namely the Philippine International Convention Center, the Folk Arts Theater, the Coconut Palace and the World Trade Center. Open also to the public is the Malacañang Palace, which serves as the official residence of Philippine presidents. Manila also cradles the busiest business and finance centers, namely Chinatown and Makati that offer shopping malls and specialty restaurants. REST & RELAX… The outskirts of Manila offer additional places to see. An hour away by deluxe cruise across Manila Bay is the island fortress of Corregidor, which is one of the last strongholds during World War II. A rising ridge overlooking the scenic Taal Volcano is Tagaytay where you can relax in the cool climate of the highlands. Along the way, you can also visit the famous Bamboo Organ at Las Piñas Church. Short drive souths of Manila are Cavite and Batangas provinces offering excellent resorts and diving spots. MUSEUM TOURS Museums in Manila offer a glimpse into the colorful history and the contemporary arts and culture of the Filipino. Visit the National Museum of the Filipino People, the Metropolitan Museum, Museo ng Maynila, the GSIS Fine Arts Museum, the Lopez Museum, the San Agustin Church Liturgical Museum, and Museo Pambata.

Copyright 1999 Kalakbayan Travel Systems, Inc.   Please read our Disclaimer