The Philippines' capital is perhaps the most Americanized Asian city -- and actually, Manila isn't even a city in the traditional sense. It's a conglomeration of 12 cities and five municipalities, each politically independent, but functioning as one bustling geographic unit. Manila, with its population of 9.5 million, is on the main island of Luzon and offers an impressive view of Manila Bay and its memorable sunsets.
Perhaps the most interesting cultural section of Manila is Intramuros, a "walled city" built in 1571, when Spain had control of the Philippines. Here, you'll see such historic landmarks as Fort Santiago, San Agustin (the Philippines' oldest church), Manila Cathedral (seat of the local Catholic Archdiocese), and medieval dungeons.
Other Manila attractions include Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ), Malacañang Palace (where the president lives), the University of Santo Tomas, the National Museum of the Philippines, and Taal Volcano. There's also Chinatown, on Pasig River; Rizal Park and its monument honoring Dr. Jose Rizal, a martyr and national hero whose death made possible the founding of Asia's first democracy; and modern Ayala Avenue, with its ritzy fashion boutiques, cutting-edge skyscrapers, the Philippine Stock Exchange, and an active nightlife scene.
Manileños are very friendly people despite the fact that their city is beleaguered with traffic and pollution. After the Spanish colonized it, it became an important port; King Philip II called it the "Distinguished and Ever Loyal City" and Manila's physical beauty corroborated that benevolent analysis. But in 1863, an earthquake struck and many of Manila's architectural treasures crumbled. When the locals rebuilt it, they did it in sleek, modern style. However, at the end of WWII and the Japanese occupation, Manila was again in ruins. Today, the city is a somewhat fragmented mishmash of historical buildings, modern concoctions, and architecture spanning many eras and styles. Clearly, though, the locals have taken it all in stride and are, in large part, as good at making visitors feel welcome as they have been at surviving all that their city has been subjected to over the years.
