NCR- NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

I. Introduction
Its name probably derived from the Yamstick Mangrove, whose local name was nila
or nilad. In 1571, Spanish conquistador Manuel Lopez de Legazpi founded Manila and it
became the capital of the Philippines. In the late 1800s, the Filipinos fought Spanish
colonization and declared independence in 1898.

Manila, capital and chief city of the Philippines. The city is the centre of the country’s
economic, political, social, and cultural activity. It is located on the island of Luzon and
spreads along the eastern shore of Manila Bay at the mouth of the Pasig River. The city’s
name, originally Maynilad, is derived from that of the nilad plant, a flowering shrub
adapted to marshy conditions, which once grew profusely along the banks of the river; the
name was shortened first to Maynila and then to its present form. In 1975, by presidential
decree, Manila and its contiguous cities and municipalities were integrated to function as a
single administrative region, known as Metropolitan Manila (also called the National
Capital Region); the Manila city proper encompasses only a small proportion of that area.

Administrative Divisions

City/Municipalities

Manila, Caloocan, Las Piñ as, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa,
Navotas, Parañ aque, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig and
Valenzuela.

Table1. Administrative Divisions of NCR

II. History
NCR or Metro Manila, is the capital and chief
city of the Philippines. The city is the centre of the
country’s economic, political, social, and cultural
activity. It is located on the island of Luzon and
spreads along the eastern shore of Manila Bay at the
mouth of the Pasig River. The city’s name, originally
Maynilad, is derived from that of the nilad plant
(Figure 1), a flowering shrub adapted to marshy
conditions, which once grew profusely along the banks
Figure 1. Nilad Plant of the river; the name was shortened first to Maynila
and then to its present form. In 1975, by presidential
decree, Manila and its contiguous cities and municipalities were integrated to function as a
single administrative region, known as Metropolitan Manila (also called the National
Capital Region); the Manila city proper encompasses only a small proportion of that area.
Manila has been the principal city of the Philippines for four centuries and is the
centre of its industrial development as well as the international port of entry. It is situated
on one of the finest sheltered harbours of the Pacific region, about 700 miles (1,100 km)
southeast of Hong Kong. The city has undergone rapid economic development since its
destruction in World War II and its subsequent rebuilding; it is now plagued with the
familiar urban problems of pollution, traffic congestion, and overpopulation. Measures
have been taken, however, to ameliorate those problems.
A historical province known as Manila encompasses the former pre-Hispanic
kingdoms of Tondo and Maynila. It became the capital of the colonial Philippines, with
Manila (Intramuros) serving as the center of colonial power. In 1898, it included the City
of Manila and 23 other municipalities. Mariquina also served as the capital from 1898-
1899, just as when the sovereignty of the Philippines was transferred to the United States.
The province was dissolved and most of it was incorporated to the newly created province
of Rizal in 1901.
 Since the Spanish colonial period, Manila was considered as one of the original
global cities. The Manila galleon was the first known commercially traveled trade route
that sail the Pacific for 250 years, bringing to Spain their cargoes of luxury goods,
economic benefits, and cultural exchange.
During the American period, at the time of the Philippine Commonwealth, American
architect and urban designer Daniel Burnham was commissioned to create the grand Plan
of Manila to be approved by the Philippine Government. The creation of Manila in 1901 is
composed of the places and parishes of Binondo, Ermita, Intramuros, Malate, Manila,
Pandacan, Quiapo, Sampaloc, San Andres, San Fernando de Dilao, San Miguel, San Nicolas,
Santa Ana de Sapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Mesa and Tondo. Meanwhile, the towns and parishes
of Caloocan, Las Piñ as, Mariquina, Pasig, Parañ aque, Malabon, Navotas, San Juan del Monte,
San Pedro de Macati, San Felipe Neri, Muntinlupa and the Taguig-Pateros area were
incorporated into the province of Rizal. Pasig serves as its provincial capital.
In 1939, President Quezon established Quezon City with a goal to replace Manila as
the capital city of the country. A masterplan for Quezon City was completed. The
establishment of Quezon City meant demise of the grand Burnham Plan of Manila, with
funds being diverted for the establishment of the new capital. World War II further resulted
in the loss most of the developments in the Burnham Plan, but more importantly, the loss of
more than 100,000 lives at the Battle of Manila in 1945. Later on, Quezon City eventually
served as the national capital from 1948-1976. It was reinstated back to Manila through
Presidential Decree No. 940 owing to its historical significance as the seat of government of
the Philippines since the Spanish colonial period. Presidential Decree No. 940 states that
Manila has always been to the Filipino people and in the eyes of the world, the premier city
of the Philippines being the center of trade, commerce, education and culture.
During the war, President Manuel L. Quezon created the City of Greater Manila as an
emergency measure, merging the cities of Manila and Quezon City, along with the
municipalities of Caloocan, Las Piñ as, Mariquina, Pasig, Parañ aque, Malabon, Navotas, San
Juan del Monte, San Pedro de Macati, San Felipe Neri, Muntinlupa and the Taguig-Pateros
area. Jorge Vargas was appointed as its mayor. Mayors in the cities and municipalities
included in the City of Greater Manila served as vice mayors in their town. This was in
order to ensure Vargas, who was Quezon’s principal lieutenant for administrative matters,
would have a position of authority recognized under international military law. The City of
Greater Manila was abolished by the Japanese with the formation of the Philippine
Executive Commission to govern the occupied regions of the country. The City of Greater
Manila served as a model for the present-day Metro Manila and the administrative
functions of the Governor of Metro Manila that was established during the Marcos
administration.
On November 7, 1975, Metro Manila was formally established through Presidential
Decree No. 824. The Metropolitan Manila Commission was also created to manage the
region. On June 2, 1978, through Presidential Decree No. 1396, the metropolitan area was
declared the National Capital Region of the Philippines. When Metro Manila was
established, there were four cities, Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Pasay and the thirteen
municipalities of Las Piñ as, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas,
Parañ aque, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela and Pateros. At present, all of these
municipalities except for one have become an independent charted city, only Pateros
remains as a municipality.
President Ferdinand Marcos appointed his wife Imelda Marcos as the first governor of
Metro Manila. She launched the City of Man campaign. The Cultural Center of the
Philippines, Metropolitan Folk Arts Theater, Philippine International Convention Center,
the Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Heart Center, the Kidney Center of the
Philippines and the Coconut Palace are all constructed precisely for this purpose. The City
of Man campaign was discontinued when the Marcos were ousted from power after the
People Power Revolution.
After the 8 years of dictatorship, President Marcos was overthrown by the people at a
peaceful revolution in EDSA in February 1986, where they stayed there for three days. The
movement was known as the People Power Revolution and made headlines such as “the
revolution that surprised the world”.

In 1986, President Corazon Aquino issued Executive Order No. 392,

reorganizing and changing the structure of the Metropolitan Manila Commission and
renamed it to the Metropolitan Manila Authority. Mayors in the metropolis choose from
among themselves the chair of the agency. Later on, it was again reorganized in 1995
through Republic Act 7924, creating the present-day Metropolitan Manila Development
Authority. The chairperson of the agency will be appointed by the President and should
not have a concurrent elected position such as mayor.
III. Physical Geography
a. Size of the Region
The region encompasses an area of 244 square miles (633 square km) and the
cities with a range of, 15 square miles (38 square km)

Province Land Area

City of Muntinlupa 459,941 sqr/m
City of Makati 529,039 sqr/m
City of Las Piñ as 552,573 sqr/m
City of Valenzuela 575, 356 sqr/m
City of Paranaque 588,126 sqr/m
Taguig City 644,473 sqr/m
City of Pasig 669,773 sqr/m
Caloocan City 1,489,040 sqr/m
City of Manila 1,652,171 sqr/m
Quezon City 2,761,720 sqr/m
Total Land Area 9,922,212 sqr/m

Table 2. Size of the Region

b. Territory

The National Capital Region (NCR) is the only region in the country without any
province. It is subdivided into 17 local government units (LGUs) comprising of 16 cities
and one municipality. The 16 cities include: Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela,
Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan,Pasay,
Parañ aque, Las Piñ as 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. NCR is
bordered by the provinces of Bulacan to the north, Rizal to the east, Cavite to the south-
west and Laguna to the south. Manila Bay lies to the west and Laguna de Bay to the south-
east.

c. Map

Pasig River

Manila Bay

Laguna de Bay

Figure 2. Map

Figure 3. Map

d. Topography (Land and Water Formations)

The National Capital Region (NCR), also known as Metropolitan Manila, is the
capital region of the Philippines. It is located in the southwestern portion of Luzon,
directly below Central Luzon. Lying along the flat alluvial and deltaic plains draining the
Pasig River and Laguna de Bay, its territory extends eastward and up the rolling hills of
Marikina Valley and stops short at the lowlying edges of Rizal province. It is bounded by
the fertile plains of Central Luzon in the North, the sweeping Sierra Madre Mountains in
the East, and Laguna de Bay in the South. Manila Bay, on the other hand, spreads out
perfectly on the West, providing a great canvass for the famed sunsets of Manila.

IV. Demographics
 a. Population
The National Capital Region has a population of 12,877,253 according to the
2015 national census. Its total urban area, composing of the urban agglomeration which
refers to the continuous urban expansion of Metro Manila into the provinces of Bulacan,
Cavite, Laguna and Batangas has a population of 24,123,000. It is the most populous
region in the Philippines, the 7th most populous metropolitan area in Asia, and the 3rd
most populous urban area in the world.

populati on of ncr

2,936,116
1,780,148

1,583,978

804,915
755,300
665,822

620,422
588,894

582,602

504,509
450,741

416,522
386,276
365,525

249,463

122,180
63,840

C i ti e s

Manila Caloocan Las Pinas Makati Malabon Mandaluyong Marikina Muntinlupa

Navotas Paranaque Pasay Pasig Pateros Quezon City San Juan Taguig
Valenzuela

Table 3. Population of NCR

b. Famous People

Pablo Sebero Antonio, Sr. (January 25, 1901 – June 14, 1975)
was a Filipino architect. A pioneer of modern Philippine
architecture, he was recognized in some quarters as the
foremost Filipino modernist architect of his time. He was
conferred the rank and title of National Artist of the Philippines by President Ferdinand
Marcos in 1976.

Antonio’s major works include the following: Far Eastern University Administration and
Science buildings; Manila Polo Club; Ideal Theater; Lyric Theater; Galaxy Theater; Capitan
Figure 4. Pablo Sebero Luis Gonzaga Building; Boulevard-Alhambra (now Bel-Air)
Antonio, Sr.
apartments; Ramon Roces Publications Building (now Guzman
Institute of Electronics)

Ladislao Bonus (1854–1908): Filipino musician and opera

composer. (Pandacan). The Father of Filipino opera,
Ladislao Bonus was a self-taught musician, composer, and
an expert contrabass player. He organized and directed the
first Philippine opera company with an all-Filipino cast and
chose Donizetti’s “Lucrezia Borgia” for the troupe’s debut
performance in 1887. This was followed by performance of
“Linda di Chamounix,” Lucia di Lamermoor, “La Traviata,”
Figure 5. Ladislao Bonus
and “Fra Daviolo.” He composed the music of “Sandugong
Panaginip” (The Dreamed Alliance), the first known Filipino
opera, in one act and five scenes, with libretto by Pedro A. Paterno, and presented at
Manila’s Teatro Zorilla in 1902. He was conductor of the Arevalo Band when it won first
prize in an international band competition held during the 1902 Hanoi International
Exposition, where his “Pasadoble Hanoi” was premiered

Antonio Molina (1894–1980): Filipino composer and National

Artist. (Quiapo) A versatile musician, composer, music educator
was the last of the musical triumvirate, two of whom were
Nicanor Abelardo and Francisco Santiago, who elevated music
beyond the realm of folk music. At an early age, he took to
playing the violoncello and played it so well it did not take long

Figure 6. Antonio Molina

before he was playing as orchestra soloist for the Manila Grand Opera House. Molina is
credited with introducing such innovations as the whole tone scale, pentatonic scale,
exuberance of dominant ninths and eleventh cords, and linear counterpoints. As a member
of the faculty of the UP Conservatory, he had taught many of the country’s leading musical
personalities and educators like Lucresia Kasilag and Felipe de Leon.

Rajo Laurel (1971): Filipino fashion designer. (Makati)

One of the top Filipino fashion designers, Rajo Laurel's love

for fashion is rooted in his early years, but it was in his
young adulthood when his talent became truly apparent.
His innate eye for fashion was enhanced through his
training from New York Fashion Institute of Technology
and Central Saint Martin's in London. Twenty two years
into his career, he has received several awards locally and

Figure 7. Rajo Laurel

internationally for fashion design and entrepreneurship. A
celebrity in his own right, Rajo Laurel serves as a permanent
judge on four seasons of Project Runway Philippines. His accomplishments have propelled
him to the next step: a foray into the international market.

It is the workmanship and artisan quality that makes Rajo Laurel's pieces
distinct. Beautiful, sensible and also competitively priced. Standout details such as
embroidery, beadwork and hand painted prints are incorporated to elevate the clothes
into exceptional limited edition pieces. The sensibilities of Rajo Laurel's works are always
new, organic, sensual, and meant to be admired as pieces of
art.

Andrés Bonifacio (1863–1897): Filipino

revolutionary. (Tondo) Philippine patriot, founder and leader
of the nationalist Katipunan society, who instigated the revolt
 of August 1896 against the Spanish. Bonifacio was born of poor parents in Manila and had
little formal education, working as a messenger and warehouse keeper before becoming
involved in revolutionary activity. He was, however, well-read. Unlike the nationalist poet
and novelist José Rizal, who wanted to reform Spanish rule in the Philippines, Bonifacio
advocated complete independence from Spain. In 1892 he founded the Katipunan in
Manila, modelling its organization and ceremony on that of the Masonic order. The
Katipunan at first grew slowly, but by 1896 it had an estimated 100,000 members and
branches not only in Manila but also in central Luzon and on the islands of Panay,
Mindoro, and Mindanao. Its members were mostly workers and peasants; the urban
middle class supported reform rather than revolution. In August 1896 Bonifacio led the
long-planned insurrection on Luzon; but his forces were defeated by Spanish troops, and
he was forced to retreat to Montalban in the north, while Emilio Aguinaldo, one of his
lieutenants, carried on resistance. As the Spanish systematically routed the insurrectos, it
became increasingly clear that Bonifacio was an ineffective military leader. In March 1897
a convention at Tejeros named Aguinaldo, rather than Bonifacio, president of a new
Philippine republic. Refusing to recognize the convention, Bonifacio tried to establish his
own rebel government. In April 1897 Aguinaldo had Bonifacio arrested and tried for
treason; he was executed by a firing squad.

c. Ethnic Groups

Filipino (the National Language that is based on Manileñ o Tagalog) and English are
both official languages, and virtually all Metro Manileñ os understand them. Other
languages spoken by regional immigrants include Tagalog, Cebuano, Bicolano, Waray,
Kapampangan, Ilocano, and Maranao, though there are also more than 86 different
dialects in the Philippines. Foreign languages other than English spoken by a limited
number of people, mostly immigrant communities, include Spanish, Sindhi, Punjabi,
Japanese, Bahasa Indonesia, Korean, and several other European languages. However,
being the capital of the nation, Metro Manila has also attracted great migrations of other
Filipino ethnolinguistic groups from around the country, especially those of Ilocano,
Bicolano, Cebuano, Waray, and Maranao descent. Manila is the main hub of the Spanish
mestizo minority. Small foreign communities include the Chinese, Americans, South
Asians, Spaniards, Indonesians, Japanese, Koreans, Arabs, and various others.

d. Religion

The NCR proudly boasts to be the only Christian nation in Asia. More than 86
percent of the population is Roman Catholic, 6 percent belong to various nationalized
Christian cults, and another 2 percent belong to well over 100 Protestant denominations.
In addition to the Christian majority, there is a vigorous 4 percent Muslim minority,
concentrated on the southern islands of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan. Scattered in
isolated mountainous regions, the remaining 2 percent follow non-Western, indigenous
beliefs and practices. The Chinese minority, although statistically insignificant, has been
culturally influential in coloring Filipino Catholicism with many of the beliefs and practices
of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

V. 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 developments 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 in the cities of Pasay, Paranaque and Las Piñ as; 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 the second 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 many shopping malls and hotels. The Asian Development Bank, also has
its headquarters here.

VI. Language
a. Dialects
Filipino (the National Language that is based on Manileñ o Tagalog) and English
are both official languages, and virtually all Metro Manileñ os understand them. Other
languages spoken by regional immigrants include Tagalog, Cebuano, Bicolano, Waray,
Kapampangan, Ilocano, and Maranao, though there are also more than 86 different
dialects in the Philippines. Foreign languages other than English spoken by a limited
number of people, mostly immigrant communities, include Spanish, Sindhi, Punjabi,
Japanese, Bahasa Indonesia, Korean, and several other European languages.

b. Sample Phraseologies

English Filipino
Good morning Magandang Umaga
Good afternoon Magandang Tanghali
Good evening Magandang Gabi
How are you? Kamusta ka?
I Love You Mahal Kita
What is your name? Ano ang pangalan mo?
Where are you from? Saan ka nakatira?

Table 5. Sample Phraseologies

VII. Transportation
a. Land Transport
 The metropolis has an extensive system of highways connecting the various cities
and municipality. The major roads include ten radial roads, which branch out from central
Manila and five circumferencial roads which from a series of cencentric semi-conductors
arcs around downtown Manila. Most of these roads are very important transportation
arteries. One is the C4 (Circumferencial Road 4), also called Epifanio de los Avenue or
more popularly as EDSA. It is the major thoroughfare in Metro Manila connecting five
cities in Metro Manila, namely Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong,
Figure 9. Land Transport
Quezon City Caloocan.

LRT MRT

Figure 10. LRT Figure 11. MRT

The Manila
Light Rail Transit System,
popularly and informally
known as the LRT, is a
metropolitan rail system
serving the Metro Manila area
in the Philippines. Although
referred to as a light rail
system because it originally

Figure 12. LRT/MRT Systems in Metro Manila

used light rail vehicles, it has
characteristics of a rapid transit (metro)
system, such as high passenger throughput, exclusive right-of-way and later use of full
metro rolling stock. The system is operated by the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), a
government corporation attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Along with
the Manila Metro Rail Transit System Line 3 (Line 3, also called the new Yellow Line), and
Philippine National Railways's commuter line, the system makes up Metro Manila's rail
infrastructure.

Two lines are operated by LRTA. Line 1 serves 500,000 passengers daily while the Line 2
serves 200,000 passengers.[1] Its 33.4 kilometers (20.8 mi) of mostly elevated route form
two lines which serve 31 stations in total. Line 1, also called the Green Line (formerly
known as Yellow Line), opened in 1984 and travels a north–south route. Line 2, the Blue
Line (formerly known as Purple Line), was completed in 2004 and runs east–west. The
original Line 1 was built as a no-frills means of public transport and lacks some features
and comforts, but the newer Line 2 has been built with additional standards and criteria in
mind like barrier-free access. Security guards at each station conduct inspections and
provide assistance. A reusable plastic magnetic ticketing system has replaced the previous
token-based system in 2001, and the Flash Pass was introduced as a step towards a more
integrated transportation system. In 2015, the plastic magnetic tickets were replaced with
the Beep, a contactless smart card, introduced to provide a common ticketing to 3 rail lines
and some bus lines.

Many passengers who ride the system also take various forms of road-based public
transport, such as buses, to and from a station to reach their intended destination.
Although it aims to reduce traffic congestion and travel times in the metropolis, the
transportation system has only been partially successful due to the rising number of
motor vehicles and rapid urbanization. The network's expansion is set on tackling this
problem.

b. Water Transport and Seaports

The Port of Manila refers to the collectives facilities and terminals that
process maritime trade function in harbours that serve the Metro Manila Area. It is located
in the Port Area and at Tondo area of Manila, Philippines facing the Manila Bay. It is the
largest and the premier international shipping gateaway to the country. The Phillipine
Ports Authority, a government-owned corporation, manages the Port of Manila and most
the public ports in the country.

Figure 13. Port Of Manila

SuperFerry, founded as Aboitiz Shipping

Company, later Aboitiz SuperFerry was one of the
largest ferry companies in the Philippines before it
was purchased by Negros Navigation, which
simultaneously was purchased by the Chinese
government through its private equity fund the
China-Asean Investment Cooperation Fund, and
became 2GO Travel, part of the 2GO Group. Figure 14. SuperFerry

The shipping Company was known in the 1990s as William, Gothong & Aboitiz
(WG&A). Aboitiz bought out the William Lines and Gothong Lines Group. The Gothong
Group restarted its own shipping company called Carlos A. Gothong Lines (CAGLI), while
the William Group opted to concentrate on its logistics, warehousing, and courier business
called Fast Logistics.
 Formerly known as Negros Navigation, 2Go
Travel is one of the core subsidiaries of Philippine-
based 2GO Group Inc. which was established way
back in 1949. This specific line of business
specializes in passenger ships and fast ferries and
was born out of a merge among the biggest shipping
lines in the country: SuperFerry, Cebu Ferries, and Figure 15. 2Go Travel

SuperCat which became known as SuperFerry and

subsequently acquired by Negros Navigation.

They have one of the most modern and expansive fleets of inter-island vessels in the
Philippines. As of this time, they have 8 roll on/roll off passenger vessels that can
accommodate up to 1800 passengers as well as 10 fast ferries, and 8 cargo vessels. Some of
the bigger vessels are complete with hospitality staff, salons, spas and more geared
towards giving passengers a comfortable experience while hopping around the
archipelago. 2Go Travel currently has 106 outlets all over the country located in kiosks in
malls, travel agencies, and various ports.

2GO, formally 2GO Travel, is a passenger ferry company which is based in Manila,
Philippines and part of 2GO Group, a listed company owned by the Chinese government
through the China-Asean Investment Cooperation Fund. It is the largest ferry company in
the Philippines with its main hub located in Eva Macapagal Super Terminal in Pier 15 in the
Manila South Harbor.

c. Air Transport and Airports

There are currently three airports in the Greater Manila Area with scheduled
passenger service. However, the majority of passenger traffic goes through Metro Manila's
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is the Philippines' busiest airport and
major hub.

Airports play a significant role in globalization, connecting cities and countries.

Airports are a major part of a country’s infrastructure and foster economic activities by
encouraging international commerce and tourism and generating employment. Airports
support employment generation. Direct employment opportunities include workers from
the construction sector when the airport is being built. Once it is operational, personnel is
required for a range of services, including airport operations and management, aircraft
maintenance, storage facilities, charter services and leasing activities.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Manila Ninoy Aquino International

Airport is named after Senator Benigno
"Ninoy" Aquino Jr., assassinated at the
airport in 1983. Officially, NAIA is the only
airport serving the Manila area. However, in
practice, NAIA and Clark International
Airport as well -located in the Clark Freeport
Zone, in Pampanga- serve the Manila area.
Figure 16. Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Clark caters mostly to low-cost carriers that
avail themselves of the lower landing fees than those charged at NAIA. In 2017 the airport
served 42 million passengers.
NAIA is located along the border between Pasay City and Parañ aque City in Metro
Manila. It is about 4 miles (7 km) south of the city, and southwest of Makati City's Central
Business District. These figures make the airport be positioned among the 50 world’s
busiest airports by passenger traffic. In fact, since 2010 Manila’s airport has held this
position, above or below. The airport is also relevant in terms of cargo volume. In 2015
managed over 460 tonnes of cargo.

VIII. Lodging Establishments

 NEW WORLD MAKATI HOTEL, MANILA

The deluxe New World Makati Hotel is

located in the Makati Business District. It
features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness
centre and rooms with city/pool views. Free
parking is provided. The hotel is just across the
street from Greenbelt Malls and a 10-minute
walk from Glorietta shopping complex. Ninoy
Aquino International Airport is a 30 minute
Figure 17. New World Makati Hotel, Manila
drive from the hotel. The elegant rooms come with
modern décor and large windows that offer plenty of natural light.

DISCOVERY PRIMEA

Centrally located in Makati, Discovery

Primea features modern and luxurious
accommodation with free WiFi access in the public
areas. It houses an outdoor infinity pool, fitness
centre, restaurants and free parking on site. The
property is just 400 m from Glorietta Mall and
Makati Stock Exchange. The famous Greenbelt Mall is Figure 18. Discovery Primea,
Makati
500 m away, while Manila International Airport is
accessible within a 6 km drive. Elegantly furnished, air-conditioned suites come equipped
with a personal safe, iPod dock, a flat-screen cable/satellite TV and seating area. At
Discovery Primea, guests can indulge in a pampering massage at the spa, or enjoy a fine
selection of drinks at the bar/lounge. Business and banquet facilities are available, while
laundry and transport services can be arranged upon request.

CONRAD MANILA

Modern, dynamic and luxurious, Conrad

Manila is the perfect choice for the modern-day
business and leisure travelers. Set in the center of the developing area in Manila Bay, the
hotel boasts close proximity to local attractions, the business district and the airport. At
the end of the day luxuriate with a selection of nourishing body rituals, massages and
facials at the spa, with special treatments available for couples. The Health Club at Conrad
Manila embraces the latest in fitness equipment and offers personal training, aerobics and
fitness classes. Inspired by the coastal seas of the Philippines, our infinity swimming pool
is coral shaped with separate sections for kids and adults. The hotel also features a Grand
Ballroom, flexible meeting space and two main restaurants with Asian-inspired cuisine
and unobstructed views of Manila Bay.

OKADA MANILA HOTEL

Okada Manila sets the new gold standard

for five-star luxury. Lavishly executed in every
detail. Unprecedented in its bold take on
elegance. It spoils you with rich leisure options
and stylishly glides past your expectations. With
993 exquisitely spacious rooms offering views of
either the Manila Bay or The Fountain, Okada Figure 20. Okada Manila Hotel

Manila’s suites and villas create a profound sense of

deep relaxation, underlined by the integrated resort’s own brand of exemplary service
featuring the unique blend of Japanese hospitality (magokoro and omotenashi) and
Filipino warmth.

MANILA MARRIOT HOTEL

Travel brilliantly here at the Manila
Marriott Hotel. Set against the backdrop of the
Resorts World complex in the Philippines' capital
city, just moments from the airport, our hotel will
dazzle you with its spacious accommodations and
unparalleled services.
 Immaculately designed rooms and suites offer luxurious touches like 48 to 55-inch
flat-screen TVs and marble bathrooms with jetted tubs.
Gaze out at the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, Figure 21. Manila Marriot Hotel or
upgrade to an Executive level hotel room and enjoy
access to our Lounge during your time here in Manila. We offer several delicious dining
options at the hotel, including CRU Steakhouse; additional amenities, like our on-site spa
and gym, will help you feel both energized and relaxed. If you're visiting the Philippines
for work, you can make use of our full-service business center and flexible event space.
And with the casinos and entertainment of Resorts World at your doorstep, you'll
certainly never be bored.

SHERATON HOTEL MANILA

Across the Terminal 3 in the Ninoy

Aquino International Airport, this casual
hotel is 7km from both Ayala Museum
featuring exhibits on Filipino culture, art
history, and serene Ayala Triangle
Gardens with jogging paths.
Straightforward rooms offer free Wi-Fi
Figure 22. Sheraton Hotel Manila
and TVs, plus tea and coffeemakers, and minibars.

All have an suite bathrooms, Room service is offered 24/7. Amenities include a
business center, and safe deposit boxes at the front desk. There’s also an outdoor pool and
spa, plus a kid’s club.

MAKATI SHANGRI-LA, MANILA

A stay at Makati Shangri-La, Manila, is an

unforgettable one. The hotel offers you the
opportunity to experience the heart of Manila
from the very centre of Makati's most
prestigious business, shopping and

Figure 23. Makati Shangri-la, Manila

entertainment district. Makati Shangri-La, Manila is a renowned five-star luxury hotel in
Makati City. The hotel is within walking distance from some of the most popular shopping
malls in Manila, which include Glorietta, Greenbelt and SM Department Store.

This five-star luxury hotel in Makati is located just 20 minutes away from the
airport and is a luxurious sanctuary for both business and leisure travellers. For culture
lovers, visit the old city of Intramuros or Ayala Museum to learn more about Filipino
culture and history.

SOFITEL

Luxuriate in tropical elegance with

spectacular Manila Bay sunsets, lavish
surrounds and an exquisite French touch
at Sofitel Philippine Plaza. The top 5-star
luxury hotel in Manila, the Sofitel
welcomes you to celebrate the art vivre.
Figure 24. Sofitel
Stroll through landscaped gardens as you explore extensive
leisure

facilities. Swim the day away in a luxuriant lagoo-style pool. Refresh beneath its cascading
waterfalls. Retreat to the spa for soothing massage or state-of-the-art skin therapy.

IX. Festivals

Feast of the Black Nazarene (On the

9th of January) A grand Fiesta, this festival
centers on the image of the Black Nazarene
which was transported by galleon from
Mexico to Manila in the 17th century. The
festival is marked by a day-long procession
by thousands of devotees around Quiapo
district from the Rizal Park area. Every year,
Figure 25. Feast of the Black Nazarene
millions of Filipinos participate newspaper reports say as many as 10 million1 that gather
in Manila for a procession of the Black Nazarene, or Poong itim na Nazareno, a life-sized
statue of a suffering Jesus fallen under the weight of the cross, along a 6.5 km route from
Rizal (Luneta) Park to the minor basilica in Quiapo. Few religious celebrations anywhere
in the world can match this feast in terms of the number and fervor of devotees
surrounding the procession. Attendance has grown remarkably in the last 20 years, and
the route has been stretched to accommodate growing crowds. If newspaper accounts are
correct, the number of Catholics attending the Nazarene feast equals, or perhaps even
doubles that attending recent papal Masses in the same locale. Most Filipino Catholics
consider the Nazarene statue to be miraculous, able to heal terminal cancers and other
sicknesses, to grant petitions, and to help those in need.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception (On the 8th of December - A revival of religious
tradition with more than 80 images of the Blessed
Virgin Mary from various parishes and provinces
paraded around the streets of Intramuros in a Grand
Marian Procession, held every First Sunday of
December. Theological controversy surrounded the
Feast of the Immaculate Conception for centuries.
However popular celebration of this holiday dates
back to at least the eighth century. The argument Figure 26. Feast of the Immaculate
Conception
related to the meaning of the word “immaculate”,
which in this context refers to the belief that Jesus’ mother Mary was conceived without
original sin, according to Christian belief. Many Christians around the world, particularly
those of the Catholic faith, mark the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in their diaries
and calendars. Church services (or masses) to honor this observance are held on or
around December 8. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a public holiday in some
places, such as Guam and Malta, so many people in these areas have a day off work or
school.

Bamboo Organ Festival (February 17 to 23)

 The Bamboo Organ Festival features musical and cultural presentations
showcasing the instrument's unique qualities and best attributes. As wide-eyed
elementary students, most Pinoys were taught about the prized instrument of Las Pias and
how it was one of a kind. It's very likely though that only a few people north of Las Pinas
have bothered to really visit the church to check it out. The bamboo organ is housed in St.
Joseph's Parish where it has been used to grace most of the masses and services for nearly
two centuries. Aside from being a marvel from a musical standpoint, the rich history of the
still-functioning-relic as a silent witness to the changing
Figure 27. Bamboo Organ Festival
of the times is also awe-inspiring.

The Feast Day of San Juan (On the 24 th of

June) - June 24 marks the feast day of Saint
John the Baptist and people from the city
named after the saint take all the liberty to
baptize just about everyone in sight during this
day. It is not a highly organized event like other
festivals but other people sure participate by
bringing the buckets, basins and (gasp) garden Figure 28. The Feast Day of San Juan
hoses! The fire department sometimes gets into the
action as

well making it a really wild and wacky event. What's not funny about it is that the feast day
is not considered as a holiday in other parts of the metro. Any unsuspecting biker or
jeepney rider would definitely be drenched. If you're driving through San Juan on this day,
make sure that you keep your windows closed unless you want to take another shower on
your way to work. Other cities like Navotas and Malabon also uphold this tradition. One
could also surmise that the almost one dozen towns in the Philippines named San Juan
would also go into a water war frenzy.

X. Products

a. Delicacies with Sampling

Bibingka in Pasay
 This is a type of cake made with coconut milk and baked in a banana leaf. I guess
the idea is it’s supposed to end up tasting like coconut and banana, which it kinda does.
You’re supposed to eat it hot, but not before lathering it with butter and coconut. The
texture really reminded of a crumpet, especially with the melted butter seeping through it.

b. Famous Street foods in Manila, Philippines

Kikiam
Figure 29. Bibingka in Pasay
Kikiam or was originally taken from Chinese
cuisine, and authentically consists of minced meat and
vegetables. The kikiam used by street food vendors in
the Philippines however, are a more scrimped version,
sometimes containing fish meat instead and a lot of
fillers. They are brown in color and about the size of a
finger. Figure 30. Kikiam

Isaw

Isaw is a street food from the Philippines, made

from barbecued pig or chicken intestines. The
intestines are cleaned, turned inside out, and
cleaned again, repeating the process several times;
they are then either boiled, then grilled, or
immediately grilled on sticks. They are usually
dipped in vinegar or sukang pinakurat (vinegar with
Figure 31. Isaw onions, peppers, and other spices). They are usually sold by
vendors on street corners during the afternoons.

Kwek-Kwek

 Kwek-Kwek is a famous Filipino street food

made by deep-frying hard-boiled quail eggs that are

covered with orange batter. This is usually served
with a spiced vinegar-based dip and chopped

Figure 32. Kwek-Kwek

cucumber on the side. Another street food similar to this is called Tokneneng which uses
chicken or duck eggs instead.

Betamax (Dugo)

Betamax Barbeque is chicken blood that

has been dried up and shaped into cube like
pieces which are grilled. Its shape is similar to
huge chocolate cubes. It doesn’t have a foul smell
or very gamy taste . It is very chewy that is best
eaten with a sauce such as vinegar or chili mix. It
is best eaten if before drinking outside with

Figure 33. Betamax (Dugo) friends or as a snack in the middle of the day or
midnight.

Adidas

Adidas are chicken feet that are declawed

and marinated in a vinegar and soy sauce based
marinade, then skewered and grilled.

Figure 34. Adidas

Fish Ball

Fish balls in the Philippines are sold by street

vendors pushing wooden deep-frying carts. The balls
are served skewered, offered with three kinds of
dipping sauces: spicy (white/orange coloured) –
vinegar, water, diced onions and garlic; sweet
(brown gravy coloured) – corn starch, banana
ketchup, sugar and salt; and sweet/sour (amber or
Figure 35. Fish Ball
deeper orange coloured) – the sweet variety with lots of small hot chilis added. Dark sauces
are rare, as these are soy sauce-based and soy sauce is expensive for street food.

Banana cue

Made with deep fried bananas coated in

caramelized brown sugar. The bananas used for this
recipe are Saba bananas, which are very commonly
used for cooking in the Philippines. It is usually
skewered on a bamboo stick, and sold on the streets.
The skewer stick is just for ease of serving and eating,
but is not cooked on the skewed. Figure 36. Banana cue

Lumpiang Shanghai

Is a Filipino deep-fried appetizer consisting of a

mixture of giniling wrapped in a thin egg crêpe.
Lumpiang Shanghai is regarded as the most basic
type of lumpia in Filipino cuisine, and it is usually
smaller and thinner than other lumpia variants.

Figure 37. Lumpiang Shanghai

Pansit

In Filipino cuisine, pancit are noodles. Noodles

were introduced into the Philippines early on by
Chinese Filipino settlers in the archipelago, and
over the centuries have been fully adopted into
local cuisine, of which there are now numerous
variants and types.

Figure 38. Pansit

Turon
 Turon, also known as lumpiyang saging, is a
Philippine snack made of thinly sliced bananas and a
slice of jackfruit, dusted with brown sugar, rolled in a
spring roll wrapper and fried. Other fillings can also be
used, including sweet potato, mango, cheddar cheese
and coconut.

Figure 39. Turon

c. Crafts and Pasalubong

Abanico fan

Figure 40. Abanico Fan

It is made from tropical plant native to the Philippines grown for its textile
and papermaking fibre textilis) also called Manila hemp.

Bakya

The Bakyâ or wooden clogs were once the

most commonly used footwear in
the Philippines before the introduction of rubber
sandals. This footwear is made from local light wood
like santol and laniti. It is cut to the desired foot size

Figure 41. Bakya

before being shaven until smooth. The side of the bakyâ is thick enough to be carved with
floral, geometric or landscape designs, a unique method in Southeast Asia for the artist's
application of oneself towards the clog. Afterwards, the bakyâ could then be painted or
varnished, traditionally, on the specification of the person who would wear it. Uppers of
traditional rattan or tight cloth (or modern plastic or rubber) will then be fastened
using clavitos (tiny nails). The finished product has been a symbol of the masses since its
popularity. However, since the early 21st century, the usage of the bakyâ has been revived
by the upper classes of society, effectuvely changing the symbolism of the footwear from
mass representation to holistic societal representation. A bill in the Philippine Congress
described the bakyâ as having 'reference to the Filipinos' humble beginnings'. It has been
proposed as the National Slipper of the Philippines since 2014.

Figure 42. Handicraft

A handicraft, sometimes more precisely expressed as artisanal

handicraft or handmade, is any of a wide variety of types of work where useful and
decorative objects are made completely by hand or by using only simple tools. It is a
traditional main sector of craft, and applies to a wide range of creative
and design activities that are related to making things with one's hands and skill, including
work with textiles, moldable and rigid materials, paper, plant fibers, etc. One of the world's
oldest handicraft is Dhokra; this is a sort of metal casting that has been used in India for
over 4,000 years and is still used. Usually the term is applied to traditional techniques of
creating items (whether for personal use or as products) that are both practical and
aesthetic. Handicraft industries are those that produces things with hands to meet the
needs of the people in their locality. Machines are not used.

Handicrafting has its roots in the rural crafts—the material-goods necessities of

ancient civilizations, and many specific crafts have been practiced for centuries, while
others are modern inventions, or popularizations of crafts which were originally practiced
in a limited geographic area.

Many handicrafters use natural, even entirely indigenous, materials while others
may prefer modern, non-traditional materials, and even upcycle industrial materials. The
individual artisanship of a handicrafted item is the paramount criterion; those made
by mass production or machines are not handicraft goods.
 XI. Tourist Attractions

A. Religious Sites

Names and Location Description Photos

The Minor Basilica The Cathedral was initially built as a

and Metropolitan simple parish in Manila in 1571 by
Cathedral of the Juan de Vivero, a secular priest, and
Immaculate was dedicated to Our Lady of the
Conception (Manila Immaculate Conception. Back then,
Cathedral) in it was simply made of nipa and
Intramuros, Metro bamboo. On December 21, 1581, its
Manila status was elevated to a cathedral
by Bishop Domingo Salazar.

Figure 43. Manila Cathedral

The National Shrine The church enshrines

of Our Mother of the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual
Perpetual Help Help, and is one of the
(Redemptorist largest Marian churches in the
Church) in Baclaran, Philippines. Devotion to Our Mother
Parañaque  City of Perpetual Help is popular
amongst Filipino Catholics, and gave
rise to the throngs of devotees who
flood the church every Wednesday
to attend Mass and pray the Novena
Figure 44. Redemptorist Church
to Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
 Nuestra Senora de Gracia in Makati
is popularly known as the
Guadalupe Church.  It is probably
one of the most beautiful churches
in the Philippines as it frequently
Nuestra Senora de lands in lists of the most beautiful
Gracia in Makati City religious edifices in the archipelago. 
There is a wooden replica of the
original statue of Our Lady of
Guadalupe which originated from
Spain. Figure 45. Nuestra Senora de Gracia

St. Joseph Parish Is a parish church in Las Piñ as, just

(Bamboo Organ south of the city of Manila in
Church) in Las Piñas the Philippines. The church is
City renowned to house the Bamboo
Organ, a pipe organ made mostly
with bamboo pipes. To the right of
the church is an old Spanish convent
converted into a gift shop and the
entrance for observing the organ up
close. Also in the church complex Figure 46. Bamboo Organ Church
is St. Joseph's Academy,
a primary and secondary education
school established in 1914.
San Felipe Neri Its facade has a semicircular arch
Church in main entrance flanked by niches
Mandaluyong and twin bell tower with pyramid
roofs. For some time it was the site
of bloody encounters between
Filipino revolutionaries and Spanish
soldiers during the Revolution of
1896.

Figure 47. San Felipe Neri Church

 Standing 57-meter high at Caniogan

Sta. Clara de Pasig, Sta. Clara de Montefalco

Montefalco Parish in Church gained its reputation as the
Pasig City tallest Church in the Philippines.
This place is admired by its
parishioners because of its beautiful
Grecian-inspired facade from the
outside. As you enter the place, you
will be welcomed with large
bayview windows at the ground
floor and stained-glass windows at Figure 48.Sta. Clara de Montefalco Parish
the balcony area. All of which that
adds up to the roomy and spacious
feel inside this massive church.
Santo Domingo The Santo Domingo Church, also
Church in Quezon known as National Shrine of Our
City Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval
de Manila, is the largest church in
Metro Manila and one of the biggest
churches in Asia. It is dedicated to
Mary, mother of Jesus under her
title of Our Lady of La Naval de
Manila.
Figure 49. Santo Domingo Church

Saint John the Saint John the Baptist Parish is a

Baptist Parish, 19th-century Roman Catholic
Pinaglaban Church church in San Juan City, Metro
in San Juan City, Manila, Philippines. It belongs to the
Metro Manila Roman Catholic Archdiocese of
Manila.

Figure 50. Saint John the Baptist Parish

San Roque Parish Pateros Church, also known as

Church in Pateros the San Roque Parish Church, is
a Roman Catholic church under the
order of the Augustinians located in
the municipality of Pateros, Metro
Manila, Philippines.

Figure 51. San Roque Parish Church

 Saint Anne Parish The Saint Anne Parish Church,
Church in Taguig also known as Santa Ana Church or
City also known in its formal name as
the Archdiocesan Shrine of St.
Anne, is a Roman Catholic
Church located at Barangay Sta. Ana
in Taguig. It is situated next to
the Taguig River and across Plaza
Quezon, where the statue of the late
President Manuel L. Quezon was
erected when he was still serving as
President of the Republic. Saint Figure 52. Saint Anne Parish Church

Anne is the church's patroness.

National Shrine of It serves as a Philippine apostolate
Our Lady of Fatima of Our Lady of Fatima in Fá tima,
in Valenzuela City Portugal, which is recognized by the
Roman Catholic Church
in the Philippines. 

Figure 53. National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima

Table 6. Religious Sites

B. Natural (Islands, Mountains, Flora & Fauna)

Names and Description Photos

Location
Isla de Is a small narrow river
Convalecencia in island in the Pasig River in
Pasig River Manila, the Philippines. It is
the only island dividing the
Pasig Rive River in Manila
located between the
districts of San Miguel on
the north bank and Ermita
Figure 54. Isla de Convalecencia
and Paco on the south.

Dampalit Island Dampalit, an island

in Malabon barangay in Malabon. The
Navotas Fish Port Complex,
an artificial island north of
the Manila North Harbor.

Figure 55. Dampalit Island

 The premier fish centre of
The Navotas Fish the Philippines and one of
Port Complex in the Largest in Asia, is the
Navotas, Metro first major fishing port and
Manila fish market complex placed
under the jurisdiction,
control and supervision of
the Philippine Fisheries.
(PDFA)
Figure 56. The Navotas Fish Fort Complex

Table 7. Natural (Islands, Mountains, Flora & Fauna)

C. Man made

Names and Description Photos

Location
Intramuros Intramuros by far is still
(Manila’s Walled one of the man-made
City) in Manila spectacles that figures in
much of Philippine
history. Dating back to
the Spanish colonial era,
the story goes that it was
built by Filipino and
Chinese workers, has Figure 57. Intramuros (Manila’s Walled
City)
more or less stood the
test of time, bombings
during WW2, and man-
made disasters and was
 restored in the 1980s.
Angel C. Cacnio’s The artist who designed
Art in Malabon and executed the P20
P100 legal tenders
showing Presidents
Manuel Quezon and
Manuel Roxas on a
commission by the then
Central Bank of the
Philippines in the 1980s,
Figure 58. Angel C. Cancio’s Art
is the subject of a mini
retrospective of his six-
decade-old art career at
the gallery of the
National Commmision
for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA).
Venice Grand The Grand Canal Mall
Canal in Taguig has become a new eye-
City candy of photography
for both professional
and amateur
photographers alike.

Figure 59. Venice Grand Canal

Araneta Coliseum The smart Araneta
in Cubao, Quezon Coliseum, known as The
City Big Dome, is an indoor
multipurpose sports
arena that is part of the
Araneta Center in the
Cubao Area of Quezon
City Philippines. The
smart Araneta Coliseum
is mostly used for sports
Figure 60. Araneta Coliseum
such as basketball.
Bonifacio Circle The Philippine
Monumento in Revolution in 1933
Caloocan City started right here in
Caloocan. The sculptures
of Bonifacio Circle
Monumento are the
work of National Artist,
Guillermo Tolentino,
who is respected and
revered in the Figure 61. Bonifacio Circle Monumento

Philippines not only as

an artist but also as a
progressive voice to be
heard.
Bamboo Organ in The bamboo organ was
Las Piñas built by a Spanish native
Fray Diego de la Carmen
between 1817 and 1824,
whose family had been
organ builders in Spain,
but normally used wood.

Figure 62. Bamboo Organ Museum

The Ayala It is a triangular public

Triangle in garden and courtyard in
Makati City the center of the Makati
Central Business
District. It was named
after its owner and
developer Ayala Land,
and opened to the public
in November 2009.
Figure 63. The Ayala Triangle

Cityhood Park in The Cityhood Park,

Marikina located along Shoes
Avenue in Barangay Sto.
Nino, is a symbol of the
Marikinos’ unfolding
saga including the
struggles and triumphs
of their forebears, their
new found dynamism in
transforming their Figure 64. Cityhood Park

community, and their

resolve to create a
stronger and brighter
future.
Centennial Park Is a waterfront park in
in Navotas Navotas, Metro Manila,
the Philippines, facing
the Manila Bay. It is the
largest open space in the
City and is CAMANAVA
or North Manila
District’s version of the
Baywalk. A popular
jogging, strolling and Figure 65. Centennial Park
skating spot among local
residents, the park runs
along the waterfront
from the R-10 Bridge
(also known as
Bangkulasi Bridge) TO
Navotas Bus Terminal,
just off Circumferential
Road 4 in Bagumbayan
North.
Rainforest Park in Also known as Pasig City
Pasig Rainforest Adventure
Experience (RAVE) and
Pasig Central Park in
Pasig. It spans 8 hectares
(20 acres), and is a
mixed recreational and
natural park with a
mini-zoo. The park was
relaunched as the
Figure 66. Rainforest Park
Rainforest Adventure
 Experience (RAVE) in
2013 with the
competiton of the
boating lagoon, zip line,
obastacle course, and
skating rink.

San Roque Church Pateros Church, also

in Pateros known as the San Roque
Parish Church, is a
Roman Catholic church
under the order of the
Augustinians located in
the municipality of
Pateros, Metro Manila, Figure 67. San Roque Church

Philippines.
Museo ng Houses a wide range of
Valenzuela artifacts and
memorabilia that traces
the rich history and
progress that the city
has made. It’s a
sprawling museum with
an equally impressive
architecture with some
Spanish aesthetics.
Other than housing the
culture and history of Figure 68. Museo ng Valenzuela

Valenzuela, cultural and

artistic events are also
held here, along with
 public seminars and
conventions.

The Mind This exhibition takes off

Museum in Taguig from a narrative that
City, Metro Manila presents science in over
250 interactive exhibits
through five
interconnected stories.
The galleries span
nature in scale, from the
smallest of things to the
largest, and everything
Figure 69. The Mind Museum
in between.
Art in Island in Using optical illusions or
Cubao, Quezon Illusion Art, Art in Island
City has paintings on the
walls and floors that
deceive and mislead the
mind giving them a 3-
dimensional effect.
Playing around with
shadows, they
encourage visitors to Figure 70. Art in Island

participate in the art

itself as taking
photographs are highly
encouraged.

Table 8. Man made

D. Historical

Names and Description Historical

Location
Edsa Shrine in The Edsa Shrine was built
Quezon City in 1989 originally to
commemorate the People
Power Revolution which,
put a halt to former
President and dictator
Ferdinand Marcos regime
in 1986. The said People
Power Revolution was
called EDSA 1, which Figure 71. Edsa Shrine

began in 1933 first as a

series of non-violent
demonstration which
 culminated on February
22 to 25 1986.
Luneta Park in It is recognized as one of
Roxas Boulevard the largest urban parks in
all of Asia and features
some of the most
important events in the
history of the Philippines,
one of which was the
execution of national hero,
Dr. Jose Rizal on December
30, 1896. Figure 72. Luneta Park

Pinaglabanan Pinaglabanan Shrine is a

Shrine in San Juan Filipino national shrine
and park along
Pinaglabanan Street in the
city of San Juan, Metro
Manila, Philippines.
Pominent within the
shrine is a statue of
elongated.
Figure 73. Pinaglabanan Shrine
Heroes Cemetery A large portion of Libingan
in Taguig City, ng mga Bayani is
Metro Manila dedicated to over 32,000
bodies of military officials
who were involved in the
historic “Death March,”
The infamous forced walk
of soldiers from Bataan to
Capas, Tarlac during the
World War II.
Figure 74. Heroes Cemetery

San Juan Del This iconic San Juan bridge

Monte Bridge in was the exact, literal site
Sta. Mesa, Manila where the “first shot” of
the revolution happened.
It was American soldier
Willie Grayson who fired
the first gunshot to a
Filipino soldier, which
sparked the Battled of
Manila. Figure 75. San Juan Del Monte Bridge

Table 9. Historical
E. Cultural

Names and Description Cultural

Location
Manila Hotel in It is a historic five-star
Manila hotel located along
Manila Bay in Manila.
The hotel is the oldest
premiere hotel in the
Philippines built in
1909 to rival
Malacañ ang Palace, the
official residence of the
President of the
Philippines and was Figure 76. Manila Hotel
opened on the
commemoration of
American Independence
on July 4, 1912.
The National The National Museum
Museum of the of the Philippines is
Philippines in the repository and
Rizal Park, Metro guardian of the
Manila Philippines' natural and
cultural heritage. As one
of the lead government
cultural agencies, it is
tasked to achieve the
Figure 77. The National Museum of the
goals of instilling Philippines

cultural consciousness
and a sense of pride and
nationalism among
Filipino citizens through
its activities covering
the sciences, education
and culture. 

Cultural Center The Cultural Center of

of the Philippines the Philippines is a
in Pasay City government owned and
controlled corporation
established to preserve,
develop and promote
arts and culture in the
Philippines.

Figure 78. Cultural Center of the Philippines

Table 10. Cultural

F. Special Interests

Names and Description Special Interest

Locations
Dinner In The Experience luxury
Sky Solaire in dining taken to
Parañaque spectacular new heights
at Solaire. For the first
time in the Philippines,
Dinner in the Sky is
here in Manila to
deliver breathtaking
Figure 79. Dinner In The Sky
views, combined with
Solaire's signature fine
dining flair, to create a
dining experience
unlike anything you've
seen. 

Table 11. Special Interest