Manila Bay Sunset
San Agustin Church
Makati City
The Rizal Park
San Agustin Museum
Metro Manila
Metro Manila
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METRO MANILA
Philippines Business Center
Metro Manila evolved from its humble beginnings as a tiny tribal settlement at the mouth of a natural harbor into a bustling metropolis that is now the center of government, business, commerce and education. It is composed of four cities and 13 municipalities, covering an area of 630 square kilometers. Manila is the country's capital and premier gateway to the country.
Metro Manila is a delightful mix of old and new: age-old traditions and modern-day attractions; centuries-old buildings and gleaming high-rise structures; quaint street stalls and modern shopping malls; stately museums and discotheques and bars.
The Spanish colonizers moved the capital of the Philippines from Cebu of Manila in 1571. During that same year the Spaniards started building Intramuros, the Walled City, as the seat of Church and State.
History echoes within the walls of this fortress-complex and a tour of this landmark will provide the visitor a deeper understanding of Manila's rich heritage.
Among the more popular attractions in Intramuros are: Fort Santiago, the headquarters of Spanish military troops and prison to thousands of Filipinos including the country's national hero Dr. Jose Rizal; Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, two of the oldest churches in the country filled with an extensive collection of religious artifacts; and Casa Manila, a reconstructed 19th century mansion replete with 16th to 19th century furniture and furnishings.
Outside of Intramuros is Rizal Park, a place of relaxation for Filipinos. Rizal Park is a wide expanse of manicured lawns and spouting fountains complete with an open air auditorium, Chinese and Japanese Gardens, a children's playground and a skating rink. The remains of Jose Rizal lie within the cornerstones of Rizal Monument.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines(CCP)Complex is the arts center of the country. It is the favored venue for ballet presentations, concerts, stage plays and other performances. Within the complex is Coconut Palace which is a living testament to the Filipino architectural genius. Almost the entire structure is made of materials from the coconut tree mixed with other indigenous materials. Also within the CCP Complex are the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and the Philippine Center for International Trade and Exhibit (PHILCITE). While at the CCP Complex, visitors must not miss watching the spectacular sunset at Manila Bay.
Just 10 minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is a 32-acre theme park which showcase the country's diverse attractions and culture. Found in Nayong Pilipino(Philippine Village) are scaled-down replicas of Bicol's Mayon Volcano, the Banaue Rice Terraces, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and Magellan's Cross of Cebu. Clusters of houses, their architecture reflective of six of the 13 regions in the country, form miniature villages.
Makati, the business district of Metro Manila, is characterized by modern high rise buildings, sprawling shopping malls, rows of gourmet restaurants and entertainment establishments and exclusive sports lubs.
In Makati Ayala Museum's dioramas depicting various periods in the history of the Philippines put visitors in a time warp across centuries of Filipino civilization.
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