Manila (the capital of the Philippines) is located in the southwestern part of the island of Luzon, off the coast of Manila Bay. The Pasig River divides the city into two parts. The land on which the city stands is the alluvial deposits of Pasig, which are fertile, as evidenced by the lush vegetation of the parks. Part of the city stands on land reclaimed from the sea. In the last quarter of the 20th century. Manila merged with 15 surrounding cities and towns to create one of the largest, most populous and fastest growing metropolitan areas in South Asia.
City `s history
Legazpi (1502-1572), considered the founder of Manila, arrived on Luzon in 1571 from Cebu after an anti-Spanish uprising arose there.
So “faithful” was more a wish than a fact. But it came true. Although not without resistance.
Traces of human exploration of the island of Luzon are approximately 40 thousand years old. By the time the Spaniards arrived in Luzon, the civilizational history of these places had already spanned at least 10 centuries. In the 5th century, according to historians of the Philippines, this island was inhabited mainly by dark-skinned Austroloids, who were soon joined by representatives of the tribes of mainland South China who arrived through Taiwan and spoke Austronesian languages (at that time they had already mastered many other islands of Southeast Asia ). The peoples have assimilated.
New ethnic communities were formed, and some of the strongest and most ancient ones were promoted to leading roles. This role began to be played by the Ta-Gals, which translates as “people living by the water.” In the 8th century Chinese merchants appear in Manila Bay. The first known written document related to the history of Manila is the "Laguna Copper Tablet" containing Sanskrit, Old Javanese and Old Tagalog words. From about this time until 1571, at the confluence of the Pasig River into Manila Bay, there existed the Kingdom of Luzon, also called after its capital, Tondo (now this city is part of the Manila metropolitan area). In the XIV century. Arabs arrived in Manila Bay and brought Islam. The Rajahs who ruled the Islamic state of Maynila paid tribute to the states of Southeast Asia, but it had autonomy rights. The Tagalog word “maynila” was the first Russian to interpret the writer I.A. Goncharov in his book “The Frigate “Pallas””, written based on the results of his trip around the world: “The word Manilla, or, more correctly, “Manila”, is developed from two Tagalog words... which means word for word: “there is nila there”, and nila is called some kind of grass that grows along the banks of Passig. Maironnila was the name of an Indian place that was on the site of present-day Manila." 'Nila' is a type of indigo bush plant native to Luzon, brought here by the Indians. Manila is thus 'the place where indigo grows'.
Raja Mainila Suleiman, after the people of Lagespi began to build the walls of the fortress, first a wooden one, behind which a new city began to grow - Intramuros, which means "inside the wall", united with Raja Tondo Lakandulla. Their troops, consisting of Tangals, Pampangans and Pangasigans, tried to repulse the Spaniards. But they lost the Battle of Bangkusai. There was also a commercial Spanish expansion, and in the end, the Europeans survived the Chinese merchants from Manila. In 1574, the Chinese pirate Li Mahong tried to return lost positions to his compatriots and capture the city, but he failed. The Christianization of Manila began, by the 17th century. which became the headquarters for numerous Catholic missionaries who actively spread their influence to the Philippine archipelago. In 1601, a Catholic seminary opened here, and very soon Manila became the religious and cultural center of all Southeast Asia, and its trade ties were strengthened. Monasteries, temples, palaces are being built. In 1645, the Catholic University of Santo Tomas (in honor of Thomas Aquinas), the first in Asia, opened. In 1762, the British captured Manila, but according to the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which ended the Seven Years' War of 1756-1763, they left Manila in 1764. After their departure and the return of the Spaniards, educated people from among the indigenous population, mestizos and creoles gained increasing influence in the life of the city.
At the end of the 19th century. Anti-clerical and anti-Spanish sentiments arise among the national intelligentsia. When the Americans occupied Manila in 1898 during the Spanish-American War, influential citizens welcomed them as liberators. Later, however, they were somewhat disappointed: at first, the Americans behaved like occupiers. However, with the beginning of the 20th century. changed their colonial policy in the Philippines, relying primarily on the economy: the port of Manila was developing, and more and more copra, hemp, sugar, tobacco, spices and other colonial goods were exported from here. It became increasingly difficult to govern Manila, in which anti-American sentiments were already ripening, and in 1916 the US Congress passed the Philippine Autonomization Act. During World War II, on January 2, 1942, Manila was occupied by the Japanese, and in February 1945, it was almost completely destroyed by American aircraft during the Battle of Manila. Bombs did not fall only on St. Augustine's Cathedral and its museum.
In July 1946, the Philippines gained full independence from the United States, but the economic umbilical cord remained uncut, and the desire to maintain this status quo was mutual. In 1948-1976. The capital of the Philippines was the city of Quezon, or Quezon City, which is now part of the agglomeration of Greater Manila, or Metro Manila. Accordingly, since 1976 Manila has been the capital. Its rapid growth begins, and now there are practically no borders between Manila itself and the cities that are part of its agglomeration. In this dimension, modern Manila is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Southeast Asia. Presidents of the country and mayors of the city from 1976 to this day each had their own political preferences, including Marxist (Maoist) ones, they all use populist tricks, but, in general, they fulfill their promises, however, for the most part in terms of business development, and not at all raising the standard of living, which is primarily emphasized in the pre-election period. The business aspect of the city is represented by Makati - the local Manhattan, in the skyscrapers of which there are so many banks and insurance companies that no one manages to calculate their exact number. This is a very clean area, where a spirit of correctness and composure reigns. It is laid out differently from other parts of Manila, with wide, straight avenues, while other parts have a weaving of narrow, winding streets. Ermita is an area of luxury villas, hotels, shops. Mabini is a local Montmartre, where art galleries and workshops of artists and craftsmen stretch in succession. But there are also poor areas in Greater Manila, the so-called bidonvilles, the Tondo port area is typical in this sense. There people live very closely, garbage on the sidewalks, street crime and dubious places of entertainment. And what unites the inhabitants of all parts of the city is their friendliness, sincere hospitality, combined with a great sense of dignity and love for fiestas - processions that are especially colorful on religious holidays. They are accompanied not only by temperamental songs and dances, but also by theatrical action, where everything is seriously dramatic. During Easter there are always volunteers ready to be nailed to the cross, bleeding with real blood from real wounds.
Manila residents are proud of the historical part of the city - Intramuros - and try to present it as close to the historical atmosphere as possible: here all the inscriptions are in Spanish, and the guards are dressed in costumes based on Spanish drawings of the 16th century. They say about their way of life: “Our ancestors gave us openness of soul, the Chinese - restraint and wisdom, the Spaniards - faith and fiestas, the Americans - the ability to do business. And all this was useful to us.”
general information
Capital of the Republic of the Philippines, the main economic and cultural center of the country. The urban agglomeration has the status of a National Capital Region.
Founded: 1571
Historical names: until the middle of the 14th century. - Gintu, mid-14th century. - 1571 - Maynila (Seludong).
Administrative division: 6 legislative districts, including 16 geographical areas: Binondo, Ermita, Intramuros, Malate, Paco, Pandacan, Port, Quipo, Sampaloc, San Andreas, San Miguel, San Nicolas, Santa Anna, Santa Cruz, Santa Mesa and Tondo.
Cities included in the National Capital Region along with Manila: Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon, Valenzuela, Marikina, Pasay, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Taguig, Paranaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Quezon.
Largest river: Pasig.
Largest lake: Laguna Bay.
Languages: Tagalog, English, the most commonly used language in everyday life is the so-called Taglish, a mixture of Tagalog and English.
Ethnic composition: The most significant ethnic Austronesian groups are the Tagalogs, Cebuanos, Ilocas, Pangasinans, Pampangans, Bicols and Warayans, as well as the Chinese, Mestizos, and Creoles.
Religions: Catholicism - 84%, Protestantism - 4%, local churches (Independent Church of the Philippines and Church of Christ) - 4%, Islam - 5%, traditional local beliefs - 3%.
Currency unit: Philippine Peso.
Most important airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Numbers
Area: 38.55 km2, metropolitan region - 638.55 km2, agglomeration - 1474.82 km2.Population: 1,652,171 people. (2010), capital region: 11,875,975 people. (2010), agglomeration: 21,951,000 people. (2010).
Population density: city - 42,857.9 people/km2, metropolitan region - 18,598 people/km2, agglomeration - 14,883.9 people/km2.
Average altitude above sea level: 16 m
Distance from mainland Asia: 1300 km.
Climate and weather
Tropical subequatorial transition to tropical monsoon.Dry season: from the second half of December to May, wet season: June - first half of December. Typhoons are possible.
Average January temperature:+25.6°С.
Average temperature in May(in Manila this is the hottest month): +29.5°C.
Average annual precipitation: 1742 mm.
Economy
The largest port in the country. Port industry, shipbuilding and ship repair.Industry: chemical, production of electronics and telecommunications equipment, textile, light (production of clothing and footwear), woodworking, printing, tobacco, food.
Fishing.
Services sector: financial and insurance operations, banking services, medical services (Filipino healers), trade, tourism.
Attractions
■ Intramuros, Old Town: 16th century colonial architecture, Fort Santiago (1571), Manila Cathedral, or Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Romanesque style, 16th century, reconstruction), St. Augustine Cathedral (Baroque, 1599, along with other Philippine cathedrals Baroque style is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List).■ Malacañan Presidential Palace(1863), now a museum.
■ Coconut Palace(1981), built for the visit of Pope John Paul II, but he did not live in it.
■ Cultural Center(concert hall with 5,000 seats, Folk Arts Theater, art gallery, National Library, studios for music, ballet and painting, and more).
■ Museums: National (geology, biology, ethnography and history of the Philippines), Metropolitan (Museum of Art), St. Augustine's Cathedral (history of religion in the Philippines); Museums of the Philippines, Manila, Bahay Tsinoi (Chinese culture); contemporary art and design; Light and sound, Children's and others.
■ Rizal Park.
■ Around: Paoay town - St. Augustine Church with a bell tower (1710, UNESCO World Heritage Site), textile workshops producing national fabrics; hot sulfur springs of Laguna province (43-45 km to the southeast) - Pagsanyan Falls (63 km to the south), Corregidor Island in Manila Bay (tunnels from World War II), Quezon National Park (70 km to the south) with a volcano Taal (the smallest active volcano in the world).
Curious facts
■ Traffic controllers in Manila are prohibited... from being fat. Overweight people are generally not considered candidates for this position of honor and responsibility: traffic in Manila is far from orderly.■ Rizal Park in Manila is open 24 hours a day, and not only for commercial reasons, as one might think. Jose Rizal (1861-1896), a national hero of the Philippines, was executed in Manila as a participant in a political conspiracy against Spain. For Manila residents, the never-closing park named after him is a symbol that no one will ever take away their independence. Rizal was an unusually gifted person: writer, poet, historian and ethnographer, humanist philosopher, doctor, natural scientist. Filipinos call him "the creator of the nation."
■ In the Philippines, and especially in Manila, cockfighting is extremely popular.
Unlike the rest of the country, Manila even has the privilege: the roosters here, at the La Loma Arena, fight not once a week, but twice.
Capital - city of Manila is a vibrant corner of Asia that excites all five senses. It may not be the most beautiful city, but it is nonetheless full of surprises. This huge city, in its heterogeneity, resembles a patchwork quilt, sewn from seemingly incompatible pieces: embankments with luxury yachts, first-class hotels, wonderful restaurants, villas with gardens and swimming pools, modern skyscrapers - on the one hand, and on the other - endless pictures of the poor, simply terrifying in their squalor, and a population of millions barely making ends meet.
Manila, capital of the Philippines - video
Sights of Manila
More than one and a half million people live in Manila (according to the 2007 census). Manila was built quickly and has all the features of a large eastern city. Even in the center, luxury and poverty go hand in hand. There are also modern cosmopolitan areas here, but to find them you need a guide. Manila has a complicated history. In the city center the Spaniards built Fortress of Intramuros, which, to everyone's surprise, even survived the bombings during World War II.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the Spaniards decided to embark on the political and economic modernization of their Asian colony. But, as often happens, they were clearly late with perestroika - a liberation movement broke out in the country, led by the liberal clergy and local intelligentsia. At the end of the 19th century, a league was formed in the Philippines that demanded equal rights for the indigenous people with the Spaniards. Its leader was the painter, sculptor, poet, playwright, novelist, musician, naturalist, engineer, doctor, educator (and this is all from one person) - Jose Rizal. But above all, he was a reformer of society. The authorities declared his works extremist and accused him of subversion. He spent his last days in one of the cells at Fort Intramuros. On the eve of his execution, he wrote a farewell poem addressed to his beloved homeland. Early in the morning, before dawn, he was taken to execution. Today, there is even a path laid out across the courtyard of his footprints, leading to the place of execution. He was shot in the park that now bears his name, and at the place where the execution took place monument to Jose Rizal. He was only 35 years old, he met death calmly, with great dignity. When shots were fired, he turned with a desperate effort to see for the last time the rays of the rising sun over his country. For generations, Filipinos have paid tribute to his genius, martyrdom, and inspiration.
The symbol of Manila is its jeepneys. These funny nickel-plated cars are the main public transport. In 45-degree heat, this is a serious test for visitors, but the locals quite like them. The minimum payment in transfer to our money is 5 rubles for a distance of up to 15 kilometers, and the duration of a trip up to an hour will cost 10 rubles. The history of the jeepney is quite simple. After the war, decommissioned American jeeps were converted by the Filipinos into taxis. The people liked the jeepneys so much that they soon set up their own production here, making jeepneys from old Japanese trucks and attaching homemade bodies to them. Jeepneys are decorated in a cowboy style, in a Catholic, in a cartoon style - there is no limit to the imagination.
Manila - jeepneys
Filipinos can boast of the cultural heritage of many peoples. In the Luneta park, young people study ancient martial art arnis. Arnis was banned during the Spanish colonization because the Filipinos used it to fight the colonizers. This traditional stick wrestling has become a national sport and is now even taught in universities. It is difficult to study it, because there are thousands of options in this struggle.
- a bunch of life, noisy and hectic like market predictors of the future. In the Philippine Islands, absolutely everyone believes in mysticism, so predictors of the future are especially popular. Also, multi-colored candles that help in life are popular. A white candle means purity of thoughts, you wish good for yourself or someone; there are two types of love - love for one's relatives (red candle) and love for a woman or man (pink candle); green candle - money, brown - material wealth; a blue candle means peace of mind; orange - clear mind (mind and academic success); but if you want all this at once, you can buy a multi-colored binding of all these candles. There is also a black candle, which proves how kind the Filipinos are, because a black candle does not mean wishing harm on someone, but vice versa. It's called a candle of consciousness - when you light one, it means you want the person you hate to become nice to you. Another feature is that you pay for the candles, light them and leave them with the seller, rather than taking them for yourself. According to the Filipinos, these candles are an easy solution to all problems.
1. You can get around the city of Manila by taxi, bus or jeepney public transport. Also, a metro is being built in the city - 4 lines have already been opened. As for buses, they operate every day from 5:00 to 23:30. This type of transport has its drawbacks - the schedule is very chaotic and such buses are prohibited from operating on most streets in the city center. The best type of transport in Manila is jeepneys - they travel throughout the city and operate around the clock.
2. Also, everywhere they offer to rent scooters and bicycles. But it is not advisable to use them since the city has a very high risk of accidents.
3. Between June and October, the city has a rainy season. It is recommended to have an umbrella with you at all times, as rain can start quite unexpectedly.
4. It is best to use the national currency - this way the exchange rate will be the most favorable. You can exchange cash at exchange offices, which are very numerous in the city. When exchanging currency, it is worth knowing that exchange offices at hotels charge the highest commission.
5. In this country it is customary to bargain. Fixed prices only in supermarkets and large shopping centers.
Manila on the map
Manila is a sunny city of eternal summer, lying near the equator, full of flowers and warmth. It is located on the island of Luzon in the Pacific Ocean. The name of the city is translated from Tagalog as "there's a nila there". And nila is a grass that floats on a river located in Manila, Pasig. It turns the water green and makes the water in the river look magical.
When going to Manila, don’t forget three main words if you want to be greeted like family. These are the words "pagibik", "mabuhay" And "legaya". These words are heard more often than others on TV screens and on the streets, and are present in the names of various companies and brands. And they are translated as "Love", "Hello" And "joy".
As soon as you step off the plane, you will immediately hear hospitable and welcoming "Mabuhay!" from the girl who will give everyone a fragrant necklace of beautiful white sampaguita flowers. Tourists will hear this same word at customs and on the streets from strangers.
Climate and weather
A subequatorial climate prevails here. In Manila there is a sharp difference between the wet and dry seasons. The dry season begins in the second half of December and lasts until May, the wet season lasts the rest of the year, and reaches its peak somewhere around August, when more than 400 mm of precipitation falls per month. In the city, the average temperature varies from +25 °С in January until +29 °С in May.
Nature
The flora of the surrounding areas of Manila is represented by multi-tiered dipterocarp forests, in which a large number of valuable tree species can be found. On the lower tier and along the edges of the forests there are many palm trees, among which there are those that are of great economic importance: fan, sugar, rattan and areca (or betel nut) vines. Mangrove forests are also found in these areas.
The city suffers greatly from air pollution from exhaust gases and industrial waste and emissions.
Attractions
There are a lot of churches in the city, and this is not surprising: Manila is the center of the oldest archdiocese. The main temple here is Manila Cathedral.
There are three other basilicas in the city: Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz Malaya, Church Quiapo(Basilica of the Dark Nazarene) and Basilica St. Sebastian. The church is also interesting San Agustin It is the oldest surviving church in the country, built in 1607. San Agustin is one of four churches in the Philippines that UNESCO has declared and named as heritage sites. "Philippine Baroque Churches". In addition, there are several Taoist and Buddhist temples in Manila, which were built by the local Chinese community. Near Quiapo(there is a large Muslim community there) are Golden Mosque(Ad-Dahab mosque) and Green Mosque.
Manila is also the cultural center of the Philippines, with many different museums located here. The most famous museum in the capital is Bahai Tsinoi- talks about the life of the Chinese community in the country and its great contribution to the culture of the islands. In Intramuros is the Museum of Light and Sound, which is dedicated to the Philippine Revolution during the time of Rizal. IN Manila Museum you can get acquainted with the amazing history and culture of the city.
Nutrition
Among the gastronomic establishments in the city, it is worth noting the restaurant Cafe Bola. Its chefs prepare the traditional and most popular dishes of Philippine cuisine according to special ancient recipes. Those who are going to visit the restaurant for the first time should try the signature seafood dish and herbed rice. Will please Cafe Bola also the attractive design of the hall: here you can organize a large festive event or even a banquet.
For those who want to relax in a more relaxed and relaxed atmosphere, we can recommend the restaurant Pepato. The signature dish of this establishment is the Parma appetizer. This is a dish of frozen fruits that are wrapped in thin slices of ham. You can come here with a big group.
To continue your acquaintance with the cuisine of the islands in its best traditions, we invite you to the restaurant The Aristocrat. Here you can order rare national dishes. For example, soup is such a dish. Sinigang and deep fried pork Pata.
Accommodation
There are a lot of hotels in Manila. And you don’t have to choose the most expensive one to get a good room: the level of service even in a middle-class hotel will not disappoint you. The average cost of a double room per night is about 40-50 €.
Some hotels require a deposit, and it is better to pay it in cash, because the procedure for returning money to the card is quite complicated and lengthy. Many hotels, even those with only three stars on their façade, offer outdoor pools, spa services and even have their own restaurants.
Entertainment and relaxation
Manila is known worldwide for its nightlife. Many people come here precisely to enjoy the city’s nightlife.
The modern center of the capital of the Philippines has many nightclubs, bars and other entertainment. Almost all bars constantly play live music and famous local performers sing. The hotels have their own entertainment centers.
The most popular and famous area for nightlife is Malate. There are all kinds of recreation for both ordinary tourists and business people.
Manila's second largest nightlife hub is K eson city which is very popular among the younger generation. Quezon City is located near modern universities and is an area where there are bars, restaurants, clubs and casual eateries at every turn.
Purchases
Manila is one of the most affordable cities in Asia and offers excellent opportunities for both budget shopping and shopping on a grand scale. In the malls you can buy not only cheap clothes, but also souvenirs: printing, plates, cosmetics and products of Filipino handicrafts.
For those who are planning to bring pearls from the islands as an expensive souvenir, we can recommend the shopping center Greenhills. Here, bank cards are accepted in almost all stores (but rarely anyone uses them) - just like cash.
Transport
Manila is a major railway hub in the Luzon island system. It also has its own international airport. Ninoy Aquino, located 8 kilometers south of the city. Its traffic amounts to more than 30 million passengers per year. Flights are carried out in the following directions: Tokyo, Beijing, Seoul, Busan, Bangkok, Seoul, Dubai, Nagoya, Singapore, Los Angeles, Doha, etc.
The capital is also a major road junction. As in many cities, the main roads in Greater Manila have radial and circular directions. City public transport consists of light rail systems, buses and jeepneys (route taxis).
Connection
Cellular communications are available almost everywhere here. There are three operators in total in Manila. The largest of them is Globe. Then comes Smart, and the smallest one - Sun. Connection is carried out exclusively using a passport. Calls to cell phones cost P6.5 per minute for Globe subscribers. Calls to subscribers of other operators and to landlines - 7.5 pesos per minute.
Long-distance calls - 18.1 pesos per minute - are charged at 6 seconds. All SMS are 1 peso, international - 15 pesos. You can top up your balance using cards or cash.
Safety
Manila cannot be called a city that poses a danger to tourists. Still, you shouldn’t let your guard down. Be especially careful in the subway, as this is where pickpockets most often operate.
It is better to keep your hands in your pockets, if there is anything valuable in them, carefully monitor your bag and other luggage. Pickpockets here often work in pairs or even in groups.
Business climate
Manila's industries include textiles, clothing, chemicals, electronics, various beverages and food products, tobacco, plywood, coconut oil, to name a few. The most stable sector of production is the food industry. Manila is also the printing center of the islands.
Real estate
It is Manila that is most attractive for purchasing real estate, especially for those doing business in the Philippine Islands: the economy here is the most developed.
People often buy real estate here and then rent it out. The most interesting objects for sale are houses and villas on the ocean. Here you can also buy an apartment from a developer company.
There are a lot of beggars on the city streets, especially children. When traveling, get into the habit of carrying small coins in your pockets.
In Manila you will see a lot of armed police. You should not be afraid: they provide security in the city, and tourists can safely walk around Manila even late at night.
Population 1,660,714 (2007). With suburbs - 12,285,000 people (2005). It is one of the cities with the highest population density in the world.
Located on the island of Luzon, at the confluence of the Pasig River in the Manila Bay of the South China Sea. The city was founded on June 24, 1571 by Lopez de Legazpi. The oldest district of the city - Intramuros (literally "surrounded by walls"), was built by the Spanish administration at the end of the 16th century. Mostly Hispanic families lived within its walls. During the Second World War it was destroyed, but was then restored. Its modern population is about 5 thousand people.
In the course of history, Manila has experienced many wars, as a result of which many architectural, historical and cultural monuments have been destroyed. Now Manila is a major cultural center, where several universities are concentrated.
On the southern bank of the Pasig River is the oldest part of the city - the Intramuros district. It was founded in 1571, and, despite the fact that it was partially destroyed during the Second World War, it retains some examples of old Spanish architecture. First of all, this is the fortress wall, the construction of which began in 1590. The entrance to the Santiago fortress revives the memory of the Spanish presence. In 1595, Manila became the capital of the entire Philippine archipelago, as well as the center of a province that initially occupied almost all of Luzon.
Conquest of the city by the Spanish
Manila, before the arrival of the Spaniards, was part of the Muslim world, in which trade flourished with Chinese merchants and representatives from other East Asian countries. In 1570, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, forced to retreat from the island of Cebu under the pressure of Portuguese pirates, arrived in a prosperous Muslim city and decided to establish his capital in it. To establish relations with the local authorities, Martin de Goiti was first sent there. He tried to establish the authority of the Spanish crown peacefully. Raja Suleiman, who ruled then, replied that he was not against having friendly relations with the Spaniards, but it was not part of his plans to obey any other king. The conquistadors then took military action, as a result of which they forced the Muslims to leave the city. Legazpi eventually arrived with troops and began building the fortress on June 9, 1571.
The overthrown Rajah, Suleiman, tried to gain the support of the Rajah of Tondo, called Lakandula, Pampangans and Pangasinans, collected his own subjects, the Tagalogs, and tried to fight the Spaniards. He died in the battle of Bangkusai. In Manila, active work began to Christianize the local population. At that moment, the city became the main stronghold of the Christianization of all of Southeast Asia. Missionaries, monks of various orders, Augustinians, Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits and others arrived here. The Spaniards also established a commercial monopoly, pushing the Chinese out of this sphere.
Infrastructure development
In 1574, a Chinese pirate, Li Ma Hong, attempted to capture the city. He had 62 ships and 3,000 soldiers at his disposal. But the attempt was unsuccessful. Governor Guido de Lavezares and officer Juan de Salcedo repulsed the Sino-Japanese fleet with only five hundred soldiers.
In 1601, a seminary for nobles was opened in Manila, which became the first educational institution in the country. In the history of the city there was a short moment of English domination when, during the Seven Years' War, the British captured it and held it for two years (1762-1764). Soon after the signing of the Paris Peace Treaty in 1763, they left the city, having previously managed to thoroughly plunder it.
In the following period, the Colonial capital was enriched with a large number of monuments: public and private palaces, monasteries and temples. The first Asian university named after St. Thomas appeared in Manila. Much later, universities appeared in India and in Latin American capitals. A new class of “enlightened”, in other words, educated people, was formed in the country, replenished from among the Creoles, mestizos and indigenous people.
At the same time, liberal ideas spread, which were absorbed especially quickly by educated people. Anticlerical Masonic sentiments spread. An anti-Spanish and anti-colonial secret organization was created, composed of Masonic elements, mainly from representatives of the Manila bourgeoisie. Such trends began to penetrate other parts of the country.
In August 1898, during the Spanish-American War, after the Battle of Cavite, the Americans occupied Manila. The Spanish fleet was defeated in the bay. Part of the population supported the Americans, whom they perceived as liberators in the fight against Spanish oppression. But, in essence, the American invasion was a new version of colonialism. Until July 1901, the Americans ruled harshly and despotically, using military force. However, despite this, they had supporters among the Filipinos, first of all, the bourgeoisie.
During World War II, Manila was captured by Japanese troops. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on December 7, 1941, a pro-Japanese collaborationist government was formed in the country, the seat of which was Manila. Both Americans and Filipinos simultaneously opposed the Japanese occupiers.
Manila's climate is subequatorial, with a sharply defined boundary between the dry and wet seasons. The dry season lasts from the second half of December to May, the wet season - the rest of the year, its peak is reached in August, when about 400 mm of precipitation falls per month. The average annual temperature varies from 25.6 °C in January to 29.5 °C in May.
Administrative division
The city of Manila itself is divided into 16 districts. The Greater Manila Conurbation consists of, in addition to Manila, 16 neighboring cities, the largest of which is Quezon City.
The metropolitan area that includes Manila makes up the National Capital Region, the only region of the Philippines not divided into provinces. In addition to Manila itself, the metropolitan agglomeration consists of the following cities: Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon, Valenzuela, Marikina, Pasay, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Taguig, Paranaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Quezon.
Current situation
Manila occupies a unique position in the Philippines, very advantageous in order to play the role of the capital of the entire country and at the same time - the capital district. Now Manila is an agglomeration that includes a number of cities. The metropolitan area is limited to the north by the cities of Navotas and Caloocan, to the northeast by Quezon and San Juan del Monte, and to the south by Pasay City. To the west, Manila faces a picturesque bay that bears the same name as the city. The city is divided into two parts by the Pasig River. The central part of the city, the oldest, Intramuros, was founded by the first Spanish settlers, the conquistadors. The northern part of the city is built up with modern buildings. The industrial area is adjacent to the port. Destroyed during the war years, Manila was rebuilt according to the North American model. The current appearance of Manila is no longer characterized by ancient Spanish buildings, but by straight wide streets, highways, the traffic on which remains chaotic so far.
The population of the capital has grown rapidly over the past century: in 1890 it was 100,000 inhabitants, in 1920 - 300,000, in the 1950s - 600,000, and has since doubled.
At the same time, the most ancient sights of the city will also be preserved. These are Baroque churches, San Agustin and Santo Domingo, the ruins of the Spanish fortress of Santiago, the building of the University of Santo Tomas. Other attractions include various museums, libraries and an observatory.
The basis of the economy of Manila has lately been the textile and food industries, the production of medicines, soap, wood products, tobacco products and more.
Organizations located in Manila
The headquarters of the Asian Development Bank is located in Manila.
