Manila, Philippines is one of the 17 metropolis and municipalities that comprise Metro Manila and the country's capital. It is the place for most Filipinos to realize their dreams. There are several work opportunities in the city being the country's commercial hub with a modern metropolis that offer wide opportunity ventures.

Just like any other provinces and cities, Manila also holds a story of its own with several infrastructures and historical landmarks that hold its own stories. In terms of population, Manila is the fifth largest city and holds the world's eleventh largest metropolitan area.

A Touch of History

The city has its own stories to share that mark history. It is known as the Kingdom of Namayan and Kingdom of Tondo because it was the capital of old Tondo. It is also known as Gintu or the Land of Gold. Invaded by different nations, the city still has the traces of the previous occupants. The Cabilido Street in Intramuros is a landmark that represents the Spanish occupation from 1581-1898. British also invaded Manila and in 1898-1946, the American occupation gave the city several distinctive supports. American has been the refuge of Filipinos to be free from the Spaniards. Manila Bay is a place in Manila that reminds the Filipinos of the war that took place between these two forces.

Prominent Landmarks in Manila

The Archdiocese of Manila is located in Manila. It is the country's oldest archdiocese in the history. Apart from this, churches run by different religious orders are very prominent, too. San Agustin Church in Intramuros is one of the most famous churches in the place. The place is not only open for the Catholics but has been a place for other faiths and beliefs. Manila is a home to many Buddhist and Taoist temples, The Golden Mosque of the Muslims, Hindu temple for the Indian people and synagogue for the Jewish and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Many prestigious universities also inhabit Manila in a place called the University Belt. This is the famous term for institutions in higher concentration and of good quality education. Among the popular universities in Manila are the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippine Normal University, Technological University of the Philippines, Philippine Christian University, the Philippine Women's University, De La Salle University, and De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde.

Other catholic schools are also within the University belt such as the Paco Catholic School, San Beda College, University of Santo Tomas, Adamson University, St. Paul University. Other private schools in Manila are the University of the East, Far Eastern University, Centro Escolar University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, the Mapua Institute of Technology, Lyceum of the Philippines University and its very own Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

Some of the interesting places in Manila include the famous Rizal Park where the country's national hero had his execution. The Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the Department of Tourism Building, the National Museum of the Philippines, and the National Library of the Philippines are also among the known landmarks in Manila.

Rajah Sulayman Park, Manila Boardwalk, Liwasang Bonifacio, Plaza Miranda, Paco Park, Remedios Circle, Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden are among the popular parks that any traveler will love to visit in Manila. You can always find beautiful places and several striking landmarks with a story to tell in Manila, Philippines.