National Capital Region

Metro Manila, otherwise known as National Capital Region, is the center of Luzon and the capital region of the Philippines. Unlike the other 17 Philippine regions, NCR does not have any provinces. It is composed of 16 cities – namely the:

1. Caloocan, 2. Las Pinas, 3. Makati, 4. Malabon, 5. Mandaluyong, 6. Manila, 7. Marikina, 8. Municipality of Pateros 9. Muntinlupa, 10. Navotas, 11. Paranaque, 12. Pasay, 13. Pasig, 14. Quezon City, 15. San Juan, 16. Taguig, 17. Valenzuela

Metro Manila is bounded by the Cordillera Mountains on the east, Laguna de Bay on the southeast, Central Luzon on the north and Southern Tagalog Region on the south.

Metro Manila is composed of almost all the cultural groups of the Philippines. The primary language used is Tagalog with English as the secondary language.

Metro Manila lies entirely within the tropics and because of its proximity to the equator, the temperature range is very small. It has a distinct, relatively short dry season from January through April and a long wet season from May through December.

The region is considered as the political, economic, social, and cultural center of the Philippines and is one of the more modern metropolises in Southeast Asia.

According to Presidential Decree No. 940, Metro Manila is the Philippines’ seat of government but the City of Manila is the capital.

The Malacanan Palace, the official office and residence of the President of the Philippines, and the buildings of the Supreme Court of the Philippines are based in Metro Manila.

Metro Manila is the shopping center of the Philippines. Three “megamalls” are located in this region and these are SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall and SM City North Edsa which is the 2nd largest mall in the world. Makati is regarded as the main central business district of Metro Manila while Ortigas City is the second most important business district in Metro Manila. 

Metro Manila is a place of economic extremes. Many high-income citizens live in exclusive communities such as Forbes Park in Makati and Ayala Alabang in Muntinlupa. In contrast to these residences are the slums and illegal settlement scattered across the metropolitan area and are often found in vacant government land or in districts such as Tondo. 

Metro Manila is rich in historical landmarks and recreational areas. Located west of Metro Manila is the famous Rizal Park, also known as the Luneta Park. Rizal Park features the Rizal Monument, a statue of the Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Near Rizal Park is the 400-year-old Imperial City known as Intramuros, a walled domain which was once the seat of government during the Spanish Colonial Era and American Period.

City of Caloocan

The City of Caloocan (Kalookan City; Lungsod ng Caloocan) is one of the

16 cities that comprise Metro Manila or the National Capital Region of

the Philippines. The city is located north of the City of Manila, and is the

country's third most populous city with a population of 1,381,610 according

to the 2007 Census, with Manila and Quezon City coming in second and

first respectively.

Geography

Caloocan is divided into the northern and the southern parts. Southern Caloocan is located north of

Manila and is bounded by the cities of Malabon and Valenzuela. To the west is Navotas City while

Quezon City is to the east.

Northern Caloocan is in the northernmost area of Metro Manila. It is located east of Valenzuela City, north

of Quezon City and south of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

History

Caloocan was first called Aromahan or Espina by the Spanish colonizers when it was just a small barrio

in Tondo. The word Caloocan came from the Tagalog root word lo-ok (bay) attributed to its nearness

to Manila Bay. According to other folk tales, lo-ok means sulok(corner) and in the past, Caloocan was

located at the corner where the old towns of Tondo and Tambobong (Malabon) met. The city is on the

fringe of Dagat-dagatan, a small lake separated by Manila Bay and Navotas.

Caloocan was proclaimed a city in 1962.

Government and Barangays

In the 2010 national and local elections, incumbent mayor Enrico R. Echiverri was reelected for the third

straight time as Caloocan City’s topmost official. Echiverri’s running mate Edgar Erice gained the highest

number of votes for the vice-mayoral seat. Incumbent congresspersons Oscar G. Malapitan and Mitzi

Cajayon once again won as the representatives of the first and second districts respectively.

The city is politically subdivided into 188 barangays, which have no official names but are simply

numbered Barangay 1 through Barangay 188.

Residents

Records show that Caloocan's first residents were Chinese, mestizos or indios of the Philippines. They

were mostly fishermen, especially those who lived near Manila Bay, Dagat-dagatan and Navotas.

Today, regardless of racial background, inhabitants of Caloocan City primarily speak Filipino or Tagalog,

and also use English for education and business.

Economy

The people of Caloocan City were eager to start their livelihood when the city was constituted. Many were

worked in agriculture producing a variety of crops while others were engaged in quarrying, weaving, pot-

making and more.

Today, the city is mainly residential with scattered commercial and urbanized settings.

City of Las Piñas

The City of Las Piñas (Lungsod ng Las Piñas) is one of the 16 cities that make

up Metro Manila or the National Capital Region of thePhilippines. It is located in the

southern part of the metro. It is bordered by Paranaque City to the north, Muntinlupa

City to the east, the municipality of Imus, Cavite to the south, the municipality

of Bacoor, Cavite to the west and the Manila Bay to the northwest.

Las Piñas City is famous for St. Joseph Church’s bamboo organ which was built in

1824 by Father Diego Cera from wood, metal and bamboo. The organ is famous all

over the world for its unique sound.

History

During the Spanish occupation, Las Piñas was a significant site for the Philippine Revolution because of its

tactical location to the south of Manila, the country’s capital. In 1896, General Emilio Aguinaldo stayed in the

city. He later became the first Philippine president. After the Spanish colonizers had fled the country, Las Piñas

City officially became a municipality of Rizal province in 1901.

When the city became a part of the National Capital Region, it also remained part of Rizal until 1976.

When World War II started, the Japanese colonizers occupied Las Piñas.

On 1997, Las Piñas officially achieved its cityhood under then president Fidel V. Ramos.

Government and barangays

Like all the other cities in the country, Las Piñas is governed by a mayor, vice mayor, lower house

representative for their congressional district and other local officials for a three-year term in office. The mayor

is responsible for the execution and implementation of the city’s ordinances. He is also in charge of public

services. The vice mayor meanwhile is assigned to unite the whole city by communicating among its

subordinates in each barangay, the smallest unit of government in the city.

The city is made up of 20 barangays which are divided into two legislative districts. Though the city has two

districts, it has only one congressional district translating to only one seat in the lower house.

Population

According to the 2007 Census, Las Pinas has a population of 532,330 compared to 472,780 in the year 2000.

These figures show an annual population growth of 1.65%.

Landmarks

Las Pinas is generally a residential, commercial and industrial town. Through the years the city continues to

develop into a much more urbanized Las Pinas. Aside from the famous bamboo organ here are some of the

city’s pride:

Sarao Jeepney Factory

Salt Beds

The Nature Church

The Las Pinas Corridor

City of Malabon

The City of Malabon (Lungsod ng Malabon) is one of the 17 cities and

municipalities that comprise Metro Manila. Located just north ofManila, the city

has a population of approximately 370,000 as of 2007. Malabon City is primarily a

residential and industrial town and is one of the most densely populated cities in

the metropolis. Malabon is part of the sub-region of Metro Manila informally called

CAMANAVA consisting of Caloocan City, Malabon City, Navotas, and Valenzuela

City. Caloocan lies to the south and east, Navotas to the west, and Valenzuela to

the north. Malabon also borders the town of Obando in the province of Bulacan to

the northwest. Under stet president Joseph Estrada’s administration, Malabon became a resettlement area for

the demolished urban poor communities in the commercial cities of Metro Manila. The Estrada government

developed the once desert-like area for habitation.

History

Originally called the town of Tambobong, Malabon was founded as a “Visita” of Tondo by the Augustinian

friars on 21 May 1599 and remained under the administrative jurisdiction of the province of Tondo from 1627 to

1688. Malabon was officially made a municipality of the newly-created province of Rizal on 11 June 1901 by

virtue of Philippine Commission Act 137. According to the locals, the name Malabon came from “maraming

labong,” meaning plenty of bamboo shoots. When Philippine Commission Act 942 was promulgated, Malabon

was merged with Navotas under a new government. On 6 January 1906, Philippine Commission Act 1441

separated Malabon from Navotas into two distinct municipalities of Rizal province. For seventy years, Malabon

was a municipality of Rizal, until 7 November 1975, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 824, when Malabon

became a part of Metropolitan Manila or the National Capital Region.

Government

Like all the cities in the country, Malabon is governed by a mayor, vice mayor, lower house representatives and

councilors for each district. In the 2010 national and local elections, incumbent city mayor Tito Oreta was

reelected. His son Len-len Oreta was elected as the vice mayor while Rep. Josephine Veronique Lacson was

reelected. They were proclaimed at the session hall located at the 6th floor of the City Hall right after the

canvassing of votes was completed. On Malabon City's 7th anniversary, 21 April 2008, President Gloria

Macapagal-Arroyo inaugurated the 11-storey city hall along F. Sevilla Blvd. The building is intended to be a

“potential business center of the city”.

Barangays

Malabon City is composed of 21 barangays.

Acacia

Baritan

Bayan-bayanan

Catmon

Concepcion

Dampalit

Flores

Hulong Duhat

Ibaba

Longos

Maysilo

Muzon

Niugan

Panghulo

Potrero

San Agustin

Santolan

Tañong

Tinajeros

Tonsuya

Tugatog

City of Makati

Makati (Lungsod ng Makati) is one of the 16 cities that comprise Metro Manila or

the National Capital Region in the Philippines. It is known for its developed

business district making it one of Asia's prominent financial, commercial and

economic centers.

Geography

The city is bordered by neighboring towns and cities such as Mandaluyong

City to the north, the municipality of Pateros to the east ,Manila to the northwest

and Pasay City to the south and southwest. It has a land area of 27.36 square

kilometers which is 4.30% of Metro Manila’s total land area.

History

Makati literally means “ebbing tide”. In the 1570s when the Spanish began to take over the Philippines, Spanish

conquistador Miguel Lopéz de Legaspi declared the city’s area as a worthless swamp. But in later years, the

worthless swampland was turned into a social, economic and cultural area. When the Spanish colonizers gave

up the country to the Americans, the Americans established Fort McKinley in the city. With its population of

2,500, San Pedro de Makati was established in 1901. By 28 February 1914, Philippine Legislature Act No.

2390 was passed shortening the name to merely Makati.

Government

Like all the other cities in the Philippines, Makati City is led by a mayor, vice mayor, lower house

representatives for each congressional district and other local officials per barangay. For many years, the city

was governed by the Binay family. Jejomar Binay and his wife, Elenita are both former mayors. Their son Jun-

jun has been proclaimed mayor-elect, having won in the 2010 national and local elections. Romulo Pena,

Jr. secured the vice mayoral seat while Monique Yazmin Lagdameo and Jejomar’s daughter Mar-len Abigail

won as lower house representatives for the first and second districts respectively.

Population

According to the 2007 Census, Makati City has a population of 510,383. This shows an increase of 95,970 from

the 2000 figure. Because of its commercial and business establishments, Makati’s population reaches an

estimate of a million during a typical working day. People from all over the NCR come and go to Makati to work,

shop and do business especially in the Central Business District.

Landmarks

The most famous area in the city is its central business district which houses skyscrapers,

condominiums, parks, high-end shopping malls, museums and other commercial establishments. Also located

in Makati City’s business district is the famous Ayala Center which is a chain of high-end malls,

namely Glorietta and Greenbelt. The malls have a wide variety of shops, from clothing stores to movie

theaters to morning-till-night bars. Another landmark is the Ayala Triangle which is located at the corner of

Makati Avenue and Paseo de Roxas. It is a monument of the country’s heroes, Ninoy Aquino, Gabriela

Silang and Pio del Pilar. Along J.P. Rizal Avenue is Makati Park and Garden. Residents visit the park for the

peaceful ambience. The Rockwell Center and Power Plant Mall are other for well-to-do shopping

establishment also found in the city. The Ateneo Graduate School of Business is located here, as well

as Nestle Philippines and PHINMA offices. Other establishments located in Makati are:

Ayala Museum

Glorietta

Greenbelt

Makati Coliseum

Power Plant Mall

Sta. Ana Race Track

The Manila Polo Club

The Manila Golf Club

The Makati Sports Club

The Metropolitan Club

City of Mandaluyong

The City of Mandaluyong (Filipino: Lungsod ng Mandaluyong) is one of the

cities and municipalities that comprise Metro Manila in thePhilippines. It is

bordered on the west by the country's capital, Manila, to the north by the

municipality of San Juan, to the east byQuezon City and Pasig City, and

by Makati City to the south. At present, it is widely considered the "Tiger City of

the Philippines", "Metro Manila's Heart", and the "Shopping Mall Capital of the

Philippines".

Mandaluyong City is located right at the center of Metro Manila. Among the many

attractions in the city is the western half of the Ortigas Center, one of the major centers of business and

commerce in the metropolis (the eastern half is in Pasig City). Found within the Mandaluyong portion of the

Ortigas Center is the main headquarters of the Asian Development Bank and the headquarters of San Miguel

Corporation, the Southeast Asia's largest food and beverage company. Located also in Ortigas Center is

the Shangri-La Plaza, comprised of the Edsa Shangri-La Manila, the St. Francis Towers (one of the tallest

towers in the Philippines when built) and Shangri-La Plaza, adjacent to SM Megamall, one of the biggest

shopping malls in Asia and the premiere mall of the largest chain of shopping malls in the country, can be

found here, as well as EDSA Central and Star Mall. The Shaw Boulevard Station of the MRT is a mall in itself,

besides the fact that the station is connected to three other malls (Star Mall, Shangri-La Plaza and the newly

renovated EDSA Central).

Mandaluyong city also boasts some of the best educational institutions in the country, namely Lourdes School

of Mandaluyong (est. 1958), a Franciscan-Marian all-boys school, located also in Ortigas Center. Slightly

northwest of Ortigas Center is the La Salle Greenhills(est. 1959), an famous all-boys high school. Mandaluyong

city also exhibits another exclusive all-male institution, the Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC) (est. 1953), a

prestigious Salesian school and the Motherhouse of all Salesian works in the Philippines.

Among locals, Mandaluyong City is often used in jokes pertaining to a person's mental health (e.g., a person

whose mental well-being is suspect is often labelled as coming from Mandaluyong, the joke going "sa loob o sa

labas?, which translated, means "inside or outside?"). This is because the National Center for Mental Health is

found in the city.

Origin

Mandaluyong City got its name from the Tagalog mga which means many and daluy which means flowing.

This is in reference to the many tall grasses that used to grow in the area; the grasses seemed to 'flow' in the

wind.

Another possible origin is from the word "daluyong" which means tidal waves or a place of waves. This may

perhaps pertain to the Pasig River that passes through Mandaluyong City.

History

Mandaluyong formed part of what was once the Kingdom of Sapa of the Great Majapahit Empire around 1300.

More than a century later, around 1470, it expanded and was called the Kingdom of Namayan. The vast

kingdom comprised what are now Quiapo, San Miguel, Sta. Mesa, Paco, Pandacan, Malate and Sta.

Ana in Manila, and Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Pasay, Pateros, Taguig, Parañaque, and portions

of Pasig and Quezon City up to Diliman.

During the Spanish era, Mandaluyong (then San Felipe Neri) was established when it was separated from

Santa Ana de Sapa in 1841.

During the American period, San Felipe Neri was consolidated with the municipality of San Juan del Monte For

several months in 1904, San Felipe Neri became the capital of Rizal province.

However in 1907, San Felipe Neri became an independent municipality with its separation from San Juan. It

was also renamed its town to its present name.

Barangays

Mandaluyong is politically subdivided into 27 barangays.

District Barangay

Land

Area

(has.)

Population

(2000)

1 Addition Hills 121.19 69,885

1 Bagong Silang 14.26 4,162

2 Barangka Drive 24.54 12,670

2 Barangka Ibaba 16.92 8,943

2 Barangka Ilaya 47.45 4,461

2 Barangka Itaas 17.21 10,811

2 Buayang Bato 7.26 1,083

1 Burol 2.78 2,634

1 Daang Bakal 17.34 2,797

1 Hagdan Bato Itaas 18.36 9,769

1 Hagdan Bato Libis 15.48 6,204

1Harapin Ang

Bukas4.89 3,981

1 Highway Hills 105.12 12,131

2 Hulo 29.30 20,585

2 Mabini-J. Rizal 11.88 6,418

2 Malamig 29.52 5,853

1 Mauway 60.06 16,877

2 Namayan 30.60 4,889

1 New Zaniga 21.96 5,555

2 Old Zaniga 42.48 5,843

1 Pag-Asa 12.60 3,847

2 Plainview 115.92 24,608

1 Pleasant Hills 20.33 6,115

1 Poblacion 24.12 14,751

2 San Jose 3.18 6,227

2 Vergara 15.12 4,153

1Wack-Wack

Greenhills294.48 3,222

City of Manila

The City of Manila (Filipino: Lungsod ng Maynila), or simply Manila, is

the capital of the Philippines and one of the municipalities that comprise Metro

Manila. The city is located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on Luzon, the

country's largest island.

Manila is the hub of a thriving metropolitan area home to over 10 million people.

Manila is the second most populous city proper in the Philippines, with more than 1.5 million inhabitants. Only

nearby Quezon City, the country's former capital, is more populous.

Manila got its name from may nilad, Tagalog for "there is nilad," in reference to the flowering mangrove plant

that grew on the marshy shores of the bay. In the 16th century, Manila (then Maynilad) grew from

a Muslim settlement on the banks of the Pasig River into the seat of the colonial government of Spain when it

controlled the Philippine Islands for over three centuries from 1565 to 1898. Beginning in 1898, the United

States occupied and controlled the city and the Philippine archipelago until 1946. During World War II, much of

the city was destroyed. The Metropolitan Manila region was enacted as an independent entity in 1975. Today,

the city and the metropolis thrive as an important cultural and economic center.

The City

Manila lies at the mouth of the Pasig River on the eastern shores of Manila Bay, which is on the western side

of Luzon. It lies about 950 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong and 2,400 kilometers northeast of Singapore.

The river bisects the city in the middle. Almost all of the city sits on top of centuries of

prehistoric alluvial deposits built by the waters of the Pasig River and on some land reclaimed from Manila Bay.

The layout of the city was haphazardly planned during Spanish Era as a set of communities surrounding the

original Spanish Era walled city of Manila, called Intramuros. Intramuros is one of the oldest walled cities in the

Far East. During the American Period, some semblance of city planning using architectural designs by Daniel

Burnham, was adopted for the portions of the city south of the Pasig River.

City planning projects did not stop at Chicago though; Burnham helped shape cities such as Cleveland (the

Group Plan), San Francisco, Washington, DC (the McMillan Plan), and Manila and Baguio in the Philippines,

details of which appear in The Chicago Plan publication of 1909.

Manila is bordered by several municipalities and cities in Metro Manila: Navotas and Caloocan City to

the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong City to the east, Makati City to the

southeast, and Pasay City to the south.

City seal

The Seal of Manila depicts the words Lungsod ng Maynila and Pilipinas,  Filipino for City of

Manila and Philippines, in a circle around a shield. The circle also contains six yellow stars representing the

city's six congressional districts. The shield, in the shape of pre-colonial people's shield, depicts the city's

nickname Pearl of the Orient on top; a sea lion in the middle, in reference to the city's Spanish influences; and

the waves of the Pasig River and Manila Bay in the bottom portion. The colors of the seal mirror that of the Flag

of the Philippines.

National Government Offices

The City of Manila is the capital of the Philippines and is also the seat of political power in the country. During

the early years of the American colonial government, they envisioned a well-designed city outside the walls of

Intramuros. In nearby "Bagumbayan" or what is now Rizal Park, was chosen to become the center of

government and a design commission was given to Daniel Burnham to create a master plan for the city

patterned after Washington D.C.

Eventually, under the Commonwealth Government of Manuel L. Quezon, a new government center was to be

built on the hills northeast of Manila, or what is now Quezon City. Several government agencies have set-up

base in Quezon City but several key government offices are in Manila such as, the Office of the Philippine

President, the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Departments of

Budget, Finance, Health, Justice, Labor & Employment, and Tourism.

Parks and open areas

Directly south of Intramuros lies Rizal Park, the country's most significant park. Also known as Luneta (Spanish

term for "crescent-shaped") and previously as Bagumbayan, the 60 hectare Rizal Park sits on the site

where José Rizal, the country's national hero, was executed by the Spaniards on charges of subversion. A

monument stands in his honor where Rizal's remains were buried. The big flagpole west of the Rizal Monument

is Kilometer Zero for road distances on the island of Luzon and the rest of the country.

Other attractions in Rizal Park include the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the Department of Tourism

building, the National Museum of the Filipino People, The National Library of the Philippines, the Planetarium,

the Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion, an open-air auditorium for cultural performances, a relief map of the

Philippines, a fountain area, a children's lagoon, a chess plaza, a light and sound presentation, and the Quirino

Grandstand.

Another famous open space in Manila is the Baywalk. This promenade lies in front of the Manila Bay where

one can experience one of the most breathtaking sunsets of the world. Coconut trees, giant kaleidoscopic lamp

posts, al fresco cafès and restaurants, and live acoustic bands dot this two-kilometer stretch of ample space

beside Roxas Boulevard.

Aside from Rizal Park, Manila has very few other open public spaces. Rajah Sulayman Park, Manila

Boardwalk, Liwasang Bonifacio, Plaza Miranda, Paco Park, Remedios Circle, Manila Zoological and Botanical

Garden, Plaza Balagtas and the Malacañang Garden are some of the other parks in the city. In 2005,

Mayor Lito Atienza opened the Pandacan Linear Park, a strip of land that served as a buffer zone between the

oil depot and the residential-commercial properties in Pandacan and could be found along the banks of the

Pasig River. In the northern most part of the city lies the three cemeteries of Loyola, Chinese, and Manila North

Green Park, the largest public cemetery in Metropolitan Manila.

People

Demographics

Ethnic groups

The original settlers of Manila were the Tagalogs. Throughout the centuries, there has been a constant

migration of Visayans, Bicolanos, Ilocanos, peoples from other parts of Luzon,Chinese and Spaniards. There

are also Americans, Arabs, Indonesians, Indians, and Koreans in Manila. Intermarriage between ethnic groups

is not uncommon in the Philippines.

There are 3 distinct local ethnic groups in Manila. The natives, the Chinese, and the Spanish. The Chinese and

Spanish groups, companies and families control most political and financial institutions.

Population density

With a population of 1,581,082 and a land area of 38.55 km², it has the highest population density of any major

city in the world with 41,014 people/km² (with district 6 being the most dense with 68,266, followed by the first

two districts (Tondo) with 64,936 and 64,710, respectively, and district 5 being the least dense with 19,235). A

million more transients are added during daytime as students and workers come to the city.

Manila's population density dwarfs that of Paris (20,164 inhabitants per km²), Shanghai (16,364 people/km²,

with its most dense district of Nanshi's 56,785 density), Buenos Aires (2,179 people/km², with its most dense

inner suburb Lanus' 10,444 density), Tokyo (10,087 people/km²), Mexico City (11,700 people/km²),

and Istanbul (1,878 people/km², with its most dense district Fatih's 48,173 density).

Languages

The main languages are Tagalog and American English, the language used in education and business

throughout of the Metro Manila region, which is also the reason why Metro Manila attracts English students

from neighboring Asian countries, and this fuels a call center industry.

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Manila is the seat of the Archdiocese of Manila and the Primate of the Philippines. Being the seat of the

Spanish colonial government in past centuries, it has been used as the base of numerous Roman Catholic

missions to the Philippines. Among the religious orders that have gone to the Philippines include

the Dominicans, the Jesuits, the Franciscans, and the Augustinians (which includes the Augustinian

Recollects).

Intramuros is currently the seat of the Archdiocese of Manila, the oldest archdiocese in the country. The

archdiocese's offices is located in the Manila Cathedral (Basilica Minore de la Nuestra Señora de la

Immaculada Concepcion) in Intramuros.

Other notable churches and cathedrals in the city include Catédral de San Agustin in Intramuros, a UN World

Heritage Site is a favorite wedding place of notable people and one of two fully air-conditioned churches in the

city; Quiapo Church, also known as the Basilica Minore del Nazareno Negro, site of the annual January Black

Nazarene procession; Binondo Church, also known as Basilica Minore de St. Lorenzo Ruiz; Malate

Church (Nuestra Señora de Remedios); and San Sebastian Church or the Basilica Minore de San Sebastian,

the only all-steel church in Gothic style in Asia. Many of the other districts of Manila have their own notable

churches.

Other faiths

There are many Buddhist and Taoist temples built by the Chinese community in Manila. The Quiapo district is

home to a sizable Muslim population in Manila, and The Golden Mosque is located there. In Ermita is a large

Hindu temple for the Indian population, while on U.N. Avenue, there is a Sikh Temple. There is also an LDS

temple. In Malate, along Quirino Avenue, there once was a synagogue for the small Jewish community in the

Philippines. (See Jews in the Philippines.)

Education and culture

Manila is home to majority of the colleges and universities in Metro Manila. The University Belt or U-Belt,

informally located in the districts of Malate, Ermita, Intramuros, Paco, San Miquel, Quiapo, and Sampaloc is the

colloquial term for the high number of institutions of higher education that are located in the city. Among them

are private school De La Salle University-Manila, all-girls school St. Paul College of Manila and the state-

owned University of the Philippines, Manila at Ermita, the private schools Far Eastern University, University of

Santo Tomas and University of the East in Sampaloc, previously all-girl school Centro Escolar University and

all-boy school San Beda College along Mendiola, private school Colegio de San Juan de Letran, technical

school Mapua Institute of Technology, and the city-owned Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila at Intramuros,

and the state-owned Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Santa Mesa.

The National Museum of the Philippines, where the Spoliarium of Juan Luna is housed, the Metropolitan

Museum, the Museong Pambata (Children's Museum), as well as the National Library is also in Manila, located

within Rizal Park.

Educational institutions

Adamson University

Centro Escolar University

Chinese General Hospital College of Nursing

and Liberal Arts

Colegio de San Juan de Letran

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

De La Salle University-Manila

Emilio Aguinaldo College

Esteban Abada High School

Far Eastern University

Far Eastern University - East Asia College

FEATI University

Lyceum of the Philippines University

Manila Science High School

Manuel L. Quezon University

Mapua Institute of Technology

National College of Business and Arts

National University

Paco Catholic School

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Philippine Christian University

Philippine Normal University

Philippine School of Business Administration

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

San Beda College

San Sebastian College - Recoletos

St. Joseph's School - Pandacan

St. Scholastica's College

Technological Institute of the Philippines

Technological University of the Philippines

Universidad de Manila

University of Manila

University of Santo Tomas

University of the Philippines, Manila

Economy

Commerce

Every district in the city with the exception of Port Area has its own public market, locally called the pamilihang

bayan. Public markets are often divided into two, the dry goods section and the wet goods section. Commerce

in these public markets is lively, especially in the early morning. Under the urban renewal program of the

incumbent administration, some of the public markets had been refurbished and given a fresher look, like the

Sta. Ana public market. It is one of the more advanced markets in the city featuring a modern 2-story building

with an escalator.

The tropical climate in Manila plus the facilities of its world-class malls continue to attract Filipinos to the

shopping malls. Modern shopping malls dot the city especially in the areas of Malate and Ermita. SM City

Manila, part of the country's largest chain of malls, stands behind the Manila City Hall, while the original SM

Department store still operates in Carriedo in Sta. Cruz while another called SM Centrepoint is located north

east of the city in Sta. Mesa close to the Quezon City-San Juan boundary. One of the popular malls that lies at

the heart of Manila is Robinson's Place Ermita. In the southern part of the city in Malate district is Harrison

Plaza, one of the city's oldest shopping malls.

For the adventurous shoppers, you may venture beyond the hotel/shopping complex package and combine

other interesting destinations for cheap buys such as in Divisoria and Quiapo districts. Bargaining is the major

part of your shopping experience when you pass by on these areas, as it sells goods at rock-bottom prices. In

Divisoria, there is already a shopping mall that caters to the adventurous shoppers. Tutuban Center in Divisoria

gives a little comfort to the shoppers as it offers air-conditioned mall, but the price of the goods here is still very

similar to the goods bought outside. In Quiapo, one unique spot is the marketplace under the bridge. It sells

indigenous Filipino crafts and delicacies. Raon Center is famous for its cheap electronic products. Though

through the changing times, department stores began sprouting the Quiapo area, but still the flea market of

Quiapo is still vibrant and very much popular among the average Filipinos. Photo and video enthusiasts looking

for cheap equipment can proceed to R. Hidalgo street in the Quiapo district.

Manufacturing

Historical Perspective

The establishment of the country's manufacturing base centered around the not so distant districts of Manila

during the Spanish colonial times. During the arrival of the Americans by the turn of the 20th century, Manila's

manufacturing base expanded and diversified into different areas and interests.

The district of Tondo due to its proximity to the Manila North and South Harbor became a center for several

manufacturing facilities and the district of Pandacan and portions of Paco nearest to the banks of the Pasig

River served as centers for manufacturing in the city.

Manila during the Spanish period was well-known for its quality tobacco production by the Manila Tabacalera

Company which had its manufacturing and production base along Tayuman street in Tondo. Philippine food

and beverage giant San Miguel Corporation first started its beer brewing production along San Miguel district.

The old brewing building for San Miguel is now within the high security enclave of Malacañan Palace grounds.

Nearby the old San Miguel brewery was the Manila Ice Plant and portions of its old building now houses the

Department of Budget and Management. Distilleria Limtuaco, a manufacturer of rhum still operates its facilities

in the San Miguel district while its rival La Tondeña which had its production facilities in nearby Quiapo district

has scaled down its operations.

Tondo was base for food manufacturing by the 1920s and several American companies established plants in

the area. The Philippine Manufacturing Company or PMC established production of various products derived

from coconut oil ranging from cooling oil to soaps and toiletries. The Philippine Manufacturing Company would

later become Procter and Gamble Philippines and in the late 1980s, production from within the crowded Tondo

area was gradually phased down and moved to areas outside of Metro Manila.

PMC's rival company, the Philippine Refining Company or PRC established its based of operations five

kilometers upstream of the Pasig River in Paco district, along the United Nations Avenue, near Isla de Provisor.

PRC was also engaged in the manufacture of product derivatives from coconut oil. In the 1990s, Philippine

Refining Company changed its corporate name as part of the global strategy of company brand recognition and

is now called Unilever Philippines.

The United Nation's Avenue near the corner of Romualdez street used to be the mini Detroit in the 1930s when

the Ford Motor Company established its first assembly plant in the area. The plant facility remains standing

and it houses the government office issuing the seaman's passbook.

American owned oil companies in the 1930s like Esso, Mobil Oil and Filipino Oil or FilOil established their oil

distribution and lube facilities along the banks of the Pasig River in Pandacan district, at a time when the area

was largely a farm village. after almost a century of operations, the fuel distribution and manufacturing facilities

are gradually being removed due to its potential security and safety risk to the highly dense population in the

area.

Coca Cola still operates its bottling plant in Pandacan but its plant operations is more focused on product

distribution into the Metro Manila franchise area.

Several key and notable manufacturing facilities in the City of Manila closed down through the years especially

after 1980s. The country's then largest copra milling company at the boundary of Paco and Pandacan district

closed down and its plant site is now a middle class town house facility. The depot of the Philippines only gas

company with pipelines servicing every home, the Manila Gas Company ceased operations in the 1980s after a

protracted legal battle on ownership issue and its facilities were torn down as the 5.5 hectare Manila Gas

property is now being converted into a mixed condomimium and commercial tower.

Transportation

Air

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), outside the city proper, serves Manila and the metro area. Over

30 airlines provide daily service to over 26 cities and 19 countries worldwide. Approximately 14 million

travellers use NAIA a year, straining what was originally a domestic airport built in the 1930s. A second

terminal, Terminal 2 (or the Centennial Terminal) opened in October 1999. The International flag-

carrierPhilippine Airlines now uses this terminal exclusively for both its domestic and international service while

all other international flights use the original NAIA terminal. 

Another alternative point of embarkation and disembarkation is Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in

the Clark Special Economic Zone.

Roads

The main roads of Metro Manila are organized around a set of radial and circumferential roads that radiate and

circle in and around Manila proper. Roxas Boulevard, easily the most well-known of Manila's streets, line the

southern shores of Manila with Manila Bay. The boulevard is part of the Radial Road 1 that leads south to the

province of Cavite. Another well-known radial road is España Boulevard (part of Radial Road 7) that starts in

Quiapo and ends at the Welcome Rotunda along the border with Quezon City. Pres. Sergio Osmeña Sr.

Highway, part of the South Luzon Expressway or Radial Road 3 is the most important highway linking

Manila with the provinces of southern Luzon.

The most common types of public transportation are buses and the jeepney. Tricycles are used for short

distances. Pedicabs are bicycles attached with sidecars, where the drivers uses foot pedals to propel the

vehicle.

Bridges

There are eight (8) major bridge spans in Manila, more than half of the number of bridges that connects the

north and south banks of the Pasig River in Metro Manila. There are two (2) rail bridges that crosses the river,

the Light Rail Transit 1 and the Philippine National Railways track. The bridges listed below are in a west to

east order, with the first bridge Del Pan, nearest to the mouth of the Pasig River into Manila Bay.

Roxas bridge - formerly called Del

Pan (Tondo to Port Area)

Jones bridge (Binondo to Ermita)

McArthur bridge (Santa Cruz to Ermita)

LRT 1 (Carriedo station to Central station)

Quezon bridge (Quiapo to Ermita)

Ayala bridge (San Miguel to Ermita)

Mabini bridge - formerly called Nagtahan

bridge (Santa Mesa to Pandacan)

Philippine National Railways (Santa Mesa

station to Pandacan station)

Padre Zamora bridge (Santa Mesa to

Pandacan)

Lambingan bridge (Sta. Ana)

Rail transport

Manila is the hub of a railway system on Luzon. The main terminal of the Philippine National Railways is

in the Tondo district. Railways extend from this terminal north to the city of  San

Fernando in Pampanga and south to Legazpi City in Albay, though only the southern railway is currently in

operation.

Manila is also serviced by the Manila Light Rail Transit System (separate from Manila Metro Rail Transit

System), a national priority project designed to address the overwhelming traffic that congests the national

capital.

These are the major rail systems, with their station within Manila:

LRT 1: R. Papa, J. Abad Santos, Blumentritt, Tayuman, Bambang, D. Jose, Carriedo, Central Station,

UN Ave., P. Gil, Quirino Ave, and Vito Cruz

LRT 2: C.M. Recto, Legarda, Pureza and V. Mapa

PNR: Vito Cruz, Herran, Pandacan, Sta. Mesa, España, Laong Laan, Blumentritt and Tutuban.

Seaports and piers

The City of Manila is the chief seaport of the Philippines. North Harbor and South Harbor experience busy

periods during long holidays such as Holy Week, All Saints Day and theChristmas holidays.

Government

Like all cities of the Philippines, Manila is governed by a mayor who heads the executive department of the

city. The current mayor for the 2004-2007 term is Jose L. Atienza, Jr., who has been re-elected for his third

term in the 2004 elections. The city mayor is restricted for three consecutive terms (nine years), although

he can be elected again after an interruption of one term.

The city is divided into 897 barangays, which are the smallest unit of local government in the Philippines.

Each barangay has its own chairperson and councilors. For administrative convenience, all the

barangays in Manila are grouped into 100 zones and which are further grouped into 16 administrative

districts. These zones and districts have no form of local government.

History

Manila began as a Muslim settlement at the mouth of the Pasig River along the shores of Manila Bay. The name came from the termmaynilad, literally "there is nilad." Nilad is a white-flowered mangrove plant that grew in abundance in the area.

In the mid-16th century, the area of present-day Manila was governed by three rajahs, or Muslim

community leaders. They were Rajah Sulayman and Rajah Matanda who ruled the communities

south of the Pasig, and Rajah Lakandula who ruled the community north of the river. Manila was then

the northernmost Muslim sultanate in the islands. It held ties with the sultanates of Brunei, Sulu,

and Ternate in Cavite.

City of Marikina

The City of Marikina (Filipino: Lungsod ng Marikina) is known as the

Shoe Capital of the Philippines" (also the "Shoe Capital of Asia").

Located on the island of Luzon, Marikina City is one of the cities that

comprise Metro Manila, the National Capital Region of the Philippines.

Marikina City is part of the Metro Luzon Super Region (also known as

the Urban Beltway). Metro Luzon is composed of Region 3, Region 4-

A (CALABARZON) including the island province

of Marinduque and Mindoro Provinces, and Metro Manila. Metro Luzon

is one of four Super Regions in the Philippines.

Marikina City is a lush valley bounded by mountain ranges and sliced by a river. Located along the

eastern border of Metro Manila, it is bordered on the west by Quezon City, to the south by Pasig

City and Cainta, Rizal, to the east by Antipolo City, the capital of Rizal province, and to the north by San

Mateo also in Rizal province. It is approximately 21 km. away from Manila, and lies within 14° 38' 24" N,

121° 5' 50" E

Marikina City is the most industrialized city in Metro Manila, according to MMDA. There are many

landmarks located in the city, such as the Marikina Sports Park, Marikina River Park, Marikina Market

Mall, Marikina Industrial Zone, World of Butterflies, Marquinton Place, Loyola Memorial Park, Sentrong

Pangkultura ng Marikina, Riverbanks Center, the Guinness Book of Records biggest pair of shoes in the

world and other interesting places. Some of the biggest malls in the metropolis are also located near

Marikina City, like the Sta. Lucia East Grandmall and Robinsons Place Metro East, both malls being

situated along Marcos Highway and also the Riverbanks Mall in Riverbanks Center. SM City Marikina

which considered as the biggest SM mall in the eastern metropolis is also located in Riverbanks Center.

Marikina was given the title the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines", because of its notable shoe industry.

Shoemakers in the city recently finished creating the world's largest pair of shoes and it was only recently

that the Guinness Book of Records recognized this feat. The Shoe Museum in the city is also the home of

the famous shoes of the former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

One of the most important places in the city is Marikina River, a tributary of the Pasig River which runs

through the center of the city. The river in fact occupies a part of the Marikina Valley and is sometimes

prone to flooding along the riverbanks especially when monsoon rain season. Marikina River reflects the

Marikina pride because of its beauty. It is the best place for jogging, sightseeing, biking, camping and

more activities. At night, Marikina River transforms into a modern nightlife events because of some

numerous bars, restaurants, cafes and night clubs along the riverbanks. During Christmas Season,

the Marikina River is a traditional venue for the Marikina Christmas Festival which began annually on the

late October. Marikina Christmas Festival has annually themes which attracts not only the residents of

Marikina but also the neighboring cities and towns. The festivities offers different entertainment for the

family, friends and love ones because of different rides, boutiques, tents, food houses, shows and many

more.

The Marikina City Hall has its own website. Other websites about the city includes Marikina News which

serves as the portal of websites and e-groups in Marikina. Marikina City Hall has a e-government services

offered for the people in Marikina. It has also an emergency hotline which exclusively for the residents of

Marikina in case of emergencies, the Marikina Rescue 161.

Famous Landmarks and Attractions

Cityhood Park

Located at the corner of Shoe Avenue and Sumulong Hiway. It has a beautiful and colorful fountain like in

Rajah Sulayman Park in Manila, and a facade like a church with giant clock and bells rang in every hour

with music theme at the same time.

Evolution Park

Located in Marikina Heights, this park features 18 concrete cows reminiscent of the time when the area

was once the only grazing field in Marikina.

LRT Line 2 Santolan Station

The depot of LRT 2 along Marcos Highway. The first station of LRT 2 is Santolan station, although the

station is in nearby Pasig City but because of territorial agreement, the station and depot of Santolan

Station was now under Marikgina City government but the name Santolan which is one of the barangay

area of Pasig City was used.

LRT Line 2 San Roque Station (proposed)

For the extension of LRT Line 2 from Santolan, the LRT management proposed and extend additional 3-

kilometer extension of LRT from its depot. The proposed construction of new station was near at Sta.

Lucia Mall along Marcos Highway and it extends towards Masinag area in Antipolo. The proposed

construction begins in late 2007 at the same

Loyola Memorial Park

Located along A. Bonifacio Avenue, a private-owned memorial park set on a sprawling area of 36,000 m²

and developed in 1965. The Loyola Memorial Park is the oldest, and one of the biggest and most

prominent memorial parks not only in Metro Manila but also in the Philippines.

Marikina City's Largest Pair of Shoes in the World

This is certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest pair of shoes. It is

displayed at the Riverbanks Center.

Marikina Hotel

This is the city's first government-owned hotel that will further boost the influx of tourists in the city,

located at SSS Village.

Marikina Entertainment District

Angel Tuazon Avenue's (Gil Fernando Avenue) well-known line-up of having many bars, restaurants,

night clubs and shops.

Marikina Industrial Zone

Located in the northeast portion of the city which was established in the 70's. It is home to a number of

industries and some of which are the biggest and are the leaders in their fields, like Purefoods-

Hormel, Nestle, Fortune Tobacco, Armscor and other leading industries.

Marikina Market Mall

Metro Manila's cleanest market is Marikina Public Market, known as Marikina Market Mall. It is also one of

the biggest market place in Metro Manila.

Marikina River Park

Most awarded river which set as the Hall of Fame awardee for the Cleanest Inland Body of Water in NCR.

Marikina River Park is a popular camping site and picnic grounds and recreational park, such as concrete

jogging and bike lanes, and skating rink. Some of attractions there are Roman Garden, Chinese Pagoda,

Kawayanan, Youth Camp and Animal Trail. It is also a traditional venue for the

Marikina Christmas Festival which began in late October.

Marikina Sports Park

Established in 1969 and then known as the Rodriguez Sports Center, the property was bought from the

provincial Government of Rizal in 1995. It is now a popular venue for national, regional and international

sports competitions and other sports and entertainment events, such as 23rd Southeast Asian

Games 2005 and Starstruck 3 Final Judgement and among others.

Mar Quinton Place

The biggest condominium place at the eastern Metropolitan Manila area, the Marquinton Place was

developed by Federaland. it is located along Sumulong Highway.

Mar Quinton - Blue Wave Mall

Blue Wave Mall Marikina is located in the Marquinton compound. Building One Tenant line-up includes

some notable establishments like Starbucks Coffee Shop, Jollibee, KFC, Gerry's Grill, Pancake House,

Tapa King, Yellow Cab, Superbowl of China, Watsons, Hot Loops, Timezone, Kodak Store, Max's, Petron

Treats, Petron Gas Station, Siamese Grill, Meriam Webster BookStore, Globe Telecoms, Mendrez, Rusty

Lopez, Angel Playhouse, Looks Visioncare Center, Time Studio, Skaters, 4 Class Cinemas, Brother's

Burger, Character's Unlimited, Shakey's. Building 2, which is bigger than Bldg. 1, is currently under

construction.

Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned

Also known as OLA Church located at J. P. Rizal, San Roque. Built by Augustinians in the 1600's, this

place of worship was destroyed by earthquakes and by fires in 19th Century. It has undergone a series of

renovations since 1963. The church houses the miraculous image of the religious patron of Marikina

City, Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados de Marikina (Our Lady of Marikina), which was canocically

crowned last October 15, 2005 by virtrue of Pope Benedict XVI.

Riverbanks Center

Formerly Universal Textiles, Asia's largest textile mills, located along A. Bonifacio Avenue, Barangka. It is

now a center for shopping, commerce, business and entertainment because of its unique setting by the

river. Riverbanks Mall, Amphitheatre, Gazebo, Floating Stage and Stone Carabaos was also found inside

the complex. At Riverbanks Mall, here you will find almost everything you need at a price reasonably

affordable, such as SM Supermarket, Green Gallery, Off-Price Department Store, a numerous boutiques,

celfone shops, shops, food stands, fastfood chains and many more.

San Jose Manggagawa Parish Church

This church was the first permanent church established by the Jesuits in 1630, the same year Marikina

was founded. It is located in Jesus Dela Pena.

Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina

This 200-year old building was once owned by Don Laureano "Kapitan Moy" Guevarra, recognized as the

father of shoe industry in the Philippines. This is where the first pair of shoes in Marikina was designed

and made in 1887. Inside this building can be found Doll Museum, Marikina City's museum. This building

is now the center of culture and arts of Marikina.

Shoe Museum

Shoe Museum houses about 800 pairs of shoes belonging to former First Lady Imelda Marcos. It is also

record-holder as the most numerous pair of shoes in one place.

SM City Marikina

SM City Marikina is located in Riverbanks Center, Marcos Highway. The construction began in year 2006

and yet it still under construction. This is the first time that SM, the biggest chain malls in the Philippines

constructed beside the river and developed an open large park beside the beautiful settings along the

riverbanks. The SM Mall in Marikina considered as one of the biggest mall in Metro Manila in terms of

area. Aside from this features, like other SM Malls, this SM Mall is a 5-storey building, it has an open-air

large car park (with 2 elevated 5-storey carpark buildings), cinemas (a total of 10 cinemas), SM

Department store, SM Supermarket/Hypermarket, entertainment hall (the hall was fabulous design in-

front of Marikina River and the skyline of Ortigas Center) and many more features. SM City inaugurates

on December 8, 2007, same date of the cityhood of Marikina and it will be the biggest mall in the eastern

Metro Manila and Rizal Sub-orbs when it complete done. SM City Marikina opens early 2008.

Teatro Marikina

This is the center of culture and the arts of eastern Metro Manila. This facility also caters to various events

such as plays, concerts, shows, graduations, exhibits and seminars. Teatro Marikina is also the venue of

pre-pageant of Miss Earth in the Philippines, notable concerts and plays played by the biggest celebrities

and artists in the country.

Women's Park

Located beside Marikina River Park. It is a park dedicated and exclusive to women empowerment of

Marikina.

World of Butterflies

Free flying of hundreds of butterflies in different variety, kind and sizes. Field trips and tourist attracts this

place because of very good ambience that truly Marikina is a nature lover.

Marikina City Today

At present, the shoe industry has become a pride of the country and a boost to the growth of its economy.

The city also now boasts of hosting other big companies, multinationals and local, as well as leading

exporting firms. Numerous banks, land development firms, residential realty, business center, industrial

centers, commercial centers, information and communication technology centers, hotels and

condominiums is also boasts the city that Marikina rapidly into a highly urbanized city in a short time.

Marikina City today is a multi-awarded metropolitan city, often cited for its vibrant economy, a highly-

skilled and literate work force, an involved and enlightened business community, environmental

awareness, people discipline and a responsive local government that puts a premium on governance,

sustainable urban development and public service.

Proof positive of the city's standing in the league of metropolitan cities in the country are the numerous

awards and citations that have been bestowed, most recent and most prestigious of which are

the 2003 Most Competitive Metro City in the Philippines award from the prestigious Asian Institute of

Management (AIM) Policy Research Center, Asia Foundation, International Labour Organization (ILO),

German Technical Foundation, and Konrad Adenauer Stiflung; and the Continuing Excellence Award in

Local Governance given by the Galing Pook Foundation, DILG, Local Government Authority and the Ford

Foundation. Marikina was also one of the host of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games 2005 in the

Philippines which held the women's football event at the Marikina Sports Park.

The City

Marikina City is a developed city within Metro Manila. The city lies on a valley of the same name. Marikina

River runs through the central portion of the city. During the rainy season, most especially two discnit

seasons includes dry season from november to april and wet season from may to october , the river

overflows and jumps its banks, flooding low-lying areas. The dynamic Sierra Madre Mountains, the

longest mountain range in the country is located at the eastern portion while the Quezon City hills are

located to the west.

The city divided into 2 (geographical) districts: Districts 1 and 2. The southern portion of the city is District

1 and the northern part which is the larger part is District 2. Marikina City is one of the healthiest cities in

the Asia-Pacific region. Winning at least 78 awards and recognitions, both local and abroad, in a span of

just 12 years. Marikina has become an ideal location for industry, business, commerce and for

residences.

Districts and Barangays

Marikina City has 2 geographical districts, the District 1 and District 2. District 1 occupies the southwest

side of Marikina River and the entire south of Marikina City and District 2 occupies the northwest (Loyola

Grand Villas) side of Marikina River and the entire northern and eastern part of Marikina City which

considered as the biggest district of the 2 districts. Here are the 2 districts with their barangays:

District 1

Barangka

Calumpang

Industrial Valley

Jesus Dela Pena

San Roque

Sta. Elena (Poblacion)

Santo Niño

Tañong

District 2

Concepcion Uno

Concepcion Dos

Fortune

Malanday

Marikina Heights

Nangka

Parang

Tumana

People

The people of Marikina is called "Marikeño".

Ethnic groups

Like other places in Metro Manila, the original settlers are Tagalogs. Throughout the centuries, there has

been constant migration of Visayas, Bikolanos, Ilokanos, Chinese andSpaniards. There are

also Americans, Indians and Arabs.

Languages

The main language is Filipino, which is based on Tagalog. In addition, Marikeños are also proficient in

the English language.

Religions

Marikina is one of the seat of the Spanish colonial government in past centuries, it has been used as the

base of Roman Catholic missions. Among the religious orders include theDominicans, the Franciscans,

the Jesuits, and the Augustinians which the first to arrive in Marikina. Almost 94% of Marikeño are Roman

Catholic.

Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned is the seat of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados, patron saint of

Marikina City. Other churches in the city include the San Jose Manggagawa Parish Church in J. Dela

Pena (the first chapel established) and Immaculate Concepcion Church in Concepcion Uno. Other

Christian faiths like Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ, the headquarters of Church of Christ 4th

Watch in the Philippines, Jesus Miracle Crusade, Iglesia ni Cristo and some others.

Some other religions are Muslim, Buddhism and Judaism.

Education

The city government prides itself in giving free education to its quality free education to its constituents

through its 15 primary schools and 8 secondary schools including one science high school.

Marikina has many colleges and universities, like the city-owned Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina

and Marikina Science High School. There are also AMA Computer University, STI Learning School, St.

Scholastica's Academy Marikina , one of the best private schools in the city exclusive for girls, Marist

School, National Christian Life College (Maranatha Christian Academy), Roosevelt College, OLOPS

School, St. Nicholas School which sits as the head of Marikina Private Schools' Administrators

Association and National Cottage Technology Center which still the city literature rate as high as 99%.

Health

Marikina provides medical missions and free medical operations in the city. There are numerous hospitals

in Marikina, one of the public hospital in Marikina is Amang Rodriguez Medical Center. There are also

newly constructed Marikina Medical Center just a few blocks away from AMMC. Other private hospitals

such as Garcia General Hospital and Immaculate Concepcion Hospital and the exclusive hospital of

Medical City which is located at Sta. Lucia Mall.

Numerous clinics provide basic health check-ups for Marikeños. The city also offers services such as

Health Centers and the city has also a privileges card for discounted fees and free services like

emergency, medical and security services.

Economy

Industry

Marikina is the home to a member of industries, some of which are the biggest and most successful in

their fields, and foremost of all, shoe manufacturing, being the best in localcraftmanship.

Shoe Industry

Marikina was the biggest manufacturer of quality shoes, and Marikina produced 78% of the shoe

production of the Philippines. All locally produced shoes was made in Marikina, from slippers to shoes.

Marikina also produces shoes which are made in rubber, wood (bakya) and plastic.

Commerce

Public markets in Marikina are often divided into two, the dry goods section and the wet goods

section. Commerce in these public markets are in full swing, especially in the early morning. Under the

urban renewal program of the incumbent administration, some of the public markets had been refurbished

and given a fresher look, like the Marikina Public Market also known as Marikina Market Mall (or People's

Mall), the biggest and cleanest market in Metro Manila.

Modern shopping malls dot the city especially in Blue Wave Mall at Marquinton. Sta. Lucia East

Grandmall and Robinsons Place Metro East are Metro Manila's major shopping centers, stands

along Marcos Hiway bounded by the city of Pasig and Cainta, Rizal. One of the popular malls that lies in

Marikina is Riverbanks Center.

For the adventurous shoppers, you may venture beyond the hotel/shopping complex package and

combine other interesting destinations for cheap buys such as in Marikina Market Mall. Bargaining is the

major part of your shopping experience when you pass by on these area, as it sells goods at rock-bottom

prices. It sells indigenous Filipino crafts and delicacies.

Banking services

Almost all of the major commercial banks in the Philippines operate a branch in the city. Many major

banks was operated in the city of more than 1 branch or much more. At this time, there are 50 banking

institutions offer banking services to businesses and residents. Most of these are concentrated in

Barangay Sta. Elena, Sto. Niño, Concepcion Uno and Barangka.

Manufacturing

The city manufactures food processing, cigarettes, porcelain and china wares, confectionery, automobiles

and cars, appliances, crafts like bags, hats and slippers, and foremost of all, shoes.

Municipality of Pateros

Pateros is a municipality in Metro Manila in the Philippines. This small town is

famous for its duck-raising industry and especially for producing balut, a Filipino

delicacy that is boiled duck egg. Pateros is bordered by Pasig City to the

north, Makati City to the west, and Taguig to the south.

Pateros is the smallest among the cities and municipalities in Metro Manila both in

population and in land area, but it is the second most densely populated at around

27 thousand people per square kilometer after Manila.

History

The name of the Pateros most likely came from its duck-raising industry. The Tagalog word (of Spanish origin)

for duck is pato andpateros means duck-raisers. An equally viable theory, though less known is that the name

also came from the town's small shoe-making industry. The Tagalog word for shoe is sapatos and shoe-

makers are called sapateros.

Before 1770, Pateros was only a barrio of Pasig until the Spanish Governor-General in the Philippines issued a

decree making Pateros an independent municipality.

On March 29, 1900, Pateros became one of the towns in the newly created province of Rizal, by virtue of

General Order No. 40 Act No 137 of Philippine Commission promulgated o June 11, 1901. Then on October

12, 1903, Act No. 942 combined Pateros, Taguig and Muntinlupa into a single municipality under Pateros. The

municipality was renamed into Taguig on March 22, 1905, through Act 1308. Executive Order No. 20

dated February 29, 1908 separated Pateros from Taguig and Pateros then gained its independent status as

municipality on January 1, 1909 by Executive Order No. 36. On November 7, 1975, Pateros became a part of

the new Metropolitan Manila Area through Presidential Decree No. 924.

Barangays

Pateros is politically subdivided into 10 barangays:

Aguho

Magtanggol

Martires Del 96

Poblacion

San Pedro

San Roque

Santa Ana

Santo Rosario-Kanluran

Santo Rosario-Silangan

Tabacalera

City of Muntinlupa

The City of Muntinlupa (Filipino: Lungsod ng Muntinlupa) is the southernmost

city in Metro Manila. It is bordered on the north by Taguig City; to the northwest

by Parañaque City; by Las Piñas City to the west; to the southwest by the

municipality of Bacoor, Cavite; by the municipality of San Pedro, Laguna; and

by Laguna de Bay to the east, the largest lake in the country. It is nicknamed the

"Emerald City of the Philippines". According to the 2000 census, it has a

population of 379,310.

Muntinlupa City was once notoriously known as the home of the maximum

security National Bilibid Prison, where the country's most dangerous criminals were incarcerated. Nowadays,

it has largely shaken-off this negative image to become one of the most progressive cities in the country.

Muntinlupa is home to some of the best commercial establishments in the metropolis and is the location

of Ayala Alabang Village, one of the country's biggest residential communities, where many of the wealthy and

famous live. Among the village's well-known residents include former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos,

actor Aga Muhlach and his wife, actress/host Charlene Gonzalez, the Prince ofBrunei and Simone

Snoeijenbos.

Developments

The town of Alabang, part of the Second district of Muntinlupa City, has undergone tremendous growth in the

last decade. Because of two large scale commercial real estate development projects namely; the Filinvest

Corporate City by the Filinvest Development Corporation, and Ayala Land, Inc.'s Madrigal Business Park, both

of which changed the landscape of Muntinlupa City--from what was once vast fields of cow pasture in the late

1980s, into a supercity that houses new residential, business, industrial and commercial establishments.

Examples of these are: one of the country's premier shopping centers, Alabang Town Center, the Festival

Supermall (One of Asia's biggest malls), the towering Insular Life Towers, the Asian Hospital and Medical

Center, and the Northgate Business District, which specializes in hosting information and technology industries.

Nightlife is still relatively staid compared to those of its neighbors, and younger residents often flock to other

cities in Metro Manila, particularly Makati, Taguig, orManila, during the weekend to enjoy the night out.

Many companies from other crowded cities are planning to, or already have moved their base of operations into

Muntinlupa City, in a transformation reminiscent of Makati's development boom 30 years ago.

This city has recently acquired the status "Most Competitive City" and the "Most Improved City" in the

Philippines.

Districts and barangays

Muntinlupa City is composed of a lone congressional district, and two legislative districts which are further

subdivided into nineBarangay. Legislative District One contains four Barangays in the southern half of the city,

while legislative District Two occupies the five Barangays in the northern portion of the city.

While Barangays are the administrative divisions of the city, and are legally part of the addresses of

establishments and homes, many residents indicate their subdivision (village) instead of their Barangay.

Listed below are the Barangays in each district plus some notable subdivisions (villages).

District 1 Barangays

Bayanan

Poblacion

Putatan

Tunasan

Subdivisions (Villages)

1. Country Homes Subdivision

2. Agro Homes

3. Alabang Hills Village

4. Alabang 400 Village

5. Camella Homes I

6. Camella Townhomes I (Townhomes of

Camella I)

7. Freewill Subdivision

8. Freedom Hills Subdivision

9. Kalipayan Homes

10. Pacific Malayan Village

11. Ayala Alabang Village

12. Hillsborough Alabang

13. JPA Subdivision

14. Mutual Homes Alabang Village

15. Victoria Homes Subdivision-Camella

Rigdeview (also called United Victoria-

Camella Homeowners Community)

16. Pacific Village

17. Posadas Village

18. San Jose Village

19. Soldiers Hills Village

20. Camella Homes III

21. Sto. Niño Village

22. Treelane Park Subdivision

23. Parkhomes Subdivision

24. Pleasant Village

25. Summitville Subdivision

26. Lakeview Homes

27. Lakeshore Village

28. Lodora Village

29. Villa Carolina 1

30. Villa Carolina 2

31. Katarungan Village 1

32. Katarungan Village 2

33. South Green Heights Village

34. Southsuperville

35. Teachers Village

36. Tiosejo Village

37. Intercity Homes Subdivision

History

The name “Muntinlupa” came from at least three versions. First, its association with the thin topsoil in the area.

Second, residents, purportedly replying to a question by Spaniards in the 16th century what the name of their

place were, said “Monte sa Lupa”—apparently mistaking the question for what card game they were playing.

Third, the topographical nature of the area, where the term Monte or mountain was expanded to Muntinlupa or

mountain land.

Some documents suggest that the first and third versions of Muntinlupa and Monte sa Lupa respectively

eventually became Muntinlupa either through misspelling or mispronunciation. But no record to date can firmly

establish which of the three versions is historically correct.

Muntinlupa is an old term, which refers to a barangay (which means a smaller branch of a city or a

municipality;often referred to as a county) now known as the Población. As early as 1800, the Catholic priest

Father Joaquín de Zúñiga chronicled it as la población que sigue se llama Muntinlupa.

City of Navotas

The City of Navotas (Filipino: Lungsod ng Navotas) is a city in Metro

Manila, Philippines. The city occupies a narrow strip of land along the

eastern shores of Manila Bay. Navotas is directly north of Manila, west

of Malabon City, and south of Obando, Bulacan.

Dubbed as the "Fishing Capital of the Philippines", Navotas is

considered to be a very important fishing community with 70% of its

population deriving their livelihood directly or indirectly from fishing and its

related industries like fish trading, fish net mending, and fish producing

having marginal percentage of inter-Island fish producers. Navotas occupies a portion of the Metropolitan

Manila bound in the west with shoreline of Manila Bay, which is a strategic coastal front and suitable for all

kinds of vessels.

Navotas is part of the informal subregion of Metro Manila called CAMANAVA. This subregion, aside from

Navotas, includes the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, and Valenzuela. Navotas is perceived to be prone to flood

especially during the rainy season and during high tide, but the national and local government are trying to

alleviate the problem. Pollution and overpopulation are other problems that the government is trying to solve.

Navotas is famous for fish sauce and shrimp paste (patis and bagoong in Tagalog respectively).

Navotas celebrates its foundation day every January 16 and it becomes a city after a plebiscite was held on

June 24, 2007.

History

The entire place of Navotas was once part of Malabon. According to one legend, the long and narrow

delta extended unbroken from north to south along the seashore. The strip of land between the former

district of Tondo, Manila and this town was eaten away by the sea until an opening was made. Water

began to flow through the opening. The geographical change prompted the people to refer to the place as

"butas", "nayon ng butas",or "nabutas",a Tagalog word that means breached or pierced through. What

began as a natural channel developed into a regular waterway, now known as the Navotas River. In later

years, the place came to be known as "Nabotas", then "Navotas".

San Jose de Navotas was the name given to the locality after its patron saint, Saint Joseph. On June 11,

1859, a "Superior Decreto" established a new parish and municipality under the supervision of Friar

Matias Navoa. The populace was divided into two distinct groups, the naturales (locals) and the mestizos.

Mariano Estrellas was the gobernadorcillo (petty governor) of the naturales and Mariano Israel, of

the mestizos. Today, because records are incomplete, recognition is only given to the gobernadorcillos for

the mestizos. A school in honor of San Jose was built and known as "San Jose Academy."

In 1904, the town was again merged with Malabon. Bernardo Dagala, a native of Navotas, was elected

municipal president.

Historical timeline

December 20, 1827 – The movement for separation of Navotas which was then a part of Malabon

(Tambobong).

February 16, 1859 – The date when the barrios of San Jose, Navotas and Bangculasi were

separated from Malabon.

1859 – Cavada, the year when Navotas became an independent town.

August 6, 1898 – Navotas joined the revolutionary government of General Emilio Aguinaldo.

June 11, 1901 – Navotas was eventually incorporated into the newly created province

of Rizal enacted Act. No. 137.

January 16, 1906 – Navotas finally became an independent municipality with the enactment of Act.

No. 1442 which separated from Malabon.

June 24, 2007 – Navotas becomes a city after a plebiscite was conducted on June 24, 2007.

Geography

Navotas is a coastal town in the northwest part of Metro Manila. It is a narrow strip of land with an

aggregated shoreline of approximately 4.5 km. In the north, Navotas shares a common border with the

town of Obando, Bulacan, along Sukol Creek. Along the eastern border runs the Binuangan River, the

Daang Cawayan River, the Dampalit River, the Batasan River, the Navotas River, the Bangculasi

Channel, the Malabon Channel and the Estero de Maypajo.

It is bordered on the north by Obando, Bulacan along Sukol Creek; on the south by the city of Manila; on

the east by Daang Binuangan River, Bangkulasi channel, Malabon Channel and Estrto de Maypajo; and

on the west by Manila Bay.

Barangays

Navotas is politically subdivided into 2 districts, with a total of 14 barangays:

District 1 Bagumbayan North Bagumayan South

Bangkulasi Navotas East Navotas West

Northbay Boulevard, North Northbay Boulevard, South San Rafael Village

Sipac-Almacen

District 2 Daanghari San Jose San Roque Tangos Tanza

Catholic Churches

San Ildefonso Parish

San Jose de Navotas Parish

San Roque de Navotas Parish

San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish

Sta. Cruz Parish

City of Parañaque

The City of Parañaque (pop. 449,811, 2000 Census), or simply Parañaque (Filipino: Lungsod ng Parañaque or Lungsod ng Palanyag), is one of the cities and municipalities that comprise Metro Manila in the Philippines. It is bordered on the north by Pasay City, by Taguig City to the northeast, Muntinlupa City to the southeast, by Las Piñas City to the southwest, and by Manila Bay to the west.

History

Parañaque was founded in 1572 by Spanish missionaries as Palanyag. After its establishment, the town fell

under the authority of the Augustinians, beginning with Fr. Diego de Espinar in 1580.

During the Philippine Revolution, Parañaque became one of the hottest battle zones due to its location halfway

between the province ofCavite, where the revolutionaries held sway, and Manila, the seat of the Spanish

colonial government.

During the American occupation of the Philippines, Parañaque became one of the first municipalities in

the Metro Manila region. It was converted into a chartered city on February 15, 1998.

Districts and barangays

Parañaque is composed of two congressional districts and two legislative districts which are further subdivided

into 16 Barangays. Legislative District One contains eight barangays in the western half of the city, while

legislative District Two is comprised of the eight barangays in the eastern portion of the city.

While barangays are the administrative divisions of the city, and are legally part of the addresses of

establishments and homes, many residents indicate their subdivision (village) instead of their barangay.

Listed below are the barangays in each district plus some notable subdivisions.

District 1 District 2

Baclaran

Don

Galo

La

Huerta

San

Dionisio

San

Isidro

Sto.

Niño

Tambô

Vitález

B.F.

Homes

Don

Bosco

Marcelo

Green

Merville

Moonwalk

San

Antonio

San

Martin de

Porres

Sun

Valley

Subdivisions

Rainbow Village 2

Mon-El Subdivision

BF Homes Parañaque

Better Living Subdivision

Camella Homes Parañaque II

Camella Homes Parañaque III (CHP III)

Gatchalian Subdivision 1

Goodwill II Subdivision

Goodwill III Subdivision

Greenheights Village

Ireneville

Marcelo Green Village

Merville Subdivision

Moonwalk Village

Multinational Village

Villanueva Village

San Antonio Valley (numerous phases)

Severina Diamond Subdivision Km.18

Sun Valley Subdivision

United Parañaque Subdivision

Parañaque Greenheights

Parkview Homes (Benedictine Drive, Brgy. Sunvalley)

Teoville East & West

Teoville 3

Maywood (numerous village)

Tahanan Village

Villa Mendoza

Salvador Estate

Fourth Estate Subdivision

Garden City I

Garden City III

Fortunata Village

South Bay Gardens

St.Catherine Village

Countryside Village

Interesting sites

St. Andrew's Cathedral  (Barangay La Huerta), the seat of Diocese of Parañaque and the Shrine of Nuestra

Señora del Buen Suceso

Ninoy Aquino International Airport  Terminal 1

Baclaran Redemptorist Church , officially the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, one of the

biggest and most active churches in the country where devotees flock to hear mass every Wednesday

Casino Filipino

Dampa, a popular seafood restaurant

Manila Memorial Park, the country's first memorial park and resting place to some of the country's most

celebrated personalities

Loyola Memorial Park, part of one of the country's chain of memorial parks

Fiesta Shopping Mall (Duty Free Philippines)

SM City Sucat, part of the country's biggest chain of malls

SM City Bicutan, part of the country's biggest chain of malls

Parañaque City Hall

Etymology

The name "Parañaque" is derived from the phrase "para na aque," which was commonly used in the past when

people who wished to disembark from kalesas (horse-drawn carriages). The phrase literally means "stop now,

boy": "para" from the Spanish parar (to stop), "na" from the Tagalog word for "now" or "already," and "aque"

from the Tagalog word for boy, lalaki. An alternative meaning of "para na aque" could be "stop here," with

"aque" being derived from the Spanish aquí ("here").

Railroad System

Parañaque is served by the LRT (via Baclaran station, which is located in Pasay City) and the PNR (via Bicutan

station).

The City of Pasay (Lungsod ng Pasay) is one of the 16 cities that make up Metro Manila or the National Capital Region in thePhilippines. It is considered to be the third smallest subdivision in the region with a total land area of 18.50 square kilometres. Pasay City is bounded by other neighboring cities in the metropolis such as Manila, the country’s capital city, to the north, Taguig City to the east, Paranaque City to the south and the city of Makati to the northeast.

History

There are several folk tales explaining where Pasay City got its name. One story was about two forbidden

lovers; there was also a story that the city name originated from a plant which was abundant in the town’s area

way back. Another story was that the name Pasay actually came from an ethnic group in Malaysia called Pasai.

Although local stories abound about the origin of Pasay's name, most people believe that it came from Dayang-

dayang Pasay, a princess from the Kingdom of Namayan, a cluster of barangays. Princess Dayang-dayang

inherited the land of Pasay and other areas including Baclaran from the Kingdom. From the 12th until the 14th

centuries, merchants from different lands used the Kingdom of Namayan as a center of trade.

Government

Like all the cities in the country, Pasay City is lead by a mayor, vice mayor, lower house representatives in

each congressional district and other local officials. In the 2010 national and local elections, Antonino Calixto

won as the mayor-elect of Pasay City with a margin of 1.44% over his close contender Consuelo Dy. Marlon

Pesebre garnered the highest number of votes for the vice-mayoral position. The lower house representative

seat went to Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Calixto's sister. Pasay is made up of 200 barangays which are divided

into seven districts.

Population

According to the 2007 Census research, Pasay City has a population of 403,064, compared to 354,908

residents in the year 2000. Based on these figures, the city has an annual population growth rate of 1.77%.

Landmarks

Pasay is famous for its commercial and urban establishments. It is also the location for art-enthusiasts because

it is where the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is located. There are also other art establishments and

museums in the city such as the Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas or the Folk Arts Theater, Metropolitan

Museum, Manila Film Center, Philippine International Convention Center(PICC), Design Center of the

Philippines, Aliw Theater and other entertaining sites such as amusement parks like the Star City and the

Boom na Boom where children and the young at hearts can have fun. Terminals two and three and the

deomestic terminal of the country’s premier airport, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), are also

situated in Pasay. There are also many government offices in Pasay. The Department of Foreign Affairs,

the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Government Service Insurance System, the Philippine

National Bank headquarters and the Senate of the Philippines are all situated in the city.

The City of Pasig (Lungsod ng Pasig) is one of the 17 cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila or the National Capital Region in the Philippines. The city is located along the eastern border of Metro Manila, and is bordered to the west by Quezon City andMandaluyong City, to the north by Marikina City; to the south by Makati City, Pateros and Taguig City; and to the east by the municipality of Cainta in the province of Rizal. Pasig City used to be the capital of Rizal before Metro Manila was formed. Like most of the cities in the metropolis, Pasig is a residential/industrial area. It has become increasingly commercialized and urbanized over the years. Pasig boasts of the Ortigas Center, one of the country’s famous business districts, high-rise buildings, condominiums and schools,

including one of the most expensive universities in the country, the University of Asia and the Pacific. The national headquarters of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Manila Electric Company or Meralco Compound and the Philippine Stock Exchange headquarters are also located in Pasig. Thanks to these business centers, Barangay San Antonio has the largest income for any local government unit in the country. The city has a population of 617,301 according to the 2007 Census. This shows an increase of 112,243 since the year 2000. The provincial capitol of Rizal is still located in Pasig City, located along Shaw Boulevard, Barangay Kapitolyo. Rizal High School, one of the biggest high schools in the world in terms of student population, is located in Pasig. The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig, a state university located in Kapasigan, Pasig City, offers degree courses for poor but bright and deserving pasigueños.

History

Before the Spanish colonization, Pasig was a kingdom around the river Bitukang Manok (part of Pasig River).

Pasig was founded in July 1573 with the inauguration of the mission-parish of Pasig. It received its first bell with

the Our Lady of the Visitation as the city's patron saint. But in 1587, the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

replaced the Our Lady of the Visitation as patron saint.

On 11 June 1901 the province of Rizal was created through Act No. 137 of the Philippine Commission. Pasig

was incorporated into Rizal, and was designated as the capital of the new province.

In 1975, Pasig was carved out of Rizal province and became part of Metro Manila when the Metro Manila

Commission (pre-cursor of Metro Manila Authority and later Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) was

created by President Marcos through Presidential Decree 824.

In July 1994, Pasig was converted into a highly urbanized city through Republic Act 7829. It was signed into

law in December 1994 by President Fidel Ramos, and was ratified through a plebiscite on 21 January 1995.

City Seal

The woman (originally a mermaid) represents the Mutya ng Pasig, the idealism of perfection in all aspects

that epitomizes loyalty, goodwill and splendor of the City of Pasig.

The body of water on both sides of the woman is a suggestion of the Pasig River connecting two bodies of

water, Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay. The name “Pasig” is derived from Hindu word meaning a body of

water connecting two other bodies of water.

On the lower left portion is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, one of the oldest edifices in the city. It is

also the seat of theRoman Catholic Diocese of Pasig.

On the lower right portion, it manifests prosperity and progress of the city.

Barangay

Pasig City is politically subdivided into 30 barangays.

Bagong Ilog

Bagong Katipunan

Bambang

Buting

Caniogan

Dela Paz

Kalawaan

Kapasigan

Kapitolyo

Malinao

Manggahan

Maybunga

Oranbo

Palatiw

Pinagbuhatan

Pineda

Rosario

Sagad

San Antonio

San Joaquin

San Jose

San Miguel

San Nicolas (Pob.)

Santa Cruz

Santa Lucia

Santa Rosa

Santo Tomas

Santolan

Sumilang

Ugong

Quezon City has been dubbed as the “City of New Horizons” due to its rich San

Diego Hills culture and lifestyle. It lies just northeast of Manila. It is named

after Manuel Luis Quezon, first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

As a whole, Quezon City has one of the lowest poverty levels in the Philippines. It

is also known as country’s premier city due to its progress and performance.

There are many historical landmarks in Quezon City, among which may be counted the San Pedro Bautista

Church in San Francisco del Monte, the second oldest church in the country; the site of the Unang Sigaw (first

cry) in the Balintawak area to mark the start of the Philippine revolution against Spain; the monument to Gen.

Lawton, the pot where the U.S. general was killed by Katipuneros in battle after the Pact of Biak-na-Bato failed

in its objective to stop the hostilities even continued after the Treaty of Paris which ended the Spanish-

American war and wherein the Philippines revolutionary forces continued the war of independence against

America.

There are close to 60,000 business establishments in Quezon City. It is also the center of the entertainment

industry. The news programs and variety shows seen on every television screen all over the country are

beamed from ABS-CBN, GMA Network, NBN and other TV and radio stations based in the city.

History

Quezon City was conceived by the late President Manuel Luis Quezon. He envisioned a place where the

common man will find his place with dignity. In 1938, President Quezon purchased 1,529 hectares from the

vast Diliman Estate of the Tuason Family. The following year, the National Assembly enacted

the Commonwealth Act otherwise known as Charter of Quezon City. On October 12, 1939, President Quezon

signed the Bill into law, thus the city was born. Progress in Quezon City continued until the outbreak of World

War II in 1941. Seven years later, by virtue of Republic Act. No. 333 signed on July 17, 1948, Quezon City

officially became the capital of the Philippines and the permanent seat of the national government. Its

inauguration as capital city was marked by the laying of a cornerstone for a capitol building at Constitution Hills

on October 22, 1949. Subsequently, construction of government buildings began. On June 16, 1950, the City

Charter was revised by Republic Act. No. 537 which extended its boundaries to its present area of 15,359

hectares. It officially replaced Manila as capital in 1948; the capital returned to Manila by virtue of Presidential

Decree No. 940 on June 24, 1976.

Geography

Quezon City is the biggest of the six cities in the Metro Manila Area, lying immediately northeast of Manila and

straddling the northern extension of the Guadalupe plateau. This strategic location provides stable ground

foundation, adequate surface drainage, deep water table, and ample ground water supply. It is an area of

moderate slopes and the most common soil type is the hard loam, more popularly known as the adobe which

was heavily used in construction in the past. In terms of land area, Quezon City is the second biggest in the

country, being next in size to Davao City and is five times bigger than Manila.

Quezon City is 10 kms. north of Manila. To the city's east are San Mateo, Rizal and Marikina City; to the west

are San Juan and the city Manila; to the north are Caloocan City and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and to the

south are the cities of Pasig and Mandaluyong. Quezon City is five (5) times bigger than Manila; in area, it is

the second to the country's biggest city - Davao City. Rolling hills spread over a large portion of Quezon City.

Its lowest altitude is 25 feet above sea level, while its highest is 55 feet.

Quezon City has a land area of 16,112.58 hectares, almost one fourth of the Region and the biggest among the

cities and municipalities. Situated on the Guadalupe Plateau, the city's topography is largely rolling with

alternating ridges and lowlands. The southern region of the City has a low grade terrain while the northern half

is undulating that culminates at the Novaliches Reservoir. Served by a network of rivers and creeks, the city is

efficiently drained except for some portions which experiences flash floods due to the deterioration of

waterways. Rolling hills spread over a large portion of Quezon City. Its lowest altitude is 25 feet above sea

level, while its highest is 55 feet.

The City shares an aquafier system with Metro Manila which, due to overdrawing which has been subjected to

saltwater intrusion. Another feature which it shares with the rest of the region is the valley (Marikina) Fault

System traversing the city's eastern portion.

Districts

Quezon City is divided into four congressional districts composed about 142 barangays. Each district is

represented by six City Councilors, four representatives/congressmen, one from each district, are elected as

members of the National Legislature. The number of barangays per district is: District I, 37; District II, 28;

District III, 37; and District IV, 38. Although District II hast the least number of barangays, it is the biggest in

land area, including the Novaliches Reservoir.

District 1 - comprises 37 barangays with a population of 373,712 or 17% of the total population of Quezon

City of 2.17 million as of May 1, 2002. These barangays are located mostly in the northern part of Quezon

City.

District 2 - with the least number of barangays (30) has the bulk of the population of Quezon City. Fifty

four percent (54%) or 1,163,537 people resides in the said district. Barangay Commonwealth has 120,569

persons counted during the 2000 census of population. Over half of the population is in Congressional

District II.

District 3 - Only 12% of the population are residing in this district comprising of thirty seven (37)

barangays. This is the least populated district where most of the large establishments (Cubao Area) and

posh villages/subdivisions such as White Plains, Corinthian Gardens etc... can be found. Also, the smallest

barangay in terms of population can be found in this district - Brgy. Mangga with a population count of 494

(113 Households).

District 4 - has the most number of barangays (38). But have an almost identical share with District I Both

having a share of the population of Quezon City at 17% or a population of 365,410 person. This district

has the lowest household size of 4.29 compared to the other 3 districts.

Sub-divisions

Diliman

Diliman is where many government offices are located including Quezon City Hall. At Diliman's center lies the

Quezon Memorial where the late President Manuel L. Quezon is interred. The monument, encased in marble,

is the highest structure in that part of the city. Running around the monument is the two-kilometer Quezon

Memorial Circle, also known as the Elliptical Road (R-7/C-5). The circle links Commonwealth (R-7/C-5),

Visayas, Kalayaan, East, North(C-5), and Quezon Avenues (R-7). The last three avenues provide access

to Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) (C-4), the main highway in Metro Manila. Bureau of Internal

Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), the National Power Corporation, the Philippine Institute of

Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs), the National Computer Center (NCC), the Office of the Ombudsman,

the Department of Agriculture, Department and Agrarian Reform(DAR), and the Department of Environment

and Natural Resources (DENR) are some of the government agencies that are located in Diliman. University of

the Philippines as well as the 15-hectare campus of Far Eastern University's Institute of Technology (now FEU-

FERN College) is located at the central portion of Diliman.

Hospitals and other health centers are also housed in Diliman. Along East Avenue stands the Philippine Heart

Center, the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), the [[National Kidney and Transplant Institute]], and

the Philippine Mental Health Association. Along North Avenue is the Veterans Memorial Medical

Center (VMMC) and the Philippine Health Association. ThePhilippine Children's Medical Center and Lung

Center of the Philippines is located along Quezon Avenue.

Commonwealth and Balara

Commonwealth Avenue was formerly called Don Mariano Marcos Avenue. It is home to many subdivisions

such as Don Jose Heights, Ideal Subdivision, Jordan Park Homes and Doña Carmen Subdivision.

Commonwealth also plays host to one of the largest squatters' communities in the country, specifically in the

areas of Batasan Hills (formerly called Constitution Hills). Batasang Pambansa is located at the heart of

Commonwealth Avenue.

Tandang Sora

It got its name from the Mother of the Revolution, Melchora Aquino or Tandang Sora. The area is primarily

residential with Projects 6 and 8 located here, as are other subdivisions, like Town & Country Gardenville, San

Pedro Subdivisions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), NaPoCor Village, NIA Village, Reymar Subdivision, Villa Corrina, and

many more. A large portion of Tandang Sora district is Barangay Bahay Toro, where a historic site of

the Philippine Revolution known as Pugad Lawin is located. The main campus of AMA Computer University is

located in the western portion of Project 8.

Loyola Heights

Loyola Heights is Marikina City's gateway to Quezon City. The main campus of  Ateneo de Manila

Univesity and Miriam College are located in Loyola Heights. Loyola Heights is an upper middle-class and rich

residential area that caters to students of the Ateneo de Manila, University of the Philippines, and Miriam

College. Near these areas, and right beside La Vista, are some squatters' settlements, making the Loyola

Heights area a place of mixed socio-economic classes.

Cubao

Cubao is an important commercial area. At its heart is the Araneta Center, along EDSA and Aurora Boulevard.

It houses a number of shopping malls like Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza, and the modern Gateway Mall. Plaza Fair,

Rustan's, Shopwise Supercenter, and Makro can also be found here. At the center is Araneta Coliseum, often

called the Big Dome.

Libis

Libis is one of the newly developed commercial areas in Quezon City. The Eastwood City Business Center is

situated here. It consists of several office and residential skyscrapers, including many local IT and consumer

electronic firms. Numerous bars and restaurants, open-air restaurants and coffee shops.

Timog area

Timog and Tomas Morato avenue is a popular entertainment area. Located along these two avenues are many

fine-dining restaurants and bars. Several of the streets in the surrounding area were named in honor of the 20

Boy Scouts who died in a plane crash en route to joining the 11th World Scout Jamboree. Because of this,

Timog area is also often called Scout Area.

Novaliches

Novaliches is primarily residential. The La Mesa Dam Watershed occupies the eastern portion. Malls like SM

City Fairview, Robinsons Place Novaliches, Fairview Center Mall and colleges like FEU (Far Eastern

University) -NRMF, Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU), AMA Computer College Fairview Campus, Metro

Manila College (MMC), National College of Business and Arts (NCBA), La Consolacion College-Deparo(LCCD)

and Montessori College are located here.

Sta. Mesa Heights

Sta. Mesa Heights is said to be where many middle class and upper middle class families reside. Angelicum

College, St. Theresa's College, Quezon City and Lourdes School of Quezon City are three prestigious private

Catholic schools to be found here.

San Francisco Del Monte

San Francisco Del Monte (SFDM) was founded on February 17, 1590. It was an independent town during the

Spanish era that had an area of 250 acres of land filled with wildlife and trees. It was later absorbed by Quezon

City when it was created. SFDM is a heavily populated district. The two main intersections of this area are

Roosevelt Avenue and Del Monte Avenue.

Galas-Santol

The Galas-Santol District of Quezon City is located in its southwest border with the City of Manila. West of the

avenue lies the residential corner of many of the poorest in the city. Shanties predominate the area, stretching

from Araneta Avenue to Galas, while east of the avenue features the palatial mansions of some of the richest.

SM City Sta. Mesa lies at the end of the avenue.

The Project areas

The Project areas include Project 1 (presently Roxas), Project 2 (Quirino-A), Project 3 (Quirino-B), Project 4,

Project 5 (presently Kamias), Project 6, Project 7, and Project 8. These areas are among the first residential

subdivisions in the city developed by former Philippine Presidents Quezon, Quirino and Marcos.

Economy

Business in the city is dominated by small and medium-scale establishments engaged mostly in the

distribution of finished products and the provision of basic personal services. With a sizeable portion of the

city's land area being developed for commercial and industrial ventures, complemented by the availability

of a large manpower pool, Quezon City has great potential to support an increase in the number of big

businesses in the city.

Education

The following are some of the well-known universities, private and public schools are located in Quezon

City: AMA Computer University, Colegio de San Lorenzo, Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College, New Era

University, St. Paul College, Quezon City, Saint Pedro Poveda College,St. Mary's College, Quezon

City, Siena College, Quezon City, STI College, Technological Institute of the Philippines (Quezon

City),Philippine Science High School, Quezon City Science High School, and the University of the

Philippines Integrated School,Angelicum College, Ateneo de Manila (Grade School and High

School), Claret School of Quezon City, Diliman Preparatory School,Holy Family School, Holy Spirit

School, Jose Abad Santos Memorial School (JASMS), Kostka School, Lourdes School of Quezon

City, Philippine Rehabilitation Institute, Quezon City Academy, Saint Claire School, Saint Joseph's College

of Quezon City, St. Theresa's College, Quezon City, Stella Maris College, Quezon City and Trinity

University of Asia (formerly Trinity College of Quezon City).

Climate

Weather conditions in Quezon City are more or less the same as those prevailing in Manila. Due to its

higher elevation, the temperature is generally lower, relative humidity and wind velocity are proportionately

higher.

Quezon City experiences the highest amount of rainfall during the months of July to October averaging to

9.79 inches.

Population

The city is the country's melting pot. Hundreds if nor thousands of Ilocanos, Bicolanos, Visayans,

Bulakenos and Moslems migrate to this city every year. Quezon City's population as of May 1, 1990 is

1,666,766.

Language

Literacy in Quezon City is relatively high. English is widely spoken, though it is Tagalog/Filipino which is

predominantly used.

The City of San Juan (Lungsod ng San Juan) is one of the 16 cities in Metro

Manila or the National Capital Region in the Philippines. It is the smallest city in

Metro Manila, larger only than the metro's sole municipality, Pateros, in terms of

land area.. It contains the Pinaglabanan Shrine, which marks the site of the first

battle of the Philippine Revolution of 1898. San Juan is located at the center of

Metro Manila. It is bordered by Quezon City to the north and east, Mandaluyong

City to the south and the City of Manila to the west.

History

San Juan was once the municipality of San Juan del Monte. Before the creation of Metro Manila, it was part of

Rizal province. Although not officially, San Juan has also been dubbed the "Town of Philippine Presidents,"

having been the official residence of four out of the last nine presidents since the Philippines became a

Republic in 1946: Diosdado Macapagal, Sr. (1961-1965) and his daughter Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001-

2010); Ferdinand Marcos (1965-1986); and Joseph Estrada (1998, until his ouster in 2001's EDSA II). Also, the

second President of the 3rd Republic, Elpidio Quirino (1948-1953), after his term ended, retired to San Juan

where he resided until his death in 1956.

Landmarks and Culture

The famous Greenhills Shopping Center, a popular mall with tiangges (flea market stalls) where you can

bargain for cheaper prices, is located in San Juan. Also located in the city are Xavier School, a prominent all-

boys school in South East Asia; the Immaculate Conception Academy-Greenhills, a Chinese school exclusively

for girls; and De la Salle High School Greenhills. The Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication and the

Polytechnic University of the Philippines – San Juan are also located the city. San Juan is known for its

celebration of the feast of their patron, St. John the Baptist, which entails dousing everyone on the streets with

water every June 24 (as is done in baptism).

Government

The city of San Juan is known as the bastion of the Estrada/Ejercito political family. Former President Joseph

Estrada once served as mayor of San Juan. After him, his son Jinggoy became the city mayor. In the 2010

elections, Guia Gomez, the mother of Joseph Estrada’s son JV Ejercito, was proclaimed as the city mayor for

the term 2010 until 2013, while JV was also proclaimed as the city's representative in the Lower House.

Francisco Zamora garnered the highest number of votes for the vice mayoral seat.

Population

The city’s population was 117,680 in the year 2000, which inflated to 125,338 in the 2007 Census. This figure

showed an annual population increase of 0.87%.

Barangays

San Juan is politically subdivided into 21 barangays, this includes:

Addition Hills

Balong-Bato

Batis

Corazon De Jesus

Ermitaño

Halo-halo (St. Joseph)

Isabelita

Kabayanan

Little Baguio

Maytunas

Onse

Pasadeña

Pedro Cruz

Progreso

Rivera

Salapan

San Perfecto

Santa Lucia

Tibagan

West Crame

Greenhills

The City of Taguig (formerly spelled as Tagig; Filipino: Lungsod ng Taguig) is the

newest city in Metro Manila in the Philippines. The city used to be a thriving fishing

community along the shores of Laguna de Bay but is now an important residential

and industrial suburb of Manila. The recent construction of the C-5 highway and

the acquisition of the Fort Bonifacio development area has paved the way for the

cityhood of the municipality.

Taguig City lies on the western shore of Laguna de Bay and is bordered

by Muntinlupa City to the south, Parañaque City to the southwest, Pasay City to

the west, Cainta and Taytay on the northwest and Makati City, Pateros, and Pasig City to the north. Taguig

River, a tributary of the Pasig River cuts through the northern half of the municipality and Napindan River, also

a tributary of the Pasig forms the common border of Taguig with Pasig City.

Barangays

Taguig City is politically subdivided into 28 barangays. In December 2008, ten new barangays were created in

the city after a successful plebiscite by virtue of City Ordinance Nos. 24-27, 57-61, 67-69, and 78, Series of

2008.

History

Before the Spaniards came, Taguig was a part of Kingdom of Tondo ruled by Rajah Soliman. There were also

accounts that Chinese settlements were once present in the area as revealed by the recent archeological

diggings of various artifacts like glasses, cups, plates and other utensils, which bear Chinese characters. This

was believed to have originated from China's Ming dynasty.

Taguig was one of the earliest known territories to have been Christianized when the Spaniards succeeded in

subjugating mainland Luzon through the Legazpi expedition in1571. Between the years 1582 and 1583, Taguig

was of the encomienda of Tondo headed by an Alcalde Mayor, Captain Vergara. It was in 1587 when Taguig

was established as a separate "pueblo" (town) of the then province of Manila. Captain Juan Basi was its

Kapitan from 1587 to 1588. According to records, Taguig had nine (9) barrios then namely, Bagumbayan,

Bambang, Hagonoy, Palingon, Sta. Ana, Tipas, Tuktukan, Ususan, and Wawa.

During that time, Taguig was accessible via the Pasig River, which was connected to two large bodies of water,

the Manila Bay andLaguna de Bay. The population then was estimated to be 800 tributes. The town produced

more than enough rice for their consumption but had less sugar cane to mill. The men lived through fishing

while women wove cotton cloth and "sawali" from bamboo strips.

The people of Taguig were known to have resisted both Spanish and American colonial rule. During that early

period of Spanish colonition. Don Juan Basi, "Kapitan" of Taguig from 1587 to 1588, attempted to overthrow

the Spanish government but failed, being exiled for two years as punishement. When then Katipunan was on

its early years, many from Taguig became followers and later joined the uprising. The people of Taguig also

joined the revolutionary government of General Emilio Aguinaldo on August 6, 1898.

In 1998, a bill was passed in Congress pushing for the cityhood of Taguig. The resulting plebiscite in April

showed that the citizens were against cityhood. A recent petition to the Supreme Court sought a recount of the

plebiscite and the Supreme Court on February 19,2004 ordered the Commission on Elections to conduct a

recount. The recount showed that the residents did want the municipality of Taguig to become a city (21,105

'yes' and 19,460 'no'). Subsequently, Taguig became a city on December 8, 2004.

Education

Taguig City is home to three prestigious international schools: International School Manila, British School

Manila and Manila Japanese School. The three schools are located at the University Park of Fort

Bonifacio Global City. Joining them in the University Park are Summit School, Victory Leadership Institute and

MGC-New Life Christian Academy.

Two of the top state universities are also in Taguig City--the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and

the Technological University of the Philippines. Both universities are located in Bicutan, Taguig City.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) was established through the enactment of

"Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994", which was signed into law by President Fidel V.

Ramos. This Act aims to encourage the full participation of and mobilize the industry, labor, local government

units and technical-vocational institutions in the skills development of the country's human resource. The

TESDA complex and facilities are located at the East Service Road of the South Luzon Expressway in Taguig

City.

Taguig City has two Islamic educational institutions located in Maharlika Village--the Maharlika Bandara-Inged

Integrated School and the Maharlika Village Islamic Madrasa.

Other notable schools in Taguig City are the city-run Taguig Science High School in Hagonoy, the Catholic

Church-owned Colegio de Sta. Ana, The Fisher Valley College, a Christian school in Hagonoy, and St. Francis

College, a Catholic school in Bagumbayan.

The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Taguig (Taguig City College) started their operations in November 2006 with

night classes at two of the city's larger secondary schools. Construction of a school building will follow soon.

Conflict

Makati City and Taguig have recently fought over the jurisdiction of Fort Bonifacio. This Philippine military base,

part of which has been converted to a modern commercial and residential development area, lies in an

ambiguous area. A portion of the base, including the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Cemetery for the Heroes) and

the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial lies within Taguig, while the northern portion where the

development center is now located used to be considered part of Makati. A 2003 ruling by a judge in the Pasig

Regional Trial Court has upheld the jurisdiction of Taguig over the whole of Fort Bonifacio, including the Fort

Bonfacio Global City.

Landmarks

Food Terminal, Inc.  (FTI) - the business center that boasts of over 300 medium scale companies in food

manufacturing, electronics, garments and service industries.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority  (TESDA) - A technical and skills training center

offering short-term vocational courses

Camp Bagong Diwa  - The camp is in Bicutan, it is where NCRPO headquarters, prison complex and drug

rehabilitation centers are located.

Department of Science and Technology  - A mini forest and eco-tourism park in Bicutan suitable for

camping and bivouac activity. It is the national headquarters of the DOST.

Technological University of the Philippines  - A state university branch and alma mater for students

coming from Taguig and its environs

Polytechnic University of the Philippines  - A state university branch and alma mater for students

coming from Taguig and its environs.

Veterans' Museum  - A museum where war stories in life-sized tableaus are retold using all forms of art

fused with high-end technology.

The Blue Mosque  - A religious center and a socio-civic rendezvous for both Filipino and foreign muslims

in Maharlika Village.

Bantayog ng Bayani  - A fitting tribute to the heroes of Taguig during the WWI at Fort Bonifacio.

Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne  - Built in 1587 in Sta. Ana, one of the Philippines' oldest churches.

Dambanang Kawayan  - A century old church in Tipas made of pure, native bamboo.

Museo de Sta. Ana  - A museum at the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne. The repository of artifacts

detailing the rich religious culture and history of Taguig since 1857.

The City of Valenzuela (Lungsod ng Valenzuela) is one of the 16 cities that

comprise Metro Manila or the National Capital Region of the Philippines. It is one

of the northernmost cities in the metro. It is bounded by the cities

of Quezon and Caloocan to the east, Malabon City and the southern part of

Caloocan to the south, Obando to the west and Meycauayan to the north both in

the province of Bulacan.

History

Valenzuela City was first known as the town of Polo under the administration of the province of Bulacan then

Meycauayan. It was considered by the Spanish colonizers as an agricultural area, therefore used by farmers to

produce crops. In 1623, the town of Polo became a municipality independent from Meycauayan. When the

Spanish occupation retreated, it left the country to the Americans. The Philippines was then ruled by the

military. Dr. Pio Alejandrino Valenzuela was appointed mayor of the municipality of Polo on 6 September 1899.

In 1963, by virtue of Executive Order No. 46, the municipality of Polo in Bulacan was renamed after Dr.

Valenzuela. By 8 November 1975, the municipality of Valenzuela was no longer a part of Bulacan. Under the

Presidential Decree No. 824, it became a part of the National Capital Region. Valenzuela officially achieved its

cityhood on 14 February 1998 under the presidency of Fidel V. Ramos. Today, Valenzuela City continues to

develop into a highly urbanized city with residential, commercial, and industrial centers.

Government and barangays

In the 2010 national and local elections, incumbent mayor Sherwin Gatchalian and vice mayor Eric Martinez

once again gained the topmost seats in the city. Gatchalian’s younger brother Rexlon Gatchalian won as the

first district representative while Magtanggol Gunigundo gained the second district representative seat.

Valenzuela is composed of 32 barangays which are grouped into two congressional districts and two legislative

districts. Legislative District 1contains 23 barangays in the northern half of the city, while District 2occupies the

9 barangays in the southern portion of the city.

District 1

Arkong Bato

Balangakas

Bignay

Bisig

Canumay

Coloong

Dalandanan

Isla

Lawang Bato

Lingunan

Mabolo

Malanday

Malinta

Palasan

Pariancillo Villa

Pasolo

Poblacion

Polo

Punturin

Rincon

Tagalag

Veinte Reales

Wawang Pulo

District 2

Bagbaguin

Karuhatan

Gen. T. De Leon

Mapulang Lupa

Marulas

Maysan

Parada

Paso de Blas

Ugong

Population

According to the 2007 Census data, the city of Valenzuela has a population of 568,928. The city has an annual

population growth of 2.21% based on the 2000 population of 485,433.

Landmarks

Even a young city like Valenzuela still has many historical and entertaining places to visit. These include the

following:

Arkong Bato

The Egbert Monument

The Japanese Cemetery

The Pio Valenzuela House

The San Diego de Alcala Church Ruins

The San Roque Church

The PNR or Philippine National Railway Station

Fatima Shrine Complex

The Museo Valenzuela