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The silence before the storm! Manila’s skyline

Manila had been attacked and captured before also. The Spanish ruled Philippines for nearly three centuries and one finds a unique mix of east and west cultures here. Intramuros is Spanish for within the walls meaning within the wall enclosure of the city/fortress. It also describes its structure as it is surrounded by thick, high walls and moats. Here only the Spanish and the mestizos were allowed to live inside the city walls. The walls were perceived as necessary since the natives were relatively hostile to the brutal Spanish regime.

During the Spanish Period, Intramuros was considered Manila itself. It is the oldest section of the city founded in 1571 by the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Megallan and is located along the southern bank of the Pasig River. Intramuros remains to this day the administrative and historical centre of the city. This part of the city reveals the history where initially it was a culture that was imposed but later one can see an amalgamation. As the centre of Spanish colonial rule it has left behind many buildings that are Spanish in style. In your visit to the Intramuros you would be able to witness many attractions like The Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, many old buildings and forts.

According to some, in Intramuros, every stone, soil, every street, old building has its own story to tell. In general the history of the Philippines is associated with the Intramuros region of Manila as this area has been a site where the political plotting, ecclesiastical jealousy, and at the same time the official pomp and ceremony went hand in hand. The Spanish ruling class lived inside the city.

In the 17th century the Intramuros consisted around two thousand inhabitants. In the 18th century the increasing growth of the city suspended the growth of the Intramuros. But now Manila is much more than Intramuros.

The city of Manila rests on a coastal plain surrounded by mountains to the north, east, and south.

A possible reason for the location of Manila on this plain was its distance from the active volcanoes of the region. Today, the urban sprawl has reached to these mountains that were once distant specks. What is now known as Metro Manila is actually a collection a many cities that were engulfed by Manila’s rapid expansion since World War II. Despite all the political turmoil the nation has been through, the city is thriving. Manila today is a lesson in contrasts.

The dichotomies of wealth and poverty are evident, with the palatial neighbourhoods around Makati contrasting with squatter camps along the river, where the destitute scavenge to survive.

The city’s chaos also reflects the Philippines’ cultural diversity – there are more than a hundred cultural minority groups living in the country.

Bustling, noisy, turbulent but lively that is how one can illustrate Manila, which makes it as one of the busiest and moving cities. This cosmopolitan city boasts of five-star hotels and restaurants, the presidential residence, Malacanang Palace, traditional public markets, and educational institutions.

As the main metropolitan city of the country, it offers number of music clubs, theatres and cinemas.

You can enjoy English plays, opera performances, music and dance performances as well as latest Hollywood blockbuster flicks along with regional movies.

Right in the heart of bustling Manila is Makati, the country’s business and financial centre. It is very much the sophisticated commercial complex that is usually found in many of the world’s leading cities. Bounded by the elegant hotels and restaurants, the complex houses some of the country’s leading commercial establishments. Ayala Centre is the ultimate shopping, dining and entertainment destination. At Glorietta and Greenbelt, one can find over 300 food shops from fine dining restaurants to cosy cafes to fast food outlets.

For a quiet stroll along the banks of the historic Pasig River, the Makati Park & Garden provides respite for tired souls far from the bustle of the central business district.

Constructed by the City government, the park is a tranquil haven for residents and visitors, and is becoming a favorite venue for wedding receptions and other social functions.

Culturally, Manila has a flavour all its own. A few things that will catch your attention as a tourist is that most Filipinos speak English though at times it sounds like Spanish but you will manage fine.

The food is a very tasty and unusual hybrid of Spanish and Asian flavours. And you definitely would want to ride the “jeepney” – a rickety, fully chromed-out, US Army-style Jeep that has been modified into an open-air stretch limo with bench seating.

Last but not the least, the Filipinos are unbelievably gracious and friendly who will go to any lengths to make your stay a memorable one. All in all, I liked Manila and so will you!

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