Friday, April 16, 2010
Manila City
Posted on 11:22 AM by ashertrix
Manila is the capital city of the Philippines. But we Filipinos call Manila "The City of Our Affections." This phrase is taken from an old Spanish writing; but it also expresses a modern sentiment.
Manila is all things for all Filipinos. It is the seat government administration, the fashion center, the intellectual pacesetter, the fountainhead of all religious and educational movements; and of course, enormous shopping arcades. It is politics and art; markets and churches; banks and universities - the whole life.
Manila is all things for all Filipinos. It is the seat government administration, the fashion center, the intellectual pacesetter, the fountainhead of all religious and educational movements; and of course, enormous shopping arcades. It is politics and art; markets and churches; banks and universities - the whole life.
In the days of the Spanish Empire, Manila was Spain's seat of power in Asia and the Pacific. Today, the city and its people are a mish-mash of the East and West. A string of harsh invasions (Spain, USA, Japan) and a history of hardships moulded Filipinos into resilient, good-humoured and resourceful people, traits that can be seen in their everyday life.
The friendliness of Filipinos translates to good customer service in hotels, businesses and malls. Most residents speak English, so navigating the city is not a big problem. These, plus the added purchasing value of the foreign exchange rate, make Manila a great place for guests looking for luxury, pampering and bargains.
For most Filipinos - especially those who have yet to visit Manila - it is a political and economic summit, the city of dreams. For the millions eking out a living in its slums and its westernized middle classes; it is an asphalt jungle - gaudy and ruthless but irresistible.
Visitors to the Philippines cannot avoid using Manila as a starting point for their exploration of the other provinces and islands, because most charter flights to the outlying islands leave from the city's airport. The city is also within reach of day and weekend getaways on the island of Luzon; this makes it a good base for travellers intent on touring. One thing no visitor should miss is a famous Manila Bay sunset: a light show created out of the high humidity conditions coupled with the effects of cloud over the city's harbour. This remarkable sight allows a short respite from the more unpleasant aspects of the sprawling city. View the sunset from Rizal Park, Roxas Boulevard or from a cruise boat that plies around Manila Bay.
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