Gateway: Metro Manila

Metro Manila. It’s a megacity with a huge appetite for fun. From its historic neighborhoods to the outrageous housing developments, Metro Manila is a maze of vibrant energy with bits of calm in between. This mighty megalopolis, is a grouping of 16 cities and one town. Eleven million people live here—that’s more than double the population of the entire Republic of Ireland!

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  NCR
  Gateway: Metro Manila

Also known as the National Capital Region or NCR, it consists of the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, and Pateros.

The original capital Manila, which the metropolis was named after, was situated in the banks of where the Pasig River meets Manila Bay. The 23-kilometer Pasig River was a strategic point for trade and commerce.  History states that a certain mangrove,nilad, grew in the bank, and Maynila (the Filipino term for Manila), essentially means, “Where there is nilad”.

Rajah Soliman ruled this area. His fort, or kuta, was destroyed by the Spanish, and there they built the beginnings of the capital, Manila. The area is now called, Fort Santiago.

Manila grew immensely due to the Galleon trade. It lasted 250 years and was the longest trade route on the planet. From then on, the towns around grew with it. Although they were part of Laguna, Rizal and Pampanga provinces, they soon became cities. For purposes of governance, the cities were formed into a region in 1975, and the area was called the National Capital Region. It is now the seat of government and the major urban center of the country. Interestingly, it is the 11^th most populous city on Earth!

Where do you start in the bustling metropolis? Start in the heart, Manila, and move your way through the capital. Each city has its own adventure! Hang out in any of the karaoke bars, there is one or more in every barangay! Filipinos are musical, so we love to sing and dance!  Check out a bamboo organ. Visit any of the fish ports and learn the art of “bulong.”  Indulge in Filipino food. We have street food galore—from the dirty ice cream (which is far from dirty), to warm, silken tofu or “taho,” and of course, everyone who visits must try the famous “balut!”

Like to party? Dance the night away in the clubs of Taguig. Or indulge in world-class cuisine in Makati. Up for a cultural escapade? Visit San Agustin Church in Intramuros, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; or check out metal age relics such as themanunggul jar in the National Museum. How about shopping? If you fancy gorgeous south sea pearls at drop down prices, bargain your way through Greenhills. Or visit any city and drop by our air-conditioned palaces such the SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall. How about an environmental oasis in the city? Walk around La Mesa Dam or have a breather by Manila Bay.

This is Metro Manila; it’s an enjoyable culture shock.  Megacities. More fun in the Philippines.