"Manila Today" a City of Manila Travel Page by cyndymc

The name MANILA is sometimes used by foreigners interchangeably with the Philippines, perhaps because it was the former capital of the country, and popular exports of the country like Manila hemp (abaca), Manila tobacco and Manila paper contributed to the name recall. However, this shouldn't be so, for Manila is only part of the Philippines.

Manila is but one of 13 cities and 4 municipalities that comprise the area now known as Metro Manila or the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines. The NCR is located in the southern portion of Luzon, between the Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog Regions, between Manila Bay and the inland lake of Laguna de Bay. The City of Manila is in the western part of Metro Manila, bounded on the west by Manila Bay, the north by Quezon City and Kalookan City, the east by San Juan and Mandaluyong City and the south by Pasay and Makati.

Manila is subdivided into 16 territorial districts that have their own churches (except for the Port Area) and distinct identification. The more popular districts are: Quiapo, home of the miraculous Black Nazarene; Binondo, Manila's Chinatown; Ermita, known as the Tourist Belt; and Intramuros, "Walled City of Manila" during Spanish times; and San Miguel, known as University Belt and location of the Malacanang Palace.

A popular song's lyrics go: "There is no place like Manila." Rightly so, because Manila is a fusion of the old and new; an enigmatic blend of cultures.

The view of Manila's skyline is as attractive and enigmatic in the evening as in daytime.

Going to Manila doesn't seem complete without going to the beautifully landscaped and historical Rizal Park.