Manila Bay
Location	Luzon Island, Philippines
River sources	Pasig River
Max. length	19 km (12 mi)
Max. width	48 km (30 mi)
Surface area	2,000 km2 (770 sq mi)
Islands	Corregidor Island, El Fraile Island, Caballo island,
Settlements	Manila, Navotas, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Malolos City, Balanga City

Manila Bay satellite image

Manila Bay is a natural harbor which serves the Port of Manila (on Luzon), in the Philippines.The bay is considered to be one of the best natural harbors in Southeast Asia and one of the finest in the world. Strategically located around the capital city of the Philippines, Manila Bay facilitated commerce and trade between the Philippines and its neighbouring countries,^[1] becoming the gateway for socio-economic development even prior to Spanish occupation. With an area of 1,994 km² (769.9 sq mi), and a coastline of 190 km (118.1 mi), Manila Bay is situated in the western part of Luzon and is bounded by Cavite and Metro Manila on the east, Bulacan and Pampanga on the north, and Bataan on the west and northwest.^[2] Manila Bay drains approximately 17,000 km² (6,563.7 sq mi) of watershed area, with the Pampanga River contributing about 49% of the freshwater influx. With an average depth of 17 m (55.8 ft), it is estimated to have a total volume of 28.9 billion cubic meters (28.9 cubic km). Entrance to the bay is 19 km (11.8 mi) wide and expands to a width of 48 km (29.8 mi). However, width of the bay varies from 22 km (13.7 mi) at its mouth and expanding to 60 km (37.3 mi) at its widest point.^[2]

The islands of Corregidor and Caballo divides the entrance into two channels,^[2] about 2 miles (3.2 km) towards the North and 6.5 miles (10.5 km) wide on the South side. Mariveles, in the province of Bataan, is an anchorage just inside the northern entrance and Sangley Point is the former location of Cavite Naval Base. On either side of the bay are volcanic peaks topped with tropical foliage: 40 km to the north is the Bataan Peninsula and to the south is the province of Cavite.

Across the entrance to Manila Bay are several islands, the largest of which is Corregidor, located 3 kilometers from Bataan and, along with the island of Caballo, separates the mouth of the bay into the North and South Channels. In the south channel is El Fraile Island and outside the entrance, and to the south, is Carabao Island. El Fraile, a rocky island some 4 acres (1.6 ha) in area, supports the massive concrete and steel ruins of Fort Drum, an island fortress constructed by the United States Army to defend the southern entrance of the bay. To the immediate north and south are additional harbors, upon which both local and international ports are situated. Large number of ships at the North and South harbors facilitate maritime activities in the bay.^[1] Being smaller of the two harbors, the North Harbor is used for inter-island shipping while the South Harbor is used for large ocean-going vessels.^[2]

History[link]

Manila Bay was connected to Laguna Lake (or Laguna de Bai) approximately 3,000 years ago.^[2] Recurring episodic uplifts along the West Marikina Valley Fault^[3] caused the two to break up. Interaction between Manila Bay and Laguna Lake occurs only through Pasig River.

The bay was the setting for the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898 in which American troops led by Commodore George Dewey, seized the area. Significantly, this battle showcased the United States' naval strength when all major Spanish ships were destroyed and captured.^[4] With its proud historic past and the place brimming with marine life,^[5] Manila Bay became the ocean portal to its epicenter for government, economy and industry.^[4] Seven years later during the Russo-Japanese War at the close of the Battle of Tsushima in 1905, three surviving Russian protected cruisers, the Aurora, Zhemchug, and Oleg, managed to make port in then-United States-controlled Manila for repairs. But because the US was a neutral power, the trio of warships and their crews remained interned by the U.S. until the war officially came to an end in later that year. In World War II, Corregidor Island was annexed by Japanese forces fighting from this bay once again in 1942. Even earlier various other battles were fought from this naval base including the La Naval de Manila in 1646, which finally put a stop gate to the Dutch trials to seize the Philippines.

Today, Manila Bay still remains important for commerce and industry, including fishing, although rapid urban growth and industrialization are contributing to a decline in water quality and deteriorating marine habitats. It also serves a focus for recreation for Metro Manila and is a popular destination for walks and for viewing the sunset. Much of the land fronting the bay along Metro Manila is reclaimed land which now includes important sites such as the Philippine Senate and the Mall of Asia.

On September 27, 2011, The sea walls of Manila Bay were destroyed by the storm surge caused by Typhoon Pedring. Even the US Embassy, Museo Pambata and Sofitel Philippine Plaza were submerged into flooding. It was estimated that the damage would cost P30 million.^[6] On April 2012, the sea walls were once again opened to public and it was also designed to become stronger to withstand strong storm surges.

Ecosystem[link]

Coastal and marine habitats in the area include upland forests, mangrove, mudflats, sandy beaches, sea grass and coral reefs.

Biodiversity[link]

A total of 19,139 birds belonging to 33 families and 99 species were observed at various monitoring sites along the bay area.^[7] The endangered Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes) and Black-winged cuckoo-shrike were sighted in the area. A large number of migratory birds use the intertidal mudflats, fishponds and saltpans in winter and during the migration seasons.^[8]

Large number of commercial fish species such as snappers, sea catfish and mackerels^[9] were once abundant in these waters. Their decline ushered in the appearance of squid, shrimp, and small pelagic species such as herrings and anchovies.^[1]

Mangroves[link]

The mangrove ecosystem around Manila Bay has both ecological and socioeconomic uses with its association of unique plant and animal species. Of the original 54,000 hectares of mangroves existing at the turn of the 20th century, only 794 hectares are remaining as recorded in 1995.^[10] A few of the mangrove swamps remaining in Pampanga Bay are of considerable value for research and conservation education.^[11] As natural habitats, mangroves considerably help in acting as a protective buffer against cyclones and storms.

Predomiant in the bay area are Avicennia marina (gray or white mangrove) together with 15 species of mangroves belonging to 9 families that grow there. In the Bataan area, species of mangrove swamps that are found thriving include:

• Rhizophora apiculata (bakhaw lalaki in Filipino)
• Rhyzophora mucronata (no common name found)
• Avicennia marina (gray or white mangrove)
• Nypa fruticans (nipa palm)
• Sonneratia alba (no common name)
• Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea (nilad in Filipino)
• Sonneratia acida (pagatpat in Filipino)
• Acanthus ilicifolius (holly-leaved acanthus)
• Excoecaria agallocha (milky mangrove)

Plantations of Cocos nucifera (coconut palm) co-exists with the mangroves found in these areas.

Wetlands[link]

Covering about 4,600 hectares, wetlands^[10] around Manila Bay are useful in:^[12]

• providing food and habitat for fish, shorebirds and wildlife;
• maintaining and improving water quality of rivers, lakes and estuaries,
• acting as reservoir for watersheds, and
• protecting adjacent and downstream properties of the area from potential flood damage

Mudflats, sand flats, swamps, beaches and rocky shores form part of the wetlands in Manila Bay. Found mostly along the coast of Bataan and Pampanga, mudflats are suitable habitats for shellfish.

Coral Reefs[link]

Contributing to the balanced functioning of the ecosystem^[13] around Manila Bay, coral reefs in the area provide sanctuary for fishes. Consequently, its decline through the years has directly affected the fish yield.

Seagrass Beds[link]

As a diverse ecosystem, seagrass beds provide shelter for fishes and other marine life forms. Like the coral reefs, most of the seagrass beds in Manila Bay are found near its mouth, most notably in the areas of Orion, Marivels, Bataan and Corregidor.^[10]

Upland forests[link]

Within the watershed of Manila Bay upland forests abound which are sources of food, timber, fuel wood and other products, as well as habitats for wildlife. These forests provide protection from soil erosion and help maintain the water levels and water quality in rivers and streams. Mount Makiling, Angat Dam watershed, La Mesa Dam watershed, Mount Palay-Palay, Mataas na Gulod National Park, Mount Arayat, and other portions of national parks located in Bataan, Bulacan, Rizal and Tarlac form part of these upland forest ecosystem.

Key Developments[link]

Land Reclamation[link]

Largely intended for use in human settlement and industrial development, land reclamation projects contributed to the reduction of mangroves around the area, as well as significant reduction in Metro Manila's shoreline.^[2] From 1944 to 1991, approximately 600 m of shoreline have been reclaimed in the northern part.^[1] In 2009, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said that there are 7,000 hectares of foreshore areas in Cavite and 5,000 hectares of shallow coastal waters to expand Sangley Point naval base as part of reclamation projects which are mostly funded by foreign investors.^[14]

Land Conversion[link]

Conversion of mangrove and mudflat areas into fishponds have impacted the physical features of the bay whereby what used to be irregular shoreline in 1944 has become more linear by 1977.^[2] Shoreline retreat continued as man-made structures such as fish pens occupied the coastal areas, with progradation dominant from 1977 to 1991. Most area of the bay, except those near the ports, are largely used as a major fishing ground, with fisheries and aquaculture as the dominant source of livelihood for the inhabitants in the coastal areas.^[2]

From 1990, approximately 1,200 hectares of mangroves were cleared, with the land converted for aquaculture or used as salt beds.^[7] In 1993 much of the fisheries resources steadily declined due to over-fishing and over-harvesting.

Waterfront Development[link]

The Baywalk.

With then Mayor Lito Atienza's program Buhayin ang Maynila (Revitalize Manila), in 2002, the local government made the initiative of enhancing the seaside promenade of Manila through urban renewal, upkeep and improvements. What later became known as Baywalk, the facelift of the 2 km strip of central public space aimed at creating a venue for social interaction and recreation.^[15]

With reference to it colonial history,^[15] Manila's waterfront expresses power through the dominant classes ^[16] which uses the Baywalk for exercise, fishing or socialization. The mix of land utilization and social activity provides public access to the edge of the sea, and counters vagrancy and mendicancy.^[15] Reviving Manila's waterfront through the Baywalk injected vibrance and historic appreciation into the public space with the statues of Arsenio Lacson, Ninoy Aquino and Evelio Javier placed in key areas.

At the onset, lack of funds hampered the revival of the Baywalk.^[15] Eventually, planning for the Baywalk means understanding and regulating diversity of functions with appropriate policy.^[15]

Legislation[link]

Manila Bay and its corresponding resources are considered critical recipients of environmental protection. As indicated in the 1987 Constitution (Article II, Section 16) there exists legal basis for environmental protection with the provision that: “the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”^[17]

The Manila Bay Declaration 2001 recognized Manila Bay as a source of food, employment and income for the people as well as the gateway for tourism and recreation.^[18]

Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants was adopted in 2001 and enforced in 2004^[19]

Water Quality[link]

Successive changes in and around Manila Bay are largely due to the intertwining impacts of continued industrialization, unrelenting increase in population, and the incessant human activities catering to livelihood and habitation. These factors are directly degrading the overall environment of Manila Bay and these impacts are manifested in the continued deterioration of the water quality within the bay. Several industries operate along the bay in the highly urbanized Metro Manila area, while there are shipyard facilities in Cavite and^[20][21] in Bataan, several more heavy industries, refineries and a power plant are present. At the shipping ports and ferry terminals, an average of 30,000 ships arrive and depart annually to transport passengers, manufactured goods and raw materials.^[18] Industrial waste discharges^[20] and discharges of untreated domestic wastes from drainage and sewer outlets^[22] have contributed to the severe decline in the quality of water and sediments in the bay as well as impacted on the existing marine habitats.^[2]

Salinity[link]

According to the study by Jacinto^[23] Manila bay has an average surface salinity of 32.6 psu (practical salinity unit). Due to the river influx, the areas near the coasts have low salinity especially in the vicinity of the mouth of the Pasig River in the eastern part of the bay. The bay’s salinity is also affected by strong seasonal variations.^[2]

Effects of Soil Erosion[link]

As indicated by the exposed roots of the coconut trees, continuing soil erosion has been a major factor in the changing shoreline of Manila bay. Apart from soil erosion, other environmental processes such as siltation and sea level rise have also contributed to changing the bay’s coastline. In some parts of the bay, however, erosion are prevented by seawalls and breakers particularly in areas where land has been reclaimed.^[2]

Pollution[link]

With the presence of ports, sea-based sources of pollution around the bay are from ships and motorized boats. Twelve oil spills were recorded in 1995, but it was in 1999 where the highest total volume of oil spill occurred in the Manila South Harbor and Limay, Bataan.^[1] Increased presence of oil and grease in the waters are attributed to maritime activities at the harbors, together with the presence of oil terminals and the discharges from industries.^[7] These factors directly impacted the health of Manila Bay's waters.

Aside from oil spills, trace metals such as copper, cadmium and zinc at the surface of the water^[24] were found at the bay coming from sea-based and land-based (e.g., domestic sewage, industrial effluents, runoff, combustion emissions, and mining operations)^[1] sources.

In 1996, concentrations of 16 commonly used pesticides in surface sediment^[1] was found including dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) found in Manila Bay sediments have been influenced by human activities. PAH come principally from petrogenic sources (e.g., oil discharges from ships, refineries and industries) and pyrolytic sources (from combustion sources).^[25]

Pesticide residues from rice paddy water draining into irrigation canals, which later on empty into river systems and eventually flowing into the surrounding lakes reaches the waters of Manila Bay.^[26] Compounds from these pesticide residues find themselves in food items with metamidophos, endosulfan, chlorpyrifos and diazinon among the common contaminants.^[26] While chronic toxic effects on inhabitants of the bay are not found, impairment of marine biota^[26] were more evident.

In 1998, polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCBs), compounds common in transformers, hydraulic fluids, paint additives and pesticides were determined in sediments and oysters sampled from Manila Bay.^[19] The increase in the nutrient concentration and presence of nitrate, ammonia and phosphate in the bay,from the '80s, through to the '90s and beyond are not only attributed to agricultural runoff and river discharges but also on fertilizers from fishponds.^[2]

Future Directions[link]

Rehabilitation[link]

Despite the issues generally associated with developing countries, such as poverty, over-population and food security, there is surprisingly a growing concern for the environmental vitality of Manila Bay. Rehabilitation, which in this case refers to an attempt to improve an aquatic system and prevent further damage to the natural ecosystems,^[27]is a responsibility assumed both by government and non-government organizations. The Supreme Court of the Philippines for example had issued the Metro Manila Development Authority an order to “demolish illegal structures and dwellings along riverbanks and waterways connected to Manila Bay by 2015” in March, 2011^[28] as an attempt to decrease mass occurrences of water pollution. Projects involving the wider communities include organization of the “Manila Bay Clean Up Run,” which essentially supports the Philippine Environment Agencies with their objectives to raise funding and awareness towards the rehabilitation of Manila Bay’s natural environments.

Sea Level Rise[link]

Global warming, which in its simplest context refers to an increase in the earth’s atmospheric temperature and the subsequent result of sea level rise, poses a great threat in the conservation of Manila Bay and its bordering cities. With recent studies predicting “the sea level could rise between .75 to 1.9 metres by 2100”^[29] and considering the vast landscape of development, growing industries and overly-dense populations, the exponential assets exposed to flood-prone zones evidently become a dire issue. The Philippine Country Study to Address Climate Change has depicted a proactive approach to this environmental issue through governance of a detailed impact assessment covering the following elements:^[30]

Physical Environment

• Tidal regimes including low and high levels of water circulation
• Outlining of seasons to depict periods of high and low rainfall

Habitat and Species

• Identification of coral species, mangrove forests, ecosystems within the coastlines, as well as nearby agricultural land

Vulnerability Analysis

• Vulnerability maps were drawn to outline townscape in accelerated sea level timelines. Using such resources pinpoints the populated areas and natural habitats most likely to be inundated as a result of global warming

Challenges[link]

Due to the low profile of environmentalism and its objectives within the nation of the Philippines, official awareness of global warming and the investment to applicable research is in itself triumphant. Further steps to meet the challenge of rehabilitation and sea level rise within Manila Bay may include additional research to gain insight to the complex nature of existent ecosystems; investment to coastal protection means such as the implementation of concrete walls;^[30] laws and policies dedicated to the protection of habitats and restriction or zoning of developments; as well as public educational programs to increase the intensity of conservation support. Long-term goals for Manila Bay would ideally include the decrease or termination of nearby highly polluting enterprises, implementation effective standards for waste-water discharge and an overall improved water quality.

See also[link]

Philippines portal

• Geography of the Philippines
• Battle of Manila Bay
• Pasig river rehabilitation

References[link]

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f g} Jacinto, G.S., Azanza, R.V.,Velasquez,I.B. and Siringan, F.P.(2006)."Manila Bay:Environmental Challenges and Opportunities" in Wolanski, E.(ed.) The Environment in Asia Pacific Harbours.Springer:Dordrecht, The Netherlands.p309-328.
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k l} Jacinto, G.S., Velasquez, I.B., San Diego-McGlone,M.L.,Villanoy, C.L. and Siringan,F.B.(2006)."Biophysical Environment of Manila Bay - Then and Now", in Wolanski, E.(ed.)The Environment in Asia Pacific Harbours.Springer:Dordrecht,The Netherlands.p. 293-307.
3. ^ Jaraula, C.B., Siringan, F.P. (2004). Multi-proxy reconstruction of Late Quaternary evolution of Laguna de Bai, Philippines. (Submitted to Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology).
4. ^ ^{a b} de Castro, J. A. I. (2010). “Cleaning Up Manila Bay: Mandamus as a Tool for Environmental Protection”. Ecology Law Quarterly. (37) pp 797-804
5. ^ MMDA-Metro Manila Development Authority versus Concerned Residents of Manila Bay. (2008) in de Castro, J.A.I. “Cleaning Up Manila Bay: Mandamus as a Tool for Environmental Protection.” G.R. Nos. 171947-48, 574 SCRA 661, 665 Philippines.
6. ^ GMA News (2011): Manila Cleans up after Pedring onslaught, http://www.gmanews.tv/story/233611/nation/manila-cleans-up-after-typhoon-pedring, Last accessed 28th September, 2011
7. ^ ^{a b c} PEMSEA. (2004) Manila Bay: Refined Risk Assessment. PEMSEA Technical Information Report No. 2004/01. Global Environment Facility / United Nations Development Programme / International Maritime Organization Regional Programme on Building Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA). Quezon City, Philippines.
8. ^ Howes, J.R. (1987). Rapid Assessment of Coastal Wetlands in the Philippines. Kuala Lumpur: Asian Wetland Bureau.
9. ^ Martinez-Goss, M.L. (1999). Estimation of fish biomas in Laguna de Bay based on primary productivity- A special study of the National Statistical Coordination Board.
10. ^ ^{a b c} Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – BFAR. (1995). Fisheries Sector Program – Resources and Ecological Assessment of Manila Bay. Final Report. BFAR- Department of Agriculture, Quezon City, Philippines.
11. ^ National Water Resources Council - NWRC. (1983). Framework Plan: Pampanga River Basins. Report No. 24-3A.
12. ^ Alonzo-Pasicolan, S. (1987). Status of Wetlands in Luzon. Paper presented at the Conference on Wetland and Waterfowl Conservation in Asia, Malacca, Malaysia, 23- 28 February 1987. IWRB & Interwater.
13. ^ International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management - ICLARM (1996). Resource and Ecological Assessment of Manila Bay Philippines: Results of Monitoring Activities (1995-1996).
14. ^ World Justice Project. (2009). “Eco-lawyer Presses Manila Bay Clean Up”. Inquirer Company, Philippines accessed at http://www.worldjusticeproject.org/Eco-lawyer-presses-Manila-Bay-cleanup
15. ^ ^{a b c d e} Gomez, J.E. (2008). "Waterfront design without policy? The actual uses of Manila's Baywalk." Cities. (25) pp 86-106
16. ^ De Barros, J., Myers, G.A., Harris, R. (Reviewer): Order and place: in a Colonial city. Patterns of struggle and resistance in Georgetown, British Guiana, 1889–1924. Verandahs of power: colonialism and space in urban Africa Urban History Review, 32(1). Fall, Toronto.
17. ^ Oposa, A. (1996). Legal Marketing of Environmental Law: The Philippine Experience. Proceedings Fourth International Conference on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement. United States Environmental Protection Agency National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP).USA:Cincinnati. pp 405-418
18. ^ ^{a b} Manila Bay Environmental Project (MBEMP).(2001). Manila Bay Coastal Strategy. Manila Bay Environmental Project (MBEMP). Quezon City, Philippines.
19. ^ ^{a b} Villeneuve,J.P., Cattini,C., Bajet, C.M., Navarro-Calingacion,M. and Carvalho,F.P. (2010). PCBs in sediments and oysters of Manila Bay, the Philippines. International Journal of Environmental Health Research. 20(4): pp 259-269
20. ^ ^{a b} Programme on Building Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia-PEMSEA. (2001). Manila Bay: Initial risk assessment. PEMSEA Technical Information Report No. 2001/01, 112 p. Global Environment Facility/United Nations Development Programme/International Maritime Organization Regional PEMSEA, Quezon City, Philippines.
21. ^ Bajet, C.M. (2003). Ecotoxicology of pesticides in Philippine aquatic ecosystems. In: Taylor MD, Klaine SJ, Carvalho FP, Barcelo´ D, Everaarts J, editors. Pesticide residues in coastal tropical ecosystems. Distribution, fate and effects. London: Taylor & Francis/CRC Press. pp 271–310
22. ^ Acorda, L. (1985). “Manila Bay Study”. EMB-DENR. Quezon City, Philippines.
23. ^ Jacinto, G., Sotto, L., Senal, M., San Diego-McGlone, M., Escobar. M., Amano. A. and Miller, T. (2011) Hypoxia in Manila Bay, Philippines during the northeast monsoon. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 63: pp 243–248.
24. ^ Velasquez I., Jacinto, G.S., and Valera, F.S., (2002). The speciation of dissolved copper, cadmium and zinc in Manila Bay, Philippines. Marine Pollution Bulletin 45, pp 210-217
25. ^ Santiago, E.C., (1997). The levels and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) contamination in bottom sediment in Manila Bay. Science Diliman 9, pp 16-28
26. ^ ^{a b c} Carvalho, F.P., Villeneuve,J.P., Cattini,C., Tolosa,I., Bajet, C.M. and Calingacion, M.N. (2009). Organic Contaminants in the Marine Environment of Manila Bay, Philippines. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 57:348-358
27. ^ G. Dennis Cooke (2005): Ecosystem Rehabilitation, Lake and Reservoir Management, 21:2, 218-221
28. ^ ABS-CBN News (2011): SC wants concrete plan for Manila Bay cleanup, http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/03/04/11/sc-wants-concrete-plan-manila-bay-cleanup, Last accessed 23rd September, 2011
29. ^ Fuchs,R., Conran, M. and Louis, E. (2011). Climate Change and Asia’s Coastal Urban Cities: Can They Meet the Challenge? Environment and Urbanization Asia, 2:13, pp13-28
30. ^ ^{a b} Perez,R.T., Feir, R.B., Carandang, E. and Gonzalez, E.B. (1996). Potential Impacts of Sea Level Rise on the Coastal Resrouces of Manila Bay: A Preliminary Vulnerability Assessment. Water, Air and Soil Pollution, 92, pp137-147

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Manila Bay

• Fort Drum:Concrete Battleship of the Philippines
• Biophysical environment of Manila Bay – Then and now

Coordinates: 14°31′N 120°46′E / 14.517°N 120.767°E / 14.517; 120.767

City of Manila Lungsód ng Maynila
—  Capital City  —
Clockwise from top: The skyline of Manila, Roxas Boulevard, Andrés Bonifacio Shrine, the Oblation of UP Manila, the Rizal Monument, Quiapo Church in Plaza Miranda, the Baywalk, and the Binondo skyline. Clockwise from top: The skyline of Manila, Roxas Boulevard, Andrés Bonifacio Shrine, the Oblation of UP Manila, the Rizal Monument, Quiapo Church in Plaza Miranda, the Baywalk, and the Binondo skyline.
Flag Seal
Nickname(s): Pearl of the Orient[1][2] The City of Our Affections Distinguished and Ever Loyal City
Motto: Linisin at Ikarangal ang Maynila
Map of Metro Manila showing the location of the City of Manila
City of Manila Map of the Philippines showing the location of Manila
Coordinates: 14°35′N 120°58′E / 14.583°N 120.967°E / 14.583; 120.967Coordinates: 14°35′N 120°58′E / 14.583°N 120.967°E / 14.583; 120.967
Country	Philippines
Region	National Capital Region
Districts	1st to 6th districts of Manila
City zones	100
Barangays	897
Settled	June 10, 1574
Government
• Type	Mayor–council
• Mayor	Alfredo Lim (Liberal)
• Vice Mayor	Isko Moreno (Nacionalista)
• Representatives	City Representatives • Benjamin D.R. Asilo 1st District • Carlo V. Lopez 2nd District • Ma. Zenaida B. Angping 3rd District • Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David 4th District • Amado S. Bagatsing 5th District • Rosenda Ann M. Ocampo 6th District
• City Council	Councilors 1st District Ernesto M. Dionisio, Jr. Erick Ian O. Nieva Moises T. Lim Dennis B. Alcoreza Niño M. Dela Cruz Irma C. Alfonso-Juson 2nd District Marlon M. Lacson Edward M. Tan Ruben F. Buenaventura Numero G. Lim Ramon M. Robles Rodolfo N. Lacsamana 3rd District Ma. Asuncion G. Fugoso John Marvin C. Nieto (Yul Servo) Ernesto C. Isip, Jr. Bernardito C. Ang Joel R. Chua Ramon D. Morales 4th District Don Juan "DJ" Bagatsing Ma. Sheilah H. Lacuna-Pangan Edward V. Maceda Jocelyn J. Quintos Luisito N. Chua Eduardo V. QUintos XVI 5th District Josefina M. Siscar Raymundo R. Yupangco Cristina A. Isip Richard C. Ibay Roberto R. Ortega, Jr. Rafael P.Borromeo 6th District Luciano M. Veloso Danilo Victor H. Lacuna, Jr. Elizabeth Z. Rivera Casimiro C. Sison Luis C. Uy Jocelyn B. Dawis-Asuncion Liga ng mga Barangay President Salvador H. Lacuna SK Federation President John Russel Benedict M. Ibay
Area
• Capital City	38.55 km2 (14.88 sq mi)
• Urban	1,474.82 km2 (569.43 sq mi)
• Metro	638.55 km2 (246.55 sq mi)
Elevation	16.0 m (52.5 ft)
Population (2010)[3][4]
• Capital City	1,652,171
• Density	42,858/km2 (111,000/sq mi)
• Urban	20,795,000
• Urban density	14,100/km2 (37,000/sq mi)
• Metro	11,855,975
• Metro density	18,567/km2 (48,090/sq mi)
Demonym	Manileño (m) / Manileña (f), Manilan
Time zone	PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code	0900 to 1096
Area code(s)	2
Website	www.manila.gov.ph

Manila (English: /məˈnɪlə/; Tagalog: Maynila, [majˈnilaʔ]) is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities (along with the smaller municipality of Pateros) that comprise Metro Manila.

Manila is located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north; Quezon City to the northeast; San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east; Makati to the southeast, and Pasay to the south.

Manila has a total population of more than 1,652,171 according to the 2010 census.^[3] Manila is the second most populous city in the Philippines, behind its neighbor, Quezon City. The populace inhabit an area of only 38.55 square kilometers, making Manila the most densely populated city in the world.^[5] Metro Manila is the most populous metropolitan area in the Philippines and the 11th in the world with an estimated population of 16,300,000. The greater urban area is the fifth-most populous in the world and has an estimated metropolitan population of 20,654,307 people.^[6]

The city is divided into six legislative districts and consists of sixteen geographical districts: Binondo, Ermita, Intramuros, Malate, Paco, Pandacan, Port Area, Quiapo, Sampaloc, San Andres, San Miguel, San Nicolas, Santa Ana, Santa Cruz, Santa Mesa and Tondo. Bustling commerce and some of the most historically and culturally significant iconic landmarks in the country, as well as the seat of the executive and judicial branches of the government are to be found in the city; and it is also home to many scientific and educational institutions, numerous sport facilities, a variety of other culturally and historically significant venues. As a primary transportation hub and with the larger capital region bearing its name, there is very little of a general nature to be found in cities anywhere that Manila is lacking.

The earliest written account of the city is the 10th-century Laguna Copperplate Inscription which describes a context of a Indianised kingdom maintaining diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Medang. The city was invaded by Brunei's Sultan Bolkiah and was already Islamized by the 15th century when the Spanish first arrived. Manila eventually became the center of Spanish activity in the Far East and one end of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade route inking Latin America and Asia. This caused it to be called the "Pearl of the Orient". Several Chinese insurrections, local revolts, a British Occupation and a Sepoy mutiny also occurred thereafter. Later, it saw the rise of the Philippine Revolution which was followed by the arrival of the Americans who made contributions to the city's urban planning and development only to have most of those improvements lost in the devastation of World War II. Since then the city has been rebuilt.

History[link]

Escolta Street in stereoptical view, 1899.

Manila was first known as Gintô (gold) or Suvarnadvipa by neighbouring settlements, and was officially the Kingdom of Maynila. The Kingdom flourished during the latter half of the Ming Dynasty as a result of direct trade relations with China. Ancient Tondo was maintained as the traditional capital of the empire, with its rulers as sovereign kings and not mere chieftains, and were addressed variously as panginuan or panginoon ("lords"); anak banwa ("son of heaven"); or lakandula ("lord of the palace"). In the 13th century, the city consisted of a fortified settlement and trading quarter at the shores of the Pasig river, on top of previous older towns. There is also early evidence of Manila being invaded by the Indianized empire of Majapahit, due to the epic eulogy poem Nagarakretagama which inscribed its conquest by Maharaja Hayam Wuruk.^[7] Saludong or Selurong which is a historical name for the city of Manila is listed in Canto 14 alongside Sulot, which is now Sulu, and Kalka.^[7]

During the reign of Sultan Bolkiah in 1485 to 1521, the Sultanate of Brunei decided to break the Dynasty of Tondo's monopoly in the China trade by attacking it and establishing the state of Selurong (now Manila) as a Bruneian satellite-state.^[8] A new dynasty under the Islamized Rajah Salalila. was also established to challenge the House of Lakandula in Tondo. Islam was further strengthened by the arrival to the Philippines of traders and proselytizers from Malaysia and Indonesia.^[9] The multiple states that existed in the Philippines simplified Spanish colonization. Manila was temporarily threatened by the invasion of Chinese pirate-warlord Limahong before it became the seat of the colonial government of Spain.

In 1571 Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi founded the Manila in what today is Intramuros. Manila was made the capital of the Philippine Islands, which Spain would control for over three centuries, from 1565 to 1898. The city was occupied by Great Britain for two years from 1762 to 1764 as part of the Seven Years' War.^[10] The city remained the capital of the Philippines under the government of the provisional British governor, acting through the Mexican-born Archbishop of Manila, Manuel Rojo del Rio y Vieyra and the captive Real Audiencia.^[11] However, armed resistance to the British persisted, centered in Pampanga, and was led by Oidor Don Simón de Anda y Salazar.^[11]

Manila also became famous during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade which lasted for three centuries and brought goods from as far as Mexico and Peru all the way to Southeast Asia. Silver that was mined in Mexico and Peru were exchanged for Chinese silk, Indian gems, and the spices of the East Indies.

In 1898, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States. Under American control, the new government invited Daniel Burnham to plan a modern Manila.^[12] The Burnham Plan was a project that attempted to create Manila as Paris on the Prairie, with a vision of a government center occupying all of Wallace Field, which extends from Luneta to the present Taft Avenue. The Philippines Capitol was to rise on the Taft Avenue end of the field, facing toward the sea, and would form, with the buildings of different government bureaus and departments, a mighty quadrangle, lagoon in the center and a monument to Rizal at its Luneta end. Of Burnham’s proposed government center, only three units were built: the Legislative Building and the building of the Finance and Agricultural departments, which were completed on the eve of the War. By then, President Manuel L. Quezon had doomed the Burnham Plan by creating a new capital outside Manila, which was named after him, Quezon City.

Manila was the site of the bloodiest battle in the Pacific theater during the war. After falling to the Japanese on January 2, 1942, it was recaptured by the joint American and Filipino troops in February to March 1945. Some 100,000 civilians were killed in Manila between November 1944 and February 1945.^[13] It was the second most devastated city in the world after Warsaw during the Second World War. Since then the city has been rebuilt.

The rebuilt of the general headquarters of the Commonwealth Army of the Philippines was active on March 1945 to June 1946 was relocating stationed in the capital city after the liberation and the Battle of Manila by the combined Filipino and American troops.

The destruction brought about by the Battle of Manila

With Arsenio Lacson becoming the first elected mayor in 1952 (all mayors were appointed prior to this), the City of Manila underwent The Golden Age,^[14] was revitalized, and once again became the "Pearl of the Orient", a moniker it earned before the outbreak of the war. After Mayor Lacson's term in the 1950s, the city was led by Mayor Antonio Villegas during most of the 1960s, and Mayor Ramon Bagatsing for nearly the entire decade of the 1970s until the 1986 Edsa revolution, making him the longest serving Mayor of Manila. Mayors Lacson, Villegas, and Bagatsing are oftentimes collectively considered as the "Big Three of Manila" for their rather long tenures as the City Hall's chief executive (continuously for over three decades, from 1952–1986), but more importantly, for their indelible contribution to the development and progress of the city and their lasting legacy in uplifting the quality of life and welfare of the people of the City of Manila.

During the Marcos dictatorship, the region of the Manila Metropolitan area was enacted as an independent entity in 1975 encompassing several cities and towns, being a separate local-regional unit and the seat of government of the Philippines.

In 1992, Alfredo Lim became the mayor, and was known for his anti-crime crusades. When Lim ran for the presidency during the 1998 presidential election, his vice mayor Lito Atienza was elected as city mayor. Atienza was known for renovating most of the city's plaza, and projects that would benefit the populace. He was the Mayor of Manila for 3 terms (9 years); barred for seeking a fourth consecutive term. Lim defeated Atienza's son Ali in the 2007 city election and immediately reversed all of Atienza's projects^[15] claiming the projects made little contribution to the improvements of the city. On July 17, 2008, councilor Dennis Alcoreza filed human rights complaints before the Commission on Human Rights, against Lim, and other Manila officials.^[16] Twenty-four Manila officials also resigned because of the maltreatment of Lim's police forces.

While the eastern part of Metro Manila faced a catastrophe during the flooding of Tropical Storm Ketsana (local name: Ondoy) in 2009, the only major inconvenience in the city was the flooded Quezon Boulevard underpass which took two days to clean up and the district of Santa Mesa, the most flooded area within the city. During the 2010 city elections, Alfredo Lim won against secretary Lito Atienza. After a few months of taking office, Lim was harshly criticized on the bloody resolution of the Manila hostage crisis, one of the deadliest hostage crisis in the Philippines.

The skyline of the City of Manila as viewed from Harbour Square in the CCP Complex.

Geography[link]

Landsat satellite false-color photo of Manila Bay and the Metropolis of Manila

Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila bay, which rests on the western shores of Luzon. The city lies 800 miles (1,300 km) from mainland Asia.^[17] The Pasig River bisects the city. Almost all of the city sits on top of centuries of prehistoric alluvial deposits built by the waters of the Pasig and on some land reclaimed from Manila Bay. The city's land has been altered substantially by human intervention, with considerable land reclamation along the waterfronts since the American colonial times. Some of the natural variations in topography have been evened out due to the urbanization of the city. The city occupies an area of 38.55 square kilometers and was divided into 897 barangays, 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 geographical districts. These zones and districts have no form of local government. These 16 geographical districts are further grouped into the six legislative districts of Manila.

Climate[link]

Under the Köppen climate classification system, Manila features a tropical savanna climate that borders on a tropical monsoon climate. Together with the rest of the Philippines, Manila lies entirely within the tropics. Its proximity to the equator means that the temperature range is very small, rarely going lower than 20 °C and going higher than 38 °C. However, humidity levels are usually very high which makes it feel much warmer. It has a distinct, albeit relatively short dry season from January through April, and a relatively lengthy wet season from May through December.

Environmental issues[link]

Largely due to industrial waste and heavy reliance on automobiles, Manila suffers from air pollution^[20][21] in the form of smog^[22] which affects 98% of the residents of the city^[23] and results in more than 4,000 deaths per year.^[24] Open dump sites and industrial waste contribute to increasing pollution within the city.^[25] Several rivers in Manila have been considered biologically dead. The Pasig River, where 150 tons of domestic waste and 75 tons of industrial waste were dumped daily according to a report in 2003, is now one of the most polluted rivers in the world.^[26]

Lack of adequate infrastructure is one of the causes of pollution in the city.^[27] The district of Ermita is the most air polluted district in the city.^[25]

Demographics[link]

As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 1,652,171 making it the second most populous city in the Philippines.^[3]

It is the most densely populated city in the world with 43,079 inhabitants per km².^[5] District 6 is listed as being the most dense with 68,266 inhabitants per km², followed by the first two districts with 64,936 and 64,710, respectively, and district 5 being the least dense with 19,235.^[28]

Manila's population density dwarfs that of Kolkata (27,774 inhabitants per km²), Mumbai (22,937 inhabitants per km²), Paris (20,164 inhabitants per km²), Dhaka (19,447 inhabitants per km²), Shanghai (16,364 inhabitants per km², with its most dense district, Nanshi, having a density of 56,785 inhabitants per km²), and Tokyo (10,087 inhabitants per km²).^[29]

But when accounting for the entire urban area, Metro Manila drops to 60th place with 14,100 people/km² in a land area of 1,425 km², which includes the area of Greater Manila Area.^[4]

The vernacular language is Filipino, based mostly on the Tagalog of surrounding areas, and this Manila form of speaking Tagalog has essentially become the lingua franca of the Philippines, having spread throughout the archipelago through mass media and entertainment. Meanwhile, English is the language most widely used in education, business, and heavily in everyday usage throughout the Metro Manila region and the Phillipines itself. A number of older residents can still speak basic Spanish, which was a mandatory subject in the curriculum of Philippine universities and colleges, and many children of European, Arab, Indian, Latin American, or other migrants or expatriates also speak their parents' languages at home, aside from English and/or Filipino for everyday use. Minnan Chinese (known as Lannang-oe) is spoken by the city's Chinese-Filipino community.

Economy[link]

A view of Roxas Boulevard, where (at present) the business hub of Manila is located

Manila's economy is diverse and multifaceted. With its excellent protected harbor, Manila serves as the Chief Seaport of the Country, as the Port of Manila is one of the busiest in the world.^{[citation needed]} Diverse manufacturers produce industrial-related products such as chemicals, textiles, clothing, and electronic goods. Food and beverages and tobacco products also produced. Local entrepreneurs continue to process primary commodities for export, including rope, plywood, refined sugar, copra, and coconut oil. The food-processing industry is one of the most stable major manufacturing sector in the city. Manila is a major publishing center in the Philippines.^[30]

One of the largest projects within the city is the ₱5 billion development by Ayala Land Inc., the Celadon Residences.^[31] Binondo has begun to be revitalized along with Divisoria, and several high-rise condominiums and offices are rising. Recently, a 20-hectare development was planned by the city government within the Port Area.^[31][32] A blueprint was created for the development of the area while the city government waits for President Aquino to authorize the use of the idle land.^[32] An area within the North Harbor was invested in by the San Miguel Corporation, which plan to build a ₱20 billion development known as San Miguel City. This would be a new business area located within the Metropolis which then serve the shipping requirements of the different divisions of the San Miguel Corporation.^[33]

The Port of Manila

Tourism in Manila attracts over 1 million tourists each year.^[30] Major destinations include the Intramuros, museums such as the National Museum of the Philippines, and other tourist destinations including Ermita, Malate, Santa Cruz, the Manila Zoo, the City Chinatown and events such as the Feast of Black Nazarene, and free performances in Rizal Park and events within the Cultural Center of the Philippines.^{[note 1]} Rizal Park is a major tourist attraction and one of the most recognizable icons of the Philippines. Ermita and Malate, aside from being known for its nightlife, are well-known shopping destination for the upper class while Divisoria was the shopping destination for local residents.

In terms of cash position, the city has ₱1.6 billion while its gross operating expenses was ₱2.97 billion.^[34] The financial expenses of the city was P45 million,^[34] and has a liability of 3.3 billion.^[34] Manila has the highest budget allocation to health and was one of the cities with the highest tax revenue.^[35] Manila was also one of the cities with the highest internal revenue.^[35]

Arts and culture[link]

The interior of Basilica Minore de San Sebastian, the only all-steel church in Asia.^[36]

Roman Catholics predominate, comprising 93.5% of the population, followed by Philippine Independent Church 2.4%, followed by Iglesia ni Cristo, comprising 1.9% of the population followed by Protestants (1.8%) and Buddhist (1.1%). Other religions comprises the remaining 1.4% of the city's population.^[37] Manila is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, the oldest archdiocese in the country, and the Primate of the Philippines, whose offices were located at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.^[38] Manila is home to three other basilicas, besides the Manila Cathedral, namely, the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and the Basilica Minore de San Sebastian. 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.

Other notable churches in the city include San Agustin Church in Intramuros, the shrine of the canonically crowned image of Nuestra Señora de Consolación y Correa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,^[38] and a favorite wedding place of notable people and one of two fully air-conditioned churches in the city; the Binondo Church, also known as Basilica Minore de San Lorenzo Ruiz; Malate Church, the shrine of Nuestra Señora de Remedios; Ermita Church, home of the oldest Marian Image in the Philippines, Nuestra Señora de Guia; Tondo Church, home of the century-old ivory image of Sto. Niño (Child Jesus); and Sta. Ana Church, shrine of the canonically crowned image of Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados.

The National Cathedral of Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Cathedral of the Holy Child.

Aside from the Evangelical Christians, Manila is also the home of most of the country's Mainline Protestants. The Pro-Cathedral of the Saint Stephen, the center of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines is also found in the city. The mainly Filipino revolutionary church Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Philippine Independent Church or Aglipayan Church) is headquartered in the city. Also, the main campus of the Cathedral of Praise is located within the city.

The city also hosts other faiths. There are many Buddhist and Taoist temples built by the Chinese community in Manila. The Quiapo is home to a sizable Muslim population in Manila, where Masjid Al-Dahab is located. There is also a large Hindu temple for the Indian population, and a Sikh Temple was also erected.

Nightlife in Manila centres around Ermita and Malate, along with Intramuros. Areas in Binondo, the city's Chinatown, also attract many people, while other notable areas in the city such as Quiapo and Divisoria are known for being one of the shopping center of bargain goods. Ermita and Malate, being a popular tourist destination, showcase a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, art and antique shops. The nightlife offers everything from cultural exhibitions to discothèques, casinos, entertainment lounges, and fashionable cafes.

Annual cultural events[link]

Procession of the Black Nazarene at Plaza Miranda during the 2010 feast.

The Feast of the Black Nazarene, held every 9 January, draws millions of devotees. Each district has its own fest locally known as fiesta, literally as festivals, after achieving recognition in their own rights. The Manila Day, was first proclaimed by Herminio A. Astorga (then Vice Mayor of Manila) on 24 June 1962. Since then, it has been annually commemorated the founding of the city, under the patronage of John the Baptist.

Museums and other points of interest[link]

National Museum of the Philippines

As the cultural center of the Philippines, Manila houses a number of notable museums. Bahay Tsinoy, one of Manila's most prominent museums, documents the Chinese lives and contributions in the history of the Philippines. The Intramuros Light and Sound Museum chronicles the Filipinos desire for freedom during the revolution under Rizal's leadership and other revolutionary leaders. The Metropolitan Museum of Manila exhibits the Filipino arts and culture. The Museum of Manila is the city-owned museum that exhibits the city's culture and history.

Manila is also home to other notable museums of the country, namely the Museo Pambata, a children's museum, the Museum of Philippine Political History, which exhibits notable political events in the country, the National Museum of the Philippines (which includes the Museum of the Filipino People) of which exhibits life, culture and history of the country, the Parish of the Our Lady of the Abandoned and the San Agustin Church Museum, which houses religious artifacts, Plaza San Luis, a public museum, the UST Museum of Arts and Sciences and the DLS-CSB Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD), both of which are university museums dedicated to science and technology, and contemporary art respectively.

Numerous notable landmarks are located in Manila, such as Rizal Park, and the historical Intramuros. Rizal park is a crescent-shaped 58 hectare (143 acres)^[39] park that lies within the heart of Manila's cultural and business district, as an honor and dedication to the country's national hero José Rizal, who was executed in the same place where the park was created by the Spaniards on charges of subversion. Among the attractions in Rizal Park is the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the National Museum of the Philippines, The National Library of the Philippines, the Planetarium, the Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion, the park auditorium, a landscaped relief map of the Philippines, the fountain, the children's lagoon, the chess plaza, the Quirino Grandstand and the Manila Ocean Park, which features a wide variety of marine animals. The flagpole west of the Rizal Monument is the Kilometer Zero marker for distances to the rest of the country. In the northern most part of the city lie three cemeteries: the Loyola and Chinese cemeteries, and Manila North Green Park, the largest public cemetery in the Manila metropolitan area.

Sports[link]

Children playing basketball at Intramuros

Sports in Manila have a long and distinguished history. The city's, and the country's in general, main sport is basketball, and most barangays have a makeshift basketball court, with court markings drawn on the streets. Larger barangays have covered courts; this is where interbarangay leagues are held every summer (April–May).

The city has several well-known sports venues, such as the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and San Andres Gym, the home of the now defunct Manila Metrostars.^[40] The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex houses the Rizal Memorial Track and Football Stadium, the Baseball Stadium, Tennis Courts, Memorial Coliseum and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium (the latter two are indoor arenas).

The Rizal complex had hosted several multi-sport events, such as the 1954 Asian Games and the 1934 Far Eastern Games. Whenever the country hosts the Southeast Asian Games, most of the events are held at the complex, but on the 2005 Games, most events were held elsewhere. The 1960 ABC Championship and the 1973 ABC Championship, forerunners of the FIBA Asia Championship, was hosted by the complex, with the national basketball team winning on both tournaments. The 1978 FIBA World Championship was held at the complex although the latter stages were held in the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Southeast Asia's largest indoor arena.

Manila also hosts several well-known sports facilities such as the Enrique M. Razon Sports Center and the University of Santo Tomas Sports Complex, both of which are private venues owned by a university; collegiate sports are also held, with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and the National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball games held at Rizal Memorial Coliseum and Ninoy Aquino Stadium, although basketball events had transferred to San Juan's Filoil Flying V Arena and the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Other collegiate sports are still held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Professional basketball also used to play at the city, but the Philippine Basketball Association now holds their games at Araneta Coliseum and Cuneta Astrodome at Pasay; the now defunct Philippine Basketball League played some of their games at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Previously a widely-played sport in the city, Manila is now the home of the only sizable baseball stadium in the country, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium. The stadium hosts games of Baseball Philippines; Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth were the first players to score a home run at the stadium at their tour of the country on December 2, 1934.^[41]

Another popular sport in the city are cue sports, and billiard halls are a feature in most barangays. The 2010 World Cup of Pool was held at Robinsons Place Manila.^[42]

The Rizal Memorial Track and Football Stadium hosted the first FIFA World Cup qualifier in decades when the Philippines hosted Sri Lanka in July 2011. The stadium, which was previously unfit for international matches, had undergone a major renovation program prior to the match.^[43] The Football Stadium now regularly hosts matches of the United Football League.

Parks and recreation[link]

The Rizal Monument at Rizal Park.

Manila is the site of the country's premiere park, Rizal Park, which was erected for the country's national hero, José Rizal. Besides having parks and green areas, Manila is the home to several plazas, such as the Plaza Balagtas and Plaza Miranda, the site of the 1971 politics-related bombings. Within Manila lies notable parks and green areas, such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Rajah Sulayman Park, Manila Boardwalk, Liwasang Bonifacio, Mehan Garden, Paco Park, Remedios Circle, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, Pandacan Linear Park, and the Malacañang Garden.

Within the city lies the cemeteries of the Manila Chinese Cemetery, La Loma Cemetery,^{[note 2]} the Manila South Green Park and the Manila North Green Park, notable as being the resting place of several historical figures and being the largest cemetery in the Metropolis. Both the Manila North and South Green Park are city-owned cemeteries.

A large number recreational areas are found scattered within the city, both public and private. Also, several playgrounds, sports facilities and gardens were erected within the city, most of which are now being developed in a commercial area.

Numerous shrines plazas are found within the city, wherein numerous historic monuments are found. Plazas also has numerous tiangge stores accommodating visitors. Plazas, unlike parks, contains lesser greens and mostly consisted of bricked pathways. Plazas the city are usually located in commercial and industrial places while shrines have more greens than plazas and has no tiangge within it.

Government[link]

Local government[link]

The Manila City Hall.

The current mayor for the 2010–2013 term is Alfredo Lim, who defeated former mayor Lito Atienza in the 2010 election. The city mayor is restricted to three consecutive terms, totaling nine years, although a mayor can be elected again after an interruption of one term. Isko Moreno is the city's incumbent vice-mayor. The vice-mayor heads the legislative arm composed of the elected city councilors, six from each of the city's six legislative districts. Two more members of the Manila City Council are the Association of Barangay Captains president and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK; Youth Council) president. The mayor and the council's seat is at the Manila City Hall.

The façade of the Philippine Supreme Court building

The judicial branch is managed by the Supreme Court of the Philippines under the Metro Manila judicial region.

The city of Manila is divided into sixteen officially-defined geographical districts. These districts only exist for administrative convenience and do not have their own sets of elected officials. Each geographical district is further divided into officially-defined "zones," which are clusters of two or more barangays.

Data presented by the National Statistics Office still do not reflect the 16-district configuration recognized by the city government of Manila. It recognizes neither the western area of Santa Ana that now belongs to the fifth congressional district of Manila as the geographical district of San Andres Bukid, nor the area of Sampaloc south of the Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard which now belongs to the sixth congressional district as the geographical district of Santa Mesa.

Map of Manila with landmarks highlighted

Aside from the division of the sixteen geographical districts, the city is also divided into the six legislative districts that serve as the constituencies for the election of the city's representatives to the lower house of the Congress of the Philippines and of the regular members to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP; City Council). Each district elects one representative to the House of Representatives and six SP members to the council. The city, along with the rest of the nation, elects 12 senators as one at-large district.

• The 1st District (2007 population: 407,331) is Manila's (and the country's) most densely populated congressional district. It covers the western portion of Tondo that lies along Manila Bay.

• The 2nd District (2007 population: 223,273) comprises the eastern inland portion of the geographical district of Tondo officially known as Gagalangin.

• The 3rd District (2007 population: 197,242) covers the geographical districts of Binondo, Quiapo, San Nicolas and Santa Cruz. These areas of were once the commercial and financial centres of the metropolis. The congressional district is home to the city's Chinatown, and to several notable landmarks, including the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, the Binondo Church, Avenida Rizal, and the city's three largest burial grounds: the La Loma Cemetery, the Manila Chinese Cemetery and the Manila North Green Park.

• The 4th District (2007 population: 255,613) comprises solely the geographical district of Sampaloc, a mainly residential area. The University of Santo Tomas is located in this district.

• The 5th District (2007 population: 315,961) consists of the geographical districts of Ermita, Malate, Port Area, Intramuros, San Andres Bukid, and a portion of Paco (zone 90). The congressional district contains some of the most historically and culturally significant landmarks and institutions in the country, such as the old walled city of Manila, Rizal Park, the Manila Zoo, the National Museum and a portion of the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex. The Supreme Court of the Philippines, the Court of Appeals and the World Health Organization are all in Ermita. The districts of Malate and Ermita are known for entertainment and nightlife. The three century-old college, Colegio de San Juan de Letran is located in this district.

• The 6th District (2007 population: 261,294) covers the geographical districts of Paco (except zone 90), Pandacan, San Miguel, Santa Ana and Santa Mesa. The congressional district is host to the official residence of the President of the Philippines, along with several well-known universities.

The City Seal 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 city seal composes of 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. The colors of the seal mirror that of the flag of the Philippines. The sea lion in the seal of Manila was adopted by Singapore into its merlion.

National government[link]

The façade of Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines.

Manila, being the seat of political power of the Philippines, has several national government offices headquartered at the city. Planning for the development for being the center of government started during the early years of American colonization to the country when they envisioned a well-designed city outside the walls of Intramuros. The strategic location chosen was Bagumbayan, a former town which is now the Rizal Park 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.. These improvements were eventually abandoned 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 their headquarters in Quezon City but several key government offices still resides in Manila. However, many of the plans were substantially altered after the devastation of Manila during World War II and the subsequent administrations.

The city, as the capital, still hosts the Office of the President, as well as the president's official residence. Aside from these, important institutions such as the Supreme Court (Kataas-taasang hukuman), the Court of Appeals, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Departments of Budget and Management (Kagawaran ng Pagbabadyet at Pamamahala), Finance, Health, Justice, Labor and Employment, and Tourism still call the city home. Manila also hosts important national institutions such as the National Library, National Archives, National Museum and the Philippine General Hospital.

Congress previously held office at the Old Congress Building. In 1972, due to declaration of martial law, Congress was dissolved; its successor, the unicameral Batasang Pambansa, held office at the new Batasang Pambansa Complex. When a new constitution restored the bicameral Congress, the House of Representatives stayed at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, while the Senate remained at the Old Congress Building. In May 1997, the Senate transferred to a new building it currently shares with the Government Service Insurance System at reclaimed land at Pasay.

Education[link]

The campus of the University of the City of Manila is the flagship university of Manila's local government.

The National Library is located within Rizal Park.

The center of education since the colonial period, Manila, particularly Intramuros, is the home of several of the oldest schools. It currently contains the majority of the Philippine's colleges and universities. It served as the home of the University of Santo Tomas (1611), Colegio de San Juan de Letran (1620), and Ateneo de Manila University (1859). Only Colegio de San Juan de Letran (1620) is left at Intramuros; the University of Santo Tomas transferred to a new campus at Sampaloc in 1927, and Ateneo left Intramuros for Loyola Heights, Quezon City (while still retaining "de Manila" in its name) in 1952. The University of the City of Manila located at Intramuros, and Universidad De Manila located outside the walled city, are both owned and operated by the Manila city government. The national government controls the University of the Philippines Manila, the oldest of the University of the Philippines constituent universities.^{[citation needed]} The city is also the site of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, the largest university in the country in terms of student population.^[44]

Intramuros and Sampaloc are now a part of the University Belt, the colloquial term for the high concentration of institutions of higher education in the city, which also includes of San Miguel and Quiapo located in the northern bank of the Pasig River, and the districts of Ermita on its southern bank. Several institutions within the south as far as Malate are somewhat included.

The Division of the City Schools of Manila, a branch of the Department of Education, refers to the city's three-tier public education system. It governs the 71 public elementary schools, 32 public high schools^[45] and the two city-owned universities.

The city also contains the Manila Science High School, the pilot science high school of the Philippines; the National Museum, where the Spoliarium of Juan Luna is housed; the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, the premier museum of modern and contemporary visual arts; the Museo Pambata, the Children's Museum, a place of hands-on discovery and fun learning; and, the National Library, the repository of the country's printed and recorded cultural heritage and other literary and information resources.

Infrastructure[link]

Transportation[link]

Manila LRT Purple Line's V. Mapa Station of the Manila Light Rail Transit System, the first station in the city for trains coming from Santolan.

Manila, being a major city, has various transportation options, the most famous being the jeepney, which has been in use since the years immediately following World War II.^[46] In more recent years, air-conditioned Tamaraw FX, the third generation Toyota Kijang was often used for the service, which have begun to compete with jeepneys. Along with buses, jeepneys and FX ply fixed routes for a set price, though each mode has different routes.

On a for-hire basis, the city is served by numerous taxicabs, "tricycles" (motorcycles with sidecars, the Philippine version of the auto rickshaw), and "trisikads" or "sikads" (bicycles with a sidecars, the Philippine version of pedicabs). In some areas, especially in Divisoria, two stroke motors are fitted to the pedicabs and are used to transport goods. Spanish-era horse-drawn calesas are still used in the streets of Binondo and Intramuros, but mostly for tourists. Which mode of for-hire used depends upon the distance to be traveled, the cost, and the width of the streets. All types of public transport are privately owned and operated under government franchise.

The city is serviced by the Manila Light Rail Transit System, popularly known as LRT, as distinct from the MRT in other parts of Metro Manila. Development of the railway system began in the 1970s under the Marcos administration, making it the first light rail transport in Southeast Asia. In recent years, the system has undergone a multi-billion dollar expansion.^[47] Two lines provide service to the city: the LRT 1 line (Yellow Line) that runs along the length of Taft Avenue (R-2) and Rizal Avenue (R-9), and the LRT 2 line (Purple Line) that runs along Ramon Magsaysay Blvd (R-6) from Santa Cruz, through Quezon City, up to Santolan in Pasig.

The main terminal of the Philippine National Railways lies within the city. Railways extend 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.

The Port of Manila, located in the vicinity of Manila Bay, is the chief seaport of the Philippines. The city is also served by the Pasig River Ferry Service which runs on the Pasig River.

The city is served by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.

In 2006 Forbes ranked Manila “the world’s most congested city”. Manila has become notorious for its frequent traffic jams and heavily crowded metro. Infrastructure planning has faces a series of drawbacks, such as corruption, disorganised polity and poor public transport.^[48]

Medical facilities[link]

The Philippine General Hospital.

Manila is headquarters to the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, the World Health Organization Country Office for the Philippines, main office of the Department of Health, and several private and public hospitals and medical centers.

One of the many programs of the Department of Tourism is the promotion of Medical Tourism in the Philippines. Manila hosts a large number of wellness centers and spa facilities.

The Manila Health Department, which is responsible for the planning and implementation of the health programs of the city government, operates 44 health centers and lying-in facilities scattered throughout the city.^[49] Hospitals in the city are the Manila Doctors' Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, Dr. José R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital, the University of Santo Tomas Hospital and the city-owned Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center.^[38]

Sister cities[link]

Manila has a number of sister cities worldwide, as classified by the city government. Each sister city is divided into three parts, namely the International, Friendly location and Local City.^[50] Manila has 33 International Sister Cities, three Friendly Location Cities and two Local Sister Cities.

International
	Acapulco, Mexico
	Astana, Kazakhstan
	Bangkok, Thailand(1997)
	Beijing, China (2002)[50][51][52]
	Bucharest, Romania(1986)
	Cartagena, Colombia
	Guangzhou, China (1982)[50][53]
	Haifa, Israel(1971)
	Havana, Cuba
	Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
	Honolulu, USA
	Incheon, South Korea
	Jakarta, Indonesia
	Jersey City, USA
	Yagi, Japan
	Lima, Peru
	Madrid, Spain (1987)[50][54]
	Málaga, Spain[50]
	Maui County, USA
	Montreal, Canada (2005)[50][55]