Manila originated from NILAD, the name of a water lily that used to inhabit the rivers of the metropolis, Manila to mean there is water lily. Being only the second oldest city (Cebu is the oldest), Manila was already a melting pot of sorts even before the Spaniards came in 1521. Chinese traders dominated the booming commerce then and even today, there is a so-called Chinatown Mafia that controls the flow of dollar. Most of southern Asia rely on Manila ports for the trading of their goods. By the way, there are a lot of Indians in Manila, lording it over the street loan method where one buys an appliance and pays back in daily installments – I bet these Indians will get rich someday.
The old Manila was composed of boroughs which later on, for political purposes, was converted into 6 districts. Each district is represented by a legislator for the national congress and several councilors for the local council. The whole of Manila is governed by a mayor which appears to be politically powerful and influential since Manila is the heart and soul of the country’s political life. Malacañang Palace, the seat of power, is also located in Manila hence it remains the capital of the Philippines (although it was replaced by Quezon City for a time).
Mostly commercial areas but a major part of the residential zone is composed of compact houses that are scattered in all the 6 districts. Squatters also abound in the city for reason of livelihood. They say that earning money in Manila is as easy as picking up shells on the seashore. The pedicab, a bicycle with a 2-passenger cab, and the motorized tricycle can be seen in almost all the secondary roads providing more jobs to the drivers. Markets, selling all kinds of goods in retail and wholesale, are all over and there are even markets operating on a 24-hour basis. The brisk commerce can be attributed to the strategic location of the Manila Port which handles all outgoing and incoming cargoes, whether imported or local. Sadly, cheap imported goods, majority of which come from mainland China, flood the local markets to the disadvantage of the local producers.
For the ordinary tourist, one can while away the time in Rizal Park, located in the eastern portion of Manila. It is a vast grassy garden boasting of gigantic trees and flowers. A short walk gets you to the bayside (Manila Bay) to see the famous Manila Bay sunset. And if you go for the classy one, you can drop by the historic Manila Hotel or dine at Aristocrat Restaurant where the food is at its best and the prices at its lowest. A 5-minute ride will bring you to the Manila Zoo. A cheap entrance fee affords you to see a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna, both local and foreign. And if you want to go cultural, nearby is the Fort Santiago Museum where Jose Rizal, our national hero, was detained. The adjacent Fort of Intramuros can bring you back in time with the cobblestone roads and old buildings. The boat ride along Manila Bay is an experience you will enjoy.
For the shoppers, you can go to Divisoria, the heart of commerce in Manila where cheap clothing material can be bought. The Tutuban Mall is an old wholesale market which was modernized for the convenience of the shoppers. It also houses the main depot of the old rail train system. Or you can choose from the numerous modern malls around the city. A joy ride to the Mall of Asia, reputedly the largest mall in the world, is also worth your time.
For a little enjoyment at night, clubs of different types line up the main streets. Just look out for the neon lights that says bistro or bar or club and there you are. Drinks are cheap in some places offering free music from live bands and videoke machines, not to mention the delicious native delicacies. Entertainers range from singers, dancers, and hostesses. The Ermita and Malate areas are the famous red districts offering fun and pleasure to the night owls. For the extremes, there are avenues where girls can be picked up although it is not recommendable if you consider the prevalence of AIDS in that type of profession. For some real relaxation, decent massage parlors can be found in any district.
There’s no problem with the lodging. Classy hotels like Westin Philippine Plaza and some other 5-star hotels housing the government-run casinos can be reached via a short taxi ride. For the budget-conscious, one can choose an apartelle or a lowly motel. Of course, the service is always good in consideration of the cheaper costs compared to other countries.
And if you happen to have trouble of any kind, just ask any man on the street. More likely than not, he would provide assistance with his broken English. Manilans are well-known for their hospitality and natural accommodations to visitors. But as a matter of fact that I lately found out, a true-blue Manilan is hard to find because 95% of the population is composed of people that came from other provinces. And proudly, I belong to the 5% of legitimate Manilans because my great grandfather, who happens to be a hero named Emilio Jacinto, was born and raised in Tondo, a lowly district commonly known for its poor residents.
Visit Manila, you won’t regret it.