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Manila
was a small tribal settlement
along Pasig River which was then
ruled by Raha Sulayman. It took
its name from a white-flowered
mangrove plant called “nilad”.
The Spaniards invaded Manila in
the 16th century and
ruled the walled city of
Intramuros, Manila and the
Philippines for the next 300
years. Afterwards, the Americans
took over and conquer the island.
But despite it all, Manila
thrived and survived.
Today,
Manila is a fast growing
metropolis with countless
possibilities for the
enterprising tourist. Apart from
the original Intramuros, 8 cities
and 9 municipalities were
developed and annexed for the new
Metro Manila.
GETTING
THERE. One of Asia's
premier cities, Manila is an
international gateway city. The
Ninoy Aquino International
Airport services over 25
international airlines. Duty-free
centers, tourist information
counters, car rental stations and
ForEx services support airport
operations.
STAYING
IN. The island is known
far and wide for its charming
brand of hospitality. Not
surprisingly, you can find the
best chains of hotels in the
metropolis. Top-rate service and
amenities can be found in the
city's numerous hotels from Roxas
Boulevard and Ayala Avenue to
Ortigas Center like Oakwood
Premier Ayala Centre, Manila
Midtown Hotel, Legend
Hotel and Shangri-La
Plaza Hotel.
GETTING
AROUND. There are many
ways of exploring Manila. Apart
from those kaleidoscopic jeepneys,
cabs and buses ply the main
routes, particularly the historic
Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or
simply EDSA, which cuts through
the metropolis from the north
point of Monumento to the south
point of Baclaran. For inner city
roads, one can always take a
tricycle, a motorcycle with a
side cars, or a pedicab, a
bicycle with a side cars. Some
areas, like Binondo and
Intramuros, still have those
quaint little kalesas or
horse-drawn carriages. Or, you
can always rent from any car
rental company.
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