When in Manila
Heavy bombing in World War II has undoubtedly left its mark on this bustling Malaysian city with many beautiful colonial buildings lost to history.
However, a few precious architectural examples remain and in the place of fallen comrades, a thriving, bustling metropolis with soaring skyscrapers has emerged. The Philippine capital of Manila is home to ten million residents. Named after may nilad, the city's name refers to a flowering mangrove plant that used to cover the shores of Manila's bay in the 16th century. As with a number of south-east Asian cities, problems with traffic congestion and overpopulation are evident. However, this is simply a scratch on the surface of a city that has huge amounts to give.
Visitors to this vibrant city should certainly make time for a number of Manila's parks and open areas, which serve as a great tonic to the hustle of the central shopping districts (more on this to come). Rizal Park lies south of the Intramuros district and is a real treat. Spanning 60 hectares, the park commemorates the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal, who was executed by the Spanish. Rizal Park also contains the National Museum of the Filipino People as well as the ever popular Chinese and Japanese gardens ? a splash of serenity in the midst of this city.
Shopping is superb in Manila and fans of credit card therapy will be able to gorge themselves to their wardrobe's delight. The 168 Shopping Mall is located in Binondo and has every garment and accessory a fashion worshipper could wish for. Other hot spots to pick up the latest togs include the hectic but essential Divisoria Flea Market and the Tutuban Center.
Museum hounds and fans of a bit of dust should check out the colonial gem that is Casa Manila. It is part of the Plaza San Luis Complex and serves as a colonial lifestyle museum, encased in a recreation of the original mid-19th century abode that stood on the same spot. The house is chock-a-block with antiques and furnishings from China and Europe in the 19th century and visitors will no doubt be wowed by the Persian rugs, Chinese ceramics and crystal chandeliers. There is also an antique piano and harp, a marble table and an extravagant four poster ebony bed, which epitomises the history of the dwelling.
No visit to Manila would be complete without a trip to the city's stunning fortress, which stands proudly at Intramuros. With a vivid history which has seen an invasion by Chinese pirates, hostilities from the Dutch and periods of occupation by the British, Americans and Japanese, the Intramuros fortress is not short of a story or two. Founded in 1571, its massive walls were sadly all that remained come the end of World War II. Visitors can view a moving photographic exhibition at the site while also taking in the scale of the site by walking the 4.5 kilometre long fortress rampart.
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Introduction
