Manila (Philippines)

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Manila (Philippines) is the capital city of the Philippines and one of the 16 cities that make up the National Capital Region. It is historically a major port on Manila Bay and a cultural center shaped by successive periods of rule including the Sultanate of Brunei, the Kingdom of Tondo, Spanish colonial authorities such as the Spanish East Indies, and later the United States, followed by the Japanese occupation during World War II. Manila forms the core of the Metro Manila conurbation and hosts national institutions such as the Malacañang Palace, Supreme Court, and the Senate (historically).

History

Pre-colonial polities in the area included the Kingdom of Tondo, the influential Maynila polity, and trading ties with the Srivijaya Empire, Majapahit Empire, and Brunei. Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi established the city in 1571, integrating it into the Spanish East Indies and making it home to institutions such as the Manila Galleon trade route connecting to New Spain. The Battle of Manila (1762) saw temporary British occupation, while the 19th century brought reforms tied to figures like José Rizal and events such as the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule and the Spanish–American War. Following the Treaty of Paris (1898), sovereignty shifted to the United States, leading to American-era projects by architects associated with the City Beautiful movement and events like the Battle of Manila (1945), which devastated the city during World War II. Postwar reconstruction involved leaders such as Manuel L. Quezon and institutions including the National Museum, while later administrations enacted urban plans referenced by entities like the Philippine Statistics Authority and initiatives addressing issues raised during the People Power Revolution.

Manila sits on the eastern shore of Manila Bay at the mouth of the Pasig River, bordering cities including Quezon City, Makati, Pasay, Caloocan, San Juan, Mandaluyong, and Marikina. Its flat alluvial plain is influenced by the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea maritime corridor, and it lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, affecting seismic risk alongside faults like the Marikina Valley Fault System. Climate is tropical monsoon as classified by the Köppen climate classification, with weather patterns influenced by the Northwest Monsoon and typhoons. Environmental challenges include subsidence in low-lying zones, pollution of the Pasig River, reclamation projects in Bay City, and biodiversity efforts tied to areas such as the Rizal Park foreshore and mangrove initiatives linked to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Administratively Manila is divided into barangays and districts such as Intramuros, Ermita, Malate, Binondo, and Tondo, and it functions under a mayor-council system with positions elected alongside regional representation to bodies like the House of Representatives. National offices headquartered in Manila include the Malacañang Palace, the Supreme Court, and agencies like the Department of Education (Philippines), Department of Health, and Department of Foreign Affairs. Manila participates in metropolitan coordination through the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and engages with international organizations such as the United Nations and the Asian Development Bank on urban projects.

Manila's population reflects diverse ethnolinguistic groups including Tagalog people, Kapampangan people, Ilocano people, Cebuano people, and migrant communities from Chinese Filipino families tracing roots to Hokkien traders. Religious practice is dominated by Roman Catholicism associated with parishes in San Agustin Church and the Quiapo Church, alongside communities of Iglesia ni Cristo, Muslims, Protestants, Jews, and Buddhists. Population density and urban poverty indicators are monitored by the Philippine Statistics Authority, while civil society organizations such as Gawad Kalinga, Philippine Red Cross, and Caritas Manila address social services and disaster response.

Historically a mercantile hub on the Manila Galleon route, modern Manila hosts commercial areas like Binondo—one of the world's oldest Chinatowns—alongside financial districts in nearby Makati and Ortigas Center (in Pasig). Key institutions include the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Philippine Stock Exchange, Department of Trade and Industry, and corporations such as Philippine National Bank, SM Investments Corporation, Ayala Corporation, and Jollibee Foods Corporation. Infrastructure investments involve projects with the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and bilateral partners like Japan International Cooperation Agency and United States Agency for International Development. Challenges include traffic congestion, informal settlements, utility provision by entities like Manila Water and Maynilad Water Services, Inc., and urban renewal efforts in Intramuros and Roxas Boulevard.

Manila's cultural landscape features historic sites such as Intramuros, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, Luneta Park, and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Neighborhoods like Binondo and Quiapo host religious processions including the Feast of the Black Nazarene and festivals influenced by figures like José Rizal and writers from the Ilustrados movement. Performing arts venues include the Cultural Center of the Philippines (nearby in Pasay), while educational institutions such as the University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and University of the Philippines Manila contribute to literary and scientific culture. Culinary scenes showcase dishes from establishments like Razon's of Guagua and chains including Jollibee, while markets such as Divisoria and landmarks like Manila Cathedral attract tourists. Museums include the Ateneo Art Gallery, Ayala Museum (in Makati), and historical archives tied to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Manila's transport network includes the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (in Pasay), seaports on Manila Bay such as the Port of Manila, and rail systems including the LRT-1, LRT-2, MRT-3, and commuter services by the Philippine National Railways. Major roads include Roxas Boulevard, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, and Quirino Avenue, while public modes feature jeepneys, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services like Grab. Utilities are provided by firms such as Meralco, Maynilad Water Services, Inc., and Manila Water, with regulatory oversight by bodies like the Energy Regulatory Commission (Philippines). Disaster preparedness involves coordination with agencies including the PAGASA and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.