2. Metro Manila, otherwise
known as National Capital
Region, is the center of Luzon
and the capital region of the
Philippines. Unlike the other 17
Philippine regions, NCR does not
have any provinces. It is
composed of 16 cities – namely
the City of Manila itself,
Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati,
Malabon,
Mandaluyong,
Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas,
Pasay, Pasig, Paranaque, Quezon
City,
San
Juan,
Taguig,
Valenzuela
–
and
the
municipality of Pateros.
3. The region is considered as the
political, economic, social, and cultural
center of the Philippines and is one of the
more modern metropolises in Southeast
Asia. Metro Manila is the shopping center
of the Philippines. Three “megamalls” are
located in this region and these are SM
Mall of Asia, SM Megamall and SM City
North Edsa which is the 2nd largest mall
in the world. Makati is regarded as the
main central business district of Metro
Manila while Ortigas City is the second
most important business district in Metro
Manila.
4. Metro Manila is a place of
economic extremes. Many highincome citizens live in exclusive
communities such as Forbes Park in
Makati and Ayala Alabang in
Muntinlupa. In contrast to these
residences are the slums and
illegal
settlement
scattered
across the metropolitan area and
are
often
found
in
vacant
government land or in districts
such as Tondo.
6. People
Metro Manila is composed of almost
all the cultural groups of the
Philippines because of migration.
Filipino, also Pilipino, is the Tagalog
language designated as the national language
and one of two official languages of the
Philippines. Filipino/Tagalog is the first
language of a third of the population of the
Philippines, It is centered around Metro Manila
but is known almost universally throughout the
country.
7. Climate
Metro Manila lies entirely within
the tropics and because of its
proximity to the equator, the
temperature range is very small. It
has a distinct, relatively short dry
season from January through April
and a long wet season from May
through December.
8. Metro Manila is the financial, commercial and
industrial center of the Philippines. Makati is the
largest financial and economic hub of the
metropolitan area and the country. regarded as
the metropolis' central business district (CBD), it is
the base of many Philippines' largest corporations
including the Ayala Group of Companies, as well as
the nation's major banks. The Makati area is built
around the former Nielsen Air Base, an American
installation during World War II and its runways
now form the district's main roads, which cross
each other at the Makati Triangle, home of the
nation's stock exchange. Different well-known
skyscrapers in Metro Manila are here like PBCom
Tower and G. T. International Tower. Foreign
corporations also have their main Philippine hubs
9. New developments seeking to become
vibrant centers of their own are Bonifacio
Global City in Taguig; Eastwood City in
Quezon
City;
the
Manila
Bay
City
Reclamation Area in the cities of Pasay,
Paranaque and Las Pinas; and Alabang
Estates, madrigal Business Park, and Fill
Invest Corporate City in Muntinlupa.
triangle park in Quezon City is the latest
addition to the list. Ortigas Center is the
second most important business district in
Metro Manila. Situated in Mandaluyong
and Pasig, it is home to the headquarters
of several major Philippine companies
such as San Miguel Corporation and
Meralco, and hosts mani shopping malls
and hotels. The Asian Development Bank,
also has its headquarters here.
10. Creation
National Capital Region
also known as Metropolitan
Manila was founded by the
virtue
of
Presidential
Decree No. 824 signed on
November 7, 1975 under the
administration of President
Ferdinand E. Marcos.
In 1976, a conglomeration
of four cities - Manila,
Pasay, Caloocan and Quezon
City - and 13 municipalities
was officially designated as
"Metro Manila".
11. The city of Manila is
declared as the National
Capital; of the Country by
the virtue of Presidential
Decree No. 940 signed on June
24,
1976
by
President
Ferdinand E. Marcos. Metro
Manila is the Philippines’
seat of government but the
City of Manila is the capital.
The Malacañan Palace, the
official office and residence
of the President of the
Philippines, and the buildings
of the Supreme Court of the
Philippines are based in
Metro
Manila.
12.
13. Caloocan City
Descriptive Name:
The Only Divided City in
the Philippines
The City of Caloocan is one
of
the
cities
that
comprise Metro Manila, the
National Capital Region of the
Philippines.
Etymology
Caloocan originated from
the Tagalog word ―lo-ok‖
meaning Bay as the place is
near Manila Bay.
14. Short History
During the Spanish era, Caloocan used to be
a small barrio named Aromahan or Libis Espina.
Chinese, mestizos or Indians were the first
inhabitants of Caloocan. The arable portions of
Libis Espina owned by the Augustinians were
leased to the 500 inhabitants at that time. Most of
the townsfolk were fisherman; others are engaged
in agricultural crops. Caloocan originated from the
Tagalog word ―lo-ok‖ meaning Bay as the place is
near Manila Bay. In 1802, the residents of the
barrio grew. Then the barrio was converted into a
town in 1815, occupying a vast territory and the
socio-economic further improved. The first
Gobernadorcillo was Mariano Sandoval, while the
first curate was Fray Manuel Vaquerro, a
Recollect.
15. A few years later, export products
produced by Caloocan entrepreneurs were in
great demand in Manila to meet the
commitments of the Philippine traders to
Acapulco. Then on February 23, 1892, the
railway project from Manila to Mabalacat,
Pampanga was inaugurated. Then on
November 23, 1892 the railroad line from
Manila to Dagupan was finally opened
bringing economic opportunities for the
people of Caloocan.
Caloocan suffered three years of
oppression under the Japanese occupation.
And in 1946, Philippine independence was
finally proclaimed and Caloocan gained its
true freedom. In 1961, through a plebiscite,
16. Geography
The City is situated just
north of and adjacent to the City
of Manila and is divided into two
areas: Southern Caloocan City
lies directly north of the City of
Manila and is bounded by
Malabon City and Valenzuela
City to the north, Navotas to the
west, and Quezon City to the
east; and Northern Caloocan
City and lies to the east of
Valenzuela
City,
north
of
Quezon City, and south of San
Jose del Monte City in the
province of Bulacan.
17. The Land
The total land area of Caloocan City is
55.8 square kilometers. The land use is
primarily
in
residential,
commercial
establishments, facilities, parks, among many
other land uses.
People
Caloocan is the country's third most
populous city with a population of 1,177,604.
18. Commerce and Industry
Caloocan City is currently organizing
its long-term and short-term socioeconomic development plans and policies
of the city and the medium-term and
annual public investment programs that
would appraise and prioritize local
investment incentives to promote the
inflow and direction of private investment
capital.
19. Local Products
Caloocan City's 10th Avenue area is
well-known for the clusters of motorcycle
dealers and motorcycle spare parts
dealers.
Famous Foods
Various foods and delicacies can be
seen in Caloocan City which includes
fast-food chains, restaurants, and food
stalls in malls.
20. Major Tourist
Attractions
BONIFACIO
MONUMENT
BUENA
PARK
UE
SPORTS COMPLEX
GUBAT SA CIUDAD
RESORT
LUZVIMINDA RESORT
MANILA
CENTRAL
UNIVERSITY
TALA LEPROSARIUM
21. FESTIVALS
Tourism
Awareness
&
Promotion
An annual tripartite
activity among the key
players of the industry to
boast the promotion of the
city as a worthwhile tourist
destination. The event
includes an exhibit of
Caloocan‘s best in the
trade and industry, a food
festival among the city‘s
restaurants and an exhibit
and seminar for the local
travel agencies.
22. Las Piñas
Las Piñas is a city in the
National Capital Region of the
Philippines.
Geography
The land is bounded by
Parañaque City on its north
and northeast side, Muntinlupa
City on the east and southeast,
Imus Cavite on the south side,
Bacoor
Cavite
on
the
southwest and west side, and
Manila Bay on the northwest.
23. Etymology
The origin of the city‘s name varies some
say it was derived from the pineapples that
were shipped in the town, others say that it
was “Las Penas” due to excavation of
stones and adobe that was used for
construction purposes in the early years.
However, a bell inscription that states
“Siendo Cura-del Pueblo de las Peñas el
M.R.P. Padre Diego Cera se Fundio este
equilon ano de 1820” proves that the city
was once named as Las Peñas before it was
changed to Las Piñas.
24. In the Spanish era, the city used to be a
small fishing port and a center for saltmaking and eventually Las Piñas
developed into a residential, commercial
and industrial town of Metro Manila.
Las Piñas is known as one of the cleanest
cities in Metro Manila and has also
recently achieved a status of the ―Most
Competitive City‖ in the country.
25. Descriptive Names
Home of the Bamboo Organ
City of Love and Progress
Salt Center of Metro Manila
Lantern Capital of Metro Manila
26. Short History
In the city archives, Las Piñas used to be
a fishing settlement on Manila Bay Shores in
between 1762 to 1797. The origin of the city‘s
name varies some say it was derived from
the pineapples that were shipped in the town,
others say that it was ―Las Penas‖ due to
excavation of stones and adobe that was
used for construction purposes in the early
years. However, a bell inscription that states
―Siendo Cura-del Pueblo de las Penas el
M.R.P. Padre Diego Cera se Fundio este
equilon ano de 1820‖ proves that the city was
once named as Las Peñas before it was
changed to Las Piñas.
27. In 1822, a unique
Bamboo Organ was built
inside the St. Joseph
Church of the Parish of
Las Piñas, and was
completed in 1824. The
city is famous for this oneof-a-kind
musical
instrument ever built in the
country. Las Piñas was
also a major site in the
Philippine Revolution in
1896
and
was
also
occupied by the Japanese
Forces during the World
War II.
28. The municipality of Las
Piñas became part of Rizal
province pursuant to Philippine
Act No. 137. Two years later,
the municipality was combined
with Parañaque and later
became the seat of a new
municipal government. Las
Piñas became a separate
municipality on March 27, 1907
by virtue of Philippine Act 1625.
On February 12, 1997, Las
Piñas was declared as a city by
then President Fidel V. Ramos.
Then on March 26, 1997, the
city formally became the 10th
city of Metro Manila.
29. The Land
The city occupies a total land area of 41.54 sq.
kilometers. Half of the land area is developed for
residential purposes and the remaining half portion
of the land is used for industrial and commercial
which comprised of about 36.47% of the total land
area, institutional with 37.68% of the land, and the
rest for recreational or park areas.
The People
Las Piñas City has a total population of
528,011 with a growth rate of 1.54% yearly in
104,000 households. The population growth is due
to the migration of other people from different
regions outside of Metro Manila.
30. Commerce and Industry
Currently, Las Piñas city is already a
booming city with various business
establishments, shopping malls and other
new building and facilities infrastructures.
In the year 2000, the city generated a
742.0 million pesos income.
31. Local Products
During the Spanish
era, the city is known as a
small-fishing port and a
major salt-making center.
The city is also the first
place where ―Jeepney‖ is
built
beforehand.
Currently, the city is
famous for its Bamboo
Organ inside the St.
Joseph Church of the
Parish of Las Piñas which
wad created out of
bamboo,
wood,
and
metal.
33. FESTIVALS & OTHER EVENTS
The Bamboo Organ Festival (February)
The festival is celebrated every year
at the St. Joseph Parish Church of Las
Piñas where international organists are
invited to participate. The melodious
sound of the noted instrument can be
heard only during Sundays. Viewing is
from 2-4 PM on weekdays.
The Town Fiesta / The Feast of St.
Joseph (1st Sunday of May)
The town fiesta covers five (5)
barangays namely, Manuyo Uno, Daniel
Fajardo, Ilaya, Elias Aldana and
Pulanglupa Uno. It is highlighted with a
Banda Parada, the staging of Comedia or
Moro-Moro, singing contests, the Novena
with ―prusisyon‖ (Paradise with Icons) and
fireworks.
34. Makati
The City is referred to as the
―Financial Capital‖ and ―Wall
Street‖ of the Philippines since
Makati is the headquarters of
various key companies and work
offices. Makati is also a home of
the Makati Business Club and the
Philippine Stock Exchange.
The city today is the most
modern city in the Philippines and
a highly cosmopolitan culture
since many expatriates live and
work here. Makati also boasts of
its first-class shopping malls such
as Ayala Center and Rockwell
Center, and five-star hotels.
35. Etymology
When the first Governor-General of the
Philippines, Miguel López de Legazpi,
explored a swamp near the Pasig River, he
asked for the name of the place but, because
of the language barrier, the question asked
by the Governor General was misinterpreted
by the Tagalog people. Pointing to the
receding tide of the Pasig River, the Tagalogs
answered, ―Makati, kumakati na,‖ literally
meaning ebbing tide. Makati (maka-ti) means
"ebbed tide".
36. Descriptive Names
The
Financial
Capital
of
the
Philippines
The Wall Street of
the Philippines
Geography
Makati
city
is
located east of the
capital Manila.
37. Short History
The name Makati came from the
Tagalog word ―kati‖ which means tide that
refers to the flow of the Pasig River in the
northern border of the city. The area used
to be a swamp with cogon grass. Makati
was under the district of Santa Ana de
Sapa in between 1578-1670. And during
the Spanish era, the place was also known
as San Pedro Makati in honor of the
patron saint.
38. In the 19th century upon colonization of
Americans, Fort McKinley was established in
Makati and in 1901 the place became a part
of Rizal province. However, in the passing of
the Philippine Act 2390 on February 28,
1914, San Pedro Makati was shortened to
Makati name instead. Then in 1930, the first
airport, Nielsen Airport was built in what was
now the Ayala Triangle in Makati. In the
following years thereafter Makati became a
prime real property that eventually became a
financial and commercial capital in the
Philippines. On January 2, 1995, Makati
became an independent city.
39. The Land
The City of Makati has a total land area of 27.36 square
kilometers or 2,736 hectares which is 4.3% of National Capital
Region‘s total land area. The city is bounded by Pasig River on
the north side, Pasig City on the northeast, Pateros and Taguig
City in the southeast side, Manila in the northwest side, and
Pasay City on the southwest.
Affluent villages like Forbes Park and the main central
business district has the biggest land area of the total land area
in Makati.
The People
The 2000 census estimated a 524,000 population in
117,000 households. The population has an increase rate of 8%
and the number of households by 16%. The city has the highest
GDP per capita in the Philippines.
However, in daytime Makati reaches a million populations
especially during typical work days because of the large number
of people working in the city.
40. Commerce and Industry
Major
corporations,
banks, department stores,
shopping malls, embassies
and consulates of different
countries are based in the
City of Makati, thus the city
earned the name ―Wall
Street of the Philippines‖.
Makati has the highest
concentration
of
the
country‘s finest commercial
establishments
and
exclusive
residential
subdivisions, five star hotels
and fine dining restaurants.
41. Major Tourist Attractions
ALLIANCE
FRANCAISE
ART
GALLERY
AYALA CENTER
AYALA MUSEUM
FINALE ART FILE
GALERIA JUPITER
GALERIA AURORA
LIBINGAN NG MGA BAYANI
LUZ GALLERY
MAKATI CINEMA SQUARE
MAKATI PARK AND GARDEN
MAKATI STOCK EXCHANGE
MANILA AMERICAN CEMETARY AND
MEMORIAL
MUSEO NG MAKATI
42. Major Tourist
Attractions
OSMUNDO GALLERY
PHILIPPINE ARMY MUSEUM
SANCTUARIO
DE
GUADALUPE
SAINTS PETER AND PAUL
CHURCH
THOMAS
JEFFERSON
CULTURAL CENTER
UGARTE FIELD
43. FESTIVALS
OTHER EVENTS
&
Caracol (January)
Likhang-Kamay (March or
April)
Flores de Mayo (May)
Bailes delos Arcos (June)
Kasuotang
Pilipino
(September)
44. Malabon
Malabon City is part of the
CAMANAVA sub-region of
Metro Manila.
Geography
Located north side of
Manila and is primarily a
residential and industrial
place, thus, the city is
largely populated.
CAMANAVA consists of
Caloocan City, Malabon
City,
Navotas,
and
Valenzuela City.
45. Short History
The Augustinian Friars founded the town
of Malabon as a ―Visata‖ of Tondo on May 21,
1599 and remained under the governance of
Tondo from 1627 to 1688. Malabon was also
an important literary center of the Philippine
Revolution during the Spanish colonization in
1896. This is where the ―La Independencia‖
was printed in Malabon‘s Asilo de Huertanos.
Then on June 11, 1901 by virtue of Philippine
Act 137, Malabon was made a municipality in
the province of Rizal.
46. A few years later by virtue of Philippine
Act 942, the municipality of Malabon became
a part of Navotas governance. It was only on
January 6, 1906 when Malabon finally
became an independent municipality upon
signing of Philippine Act 1441. Malabon
remained a municipality of Rizal for 70 years,
and by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 824
Malabon became a part of the National
Capital Region and no longer part of the Rizal
province.
47. The Land
The city is a coastal land situated in the
northern part of Metro Manila together with
Navotas, Valenzuela, Pateros, Taguig,
Pasig and Muntinlupa. Malabon is
bounded in the north and northeast side
by Valenzuela, west and southwest side
by Navotas and southeast side by
Caloocan City occupying a total land area
of 23.4 square kilometers. The city land is
generally flat with some slopes.
49. Major Tourist Spots
ASILO DE HUERTANOS
ASILO DE MAYSILO
ASILO DE MAYSILO
MALABON ZOO AND
AQUARIUM
PAGODA-CARACOL
RIZAL SHRINE
SAN BARTOLOME
CHURCH
51. FESTIVALS
Pagoda-Caracol
The Feast of Our Lady of
Immaculate
conception
observed every December
9th is a joint celebration of
the Roman Catholic and
Aglipay churches. It features
a grand fluvial procession of
the venerated image of the
Virgin Mary along the
Malabon-Navotas
River
coupled with a traditional
street
dancing
revelry
participated in by colorfully
costumed dancers, young
and old.
52. Mandaluyong
Mandaluyong City is one of
the cities that comprised Metro
Manila in the Philippines.
Geography
Bordered on the west by
Manila, San Juan in north,
Quezon City and Pasig City in
the east side, Makati City in the
south side.
Descriptive Names
Tiger City of the Philippines
Metro Manila's Heart
Shopping Mall Capital of
the Philippines".
53. Etymology
The city derived its name from
tagalong terms ―mga‖ meaning many, and
―daluy‖ which means flowing in reference
to tall grasses that grow in this land many
years ago.
54. Short History
In 1300, the Great Madjapahit Empire or
―Anka Widyaya‖ ruled the Kingdom of Sapa
or of this city by Prince Balagtas. Then in
1470, the kingdome expanded and became
―Kingdom of Namayan‖ with Lakan Takhan as
the ruler. The Kingdom comprised of the
communities which now forms part of Quiapo,
San Miguel, Sta. Mesa, Paco, Pandacan,
Malate, Sta. Ana in Manila, Mandaluyong,
San Juan, Makati, Pasay, Pateros, Taguig,
Parañaque, and some portions of Pasig and
Quezon City.
55. Mandaluyong was originally known as
‗barrio‘ of Sta. Ana de Sapa that is part of
the Paco District. In 1841, the barrio was
named San Felipe Neri by the Spaniards
in honor of the Patron Saint of Rome.
Then on September 15, 1863 under the
administration of ―Dulcisimo Nombre de
Jesus‖ congregation, they constructed the
Parish of San Felipe Neri. The Parish was
once used as a station by the Katipunan
revolution (1896-1898) in leadership of
Andres Bonifacio.
56. Later on San Felipe Neri became a first
class municipality under Presidential Act No,
1942. For some time the town was under the
governance of San Juan Municipality until it
finally became an independent municipality
on March 27, 1907. In 1960, the municipality
of Mandaluyong became a component of
Metropolitan Manila undergoing significant
development and economic transformation,
eventually becoming a highly urbanized city.
Today, Mandaluyong is a bustling city
with vibrant economic activities and among
many other city accomplishments.
57. The Land
The city has a total land area of
1,124.97 hectares which is 1.77% of the
total land area of Metro Manila. The four
largest residential lots occupying the city‘s
total land area are Wack-Wack, Addition
Hills, Plainview and Highway Hills.
The land characteristic is partially flat
on the southwest portion with gentle
slopes in the rest of the area.
58. The People
Currently, Mandaluyong City has a total
population of 278,474 with 275,110
households. The city also has various
ethnic origins. However, most of its
population generally speaks Tagalog,
followed by Bicol, Bisaya, Ilonggo and
Ilocano
language.
59. Commerce and Industry
Mandaluyong City is now commercially
developed with a lot of central businesses such as
banks, offices and service establishments. Major
commercial districts are Boni Avenue, Shaw
Boulevard, Libertad-Sierra Madre, Kalentong, San
Franciso, part of Martinez, Sgt. Bumatay towards
Barangka Drive and Pinatubo towards EDSA. In
the eastern portion of the city it also has the
famous malls and establishments such as the
Megamall, Shangri-La, Podium and San Miguel
Corporation. Almost all businesses and personal
services stores dominates the whole roads in the
city
60. Major Tourist Spots
Plaza Tatlong Bayani
Liwasang Katubusan
Don Bosco Technical College
formerly
San
Carlos
Seminary
San Felipe Neri Church
Dambana ng mga Alaala
EDSA Shrine
Kaban ng Hiyas
Archdiocesan Shrine of the
Divine Mercy
Dove of Peace Arch /
Dambana ng Kagitingan
Bantayog ng Kabataan
61. Mandaluyong City Hall
Archbishop‘s Palace
Wack Wack Golf and
Country Club
San Miguel Corporation
Building
Correctional Institute for
Women
Hardin ng Pag-Asa
Ilaya Mini Park
Vergara Community Park
Andres
Bonifacio
Integrated School
Mandaluyong City Science
High School
Rizal
Technological
University
62. FESTIVALS & OTHER
EVENTS
Sto. Niño Festival (3rd Sunday of
January
Mandaluyong Day (February 9)
Lavandero Festival (Street Dance
and Parade)
Miss
Mandaluyong
&
Misis
Mandaluyong Beauty Pageants
Liberation Parade
Bilbiling Mandaluyong (2nd Week of
July)
Senakulo (Starting Holy Monday)
Unang Kilos ng Himagsikan
Daluyong
sa
Mandaluyong
(December 16—January 6)
Pasko sa Policarpio (November
25—January 6)
63. Marikina
The city is one of the
cities that comprise
Metro Manila, the
National
Capital
Region
in
the
Philippines.
Descriptive Names
Shoe Capital of the
Philippines
Shoe Capital of Asia
64. Etymology
The term Marikina is used after
the Americans took possession in the
Philippines on June 1901, and at the same
time, the creation of the province of Rizal.
The
area
was
earlier
called Mariquina after Felix Berenguer de
Marquina in 1787 who was the governorgeneral at that time, and the town was
declared a pueblo under the Spanish
colonial
government.
It
is
often
abbreviated as MKNA.
65. Geography
Located along the
eastern border of Metro
Manila, bordered on the
west by Quezon City,
south by Pasig City, and
north by San Mateo
Rizal. Approximately 21
kilometers away from
Manila, and the city is a
valley
bounded
by
mountain ranges and
sliced by a river.
66. Short History
The spot known as Chorillo in Barangay
Barangka was said to be the spot were the
Augustinians first arrived in the Marikina valley. It
was only in 1630 during the Spanish period that
the Jesuits administered the spot and established
a settlement naming it Jesus dela Peña meaning
Jesus of the Rocks. In 1687, the settlement
became a parish and was then known as
Mariquina and later on Marikina with the coming of
the Americans. There were a lot of legends told as
to where the name ―Marikina‖ was derived, some
say the town got its name from Captain Berenguer
de Marquina during 1787 under the Spanish
government; others say the town was named after
a Jesuit priest among other foretold legends.
67. Marikina officially became a town in
1787, and in the year 1887 the
shoemaking industry started through the
pioneering of Don Laureano ―Kapitan Moy‖
Guevarra. Then in 1896, a revolution was
formed in the leadership of Andres
Bonifacio and his Katipuneros. The local
government was then disrupted, but after
the Philippine revolution ended Mariquina
became the capital of Manila from 1898 to
1899. This is also the period in which
Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippine
Independence.
68. On June 11, 1901 during the American
occupation, Mariquina officially became
Marikina, and the province of Rizal was
created by virtue of Act. No.137. Then on
November 7, 1975 the twelve western
towns of Rizal including Marikina were
made a part of the new Metropolitan
Manila Area by Presidential Decree No.
824.
69. During the 20th century, Marikina had
fully emerged as a town of shoemakers. It
was in 1950 when shoe industries were built
in the city and soon waves of workers stayed
and Marikina thus the increase in the city
population.
In 1992, the city completely became an
urban city under the direction of Mayor
Bayani ―BF‖ Fernando who is the former
Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority. It was in December 8,
1996 when the Marikina municipality became
a chartered city by virtue of Republic Act No.
8223. The twin city of Marikina is Brampton,
Ontario in Canada.
70. The Land
The total land area of Marikina City is
approximately 2,150 hectares representing
about 3.44% of the total land area of Metro
Manila. The land use is more on residential,
commercial, industrial, institutional facilities,
development, housing projects, and roads
structure.
71. The People
Currently, the total population of
Marikina is 457,722. The original settlers
of the land were Tagalog, until other
migrants settled in the city. The people of
Marikina are called "Marikeño", but the
main language used is Filipino or Tagalog.
72. Commerce and Industry
The city now prides itself as a major host of shoe
making, and other multinational and exporting firms. The
city has already received numerous citations and awards
for its progression.
The city commerce in public markets is also in full
swing, like the Marikina Public Market also known as
Marikina Market Hall or People‘s Mall. Modern shopping
malls are also unstoppable. SM Prime Holdings plans to
construct an SM City Marikina along Marcos Highway
beside the Marikina River and plans to be open this year.
There are also various shopping complex with very
affordable goods, crafts and delicacies.
It is also the primary target of the Philippine
government to construct and improve the MarikinaInfanta Road, which is the main highway between NCR
and Quezon Province passing through Rizal Province.
73. Local Products
The city is the biggest
manufacturer of quality shoes
made from rubber, wood
(bakya) and plastic. It also
manufactures food processing,
cigarettes,
porcelain
and
chinawares,
confectionary,
automobiles
and
cars,
appliances, crafts like bags,
hats and slippers.
Famous Foods
The city offers various
delicacies
from
diverse
cultures, and well-modernized
dining facilities in the city
proper.
74. Major Tourist Attractions
ANGEL TUAZON
ENTERTAINMENT
DISTRICT
EVOLUTION PARK
CITYHOOD PARK
CLEAN AND GREEN
MARIKINA
LRT LINE 2 SANTOLAN
STATION
LOYOLA MEMORIAL
PARK
MARIKINA INDUSTRIAL
ZONE
MARIKINA MARKET MALL
MARIKINA RIVER PARK
MARIKINA SPORTS
CENTER
75. SENTRONG
PANGKULTURA NG
MARIKINA
SHOE MUSEUM
PARISH OF OUR LADY OF
THE ABANDONED
RIVERBANKS CENTER
RIVER CARABAOS
SAN JOSE MANGGAGAWA
PARISH CENTER
SM CITY MARIKINA
THE RIVERBEND HOTEL
AND CONVENTION
CENTER
THE WORLD‘S LARGEST
SHOE
TEATRO MARIKINA
WOMEN‘S PARK
76. Festivals and Other
Events
Angkan-Angkan
Festival (April 16)
Rehiyon-Rehiyon
Festival (December 8)
Sapatero
Festival
(Oct. 15 to Nov. 30)
77. Muntinlupa
Muntinlupa City is known before
as
a
sleepy,
agricultural
community and a city that is
famous
for
its
national
penitentiary, National Bilibid
Prison, where the country‘s most
dangerous
criminals
are
imprisoned, is now a full
developed and progressive city.
Geography
It is bordered by Taguig City
(north),
Parañaque
City
(northwest), Las Pi ñas City
(west),
Bacoor
Cavite
(southwest), and San Pedro
Laguna to the east side.
78. Descriptive Names
Emerald City of the Philippines
Munti
Etymology
The origin of the name ―Muntinlupa‖ came from three
accounts: First, due to its thin top soil in the area; Second, as
rumor has it, some residents replied to a Spaniards
questioning them in the 16th century as to what the name of
the place was and their answer was ―Monte sa Lupa‖; third,
the place has mountainous land, thus the term ―Monte‖ or
mountain became Muntinlupa. However, these said versions
cannot be established as correct for there are no records or
archives to prove it otherwise.
In 1800, Father Joaquin de Zuñiga, a catholic priest,
recorded Muntinlupa as la poblacion que sigue se Ilama
Muntinlupa that is now referred to a village Poblacion.
79. Short History
During the early 1600, Muntinlupa is
under the religious supervision of
Augustinians. The education of the
residents was also under the convent of
Guadalupe Sanctuary until Quijano
Bustamante bought the land of Muntinlupa
from the residents. Then in 1869, the civil
government approved the project of
forming a town out of the barrios of
Muntinlupa.
80. The place became a district of Morong,
Rizal in 1901. Later on, the Municipality of
Muntinlupa by Act 1008 of the Philippine
Commission is included within the boundary
of Laguna province and is placed under
Biñan town and San Pedro. Muntinlupa
residents protested against this act, thus, on
March 22, 1905 the petition of the people
were heard and through Act 1308 of
Philippine Commission Muntinlupa were
returned to Rizal province and became a part
of Taguig. A few years later Muntinlupa was
eventually separated from Taguig because of
its distance.
81. On December 19, 1917, the government grants the
petition of the residents for the independent status of the
municipality under Executive Order 108 per approval of
Governor General Francis Burton Harrison that took
effect on January 1, 1918. The first appointed mayor in
that year was Vidal Joaquin, while the first elected mayor
was Melencio Espeleta.
After the 1945 World war, infrastructure projects
were implemented such as the first municipal hall,
residential houses, factories and other business
establishments. Portions of the land area were also
developed by the local government. Then on November
7, 1975 upon the creation of Metropolitan Manila
Commission by virtue of Presidential Decree 824 (issued
by the late President Marcos), Muntinlupa became a part
of Metropolitan Manila. Under the administration of
Loresca and Argana, education was given priority.
Various elementary public schools were built in different
communities.
82. In June 13, 1986, after the EDSA revolution,
President Corazon C. Aquino appointed Attorney Ignacio
Bunye as officer-in-charge of Muntinlupa City. This
appointment is in lieu of nationwide revamp of local
government units following the EDSA revolution in
February of that year. Attorney Ignacio Bunye served
the municipality for three consecutive terms together
with Vice mayor Attorney Jaime R. Fresnedi. The
administration implemented various projects that led to
the municipality‘s progression.
Upon the ratification of the 1986 Constitution,
Muntinlupa and Las Piñas became one district on June
13, 1986. Muntinlupa was divided into two districts:
Districts I include the communities of Tunasan,
Poblacion, Putatan and Bayanan, while District II
consisted of Sucat, Buli, Cupang, Alabang and New
Alabang. December 6, 1988, President Corazon C.
83. During Bunye‘s Administration, Muntinlupa
signed on March 1, 1994 a sisterhood pact with
Gunma, Japan establishing bilateral relations
between the two municipalities. Then on February
16, 1995 through House Bill No. 14401 as
approved by the House of Representatives, the
municipality of Muntinlupa was turned into a highly
urbanized city. Later on, Muntinlupa becomes a
charter city upon signing of Republic Act 7926 by
President Fidel V. Ramos. The first congressman
representing Muntinlupa City is nonetheless
Attorney Ignacio R. Bunye.
By virtue of Republic Act No. 7926, Muntinlupa
becomes the 65th city in the Philippines as signed
on March 1, 1995. The first day of the month of
March was also approved by the city council on
February 26, 1996 as ―Muntinlupa-Gunma
Friendship Day‖.
84. On June 29, 1998, Attorney Jaime R.
Fresnedi became the new mayor of Muntinlupa
City. Under his leadership various new projects
were undertaken such as new agencies for the
delivery of basic services to the people of
Muntinlupa City, infrastructure projects and
education-related programs.
Recent developments came from another
sister-city agreement with Staffanstorp, Sweden
on October 17, 2000. Then Muntinlupa City
receives the first ISO 9002 compliance
certification from Reyland Nepomuceno of TUV
products on March 1, 2001. Another milestone
is the signing of the third sister city pact with
Liuzhou, China on November 3-7, 2004. Cultural
exchanges, technology transfer and trade
interactions is a big help in making the city more
productive and up-to-date.
85. The Land
Muntinlupa is situated 22 kilometers South of
Metro Manila, accessible through the National
Higway and South Luzon Expressway. The total
land area of Muntinlupa City is 46.70 square
kilometers or 4,670 hectares. The terrain of the
city is relatively flat to slopping towards the east,
as gentle rolling hills occupy the western part with
elevation increasing up to 60 meters.
The land is suited for lowland rice, corn, root,
crops and cogon grass due to its Guadalupe Clay
Loam Series type of soil. The total land use is
more on Residential, followed by Commercial,
Industrial, Institutional, Agriculture and other
utilities.
86. The People
According to the 2,000 census, the City
of Muntinlupa has a total population of
379,310
with
78,016
households.
Languages used by the people are
diversified.
87. COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
The city was recently awarded as the ―Most
Competitive City‖ and the ―Most Improved City ‖ in
the Philippines for its 9,957 number of various
business establishments, large scale commercial
real estate development projects such as Filinvest
Corporate City by Filinvest Development
Corporation and Madrigal Business Park by Ayala
Land Inc.
Muntinlupa has now become a super city
having top premier shopping centers such as
Alabang Town Center and Festival Supermall;
corporate office towers such as Insular Life
Towers; the famous hospital with well-equipped
facilities i.e. Asian Hospital and Medical Center;
and Information-Technology industries that can be
seen in the Northgate Business District.
88. LOCAL PRODUCTS
Muntinlupa city has manufacturing
products, semiconductor, food, textile and
manufacturing industries.
FAMOUS FOODS
The city offers a lot of food stores, food
stalls, fine dining restaurants, and fastfood chains with various delectable dishes.
90. Other tourist destinations are:
Alabang Town Center
Ayala Alabang Country Club
Festival Supermall
Filinvest Corporate City
Madrigal Business Center
District
Metropolis Mall
National Bilibid Prison (NBP)
Palms Country Club
91. Festivals and Other
Events
Banhayan
Festival
(Buli
and
Cupang
communities)
Bulaklakan
Festival
(Bayanan community)
Grand Santacruzan
Samahang
Batya
(Alabang community)
Senakulo
Serenata
92. Navotas
The City of Navotas is
a 1st class city in Metro
Manila, Philippines.
Descriptive Name
Fishing Capital of the
Philippines
Etymology
The name Navotas
originally comes from the
word Nabutas because of a
natural phenomenon which
created the Navotas River.
93. Navotas is part of the informal
subregion
of
Metro
Manila called CAMANAVA.
This subregion, aside from
Navotas, includes the cities of
Caloocan,
Malabon,
and Valenzuela.
Geography
It is bordered on the north
by Obando, Bulacan along
Sukol Creek; on the south by
the city of Manila; on the east
by Daang Binuangan River,
Bangkulasi Channel, Malabon
Channel and Estero de
Maypajo; and on the west
by Manila Bay.
94. The Land
Navotas is a coastal town in the
northwest part of Metro Manila. It is a narrow
strip of land with an aggregated shoreline of
approximately 4.5 km.
The People and Industry
According to National Statistics Office in
the year 2010 the population of the City of
Navotas is
249, 131 and 70% of this
population is deriving their livelihood directly
or indirectly from fishing and its related
industries like fish trading, fish net mending,
and fish producing having marginal
percentage of inter-Island fish producers.
95. Short History
Years ago, the town of Navotas was not known by its
present name for it was only considered as part of
Malabon. The place appeared to be a long and narrow
delta with a thick line of pandan leaves, which grew
abundantly extending from north to south along the
seashore. It was believed that long ago, the town was not
entirely surrounded by water. Old folks believed that the
layer of land between the former district of Tondo, Manila
and this town was probably soft and weak, such that the
turbulent waters of the bay gradually eroded a portion of
the land, until an opening was made. Soon seawater begun
to flow through its opening especially during high tide. At
low tide, the waters from inland flowed out into the sea.
This geographical change prompted the people to refer to
the place as ―nabutas‖ which means breached or pierced
through. This developed into a regular waterway, now
96. In later years, the whole place came to be known as
Navotas. The movement for a separate Navotas, which
was by that time part of Tambobong, now Malabon started
on December 20, 1827 when the ―principales‖ of the three
barrios of San Jose, Navotas, and Bangkulasi petitioned
the Spanish Government to form a new town citing among
others, the difficulty of the people to transact business and
attend religious festivities of the mother town. On October
31, 1832, the residents of the three barrios nominated Don
Bernabe Francisco to represent them in their fight for
separation from Malabon. But the petition of the principales
of the three barrios was shelved by the government on
September 19, 1855 pending the putting up by the people
of Navotas of a church, convent, and a town hall that
symbolized their sincerity. In spite of the determined efforts
of the principales, their petition was again disapproved on
August 19, 1856. Instead of being discouraged, the
successive rebuff only served to prod them to work harder.
97. Finally, a document dated February 16, 1859
recorded the separation of barrios San Jose,
Navotas, and Bangkulasi from Malabon. When the
Philippine Revolution broke out in 1896, Navotas
formally joined the revolutionary government of
Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on August 6, 1898. On
June 11, 1901, the town of Navotas was
incorporated into the newly created province of
Rizal by virtue of Philippine Commission Act No.
137. In 1903, by virtue of the Philippine
Commission Act No. 942, the municipalities of
Malabon and Navotas were merged into one by
which the former was chosen as the seat of
government for economic and centralization
purposes. Bernardo Dagala of Navotas fought for
the separation of Navotas from Malabon, finally,
Navotas gained full independence as a distinct
municipality through the enforcement of the
Philippine Commission Act No. 142 lasts January
98. On November 1975, in the exercise of emergency
power during martial law of the late President Ferdinand
E. Marcos, Presidential Decree No. 824 created the
Metropolitan Manila Commission, which placed Navotas
together with twelve (12), other municipalities of Rizal
and the four (4) cities under its jurisdiction. Today,
Navotas, after a long wait, was proclaimed as a fullpledge city last June 24, 2007, upon obtaining 12,544
affirmative votes on a plebiscite. Navotas, together with
the other fifteen (15) cities and one (1) municipality
(Pateros) remain part of Metropolitan Manila, particularly
of the National Capital Region (NCR). As mandated by
the Local Government Code of 1991, this LGU is also
guided by various devolved, deconcentrated and
concerned National Government Agencies likewise
encouraging the support and participation of the NonGovernment Organization on its undertaking towards
99. Major Tourist
Attractions
Navotas Fishery Port
Dry-Docking
Facilities
Floating Dry Dock
Raid Type Dry
Docking
Belt Type Docking
Soon to be the
Shrine of St. Joseph
in the Diocese of
100.
Festivals
San Ildefonso (January 23)
San Roque Feast Day (Last
Sunday of January)
San Jose Feast Day ( First Sunday
of May)
San Lorenzo Ruiz Feast Day (Last
Sunday of September)
San Rafael Feast (Last Sunday of
October)
Holy Cross (Good Friday)
Black Nazarene (Good Friday)
Mutya ng Navotas
Sagalahang Bayan (May Flower
Festival)
Linggo ng mga MangingisdaPangisdaan Festival
Penetensiya—(Tanza and
Bangculasi)
101. Pasay
Pasay City is known in
different descriptions such as
The Premier Gateway to the
Philippines, The Travel City,
The Travel Capital of The
Philippines
Geography
Pasay City is bordered by
Manila City on the north side,
Makati City on the northeast,
Taguig City on the east side,
and Parañaque City on the
south. This city is one of the
key cities in Metro Manila,
Philippines.
102. The Land
Pasay City has a total land area of 18.50
square kilometers. The city is the third
smallest political subdivision in the National
Capital Region yet it has the greater area
devoted to utilities covering 51.35% of the
total land area. The city has various
entertainment, and business establishments.
The People
The current population of the city is
408,610
with
73,846
households.
Predominant language used is Tagalog,
followed by English language.
103. Short History
According to history records, the name of
the place came from various versions, one
version came from the love story of Jose
Rizal and his first love Paz during the early
years when their love was forbidden by the
latter‘s parents. When Paz died, Jose Rizal
was said to have cried out in loud anguish
and uttered ―Paz-ay!‖ in her grave and later
on the parents of Paz also named their
hacienda Paz-ay which eventually became
the name of the whole Pasay town. Another
version is that Pasay was derived from an
abundant ―pasaw‖ or a plant with an exotic
aroma within the vicinity of the place during
the early years. Others say it was named
after a princess of the Namayan Kingdom,
104. In June 21, 1947 Pasay became a city
and was renamed Rizal City in honor of
Dr. Jose Rizal, the country‘s national hero.
However, in 1949 the city‘s name was
renamed back to Pasay.
Currently, Pasay City boasts of its
newly opened SM Mall of Asia, the biggest
SM Mall ever built in the Philippines in the
Bay area on May 21, 2006.
105. Major Tourist Attractions
Cuneta Astrodome
Design Center of the
Philippines
Manila Domestic Airport
Manila Film Center
National Government Offices
such as Department of
Foreign Affairs (DFA),
Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration (OWWA),
among many other.
Ninoy Aquino International
Airport Terminal II and III
Philippine International
Convention Center (PICC)
106. Philippine Trade
Training Center
Philippine World Trade
Center – Various
exhibits both local and
international are held
here.
SM Mall of Asia
Theme Parks such as
Star City, Nayong
Pilipino and Boom na
Boom.
Villamor Airbase
107. COCONUT PALACE
CULTURAL CENTER OF
THE PHILIPPINES (CCP)
FOLK ARTS THEATER
GSIS MUSEUM AND
ARCHIVES
PHILIPPINE MUSEUM
OF ETHNOLOGY
RESIDENCES OF
RECTO AND QUEZON
STA. CLARA PARISH
CHURCH
109. Pasig
Pasig is one of the highly ubanized
city
of
in
Metro
Manila
in
the Philippines and was the former
capital of the province of Rizal prior to
the formation of this grouping of cities
designated as the National Capital
Region.
Geography
Located along the eastern border
of Metro Manila, Pasig is bordered on
the
west
by
Quezon
City and Mandaluyong City; to the
north by Marikina City; to the south by
Makati City, Pateros, and Taguig City;
and to the east by Antipolo City, the
110. Etymology
The city's name Pasig was believed to have come
from the old Sanskrit word “passid”, or sand, which
refers to the tribal community beside the sandy edges
of the river. Some historians believed that El
Pasig came from Legaspi (Miguel Lopez de Legazpi,
the Basque explorer well known for being involved in
the "Sanduguan", and was the first Governor-General
of the Spanish East Indies.
It was pronounced “mapaksik” by the Pre-Hispanic
Chinese
inhabitants
of Binondo, Manila (Mabagsik is Tagalog for "terrifyin
g" - depicting the river's raging current during
the typhoon season, causing massive floods on
nearby towns and villages, destroying wide hectares
of farmland, and even bringing huge amounts of logs
and water lilies from Marikina River, Laguna de Bay,
and
San
Juan
River
towards
Colonial
Manila). “Mapaksik"later became "Pah-sik", and was
then changed to what is now "Pasig". It may have
also come from the Tagalog word "dalampasigan",
111. According to Jose Villa Panganiban,
the former director of The Institute of
National Language, "Pasig" is another
ancient Sanskrit word meaning ―
A waterway coming from one body of
water to another,‖ which briefly describes
the river because its flow starts from
Laguna de Bay, leading to Manila Bay.
112. Short History
On June 11, 1901 the province of Rizal
was created through Act No. 137 of Philippine
Commission. Pasig was incorporated into the
province of Rizal, and was designated as the
capital
of
the
new
province.
In 1975, Pasig was carved out of Rizal
province and became part of Metro Manila
when the Metro Manila Commission (precursor of Metro Manila Authority and later
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority)
was created by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos
through Presidential Decree 824.
113. In July 1994, Pasig was converted into
a highly urbanized city through Republic
Act 7829. And in December 1994,
President Fidel V. Ramos signed it into
law, which was ratified through a plebiscite
on January 21, 1995.
114. The Land
Pasig City is regarded as highly
industrialized because of the presence of
big manufacturing companies. It has the
largest number of establishments in the
district, which is 16,387 with a land area of
31.0 sq. km.
Population
As of 2009 the population 652,358.
115. Commerce and Industry
The western part of the city is where most of
Pasig's financial resources are primarily concentrated.
It includes numerous factories, warehouses,
establishments and commercial facilities. Primarily
they situated in the Ortigas Center, Pasig proper and
along E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue (C-5) and Ortigas
Avenue. Real estate and commercial developments
along Mercedes Avenue and other areas near the city
center are developing. The eastern part was mostly
dominated with residential areas but numerous
commercial establishment are now developing along
Marcos Highway. Per capita income (GDP) of Pasig is
$12,032 per year. The barangay of San Antonio has
the largest income in Pasig, second only to San
Lorenzo of Makati as the largest single incomegenerated government unit in the Philippines. Arguably
more significant western part of Pasig, east of the city
of Mandaluyong and as part of the barangay of San
Antonio, lies the Ortigas Center.
116.
Major Tourist Destinations
Pasig City Hall
Mutya ng Pasig Public Market
Plaza Bonifacio
Concepcion Mansion: Pasig Museum
Immaculate Conception Parish (ICP) Church
Rizal High School
Plaza Rizal
Bahay na Tisa
Eugenio Lopez Foundation, Inc
Doña Geronima's Cave
Pasig City Convention Center
Rizal Provincial Capitol
Rainforest Park
117. Festivals and other Events
Araw ng Pasig
Summer Music Festival
Itik-Itik Festival
Paskong Himig
Bambino Festival
Sunduan
Pakalog Festival
Pista ng Batampasig
118. Paranaque
Paranaque
City
or
Lungsod ng Palanyag is
one of the key cities that
comprise Metro Manila.
Geography
The place is bordered
by Pasay City in the north
side, Taguig City in the
northeast, Muntinlupa City
in the southeast, Las
Piñas
City
in
the
southwest and Manila
Bay to the west side.
119. Descriptive Name
The Fashion Capital of the Philippines
The City of Lights
Short History
The name of the city was derived from
the phrase ―para na aque‖ meaning ―stop
now, boy‖ which is commonly said by
people who wished to get off from
―kalesas‖ or horse-drawn carriages during
the Spanish era.
120. In 1572 the place was founded by Spanish
missionaries and called it ―Palanyag‖ meaning
beloved. The early settlers were into salt-making,
fishing, rice planting, shoemaking, slipper-making and
weaving which they trade off to Chinese, Indonesians,
Indians and Malayans along the shores of Palanyag.
Then in 1580, the town fell under the authority of the
Augustinians led by Fr. Diego de Espinar and in the
same year Palanyag became an independent town.
The town became one of the hot battle zones
during the Philippine Revolution in the 19th century
since it is a gateway between Cavite where the
revolutionary Katipuneros stayed, and Manila, as the
Spanish seat of Government. Upon the American
occupation, Parañaque became one of the first
municipalities in Metro Manila. And on February 15,
1998, the municipality of Parañaque became a
121. The Land
The total land area is 47.7 square
kilometers which consists of residential,
commercial centers, industrial areas,
multinational companies and other service
establishments.
The People
The current population of the city is
estimated to be at 564,247 with 118,050
households. The predominant language
used by the people is Tagalog and English
for business transactions.
122. Commerce and Industry
Trade and commerce are much evident in the
northern communities of Parañaque such as
Baclaran. This is where affordable dry goods,
ready-to-wear clothings can be found. In Barangay
La Huerta seafoods products can be directly
purchased from the boat, thus the place is called
―fisherman‘s wharf‖.
Other businesses and establishments can also
be seen along the stretch of Sucat. Day in and day
out business transactions are always on the go in
these avenues. As to the southern portion of the
city, various industrial estates and plants operates
24 hours a day, such as Toyota Motor Philippines,
Johnson and Johnson's, Motorola, Philacor (GE,
White-Westinghouse), Columbia Motors (BMW,
Hyundai, Kia), and Astra Pharmaceuticals.
123. Major Tourist Attractions
BACLARAN CHURCH
BACLARAN BARGAIN
MARKET
DAMPA
FIESTA SHOPPING
MALL
LA HUERTA
SUCAT MOTOR
SHOPS
124. Other interesting sites
in the city:
Casino Filipino
Loyola Memorial Park
Manila Memorial Park
Ninoy
Aquino
International
Airport
Terminal I
Parañaque City Hall.
SM City Bicutan
SM City Sucat
St. Andrew‘s Cathedral
125. Festivals
Araw
ng
Palanyag
(Parañaque Day)
Caracol
Flores de Mayo
Komedya
Linggo ng Palaspas or
Domingo de Ramos
Pasyon or Pabasa
Salubong (Easter Vigil)
and Pasko ng Pagkabuhay
(Feast of the Resurrection)
Semana Santa or Holy
Week
Sinakulo or Via Crucis
(Way of the Cross)
Sunduan
126. Quezon City
Quezon City is one of the
key
cities
and
municipalities
that
comprise Metro Manila,
the
National
Capital
Region.
Etymology
The place is also
popularly known as simply
QC, named after the
former president of the
127. The city is formerly the capital of the
Philippines and is currently the seat of the
House of Representatives in Batasang
Pambansa.
This is also where the two main
universities of Ateneo de Manila University
and the University of the Philippines are
located.
128. Short History
The city was once a small town
adjoined by then now known as the
communities of San Francisco del Monte,
Novaliches, and Balintawak. In 1896, the
Philippine Revolution was declared by
Andres Bonifacio in Pugad Lawin which is
now the Bahay Toro at Project 8, Quezon
City.
129. In the turn of 19th century the late President of the
Philippines, Manuel L. Quezon visioned a city, thus in
1938 President Quezon established People's
Homesite Corporation and purchased 15.29 km² from
the vast Diliman estate of the Tuason family. And on
October 12, 1939, a bill was approved naming the city
after President Quezon. On July 17, 1948 after the
World War II, Quezon City became the Philippine
Republic‘s capital and in the year 1950 in accordance
to Republic Act No. 537, the city boundaries were
extended to additional 153.59 km² in land area.
However on November 7, 1975 in lieu of Presidential
Decree No. 824 by President Ferdinand Marcos,
Metro Manila was established and Quezon City
became one of the 17 cities and municipalities of
Metro Manila. And the following year, Manila became
the official capital city of the Philippines.
130. President Ferdinand Marcos ordered
the transfer of the remains of the late
President Manuel Quezon from Manila
North Cemetery to the erected Quezon
Memorial Monument in Quezon Elliptical
Road. Currently, the city has developed a
database system that is capable of
recording property payments and the very
first local government in the country with
the said computerized real estate
assessment and payment system.
131. The Land
Quezon City has a total land area of 16,112.12
hectares which is almost one-fourth of the National
Capital Region (NCR) and has the biggest land
area compared to other cities and municipalities. It
is bordered by Manila in the southwest side,
Caloocan City and Valenzuela City in the west and
northwest, San Juan and Mandaluyong City in the
south side, Marikina City and Pasig City to the
southeast side, Marilao River in the north,
Rodriguez and San Mateo in the east side. The
city's topography is largely rolling with alternating
ridges and lowlands. The land area is mostly
residential with 45.45% of its total land area,
institutional government agencies, Batasang
Pambansa, medical institutions, public parks and
some industrial facilities in the north side of the
city.
132. The People
The city has a latest population of
2,173,831 people spread over four districts
and 142 barangays with District II as the
most densely populated area estimated at
942,074 people. Population growth rate is
1.92%.
133. Commerce and Industry
Quezon City has 55,759 business
establishments as of 2001 and with the
further development of commercial and
industrial ventures, the city has potential to
increase further its number for big
businesses. Business establishments
range from Wholesale and retail trade at
47%, followed by manufacturers at 12%,
hotels and restaurants, real estate and
other
leasing
business
services,
community and other personal services.
134. The city is said to be the richest local
government in the country in terms of asset,
cash in banks internal revenue allotment,
gross income, and gross net income. It is
also the major entertainment capital of the
Philippines as it is a home to major television
broadcasting networks such as ABC, ABSCBN, GMA Network, NBN, RPN, and IBC
and is known for having various restaurants
providing fine dining to fast food, bars and
cafes. The city also has various shopping
malls, a coliseum and amusement parks. Big
telecommunication companies also have their
branch offices in the city vicinity.
135.
Major Tourist Attractions
ARANETA CENTER
ARANETA COLISEUM
BARRIO LA LOMA
BARRIO PUGAD LAWIN
BALINTAWAK
CAMP CRAME AND CAMP
AGUINALDO
FIESTA
CARNIVAL
COMPLEX
LA MESA DAM WATER
RESERVOIR
MABUHAY ROTUNDA
PARKS AND WILDLIFE
BUREAU
136. PHILIPPINE NUCLEAR
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
QUEZON CITY HALL
QUEZON
MEMORIAL
CIRCLE/ SHRINE
THOMAS
MORATO
AND TIMOG AVENUE
(TOURIST BELT AREA)
UNIVERSITY OF THE
PHILIPPINES
137. Other historical destinations
in Quezon City are:
• Balara Park
• Bantayog ng mga Bayani
• EDSA Shrine and Sigaw ng
Pugad Lawin Shrine.
• La Mesa Ecopark
• People Power Monument
• Philippine Science High
School
• San Pedro Bautista Church
(the second oldest church in
the country)
138. San Juan City
San Juan is one of
the cities that comprises
the
National
Capital
Region of the Philippines.
It is the smallest city in
the region and the country
in terms of land area.
The city is known for
being the site of the first
battle
of
the Katipunan against
troops of the Spanish
Empire in 1897.
139. Etymology
"San Juan City" is a contraction of the
city's longer, ceremonial name of San Juan
del Monte (English: "Saint John of the
Mountain"). As with numerous other places in
the Philippines, the city is christened
after John the Baptist, the city's patron saint,
and the hilly terrain it is situated on.
Descriptive Names
Heart of Metro Manila
Home of Philippine Presidents
Tiangge Capital of the Philippines
140. Geography
It is bordered by Quezon
City
on
the
north
and
east, Mandaluyong City on the
south, and the City of Manila in the
west.
The territory of San Juan was
once much larger than it is
presently, stretching all the way
to Caloocan City. Parts of what are
now Districts 1, 2 and 4 of Quezon
City
as
well
as
parts
of Mandaluyong were originally
within San Juan's territorial
boundaries. This explains why San
Juan Reservoir is in nearby
Horseshoe Village, a subdivision
currently under the jurisdiction of
Quezon City.
People
According to the NSO Census
in the year 2010 the total
population of San Juan City is 121,
141. Short History
During the pre-Hispanic period, the area of
what is now San Juan was a part of the Kingdom
of Namayan, whose last recorded rulers were King
Lacantagean and his consort, Bouan. When the
Spanish first took over the kingdom which they rechristened as Sta. Ana de Sapa, the village
remained a part of it, re-classified as a barrio and
later becoming a small encomienda by 1590. In
1602, the Dominican friars built a retreat house for
their immediate use, where aging or convalescing
friars stayed. Later, the Dominicans constructed a
convent and a stone church dedicated to the Holy
Cross. To this day, the thrice-rebuilt Santuario del
Santo Cristo stands on the same site, adjacent to
the Aquinas School and the Dominican College.
142. In
1783,
San
Juan
became
independent of Santa Ana but it was still
then a barrio within the Province of Manila.
The opening salvo of the Philippine
Revolution against Spain, began in San
Juan in 1897 with an attack by
the Katipunan on the alamacen (armoury)
or polvorín (gunpowder magazine) of
the Spanish East Indies government. The
town was later incorporated into
the Province of Rizal in 1901 during
the American Occupation.
143. On
7
November
1975, President Ferdinand Marcos signed
Presidential Decree № 824 that established
the National Capital Region. San Juan was
among the towns that were excised from
Rizal Province. Voters in San Juan ratified
the conversion of the municipality into a
highly urbanized city on 16 June 2008,
pursuant to Republic Act No. 9388 ("An Act
Converting the Municipality of San Juan into
a Highly Urbanized City to be known as the
City
of
San
Juan").
Then Congressman Ronaldo B. Zamora
sponsored the Cityhood Bill in the House of
Representatives and worked for its approval.
144. Major Tourist Attractions
St. John the Baptist Church
Old Convent of Kabayanan
and Sanctuario de Santo
Cristo Church
The Learning Resource
Center Building at San Juan
Elementary
School
Compound
Spirit of 1896 Monument
Greenhills Shopping Center
Pinaglabanan Shrine
Monuments
of
Andres
Bonifacio & Gen. Emilio
Aguinaldo
Club Filipino
145. Festivals
Wattah,
Wattah
Fiesta or Feast of St.
John the Baptist (June
24)
Anniversary of San
Juan / San Juan Day
(March 27)
Feast of the Holy
Cross Church (May 3)
Battle of San Juan
del Monte (August 30)
146. Taguig City
The City of Taguig is a
highly
urbanized city located
in
south-eastern
portion
of
Metro
Manila
in
the Philippines. From a
thriving
fishing
community along the
shores of Laguna de
Bay, it is now an
important residential,
commercial
and
industrial center.
147. Geography
Taguig City lies on the
western shore of Laguna de
Bay
and
is
bordered
by Muntinlupa City to the
south, Parañaque to the
southwest, Pasay to the
west, Cainta and Taytay on the
northeast and Makati, Pateros,
and Pasig to the north. Taguig
River, a tributary of the Pasig
River
cuts
through
the
northern
half
of
the
municipality and Napindan
River, also a tributary of the
Pasig forms the common
border of Taguig with Pasig
City.
148. Etymology
The original 800 farmer-fishermen settlers
of the area were good at threshing rice after
harvest. Hence they were referred to as "mga
taga-giik," and their settlement as "pook ng
mga taga-giik." Spanish friar Fray Alonso de
Alvarado, together with conquistador Rey
Lopez de Villalobos who crossed Pasig River
to reach Taguig in 1571 found "taga-giik"
difficult to pronounce, and could only produce
the word sounding like "tagui-ig." So many
mispronouncements later, "tagui-ig" was
shortened to the present day "Taguig.―
Descriptive Name
Metro Manila's ProbinSyudad
149. Short History
Before the Spaniards came to the
Philippines, Taguig was once a part of the
Kingdom of Tondo which was ruled by Rajah
Soliman. The city was one of the first
territories that have been influenced by
Christianity when the Spaniards took control
of Luzon. In 1587, it was established as a
separate town of Manila, which was still a
province during that time. Taguig was then
accessible through the Pasig River and
connects it to Manila Bay and Laguna de
Bay. Fishing was one of the main sources of
livelihood for its residents.
150. When the Americans took over the
country, Taguig was made into an
independent municipality on March 1900. A
year later, it was incorporated into the
province of Rizal when Act. No. 137 was
promulgated. In 1903, the city was merged
together with Muntinlupa and Pateros by the
virtue of Act. No. 942. The setup did not last
long. Muntinlupa was made part of Binan just
a month after the merger. In March 1905,
Muntinlupa was returned to Taguig. After
three years, Taguig was again made into an
independent municipality. In January 1, 1918,
both
Taguig
and
Pateros
became
independent municipalities of Rizal.
151. It was during the occupation of the
Americans that a sizeable part of the Taguig
was made into Fort McKinley. When the
Philippines gained its political independence
from the U.S. in 1946, the Americans
surrendered control of the country but
retained its hold on the military bases. In May
1949, control of Fort McKinley was finally
turned over to the Philippine government.
In November 1975, Taguig was separated
from the province of Rizal during the
formation of the National Capital Region. In
December 8, 2004, Taguig officially became a
city.
152. Population
Total of 613,343 (as of August 2007
Census) with a population growth rate of
3.82% from 2000-2007.
The Land
The total land are of the city of Taguig
is 45.21 km².
Major Economic Activity
Commercial and Service Centers
153.
Major Tourist Attractions
Laguna de Bay
Dambanang Kawayan
Archdiocesan Shrine of St.
Anne
Simborio
The Blue Mosque
Parola
The Plaza Quezon
Bantayog ng mga Bayani ng
Tipas
DOST Mini-Forest and EcoPark
The VFP Museum
Libingan ng mga Bayani
The American Cemetery and
Memorial
Plaza Bonifacio
Fort Bonifacio Global City
154. Festivals
Sta. Anang Banak Taguig
River Festival
Karera ng mga Bangkang
Lunday
Boys and Girls Festival
Parade
Banak Fish-Cone Tossing
Ceremony
Pagodahan
Pandangguhan
Taga-giik Festival
Mutya ng Taguig Pageant
Flurry of the Streamers
Grand Foundation Day
Parade
Pagiikan Mini Olympics
155. Valenzuela City
Valenzuela is the 119th
largest
city
of
the Philippines and one of the
16 cities plus a municipality
that
compose
the region of Metro Manila,
located about 14 km (7.9
miles) north of Manila.
Valenzuela is categorized by
virtue of Republic Act Nos.
7160 and 8526 as a highly
urbanized,
first-class
city
based on income classification
and
number
of
population.
A chartered
city located on the island
of Luzon.
156. Land and People
It is bordered by Meycauayan,
Bulacan
in the north, Quezon
City and northern Caloocan to the
east; by Obando, Bulacan to the
west;
by
Malabon,
southern
Caloocan and Tullahan River to the
south. With a land mass of
44.59 km2 and a population of
575,356 in August 2010, Valenzuela
is the 13th most populous city in the
Philippines. Valenzuela's population
is composed of 72% Tagalog
people followed by 5% Bicolanos.
Small
percentage
of
foreign
nationals reside in the city.
158. Short History
Valenzuela means "little Valencia" in Spanish,
and is also the surname Dr. Pío Valenzuela, a
Filipino physician and patriot who was among the
leaders of the Katipunan that started the Philippine
Revolution against Spain after which the city was
named.
The historic City of Valenzuela was originally
known as Polo, and established as an
independent town of the province of Bulacan in
1623. Polo was once just a part of the town of
Meycauayan called "Catangalan". The territory of
the new town encompassed the vast lands that
stretched from the town of Obando, to the forests
of Novaliches. The Franciscans, in the person of
Fr. Juan Taranco, administered the newly created
159. During its long history played an important
role in development of northern Metro Manila.
Valenzuela City, before its cityhood on 1998, was
divided into an Spanish friar hacienda, small
political settlement and Spanish garrison before
Philippine Independence in 1898. Valenzuela was
once part of Bulacan province. In the 19th century,
its huge land area was subdivided into Polo,
Novaliches, Obando and others merged into the
province of Morong. Later on in the American
Period, Valenzuela became part of Bulacan and
started the construction of Marcelo H. del Pilar
Expressway. The expressway later became North
Luzon Expressway during Marcos's era.
The liberation of the Philippines from
Japanese rule on 1946 resulted in the division of
Valenzuela into two towns.
160. On
1960,
President
Diosdado
Macapagal signed a bill creating a
municipality of Valenzuela independent
from Bulacan. However, on 1963, the
municipality was redivided, the north Polo,
to be under Bulacan again, while the
southern Valenzuela town became an
independent municipality. The creation of
MMDA and NCR during Marcos's
administration led to unification of Polo
and Valenzuela into the municipality of
Valenzuela in 1975. Valenzuela City finally
attained cityhood status on February 14,
161. Major Tourist
Attractions
Arkong Bato
Japanese Cemetery
San Diego de Alcala
Church
Residence of Dr. Pio
Valenzuela
Museo Valenzuela
Church of San Roque
National Shrine of
Our Lady of Fatima
162. Festivals
Charter Day
Celebration
(February 14)
San Roque
Festival (May12)
Dr. Pio Valenzuela
Day (July 11)
Putong Polo
Festival
(November 12)
163. Pateros
The Municipality of Pateros is
a first-class municipality in Metro
Manila, Philippines. This small
town is famous for its duckraising industry and especially for
producing balut, a Filipino
delicacy that is boiled duck egg.
Pateros is also known for the
production of red salty eggs and
"inutak", a local rice cake.
Moreover, the town is known for
manufacturing of "alfombra", a
locally-made footwear with a
carpet-like fabric on its top
surface.
164. Geography and
Population
Pateros is bordered
by Pasig City to the
north, Makati City to the
west, and Taguig City to
the south.
Pateros is the only
municipality and the
smallest, both in
population and in land
area, in Metro Manila, but
it is the second most
densely populated at
around 29 thousand
people per square
kilometer after Manila.
Major Economic Activity
Commercial and Service
165. Etymology
The name Pateros most likely derived from the
duck-raising industry. The Tagalog word
(of
Spanish
origin)
for
"duck"
is
pato
and
pateros
means
"duckraisers". Edmund Roberts used Duck-town as the
alternate name for Pateros, stating that he "never
before saw so many ducks together," in one place.
Another theory, though less known, is that the
name may allude to the town's small shoe-making
industry. The Tagalog word for "shoe"—also of
Spanish origin—is sapatos and shoemakers are
called sapateros.
166. History
Before 1770, Pateros was only a barrio of Pasig until the
Spanish Governor-General in the Philippines issued a decree
making Pateros an independent municipality. The town was
then composed of five barangays (villages), namely, Aguho,
San Roque, Sta. Ana, Sto. Rosario and Mamancat (now a
portion of Fort Bonifacio). On March 29, 1900, Pateros
became one of the towns in the newly created province
of Rizal, by virtue of General Order No. 40, Act No. 137 of the
Philippine Commission, which was promulgated on June 11,
1901. Then on October 12, 1903, Act No. 942 combined
Pateros, Taguig City and Muntinlupa City into a single
municipality under Pateros. The municipality was renamed
Taguig on March 22, 1905, through Act No. 1308. Executive
Order No. 20 dated February 29, 1908 separated Pateros from
Taguig. Pateros then regained its independent status as a
municipality on January 1, 1909 by Executive Order No. 36.
On November 7, 1975, Pateros became a part of the
167. Major Tourist
Attractions
New Municipal Hall
Dulong Bayan
Monument
San Roque Church
Manggahan Shrine
Balut-Making
Garden of Memories
Memorial Park
Old Houses
Alfombra Slippers
Pateros River
168. Festivals
Feast of St. Martha (2nd
Sunday of February)
Liberation Day
(February 18)
Pateros Foundation
(March 29)
Santacruzan/ Flores de
Mayo (May)
Feast of St. Martha Old
(July 29)
Feast of St. Roque
(August 16)
Full Moon Festival
169. City of Manila
Manila City or in Filipino
―Lungsod ng Maynila‖, is the
capital of the Philippines. The
City is situated at the mouth of
the Pasig River on the eastern
shores of Manila Bay on Luzon
western side.
Geography
The city is bordered by
several cities and municipalities
such as Navotas and Caloocan
City in the north, Quezon City in
the northeast, San Juan and
Mandaluyong City in the east,
Makati City in the southeast, and
Pasay City in the south side.
170. Manila has been classified as a "Gamma"
global city by the Globalization and World
Cities Study Group and Network and is
also known as the National Capital Region
(NCR) since the metropolis is currently a
thriving metropolitan area which consists
of 17 cities and municipalities.
Etymology
The city‘s name was derived from a
flowering mangrove plant ―the nilad‖ that
grew on the shores of the bay at that time,
thus, of the name Maynilad.
171. Short History
Manila began as a small Muslim
settlement on the banks of the Pasig River
along the shores of Manila Bay. The city
was then a prosperous Islamic community
under the governance of Rajah Sulayman.
172. It was in the year 1570 when Miguel Lopez de
Legazpi demanded the invasion of Manila, thus the
Spaniards came under the command of Martin de
Goiti defeated and crushed native settlements to the
ground upon encountering resistance from the Muslim
king. The following year, the Spanish conquistador
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi arrived and made a peace
pact with three Rajahs or Muslim leaders (Rajah
Sulayman, Rajah Matanda, and Rajah Lakandula)
and organized a city council consisting of two mayors,
12 councilors, and a secretary. At this time, the
Spaniards built a walled city known as Intramuros to
protect the colonizers. Then, on June 10, 1574 King
Philip II of Spain gave Manila the title of
―Distinguished and Ever Loyal City‖. In the year 1595,
Manila became the capital of the Philippines. In the
173. In 1898, the United States occupied and
controlled Manila till 1946. Spain handed over
the Philippines to the United States of
America for US$ 20,000,000 upon its defeat
in the battle and ending 377 years of Spanish
rule in the country. On December 31, 1941
the city was declared an open city By
President Manuel L. Quezon and was later
occupied by Japanese forces on January 2,
1942. During World War II much of the city
was destroyed, but then upon the return of
General Douglas McArthur in the Philippines
on February 5, 1945 Manila officially gained
its freedom. In July of 1946, the
Commonwealth government under Manuel L.
Quezon declared independence.
174. Reconstruction of Manila soon came
after and the population grew rapidly. Land
was fully developed with subdivisions and
residential suddenly flourished. In 1976,
four cities: Manila, Pasay, Caloocan and
Quezon City and 13 other municipalities
was officially designated as "Metro
Manila". Today, the city and the metropolis
is already a progressive cultural and
economic center.
175. The People
The City of Manila is second to the
most populous city in the Philippines with
a population of 1.5 million residents.
The main language is Filipino.
However, many Manileños are fluent in
English language. A small percentage of
the population can also speak Spanish
owing to Manila‘s Spanish heritage.
176. Commerce and Industry
The city is progressive in terms of trade and
commerce which is attributed to its 24 hours economic
activities such as various trading centers, prime
harbors, vast array of business establishments, and
human resources capability. All of these factors
contributed in billions of pesos investments.
t is also a plus factor in the city‘s economy that
local and international products are placed in Manila
where it is sold at a lowest price. In its entirety, the city
is now a complete ‗one-stop shopping mall‘ where you
can find vast array of goods and other products.
The five leading industries or establishment in
Manila are Textile and Garments, followed by Food,
Personal Products, Chemical and Pharmaceutical, and
Rubber or Plastic Products.
177. Major Tourist Attractions
Bahay Tsinoy
Intramuros Light and
Sound Museum
Metropolitan Museum
Museo ng Maynila
Museong Pambata
National Library
National Museum of the
Philippines
The Museum – De La
Salle University Manila
UST Museum of Arts and
Sciences
178. Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Jude
Thaddeus
Binondo Church also known as
the Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz
Malate Church
Manila Cathedral also known as
the basilica of Immaculate
Concepcion
Quiapo Church also known as
the Basilica of the Black
Nazarene
San Agustin Church
San Fernando de Dilao Parish
Church
San Sebastian Church
Santa Cruz Church
Sto. Niño Parish Church
179.
PLAZ A SAN LUIS
FORT SANTIAGO
MALACAÑANG PALACE
UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS
PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY
BONIFACIO SHRINE
CHINA TOWN
BULWAGANG GAT ANTONIO
VILLEGAS
CASA MANILA
RIZAL SHRINE
MABINI SHRINE
RIZAL PARK
Rizal Memorial Sports Complex
(RMSC)
San Andres Gym (foremrly Mail and
More Arena, the home of the Manila
MetroStars.)
180.
PASIG RIVER
MANILA BAY
PLAZA MIRANDA
ERMITA DISTRICT
BAYWALK ALONG ROXAS
BOULEVARD
The Supreme Court of the
Philippines
Rajah Sulayman Park
Manila Boardwalk
Manila Zoological and Botanical
Garden (Manila Zoo)
Paco Park, the location of the
hit Paco Park Presents
University Belt Area
181.
SM City Manila
SM Department Store Quiapo
SM City San Lazaro
Robinson's Place - Manila
Harrison Plaza (SM Harrison; Shopwise;
Rustan's)
Ever Gotesco Manila Plaza (Recto)
Isetann Department Store (Recto and
Quiapo)
Divisoria Flea Market
168 Shopping Mall
Tutuban Center (Cluster Building,
Centermall & Primeblock)
Quiapo Bargain Center, home for
endless bargain goods
Palengke or Pamilihan sa ilalim ng tulay
(literally means "a marketplace under the
bridge), a center for indigenous Filipino
products
182. Festivals and other
Events
Feast of the Black
Nazarene
Feast of the Sto.
Nino
Grand Marian Feast
Bailes Delos Arcos
Buling-Buling in
Pandacan
Liberation of Manila
Manila Day