SPANISH IN THE WORLD
Spanish in the world
 
Manila

The capital of the Philippines counts over 9,5 million people. Manila tourist development has always had many structural problems, especially because of traffic, pollution that descourage visitors from staying in there more than 2 days.

What is to valorize however is the kindness of its population, some excellent nightlife, a few historical sights that are worth the effort, and, of course, some of the most cavernous shopping malls in Asia. At first sight, the city may seem clamorous, caotic and rough, but what it lacks in architectural sophistication it makes up for with the charm the city has always preserved. The way to enjoy it is just to step into it and follow the flow, without thinking too much. As the Manileños do. Manila started life as a tiny settlement around the banks of the Pasig River. With Spanish colonization, it grew into an important port.



In 1863, an earthquake completely destryed Manila which was later recontructed in an authentic American-style public architecture. That’s why it was then considered one of the most elegant and cosmopolitan cities in the Orient, but at the end of the Second World War the city was once again destryed. Rebuilding was slow and plagued by corruption and government inertia. As a consequence, the city that greets visitors today is one of emotional contrasts, with areas of extreme poverty next to glass skyscrapers and designer boutiques.

Not far from the capital city, Malate and Ermita, the chief tourist destinations, are more salubrious with their Rizal Park and Intramuros all lying just to the north. Quiapo, full of colorful markets, Binondo, with its Chinatown. and Pasay City, also have points of interest and worth the effort of travlling around Philippines.