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San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila

admin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:08:32 +0000

Image taken by ~MVI~.

Manila is One of the Most Charming Spots in South-East Asia

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:55:50 +0000

The largest as well as the official capital city of the Republic of Philippines, Covering an area of about 39 square kilometers and with a population of about two million people, Manila is the world’s most densely populated city.

Located at the mouth of the Pasig River on the Manila Bay’s eastern shores, in southwestern Luzon – the largest island in the country, Manila is actually a part of the Metropolitan Manila or Metro Manila, also referred to as the National Capital Region (NCR.) Once a stronghold of the Spanish Empire during the colonial times and a point of trade between Europe and Asia, Manila has now become one of the most prominent cosmopolitan cities in the world. Lying on a narrow strip of land between Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay, the Metropolitan Manila is made up of 17 cities and municipalities. Further, Metro Manila is regarded as one of the world’s mega metropolises, and serves as the economic, educational, industrial, and cultural center of the country.

From historic buildings, monuments, and interesting museums to entertainment facilities and parks and gardens, attractions in Manila are truly endless. Perhaps the greatest of all attractions in Manila is Intramuros, which is a medieval fortified city designed in European style. Once served as the focal point of the Spanish colonial rule, the city was the seat of administration for a period spanning from 1571 to 1898.

In 1945, many of the city’s portions were destroyed by the Americans, which were later restored. A visit to this walled complex is a great way to experience the rich heritage of the region. Few among many of the highlights of this complex are Fort Santiago – a beautiful fort that was erected on the ashes of a Muslim ruler during the 16th century; Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, which is the oldest of its kind in the city; and Casa Manila, a 19th century mansion noted for its beautiful furniture.

A museum, exhibiting some rare collections of oil paintings, can also be found within the San Agustin Church’s old monastery. Apart from these, attractions also include the Rizal Park, an excellent area for enjoying recreational activities. Named after the national hero, Jose Rizal, the park is credited to be the largest of its kind in Asia.

Another worth visiting attraction in the city is the magnificent Malacanang Palace, which now serves as the official residence of the Philippines president. Located along the northern banks of the Pasig River, this palatial complex is noted for its unique architecture, and consists of sections such as Malacanan Palace; the Bonifacio Hall, which was formerly the office of Ferdinand Marcos successor Corazon Aquino; Kalayaan Hall, built under the American administration.

Mabini Hall – the administration hall; and above all a guest house. Also, a significant attraction in Manila is Bahay Tsinoy, which is an interesting museum that has on display collections related to Chinese-Filipino culture. Housed within the Kaisa Heritage Center, the museum’s collections include pictures depicting life of Chinese immigrants, and Chinese artifacts such as coins, pottery, and kitchen utensils.

Further, popular attractions in Manila cover Paco Park, which is probably the one of its kind in the whole of the world. Considered a historical shrine, the park was once a cemetery. With a unique design, the park consists of two circular structures with different levels of recesses. In short, the way the park is designed is truly stupendous.

Other not to miss attractions in Manila are Manila Zoological Garden, which is home to some rare collection of Philippine as well as African wildlife; Carfel Seashell Museum, which has on display some rare seashells; Kanlungan ng Sining, where you can find a unique variety of sculptures, paintings and photographs; Ayala Bridge, which connects San Miguel to Arroceros; Meban Garden, the city’s first botanical garden; and Liwasang Bonficacio, a park that has been built to commemorate a Philippine hero, Andres Bonifacio.

Hence, no wonder why tourists flock to Manila all-year round. Manila has accommodation options to cater every taste and pocket. From budget villas and hotels to high-end resorts and apartment, Manila’s accommodation choices are superb. There are also some hotels that provide services in the form of packages, covering accommodation, dining, and facilities to explore the attractions of the place.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.

Manila Conquest! 1st Pics 1945/02/26

admin — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 19:33:47 +0000

“The Capture of Manila (First pictures of the final stages of General macarthur’s masterful Luzon campaign) – As the US 6th Army approaches from the North, units of the US 8th Army approach Manila from the West and from the South. Naval stations and heavily-mined air fields are taken. US rifle fire is augmented with bazookas, phosphorus grenades and 155 mm. howitzers. Guerrillas render invaluable aid and the hated collaborationists are quickly rounded up. Manila proper is entered, but the cornered Japs have planted TNT charges and soaked blocks of buildings with gasoline. The resultant huge fires burn by day and by night. General macarthur enters Bilibid prison and is cheered by the 1100 prisoners who have been captive there since Bataan fell. Refugees mill about Manila’s streets, laden down with their few belongings. Water pressure in the mains is negligible, hence the fires rage unchecked. The stench from mass open graves where murdered Filipinos lie, is unbearable. The fighting zone shifts to South Manila, and Intramuros, the old walled city. When the Japs are exterminated, the refugees timidly return to their liberated city, Manila.” scenes of macarthur’s three-pronged attack advances, artillery pounds enemy, heavy resistance near Manila, Gen. Eichelberger lead another attack, net closes on japanese collaborators, gis drink beer from local brewery, evidence seen of Japanese demolition in Manila, macarthur enters Manila, visits prison and released captives, boat sunk …

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My Mother’s Journal; A Young Lady’s Diary of Five Years Spent in Manila, Macao, and the Cape of Good Hope From 1829-1834

admin — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:24:35 +0000

Product Description
General Books publication date: 2009 Original publication date: 1900 Original Publisher: G.H. Ellis Subjects: Voyages and travels China History / Asia / China Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography

My Mother’s Journal; A Young Lady’s Diary of Five Years Spent in Manila, Macao, and the Cape of Good Hope From 1829-1834

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Manila: A Memoir of Love & Loss

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:28:35 +0000

Product Description
A beautifully written memoir making a distinctive contribution to Australian literature concerning the immigrant experience.

Purita Echevarria de Gonzalez was born in Manila in the 1920s and describes an enchanted world, forever lost, with great poignancy and compelling immediacy. The reader suffers with her as this world is savagely destroyed by the outbreak of war, the Japanese occupation and the annihilation of the city by American saturation bombardment. The author is equally adept at describing without sentimentality, the halcyon pre-war time of her childhood and teens, and without sensationalism, the horrors of starvation and disease, brutality and massacre.

Manila: A Memoir of Love and Loss makes the past come alive, with its skilful blending of the personal, including a love story which runs through the narrative, and the historical (we briefly glimpse Marcos as a youthful partisan). Finely written, and inspiring in its portrayal of courage and compassion in the face of suffering, this memoir has a haunting quality which makes it impossible to put down.

Manila: A Memoir of Love & Loss

Manila Ocean Park

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:23:18 +0000

The next big destination in the Philippines is the newly constructed Manila Ocean Park. Found behind the Quirino Grandstand in Manila is also currently the largest oceanarium in Asia.

Seaside Manila

admin — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 07:44:48 +0000

Image taken by Storm Crypt.

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Party Sa Manila Bay

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:21:46 +0000

Pocket Guide about manila

admin — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:25:35 +0000

Product Description
This is a title featured in a series with over 110 books on various countries. The book also includes a pull-out map, practical information to suit all tastes and budgets and a leisure activities section.

Manila Insight Pocket Guide

The Battle for Manila

admin — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:46:28 +0000

ISBN13: 9780891417712
Condition: USED – VERY GOOD
Notes:

Product Description
A detailed account of the liberation/destruction of Manila, which left 6,500 American, 20,000 Japanese, and 200,000 Manila citizens dead and leveled the thriving, cosmopolitan city once known as the pearl of the Orient.

The Battle for Manila