Manila Introduction

The Philippines is an archipelagic nation made up of 7,107 islands spanning 1,840 kilometers north to south. It is part of the East Indies, a vast island group lying south and east of mainland Asia, with Taiwan at its northernmost coast and Borneo on the south. The three main Philippine island groups are Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Luzon is the island of contrasts. The most modern districts in the Philippines, including the capital city of Manila, are in Luzon, but so are some of the oldest tribal communities in the nation like the Ifugao of the Cordilleras. Luzon is also where a visitor can see the latest model luxury cars overtaking a carabao sled or modern skyscrapers within driving distance of primordial volcanos.

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines. But we Filipinos call Manila "The City of Our Affections." This phrase is taken from an old Spanish writings; but it also expresses a modern sentiment. Manila is all things for all Filipinos. It is the seat government administration, the fashion center, the intellectual pace-setter, the fountain head of all religious and educational movements; and of course, enormous shopping arcades. It is polictics and art; markets and churches; banks and universities - the whole life.

The country's premier business distric, Makati, throbs with different life. Busy sidewalks and avenues lead to hushed office sanctums, sparkling malls, elegant shops, swank galleries and boutiques, and some of the most valuable residential real estates in the country. Evenings, this classy entertainment city pulsates with the thousand and one light of discos, pubs, bistros, restaurants, music lounges, jazz bars, karaoke bars and 24-hour diner.

Where to stay is never a problem in Metro Manila. The visitor can choose from any of the wide range of accomodations to suit every taste and budget - from the most prestigiuos hotel chains to deluxe motels to cozy pensions and family-run inns. A wealth of diversions and attractions await the visitor. Museum tours offer glimpses of the rich historical and cultural heritage of the islands. At Ayala Museum in Makati, colorful dioramas depict scenes from Philippine history.

Metro Manila is home to roughly 20% of the country's 62 million Filipinos. The capital, Manila, is situated at the mouth of a natural harbor - the Manila Bay of world-famous sunsets. MalacaÏang Palace, the official residence of the Philippine President, stands regally on the banks of the Pasig River, which meanders through the length of the metropolis.

Within the city limits are located the medieval walled city of Intramuros, Spain's stronghold in Asia during its empire era; Escaolta and Sta. Cruz, two of the oldest commercial centers in the country; and historic Paco and Luneta Parks. Here, too, can be found enclaves as exotic and enduring as Chinatown, the Muslim quarters of Quiapo, and the noisy bargain mecca that is Divisoria. Along the sunset strip lining Manila Bay, luxury hotels vie for the tourist trade with the poshest accomodations and the best views, while a few blocks away along Ermita's bar-lined streets, more racy pursuits await the night owl.

For most Filipinos - especially those who have yet visit Manila - it is political and economic summit, the city of dreams. For the millions ekking out living in its slum and for its westernized middle classes; it is an asphalt jungle - gawdy and ruthless but irresistable. Manila is an old city, may be older than historians can determine. Perhaps having been around for a long time give its "Poise and Grandeur."

Population: 75.3 million (according to preliminary results of Census 2000). Manila is home and working place to nearly 2 million industrious, charming and hospitable people; likewise the city is the haven of approximately 3 million day time transients.

 Language: Pilipino is the national language. English is widely spoken and is extensively used in business and government, making the Philippines the third-largest English-speaking country in the world. Chinese and Spanish are other major languages spoken by some groups, aside from about 100 regional dialects. While there are over 100 regional languages in the Philippines, the national language is Filipino, with English as the most widely spoken second language. All business, governmental and legal transactions are conducted in English. Literacy in Manila is relatively high. English spoken in the country, particularly in the city. It is the basic language in business, government, schools and everyday communications

Ethnic Groups: ethnic>91.5% Christian Malay; 4% Muslim Malay; 1.5% Chinese; 3% other groups

Literacy Rate: 94%

Religion: religion>Roman Catholic 83%; Protestant 9%; Muslim 5%; Buddhist and other faiths 3%.

Time Zone: GMT + 8 hours, same as Hong Kong and Singapore.

Telephone Area Code: 02

Area: 636 sq km (248 sq mi)

Business Hours: Private and government offices are open either from 8 a.m to 5 p.m or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some private companies are open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Most shopping centers and department stores are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Most banks operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

Bank Hours: Banks are open 9am-3pm Mon-Fri (except public holidays).

Shop Hours: Most shops operate 10am-7.30pm daily (except public holidays).

Electricity: 220 volts, 60 cycles. Most hotels in Metro Manila have both 110 and 220 voltage outlets.

 Water Supply: Water supply in Metro Manila and in all the other major cities are considered potable. Bottled purified water, spring water or mineral water is often supplied by hotels and resorts, and sold in all grocery stores.

Telephone Service: Telephone Service is modern and you can direct dial anywhere in the world. Public phones are plentiful. Public phones require a minimum of two one-peso coins for a local call.

Climate: Tropical with temperatures ranging from 23‰C to 32‰C. March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool. Tropical monsoons and typhoons are common from June to November.

Clothing: Summer-weight clothing is suitable in Manila. Conducting business calls in short or long-sleeved shirt and tie without a coat is common and acceptable. However, for formal meetings, either a two-piece suit or the native "barong tagalog" (a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt worn without a tie) is the popular attire. Light suits and dresses are appropriate for women.

GDP Growth Rate: 3.2% in 1999, from 0.5% in 1998, 4% to 5% growth forecast for 2000.

Inflation: 4.3% (1999)

Major Exports: Electronic equipment and parts; machinery and transport equipment; other manufactures; garments, mineral and mineral products, coconut products, sugar, bananas, pineapple, mangoes.

Major Imports: Capital goods; materials and accessories for the manufacture of electronic equipment; raw materials and intermediate goods; semi-processed raw materials (animal feeds, chemicals).

Major Trading Partners: United States; Japan, the Netherlands; Singapore; United Kingdom; Taiwan, Hong Kong; Malaysia; Germany.

Major Industries: Food, petroleum and coal refining, chemical, electronics and electrical machinery.

Teledensity: 10 persons per telephone.

Government: Presidential Republic, with three co-equal branches: executive, legislative and judicial.

Geography: The Philippines lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, off the southeastern coast of the Asia mainland at the western rim of the Pacific. It is one of the largest archipelagos in the world with about 7,100 islands and islets. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on the east, the Celebes Sea on the south, and South China Sea on the west and north.