Travel Guide > Asia > Philippines > Metro Manila > Manila
Manila is not really known for being a tourist hot-spot, thanks in large part to a delectable combination of heavy pollution, the world's densest population, and a frantic pace of life. But Manila is a fascinating city nonetheless, where Latin influences infuse a modern east Asian city simultaneously experiencing the push of American globalisation.
Manila is located on Manila Bay, in the north of the Philippines on the island of Luzon. It is the second largest city in the wider metropolitan area of Metro Manila.
Manila dates back to the Spanish era in the 16th Century. It started as a small fishing village at the mouth of the Pasig River. The city got its name from an extinct mangrove species that bloom a white flower and once grew on the river banks called the Nilad. The locals called the place 'may nilad' which is translated as having the nilad. Later the local name evolved from being Maynilad to Maynila and eventually internationally known as Manila.
Manila became the center of government eversince the Spanish era where they built the Intramuros with Fort Santiago guarding the mouth of the Pasig River. Here Spanish nobilities and politians lived within the walls while locals are limited beyond its walls.
Some of the noteable districts within the city of Manila are the following:
Other major Philippine festivals are listed in the Events and Festivals in the Philippines section.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Manila Domestic Airport serves as the main airports to get to Manila. These airports are about 30 minutes from the city.
This is version 12. Last edited at 6:03 on May 15, 08 by GeoBot (+53). 16 articles link to this page.

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