The City of Manila or just Manila is one of the best cities in Asia in terms of tourism and lifestyle. Being the capital of Philippines, Manila is featured with good transportation, a sound economy, ample scopes to pursue higher learning, and last but not the least, enticing tourist destinations.
Nestled on the eastern shore of the Manila Bay on Luzon, Manila is Philippines' biggest island and home to more than 10 million inhabitants. The vibrant metropolis of Manila is known as the Metro Manila or the National Capital Region (NCR).
During the 13th century, Manila was comprised of a well-guarded trading seat at the bay of the Pasig River. It became a major center of the colonial government of Spain once it exercised its administrative power over the Philippine Islands from 1565 to 1898. Much of the city was annihilated by the bombarding during the Second World War. The Metro Manila was assigned an independent identity in 1975. Although modern day Manila boasts of its culture and economy, there are challenges to overcome still.
The city seal or emblem of Manila carries the words Lungsod ng Maynila and Pilipinas, meaning City of Manila and Philippines respectively. The words have been inscribed in a circle around a shield. The circle has six yellow stars symbolizing the six congressional districts. The shield, shaped like pre-colonial people's shield, portrays the city's nickname Pearl of the Orient on top, a sea lion in the middle and the waves of the Pasig River and Manila Bay at the bottom.
From an administrative point of view, Manila is divided into 16 districts. These districts are dispersed symmetrically along the northern and southern banks of the Pasig River.
Manila presents a soothing vista of greenery. There are parks galore, such as the Rizel Park, Baywalk, Rajah Sulayman Park, Liwasang Bonifacio, Mehan Garden, Plaza Miranda, Paco Park, Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, Malacaņang Garden, Plaza Balagtas, etc. These parks and many other places of attraction make Manila one of the best world cities.
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