Manila, The Philippines

 Manila is the capital city of the Phillippines. It is located on the Island of Luzon and spreads along the eastern shore of Manila Bay at the mouth of the Pasig River.

The city's name, originally Maynilad was derived from the nilad plant, a shrub with beautiful flowers that grew profusely along the banks of the river, and seen by the traders as they sailed in.

Historically Manila was colonized by the Spanish who arrived in 1571, the Americans in 1898 following the Spanish/American War, and finally the Japanese from 1942-45 during World War Two. The Philippines finally became an independent country in 1946.  English is spoken extensively, and English is the language of instruction in the public schools. There are approximately 18 million people now living in Manila.

The people pf the Philippines were originally Muslim, but converted to Catholicism  with the arrival of Catholic monks who arrived with the Spanish explorers.

Like all the other Asian cities that we have visited, Manilla has it's share of modern high rise buildings and modern malls. We chose to tour Old Manila, and see some of  the remaining remnants from it's past. 

The "jeepney" is a unique vehicle used extensively in Manila. They were first invented after the second world war when an old military jeep was extended out the back and used as public transport. The newer ones are all personally decorated with scenes along the sides and front. They hold about 12 passengers. 

This is the entrance to walled Fort Santiago, first built by the Spanish in the 1500's. It used to be completely encircled by a large moat, which has now been mostly filled in. 

The fort was built on the side  of the Pasig River.

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Remnants of the old fort. Sadly, Fort Santiago has a dark history. Many people were jailed and tortured in it's dungeons, and the Japanese treated prisoners very badly here. The fort was also the headquarters for the American forces here after the defeat of Japan.

Horse drawn carriages are still available to rent for tours through old Manila.

The Manila Cathedral is the main cathedral in the Philippines. The present building was first built in 1879, then restored extensively after the second world war.

This is the interior of a smaller, older church named St. Agustin which was built by the Agustin monks, and is beside the larger cathedral.

St. Augustin interior.

St Agustin also has a very interesting Museum. during the Spanish Colonial era, the main trade route was between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico, not Spain directly. This is a model of one of the ships who made the journey.

There were many beautiful wood carvings depicting the life and suffering of Jesus in the museum.

A carving with the title "I BELIEVE IN GOD THE FATHER".

A monument dedicated to the national hero of the Philippines, Dr. Jose Rizal, who was executed in December 1896 for his anti colonial publications. He was an accomplished writer and medical doctor. His death sparked a revolt which led to the eventual withdrawal of Spain from the Philippines.

A graphic sculpture grouping depicting the execution of Dr. Rizal. It is located in a large memorial park, and also contains the final 14 verse farewell poem that he wrote before his death, translated into three languages on a large granite wall. 

Dr. Rizal's final poem, titled "My Last Farewell".