MANILA, is the principal gateway to the Philippines archipelago. Visitor usually expects to find an oriental metropolis, but instead enters a voracious concrete giant of a city, very western in character . Almost 12 million people live in Manila and it is the most spreadout cities in the world, covering an area of 250 sq miles or 636 sq km. The name Manila or pronous as "May-nilad" means "where white water- flower grow" was the name of a village found by the Spanish. In the 5th century AD, the village lay on the almost perfect arc of the Manila bay which offers one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Sadly, the nilay flower have not grown on the banks of the river now because it is an open sewer today, carrying Manila’s untreated water down to the sea.

Rizal Park lies at the northern end of Roxas Boulevard is the place the national hero, Jose Rizal, was executed and buried. It is a favourite place for Sunday stroll. Families and students mingle with ice-cream vendors, photographers and beggars. Chess-players indulge their passion in the shade of the tree, orchestras play in the open air, and entertainments are staged even on weekdays. There is a small lake with miniature replica of the archipelago. There is a Chinese and Japanese garden, and a planetarium nearby. The Rizal Monument at the western edge of the park is a reminder of the sad date of Jose Rizal. The monument bears his poem "Mi Ultimo Adios" (My Last Farewell). The nearby fountain, at which Rizal is said to have drunk during his years in Germany, is a gift from the village of Wilhelmsfeld, near Heidelberg.

Manila Catheral,is a modern counterpart of the church of San Augustin which is considered the oldest Christian church in Manila. A huge modern office block now rises up beside Manila Catheral on the site where once the Spanish Ayuntamiento and the Palacio Real stood.

Chinatown, lies north of the Pasig river, and comprises the districts of Binondo and Santa Cruz. Many Chinese came to the country as a traders before the arrival of the Spanish. Chinatown’s main attraction these days consist of more worldly pleasures. Hand-painted film posters advertising the biggest cinemas in Manila., Chinese restaurants, food-stalls and street markets compete noisily with the roar of the traffic.

The Chinese Cementary, can be found in the north of Santa Cruz, at the end of the Jose Abad Santos Avenue and is an impressive monument to Chinese ancestor-worship. It is almost a city within a city, covering 100 acres with rows of mausoleums and streest line with graves. Rich families have created memorials in their own life time, especially in Millionaire’s Row , complete with telephone, toiltes, air-conditioning, security guards, and gardeners.

MAKATI is nine kilometers aways from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City or mere seven kilometeres away from Manila. Makati consists of high-rise buildings, streets like canyons and people bustling about in a permanent hurry apparently. Makati Commercial Centre and SM Mega Mall are the flagships of major chains, in whose glittering interiors crowds come just to store and stare.

Ayala Museum on Makati Avenue, holds a permanent display of 60 diorama depicting significant events in Philippine history. Its silent, well-organised halls also house a collection of ethnological and archaeological artifacts, as well as excellent models of Southeast Asia watercraft and galaries for special exhibits of contemporary artworks.

Ugarte fields is where the tribute of more recent historical figures can be found. At the intersection of Paseo de Roxas, Ayala and Makati Avenues are guarded by the statues of Filipino patriots Ninoy Aquino, Gabriela Silang, amd Pio de Pilar.

The Manila American Cementery, a 152 acre grounds, completed in 1960 is the final resting palce of American Armed forces soldiers who lost their lives in the Pacific War. Greenbelt Park is a quiet oasis of stone beaches, shaded lanes and lily pool. Chapel of Sto. Nino de Paz set amidst the lush garden of Greenbelt Park, provides respite for weary souls.