Welcome To Manila

Built by the Spanish conquistadors in 1571 as Intramuros, a fortified settlement on the ashes of a Malay town, Manila spread outward over the centuries, so that the oldest districts are those closest to Intramuros. Yet very few buildings attest to the city's antiquity, since it suffered extensive damage during World War II, more than any other city except Warsaw, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki.

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.