CITYWALKS

Manila, city in Philippines

The ‘Pearl of the Orient’ in the quiet days of Spanish rule, Manila now lets its core of grit show. Manila city is located on the west coast of the Philippine main island of Luzon and surrounded by fertile plains. The city straddles the delta of the Pasig River, a short navigable stream that connects the freshwater lake of Laguna de Bay with the huge natural harbour of Manila Bay and the South China Sea. Hot and humid throughout the year, Manila’s climate is slightly tempered by the sea breezes. Typhoons sometimes occur in May and November.

Originally Manila was a conglomeration of 17 towns and villages, which were brought together under the regime of President Marcos in 1976. Metro Manila is the actual urban core, based around the colonial capital of Intramuros and the other districts of Ermita, Malate, Quipao, San Nicolas, Paco and Binondo. The 38.3 sq kilometres (15 sq miles) of urban sprawl extends to outlying towns and villages such as Quezon City, Pasay City, Pasig City and Makati City, the centre for business and much of the nightlife.

Historically, Manila Bay’s topography and strategic location, between the Old World’s silk and spices on the one side and the New World’s silver on the other, favoured commerce and made the bay a natural magnet for maritime traders. The Chinese were the first foreigners to arrive and trade in the islands in 98AD but by the late 15th century, the restless Europeans had sent Ferdinand Magellan westward to the Philippines. He landed in 1521 and claimed the islands for Spain, which took over Manila (called Maynilad by early Muslim settlers) in 1571.

Despite a revolution and proclamation of independence, the Philippines fell to the United States of America, following the 1898 collapse of the Spanish Empire. In 1935, the USA approved the Commonwealth of the Philippines, only for it to be crushed by the Japanese invasion in 1941. After a bitter rearguard action around Manila, the American and Philippine forces finally surrendered in 1942 but managed to recapture Manila two years later, in a series of ferocious land and naval battles that left it ruined and depopulated.

The Filipinos gained independence in 1946. However, following the 1965 election of Ferdinand Marcos, anti-government riots gave him the pretext to declare martial law in 1972, inaugurating perhaps the most kitsch tyranny on record, ably assisted by his wife (and governor of Metro Manila), Imelda Marcos. The brutal absurdities of their regime continued until 1986, when ‘People Power’ and the defection of key supporters drove them into well-heeled exile. Subsequent democratic administrations have improved the image and politics of the Philippines, however, not its economy.

Manila today is a sprawling chaotic agglomeration that exercises a disproportionate influence on the entire country and is a lesson in contrasts. The dichotomies of wealth and poverty are evident, with the palatial neighbourhoods around Makati contrasting with squatter camps along the river, where the destitute scavenge to survive. So much of Manila still remains mired in the Third World and democracy has brought little change as yet to the poor. The city’s chaos also reflects the Philippines’ cultural diversity – there are more than a hundred cultural minority groups living in the country.

Manila is an overpowering city and can certainly prove to be hectic if you are not prepared for it. A combination of the bustle of the traffic, noise, pollution, poverty and often-shabby infrastructure makes the city seem intimidating. However, Manila’s energy and the good humour of its people become infectious.


Baguio, city in Philippines

Situated amidst the mountainous region of Cordillera, 1,400 meters above the sea, 250 kilometers north of Manila, Baguio City is one of the few places in the Philippines blessed with a cool climate. On average, Baguio is at least eight degrees cooler than any place in the lowlands. Not surprisingly, Baguio has become the "summer capital" of the country. It is gifted with a variety of cultural, historical and scenic attractions which make it an important and interesting destination. As early as March, tourists and locals take the six-hour trek up the zigzagging Kennon Road. Within a mile of thec ity, the sweet scent of pine trees and flowers already permeate the air.

Artists are particularly drawn to this serene city. The annual Baguio Arts Festival attracts aspiring painters and sculptors from all over the country. Writers convene in Baguio to meet and recharge.

However, Baguio wasn't always a place of peace and leisure. In the early 19th century, the Spaniards stumbled upon this ore-rich valley and fought feverishly with the local tribes to gain control of the land's bounties. While the Spaniards succeeded in founding some form of governance in the area, the mountain tribes proved too difficult to rule. Thus, the Spaniards parceled out the province to the landed gentry.

It was the Americans, perhaps longing for colder climes, who saw the vast recreational potential of Baguio. After building Camp John Hay, the Americans proceeded to carve Kennon Road from out of the mountain - and linked Baguio to Manila - and eventually to visitors of all creeds and races.

If you only have a day to spend in Baguio, start your tour with a walk down Session Road. The city's commercial artery, Session Road is where you get your first bite of the charm and serendipity of Baguio. Apart from a smattering of one-of-a-kind curio shops and fashion boutiques, Session also features an interesting array of culinary delights. Restaurants specializing in Chinese, Italian, American, Japanese and Mongolian can be readily found along Session Road. From Session, take a cab to any of Baguio's prime attractions. Go horseback riding at Wright Park. Climb up the 252 steps to the Lourdes Grotto. Play a round of golf at Camp John Hay. Cook a tasty chopsuey with the freshest of veggies from the Baguio City Markey. Visit the Mansion. Stock up on strawberries. Or curl up under a warm blanket with the crackling of burning wood lulling you to sleep. For night-owls, Baguio is alive with pulsating music and warm spirits. There are a number of bars and discos that swing until the wee hours of the morning.


Davao, city in Philippines

The history of Davao is brief but interesting. It harks to the past and brings to mind tribal wars. drum beats and ritual fires along the river banks which, according to some sources gave origin to the word "Davao" from daba-daba", meaning fire. The early inhabitants occupying the eastern shores of Davao were the Manobos, Tagcaolos, Guianggas, Bilaans and Aetas. On the western portion were the Mandayas and Bagobos. The Samals occupied the Samal and the Talicud Islands. Later, the Maguindanaos from Cotabato, Zamboanga and Jolo migrated to Davao and succeeded in driving the natives inhabitants to the mountains.

In 1528, Davao was visited by Albaro de Saavedra; in 1543, Baganga, Manay and the island of Sarangani were explored by Villalobos. In 1844, Governor Figueroa and Agustin Bocallan, a brigadier-general in the Spanish army, obtained from the Sultan of Mindanao the cession of the region in favor of the Spanish government. In 1847, armed with an authority from Gov. Claveria, Don Uyanguren, a political refugee and a soldier of fortune set sail for Davao, landing at the mouth of the Davao river on July 20, the Spaniards were met by the Muslims led by Datu Bago. In the ensuing battle, Datu Bago was slain and his followers retreated to the hinterlands. Don Uyanguren conquered first the region now occupied by Davao City. Two years later, he organized the neighboring regions together with a strip of territory of Caraga (now Surigao) into a province of Guipozcoa, in honor of his home in Spain. He became the first governor.

In 1858, Nueva Guipozcoa was abolished and two commedencias were included in the district of Davao which comprised the southeastern territory of Mindanao. At the end of the Spanish rule, Davao was one of the seven districts under the political military government of Mindanao. Major Hunter Ligget led the American forces who came to Davao in 1900.

In 1903, the Moro province was organized and Davao became a district of the province. However, in 1914, the Moro Province was abolished and in its stead, the Department of Mindanao and Sulu was created. Davao then became on of the provinces of this Department with Davao municipality (now Davao) as its capital.

In 1937, Davao became a chartered city. The city was inaugurated formally by the Secretary Elpidio Quirino on March 16, 1937. Assemblyman Romualdo Quimpo is known at the "Father of Davao City". Davao was divided into three provinces in 1967. Davao City assumed a stature all its own apart from the three provinces, proud of its past and confident of its future. Gradually, the city regained its status as a primary agricultural and trade center of Mindanao. Today the city of Davao has gone far and wide in economic development. Davao City can just as well be called the "melting pot of the Philippines".


Cebu, city in Philippines

Cebu is a city in the midst of overwhelming growth that blends its ancestral heritage and modern business savvy with flair. Standing as the country's top business and tourist destination, Cebu was crowned as the Queen City of the South. Finding its own place under Cebu's friendly skies, business and leisure breathe together with office buildings and beach resorts.

Relics of the past are found aplenty as Cebu is the country's oldest city. The street with the distinction of being the oldest in the Philippines is Colon Street. Colon Street was paved lat in the 16th century by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and now houses malls, office buildings, theaters as well as museums and monuments. Other historical places are the oldest fortress in the country, Fort San Pedro, Liloan Lighthouse and the Bantayan sa Hari.

Cebu was named the country's capital by the Spaniards in 1565 and has been a bustling trade port since pre-Hispanic times. Since that time, Cebu has been able to maintain its stature as the center of trade and commerce in Southern Philippines.

More than just a city of increasing sophistication, Cebu still retains much of its provincial warmth and charm, with its colorful past. Apart from Cebu's numerous man-made landmarks and institutions, it also features many miles of forest greens - a haven to wildlife and the place for a perfect picnic. There's the 15,393-hectacre Central Cebu National Park, the 696-hectare Sudian National Park, the Kawasan Falls and the Bolok-Bolok Mineral Springs. nearby Mactan Island boasts of world-class beach resorts

Cebu metamorphosed in more ways than one, but always for the better. From a sleepy fishing village to a fledging trading port in 1521, from the first Spanish settlement named Villa del Santisimo Nombre de Jesus in 1575 to a municipality in 1901, Cebu finally became a chartered city on February 24, 1937. Being the first and oldest city in the country, ante-dating Manila by 7 years, having the oldest school and oldest street and being the cradle of Christianity in the Far East (i.e. Magellan's cross planted in Cebu as a symbol of natives embracing the Christian faith), Cebu is replete with historical first's.

The streeets of Tres de Abril and V. Rama were the sites of a fierce battle on April 3, 1898 when General Leon Kilat of Bacong, Negros Oriental spearheaded the revolution against Spanish colonialism.

The Spaniards sought refuge at the Fort San Pedro and three days of relentless attacks would have spelledd victory for the rebels were it not for the propitious arrival of the Spanish armada.

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi then urged his men to construct the oldest and smallest fort in the country: Fort San Pedro. As Spain intensified its colonization efforts, indifnant islanders showed opposition by way of intermittent attacks against the colonizers. Thus the rebellion paved the way to the construction of Fort San Pedro, a Spanish military stronghold.

However, the fort fell to the hands of the native Cebuanos when Americans commanded by Commodore George Dewey vanquished the Spanish fleet in December 1898 in the battle of Manila Bay. With the American reign in full force in 1901, then Senate Pro Tempore and late President Sergio Osmeña, Sr. and then Congressman and majority floor leader in the House of Representatives, the late Senator Manuel Briones vigorously lobbied for Philippine Independence.

February 24, 1937 was a milestone in Cebuano history as Cebu City was granted its charter by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 58 enacted by Congress on October 20, 1936. The late Senator Vicente Rama, formerly representative of Cebu's 3rd district was isntrumental as author and sponsor of the bill. It was at that time that Secretary of Interior Elpidio Quirino appointed the mayor and board members of Cebu City in his capacity as representative of Manuel Quezon.

Shortly after the landing of the Japanese Army in Cebu City on April 10, 1942, the entire province became the principal Japanese base due to its strategic location and substantial population. Cebu finally saw the light of freedom in March 1945 when American liberation forces landed in Talisay town. Liberation came in full circle in March 1946 and to restore law and order, a civil government dubbed as Philippine Civil Affairs Unit (PCAU) was established in the city.

In April 1965, the entire Christian world focused its attention on Cebu City, considered as the cradle of Christianity in the Far East as it played host to teh 40th Anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines. The celebration highlighted the contributions of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Fray Andres de Urdaneta in proselytizing Christianity by way of establishing a Spanish settlement in the province. In a coutnry where Catholics predominate, the conferment of the San Agustin Church to the title Basilica Minore del Santo Niño proved to be a momentous occasion as Rome sent its representative Papal Legate, His Eminence Ildefonso Cardinal Antonuitte.

Palawan, City in Philippines

Palawan, the country's last frontier, is blessed with 1,768 islands and islets most of which have irregular coastlines that make excellent harbors. Quite fittingly, on its almost 1.5 hectare land area stands Nature in all her virgin-glory wrapped in a mantel of rainforests, majestic mountains, primeval caves, and untrodden beaches.

Palawan is surrounded by a coral shelf that abounds with varied and colorful marine life, hence, the island province has been declared a nature sanctuary.

Palawan is the country's largest province not only in terms of land area but also of natural resources, which attract local and foreign visitors of either business or tourism inclinations. Its stunning, pristine beauty is unsurpassed. Palawan boasts of exotic flora and fauna like the mouse deer and the scaly ant eater are found nowhere else. Palawan waters are among the best in the world not only for diving but also for fishing. Many Manila-based fishing operations have built fortunes from the flourishing fish trade, supplying Manila other parts of Luzon with produce from the sea.

Today, the number of leisure travellers to the province continues to grow, especially those drawn to underwater sports, mountain-trekking and exploring. A Japanese and Filipino partnership have even built a resort in El Nido, famous for it's cliffs which house the swift, a bird species that makes the famous edible bird's nest. Anthropologists also found the biggest and best known skull of the oldest Filipino, the Tabon Man (approximately 22,000 years old), high up in the cool recess of Tabon Cave Quezon 157 kilometers southeast of the provincial capital.

A diver's paradise, Palawan has miles of sub-surface coral and rainbow reef walls which surround the costs and coves teeming with a multitude of marine life. The province also boasts of extraordinary scenic wonders like the St. Paul Underground River, the Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary and the Honda Bay Islands, among others.

Palawan engages in the nation's most intensive environmental program. The provincial government has mobilized its citizenry to actively participate in various environment conservation and protection programs such as : the "Bantay Gubat" for forests and the "Bantay Dagat" for the seas.