Manila is divided into sixteen districts, or original towns, and the Port Area District is the exception. The city’s inhabitants wear T-shirts and speak English, though some don’t feel comfortable using chopsticks. This city is known as the “city of old meets new,” with Spanish colonial churches and museums standing in stark contrast to glass-stained skyscrapers and modern shopping malls. It is the perfect city to explore by foot or by car, but for the most part, it feels like a metropolis.
Rizal Park
The Rizal Park, also known as Luneta, is a large urban park in Manila, Philippines. It covers 58 hectares and is considered the largest urban park in Asia. There are many things to do in Rizal Park, but you should start by checking out the various exhibits and exhibit buildings. After exploring the park, you can enjoy some relaxing time in the swimming pool and other recreational facilities.
Rizal Park, or Luneta, is located in the heart of Manila and is one of the country’s most popular tourist spots. The park is home to a variety of monuments, ornamental gardens, ponds, and wooded areas. It was named after the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal, who was hanged in 1896 by Spanish authorities. The park is also the site of Jose Rizal’s execution.
Chinatown
The district of Binondo is a prime example of a Chinese community. It is the Chinatown of Manila, but its influence stretches far beyond the Binondo district to other areas of the city, such as Quiapo, San Nicolas, Tondo, and Santa Cruz. Here, you can see examples of Chinese-inspired architecture. In addition to the buildings and the foods, you can find Chinese-style souvenirs and other Asian goods.
In 1594, the Spanish government of the Philippines established a Chinese enclave in Manila. Chinatown was considered the oldest Chinese community in the world, and it still has the feel of “little China” while incorporating Filipino traditions. A visit to the Manila Chinatown is not just for a taste of Chinese food or a shopping spree in Divisoria, but for an interesting look at Tsinoy history.
University Belt
In the heart of the University Belt of Manila, Forbes Hall offers modern and safe student accommodation. Within a kilometer’s walk of 15 colleges, this dorm property is a prime choice for students and young professionals. Property owners can enjoy hassle-free investment by availing of property management services. Forbes Hall takes care of marketing activities. Rents will cover the cost of maintenance. Furthermore, tenants will enjoy rental income. This property is a sound investment for university-bound families.
The University Belt of Manila is home to numerous universities, including the University of Santo Tomas, the Far Eastern Univ., and the University of the East. Aside from these universities, the area also has a wide range of business schools. If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in business, this area is the ideal place to work. Apart from the many benefits, these campuses offer excellent learning environment to students.
Burnham Plan
The Burnham Plan for Manila was designed by American architect, D. H. Burnham, who spent six weeks studying the Philippine island of Luneta. He returned with maps of possible improvements in the city. The plan called for a waterfront and expansion of parks, a proper street system, transportation canal, and river banks for the Pasig River. It even included a public library with 750 donated books. The plan was never fully realized, however.
The idea of a Garden City Beautiful Movement informed the plan for both Quezon City and Manila. The plan included large parks that would provide symbolic boundaries while also allowing commercial development. Ultimately, Harrison Park and Quadrangle have become shopping centers and residential complexes. But it didn’t end there. The Burnham Plan for Manila aims for a livable city. The city’s future will depend on coordinated physical planning.
Philippine-American War
The Philippines was a largely dependent colony of the United States until the end of World War II, when they were granted self-government by the United States and promised eventual independence. American forces were responsible for the destruction of Philippine villages, burning entire towns, and killing guerrilla leaders and supporters. Filipino soldiers were forced to use homemade rifles and bolos, spears, and lances. They were also forced to endure torture and starvation. As a result, the Philippine government faced the worst humanitarian catastrophe in its history.
During the Philippine-American War, the Filipino natives were not a serious threat to the Americans. While many were simple farmers who had no weapons other than bows and arrows, they continued to fight for their independence. However, after American soldiers destroyed Emilio Aguinaldo’s headquarters, many of the Filipinos lost confidence in the revolution for freedom and began to side with the Americans. The war, though, did produce great improvements in education, government systems, and infrastructure in the Philippines.