Places to visit in Metro Manila, Philippines

Metropolitan Manila Sights & Sounds

The Manila City Clock Tower fascinates the viewer because of its lack of symmetry and regularity. Imposing and distinctive, it marks the point of connection. At night, it shines vibrantly as if to make known Manila is the heart of the Metropolis.

Manila has since expanded to become the core of the Philippines‘ largest metropolis. The city is now part of Metropolitan Manila or Metro Manila, which is a bustling metropolis of four cities and thirteen municipalities.

Metro Manila is popular for its charming sights and astounding golden sunset views from the shores of enchanting Manila Bay. Because of its strategic location, this modern and teeming metropolis is the take-off point for further travel to other parts of the country the Gateway to the Philippines.

Pause for a second and you will feel the richness of the culture emanating from all directions. Carry on, and you become part of the ebb and flow.

At the turn of the 20th century, the great American city planner, Architect Daniel Burnham, noted, “the old walled city of Intramuros at the mouth of the “Pasig River is one of the best preserved medieval cities anywhere in the world.” Intramuros is a legacy of the 17th-century Spanish Occupation. At the center of the Old Walled City is the grand Manila Cathedral, well known for its detailed stone carvings, stained glass mosaics, and rose windows. The present Romanesque edifice rises majestically over the remains of five predecessors, the first of which was in 1581.

Not too far, is the old San Agustin Church with notable baroque touches, and 1875th trompe-l’oeil ceiling paintings. The church courtyard is grace by several granite sculptures of lions, which were gifts from Chinese converts to Catholicism. Next to the church are the restored botanical gardens of Fr. Jose Blanco, now a favorite place for wedding receptions.

Guarding the vital entrance to the Pasig River is “Fort Santiago,