A journey through time in Manila, a city where the past and present coexist

Travel to Metro Manila, where the charm of the Philippines is concentrated.

The Philippines is an island nation located in Southeast Asia, surrounded by beautiful seas. Its capital is Manila, where more than 10 million people live. Officially called "Metro Manila," the city is made up of 17 administrative regions, including Quezon City, Manila City, and Makati City, and each region has its own unique charm.
Since the Philippines was colonized by Spain in the 16th century, Manila has developed as the country's capital, and is a beautiful, energetic city nicknamed the "Pearl of the Orient." As you walk through the city, you will see a variety of sights, including historical buildings that still bear witness to the colonial era, lively markets unique to Southeast Asia, and modern commercial facilities that symbolize the country's development. In this issue of Asia Tsuu, we will introduce the charm of traveling to the Philippines, where you can enjoy both the "past" and "present," with the keyword "a journey through time."

Experience Manila's "past" in the "place of its beginnings" where the atmosphere of the colonial era remains

Manila has flourished as the capital since the Spanish colonial period, and is known as the "Pearl of the Orient" for its beauty. In this city, you can enjoy encountering ruins and historical buildings that have been passed down for hundreds of years.
If you want to enjoy the historical atmosphere of Manila, the first place you should visit is "Intramuros" located on the south bank of the Pasig River in Manila City. This area, built by Spain in 1751 to govern the Philippines, can be said to be the "beginning" of Manila's history. As its name means "inside the walls" in Spanish, it was built as a fortified city with seven gates, and churches, schools, hospitals, etc. were once scattered inside the walls. Many of the historical buildings were lost during World War II, but the oldest stone church in the Philippines, San Agustin Church, built between 1599 and 1606, still stands today. The beautiful baroque-style space is registered as a World Heritage Site as one of the four churches that make up the "Baroque Churches of the Philippines."

Manila Cathedral, founded in 1571 and destroyed during World War II, was rebuilt in 1958 and is an important place for the people of the Philippines. This beautiful building with an impressive dome-shaped roof is the most important church in the Philippines. Intramuros also has other attractions such as Fort Santiago, which once played an important role as a military base, and Casa Manila Museum, which recreates the homes of the privileged class during the Spanish colonial period, as well as buildings that evoke the era of colonial rule. If you walk through Intramuros, an area that symbolizes Manila's "past," you will be able to experience the unique and beautiful cityscape that was created by mixing Spanish culture and Philippine culture.

Enjoy the latest in Manila in the neon-lit shopping paradise of Makati

If you want to enjoy the current state of energetic and developing Manila, be sure to visit Makati City, located southeast of Manila. This area, also known as the "Wall Street of the Philippines" because of its rows of modern skyscrapers and the large number of businesses that gather there, is an area that tourists cannot miss. This is a place that has attracted attention as Manila's "shopping paradise."

So, where should you go if you want to enjoy shopping in Makati City? The answer is Ayala Center, located near the intersection of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue. This is a huge shopping zone lined with numerous malls and department stores. There are many shopping malls scattered around, including Greenbelt, an elegant shopping mall filled with luxury brand stores, and Glorietta, a mall so large that it would take more than a day to explore it all. Both have a wide selection of products, and you can purchase American brands at a much better price than in Japan. Be sure to visit SM Supermarket, which is convenient for finding souvenirs.

In addition to the shopping mall, Ayala Center also has a wide variety of stylish cafes and restaurants. It is also a popular date spot for locals, and there is a food court where you can enjoy Filipino cuisine, so it is also attractive because you can get a glimpse of the current Manila people. In addition, Greenbelt Park, lined with palm trees and other tropical trees, and Ayala Triangle Gardens, famous for its Christmas illuminations, are like oases in the modern cityscape. They are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

From "Intramuros," which gives a sense of the history of the Spanish colonial era, to the shopping zone "Ayala Center," lined with skyscrapers. A trip around the "past" and "present" will surely give you a sense of the deep charm that only a huge city like Manila can offer. We also recommend combining a visit to Manila with a trip to resorts such as Cebu and Boracay!