Las pinas Salt-Making Industry In the 18th century, salt-making technology was introduced to the fishing village known

as Las Pias using solar dry beds. Over time, hundreds of hectares surrounding the old town were converted into salt beds known as irasan. Later, clay tiles or gibak were brought down from as far away as Vigan to line the salt beds. This prevented the salt from coming into contact with the ground and allowed the salt to become as while as snow and established the reputation of Las Pias as a salt-making center. During harvest time, the scenery of Las Pias was filled with small pyramids of white crystals. The salt was graded and classified as either tertia, segunda and primera. Tertia salt had the most impurities and was darkest in color. This salt was used with dry ice to preserve ice cream. Segunda salt was used to preserve fresh fish. The wholesale seafood trading communities in Navotas and Malabon were the main buyers of segunda salt. But Las Pias was most known for its primera or first class salt which is fabled to be as white as snow. Primera salt was distributed to all public markets of Manila and used to flavor fine dishes. The reclamation of the bay area and the subsequent construction of the Coastal Road disrupted salt production. The dredging and construction work prevented fishermen from going out to sea. Bulk of the salt produced began falling into the lower priced segunda and tertia categories. Salt imported from other countries like China and India were offered at lower prices. These developments brought an end to the salt production industry, which is now just a memory of Las Pias past. In 2005, an Irasan Center was constructed where visitors could view a salt bed demonstration in commemoration of Las Pias once much celebrated industry.

Sarao Jeepney If New York has its famed yellow cab and London has its tube (subway), then the Philippines has the jeepney as its most popular and widely recognized form of transportation. Crowned the king of the road because of their bulky box type frame and because of the notorious way that drivers would jostle their way in and out of traffic, jeepneys are actually a remnant World War II. After the war between the Americans and the Japanese, hundreds of Willy jeeps were left behind. Filipinos saw the potential in attaching a roof, extending its length by two meters to and adding two rows of seats to fit additional passengers, and the Philippines earliest forms of a share shuttle was born.

The jeepney dominated the narrow streets because it was flexible enough to weave in and out of themdespite its heavy frame. Though nimble, the jeepney was also sturdy enough to hold anything from fruits to animals on its roof. The brand name that has actually come to mean jeepney is Sarao, the company that first started out making them in 1953 and became famous the world over for doing so. Leandro Sarao the founder Sarao Motors was once a kalesa driver (or a cochero). Armed with capital of Php700, the skills he required working in an automotive repair shop, he and his brothers set out to make jeepneys, with each section meticulously fashioned by hand, laboriously going over each detail that makes each and every jeepney distinct. They say that no two jeepneys are alike and the personalization of the jeepney is also a large reason why this mode of transportation has so endeared itself to the public and tourists alike. The worlds fascination with the jeepney saw Sarao exporting units to Japan, Germany and Malaysia. Once, Sarao jeepneys were exhibited in the New York Worlds Fair. Unfortunately, because of changes in government regulations on transportation franchises, the company had to cease mass production in 2000. Today, the sons of Leandro Sarao still run the company in the Sarao jeepney factory, where they still produce jeepneys in the same way that their father and his brothers didby hand and with meticulous attention to detailalbeit in smaller quantities. The Sarao jeepney factory in Pulang Lupa, Las Pias continues to draw the curiosity of visitors from various corners of the globe and has become a regular tourist stop over for those who have heard of the famous jeepneys and want to see them up close. In many ways, the Sarao jeepneys have not lost their charm.

Jeepney art: the more the merrier No two jeepneys are alike with its bare frame made of metal panels mostly being able to accommodate any kind of art. The more, the merrier seems to describe the concept of jeepney art that is marked by accessories called borloloys in the form of mirrors, horns and tassels. Art is painted on its sides which can be anything from religious pictures, to super heroes and NBA players. They can also become a testament to art and what others call street art.

Las Pias is made renown by the famous Bamboo Organ, jeepney factories, and the white sparkling salt it produced in a traditional way, by solar method. The Bamboo Organ is the unique musical instrument built in 1874 by the ingenuity of Fr. Diego Cera of the Recollect Order and his native artisans, while the latter was the city's chief product that , when compared to other towns' salt, the local makers would surely evoke a proud claim of "Mas maputi ang aming asin!" (Our salt is whiter!). Consisting of more or less 4,000 hectares of arable and fertile lands, the city lies south of Paraaque; bounded to the north by the town of Bacoor, Cavite; to the east by Muntinlupa City; and to the west by Manila Bay. The bay provides the city with about five kilometers of clean, sandy beaches plus the beauty of the fabled "Manila Bay Sunset" all-year-round. Moreover, this body of saltwater abounds with marine life which sustains numerous fishermen in their livelihood. These God-given resources, added to the main industries of farming, fishing and salt making, are the bulwark of the city's economy. Major Industries, Pasig City On the western border of Pasig, and arguably more significant eastern part of Mandaluyong, lies the Ortigas Center. As one of the top business districts in the metropolis, numerous high-rise office buildings, residential condominiums, commercial establishments, schools and malls are located here. The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), one of the most exclusive universities in the country, is located here, as well as the head office of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. Northwest of Ortigas Center is the Meralco Compound, home and head office of Meralco (Manila Electric Company), which is the largest electrical distribution company in the Philippines. The headquarters of the Philippine Stock Exchange, which is also home to one of its trading floors of the country, is located here. The headquarters of San Miguel Corporation, owner of the largest producer of beer in the Philippines, is also located here. Call centers flocked businesses in Ortigas Center since late 90s, a hub for job-seekers and opportunities. Prominent FM radio stations are located here and has been airing since late 1980s.

Economy The Garden village at Tiendesitas The western part of the city is where most of Pasig's financial resources are primarily concentrated. It includes numerous factories, warehouses, establishments and commercial facilities NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR) > Pasig City

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

There are many legendary tales and theories explaining the origin of the name Pasig. However, the most convincing theory comes from the late Dr. Jose Ville Panganiban - a linguist, polyglot, professor, and former director of the Institute of National Language. He said that "Pasig" is an old Sanskrit word referring to a "river flowing from one body of water to another," in the case of Pasig River, from Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay. Pasig is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. The Augustinians created it in 1572. In June 1901, Act No. 137 of the Philippine Commission incorporated Pasig in the newly created Province of Rizal. It became the Provincial Capital of Rizal until 1975 when the Metro Manila Commission was created under the Presidential Decree No. 824. On 26 July 1994, the Senate and the House of Representatives enacted Republic Act 7829 converting the Municipality of Pasig into a highly urbanized city. Then, on 8 December 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos signed it into law. The people of Pasig ratified this through a plebiscite on 21 January 1995.

GEOGRAPHY Pasig lies approximately on the southeastern end of the Pasig River. It is bounded by Quezon City and Marikina on the north, the municipalities of Cainta and Taytay on the east, the city of Mandaluyong on the west, and the municipalities of Taguig and Pateros and the city of Makati on the south.

There are many legendary tales and theories explaining the origin of the name Pasig. However, the most convincing theory comes from the late Dr. Jose Ville Panganiban - a linguist, polyglot, professor, and former director of the Institute of National Language. He said that "Pasig" is an old Sanskrit word referring to a "river flowing from one body of water to another," in the case of Pasig River, from Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay.

Pasig is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. The Augustinians created it in 1572. In June 1901, Act No. 137 of the Philippine Commission incorporated Pasig in the newly created Province of Rizal. It became the Provincial Capital of Rizal until 1975 when the Metro Manila Commission was created under the Presidential Decree No. 824.

On 26 July 1994, the Senate and the House of Representatives enacted Republic Act 7829 converting the Municipality of Pasig into a highly urbanized city. Then, on 8 December 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos signed it into law. The people of Pasig ratified this through a plebiscite on 21 January 1995.

Makati

Makati is the financial center of the Philippines, it has a highest concentration of multinational and local corporations in the country.[4] Major banks, corporations, department stores as well as foreign embassies are based in Makati. The biggest trading floor of the Philippine Stock Exchange is situated along the city's Ayala Avenue.[5][6] As host for 54 embassies and 35 consulates, Makati has a highly developed foreign transient support institutions

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR) > Pateros

BRIEF DESCRIPTION The foremost tourist attraction in Pateros is also its biggest and most famous industry - balut-making. Balut are duck eggs, and have been the source of a thriving industry in Pateros, which has been handed down from generation to generation. It presently accounts for about 23% of the total industry. Balut makers mostly come from Aguho. Another attraction, and another industry, in Pateros is its popular Alfombra slippers. In fact, slipper manufacturing was one of the earliest and original skills of the people of Pateros. Today, the Alfombra slipper business ranks fourth in the registered industrial establishments of Pateros, with stores situated along the streets of M. Almeda and B. Morilla.

GEOGRAPHY Pateros is approximately 13 km. southeast of Manila and north of the Pasig River. It is bounded by the following municipalities: Pasig in the northeast, Taguig in t

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR) > Navotas

BRIEF DESCRIPTION Navotas is one of the last 2 municipalities that just became a city in Metro Manila, Philippines. The city occupies a narrow strip of land along the eastern shores of Manila Bay. Navotas is directly north of Manila, west of Malabon City, and south of Obando, Bulacan.

Navotas is a very important fishing community and considered to be the "Fishing Capital of the Philippines." 70% of its population deriving their livelihood directly or indirectly from fishing and its related industries (fish trading, fish net mending, fish producing) (marginal % inter-Island fish producers). Navotas occupies a portion of the Metropolitan Manila bound in the west with shoreline of Manila Bay. It is blessed with a strategic coastal front and suitable for all kinds of vessel.

Navotas is part of the informal subregion of Metro Manila called CAMANAVA. This subregion, aside from Navotas, includes the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, and Valenzuela. Navotas is perceived to be prone to flood especially during the rainy season and during high tide, but the national and local government are trying to alleviate the problem. Pollution and overpopulation are other problems that the government is trying to solve. Navotas is famous for Fish Sauce (Patis) and Shrimp Paste (Bagoong).

GEOGRAPHY Navotas is a small fishing town in the northwest portion of Metropolitan Manila. It is a long island system presenting an aggregate shoreline of approximately 4.5 km. fronting Manila Bay. Towards the north, Navotas shares a common border with the town of Obando in Bulacan along the Sukol Creek. The eastern boundaries of Navotas are the Binuangan river, Daang Cawayan river, the Bangculasi channel, and the Estero de Maypajo, all bodies of water sharing a common boundary with Manila in the south. In the west, the waters of Manila Bay wash the shores of Navotas. The minucipality occupies a total land area of 2.6 square kilometers.

POPULATION The total population was 229, 039 as of the 1995 census.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION The municipality consists of 14 Barangays. It has been classified as a 1st Class Municipality.

Marikina Location Marikina City is located at the northern part of Metro Manila. It is bounded to the north by Bulacan, to the west by Manila Bay, to the east by province of Rizal, and to the south by Laguna de Bay. Dry Season November to April. Wet Season - May to October.

Population 437,030

Language The main language is Filipino, which is based on Tagalog. In addition, Marikeos are also proficient in the English language.

Currency Philippine Peso (Php) in denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1 in pesos and. 25, 10, 5 and 1 in centavos.

Economy Marikina is the home to a number of industries, some of which are the biggest and most successful in their fields, and foremost of all, shoe manufacturing, being the best in local craftmanship.

Shoe Industry

Marikina is the biggest manufacturer of quality shoes, and Marikina produced 78% of the shoe production of the Philippines. All locally produced shoes was made in Marikina, from slippers to shoes. Marikina also produces shoes which are made in rubber, wood (bakya) and plastic.

Commerce

Public markets in Marikina are often divided into two, the dry goods section and the wet goods section. Commerce in these public markets are in full swing, especially in the early morning. Under the urban renewal program of the incumbent administration, some of the public markets had been refurbished and given a fresher look, like the Marikina Public Market also known as Marikina Market Mall (or People's Mall), the biggest and cleanest market in Metro Manila.

Modern shopping malls dot the city especially in Blue Wave Mall at Marquinton. Sta. Lucia East Grandmall and Robinsons Place Metro East are Metro Manila's major shopping centers, stands along Marcos Hiway bounded by the city of Pasig and Cainta, Rizal. One of the popular malls that lies in Marikina is Riverbanks Center.

For the adventurous shoppers, you may venture beyond the hotel/shopping complex package and combine other interesting destinations for cheap buys such as in Marikina Market Mall. Bargaining is the major part of your shopping experience when you pass by on these area, as it sells goods at rock-bottom prices. It sells indigenous Filipino crafts and delicacies.

Banking services Almost all of the major commercial banks in the Philippines operate a branch in the city. Many major banks was operated in the city of more than 1 branch or much more. At this time, there are 50 banking institutions offer banking services to businesses and residents. Most of these are concentrated in Barangay Sta. Elena, Sto. Nio, Concepcion Uno and Barangka. Marikina City is the most industrialized city in Metro Manila, according to MMDA. There are many landmarks located in the city, such as the Marikina Sports Park, Marikina River Park, Marikina Market Mall, Marikina Industrial Zone, World of Butterflies, Marquinton Place, Loyola Memorial Park, Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina, Riverbanks Center, the Guinness Book of Records biggest pair of shoes in the world and other interesting places. Some of the biggest malls in the metropolis are also located near Marikina City, like the Sta. Lucia East Grandmall and Robinsons Place Metro East, both malls being situated along Marcos Highway and also the Riverbanks Mall in Riverbanks Center. SM City Marikina which considered as the biggest SM mall in the eastern metropolis is also located in Riverbanks Center.

Marikina was given the title the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines", because of its notable shoe industry. Shoemakers in the city recently finished creating the world's largest pair of shoes and it was only recently that the Guinness Book of Records recognized this feat. The Shoe Museum in the city is also the home of the famous shoes of the former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

One of the most important places in the city is Marikina River, a tributary of the Pasig River which runs through the center of the city. The river in fact occupies a part of the Marikina Valley and is sometimes prone to flooding along the riverbanks especially when typhoons and monsoon rain season. Marikina River reflects the Marikina pride because of its beauty. It is the best place for jogging, sightseeing, biking, camping and more activities. At night, Marikina River transform into a modern nightlife events because of some numerous bars, restaurants, cafes and night clubs along the riverbanks. During Christmas Season, the Marikina River is a traditional venue for the Marikina Christmas Festival which began annually on the late October. Marikina Christmas Festival has annually themes which attracts not only the residents of Marikina but also the neighboring cities and towns. The festivities offers different entertainment for the family, friends and love ones because of different rides, boutiques, tents, food houses, shows and many more.

Economy[edit]

Shoe economy Marikina was the biggest manufacturer of quality shoes, and Marikina produced 80% of the shoe production in the Philippines. It also the Philippines' largest exporter of leather shoes throughout the world. All locally produced shoes are made in Marikina, from slippers to shoes. Marikina also produced shoes which is made of rubber, wood (bakya) and plastic. Marikina still the undisputed the Shoe Capital of the Philippines and even in Asia. Local businesses The city has a large number of internet shops, parlors, eateries, bakeries, made-toorder products such as food processing and delicacies, and franchising as their common income. The city provides job fairs, livelihood projects, free training and seminars for its people who want to start or upgrade their business. Industries Marikina is the home to a member of industries, some of which are the biggest and most successful in their fields, and foremost of all, shoe manufacturing, being the best in local craftmanship. Shoe and leather industry still the top livelihood in the city and generates thousands of jobs within the city. Manufacturing The city manufactures food processing, cigarettes, porcelain and chinaware, confectionery, automobiles and cars, appliances, electronics, crafts like bags, hats and slippers, and foremost of all, shoes.

Commerce and trade Public markets in Marikina are often divided into two, the dry goods section and the wet goods section. Commerce in these public markets are in full swing, especially in the early morning. Under the urban renewal program of the city, some of the public markets had been

refurbished and given a fresher look, like the "Marikina Public Market" also known as "Marikina Market Mall", or locally called the "Pamilihang Bayan", the biggest and cleanest market in Metro Manila. Modern shopping malls dot the city especially in the southern portion of Marikina. SM City Marikina, Blue Wave Mall at Marquinton, Robinsons Place, are some of Metro Manila's major shopping and commercial centers stands along Marcos Highway. The popular commercial center that lies in Marikina is the Riverbanks Center. For the adventurous shoppers, you may venture beyond the hotel or shopping complex package and combine other interesting destinations for cheap buys such as in Marikina Market Mall. Bargaining is the major part of your shopping experience when you pass by that area, as it sells goods at rock-bottom prices. Riverbanks Center gives a comfort to the shoppers as it offers air-conditioned mall, but the price of the goods here is still very similar to the goods bought outside. Some of goods are cheap electronic products, toys and other cheap equipments needed into your homes. Banking Almost all of the major commercial international and local, and government banks in the Philippines operate a branch in the city. Major banks operate in the city with more than one branch. At this time, there are 60 banking institutions offer banking services to businesses and residents. Most of these are concentrated in Barangay Sta. Elena, Sto. Nio, Concepcion Uno, San Roque, Calumpang and Barangka. Information Technology Marikina lined up as one of Information Technology hub in Metro Manila and continuously growth of outsourcing and call centers, among them is ICT Groups, Sykes, NCO, Teletech, to name a few. There are numerous contact centers worldwide with IT-based offices in the Philippines in Makati City, Ortigas Center and Riverbanks Center in Marikina City

Economy[edit]

Malabon industries include sugar refinery, patis making, cigar making, fishing and Ilang-ilang trees flower extract production where the distilled perfume is exported Culture[edit]

The city is considered as the local Venice, due to year long floods and gradual sinking. The City of Malabon is a place famous for its Pancit Malabon and its predominantly Atlantic ambience. It is also famous for other variety of foods, such as puto sulot, puto bumbong, sapin-sapin, broas, bibingka and camachile. The culinary delights are abundant in its specialty eateries such as Nanays Pancit Malabon, Rosys Pancit Malabon, the Pescadores Restaurant and the Balsa sa Niugan, a floating restaurant with

350 seats. Malabon is also the home of the famous Dolor's Kakanin. It is also known for the Bulungan at Taong Market, the "bulungan" system or whispered bidding in fish trading.[10] Its most famous festival is the "Pagoda-Caracol", a fluvial procession with street dancing to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception every 8 December. The city of Malabon is also home for famous personalities. It includes Epifanio de los Santos (historian and hero), Timoteo Paez (hero), Nonoy Marcelo (cartoonist), Ildefonso Santos (poet), Gregorio Sanciangco (writer), Loren Legarda (senator), Angelika de la Cruz (artist), Erik Santos (artist and singer), Rochelle Pangilinan (artist), Phil Younghusband (football player).

The City of Muntinlupa[2] (Filipino: Lungsod ng Muntinlupa) is the southernmost city in Philippine National Capital Region. It is bordered on the north by Taguig City; to the northwest by Paraaque City; by Las Pias City to the west; to the southwest by the city of Bacoor; by the municipality of San Pedro, Laguna; and by Laguna de Bay to the east, the largest lake in the country. It is classified as a Highly Urbanized City[3] with a population of more than 400,000[4] and is given the nickname "Emerald City of the Philippines" by the tourism establishment.[citation needed] Muntinlupa was once notoriously known as the location of the national insular penitentiary, the New Bilibid Prison, where the country's most dangerous criminals were incarcerated. Consequently, Muntinlupa or "Munti" became synonymous with the national penitentiary although it has largely shaken-off this negative image to become one of the most progressive cities in the country. Muntinlupa is also home to some of the best commercial establishments in the metropolis and is the location of Ayala Alabang Village, one of the country's biggest and most expensive residential communities, where many of the wealthy and famous live. Muntinlupa is also the first city in the Philippines to ban the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam for packaging Economy[edit]

Barangay Alabang, part of the second district of Muntinlupa, has undergone tremendous growth mainly due to a development boom in the late 1990s. The development of two large scale commercial real estate projects namely; the Filinvest Corporate City and Ayala Land's Madrigal Business Park, changed the landscape of Muntinlupa City from what was once vast fields of cow pasture in the late 1980s, into a supercity that houses new residential, business, industrial and commercial establishments. It was a transformation reminiscent of Makati City's development boom some 30 years prior. Some of the country's premier shopping centers, including the Alabang Town Center and the Festival Supermall, the towering Insular Life Towers, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, and the Northgate

Business District, which specializes in hosting information and technology industries, are important places of interest and landmarks of the city. Nightlife is still relatively staid compared to those of its neighbors, and younger residents often flock to other cities in Metro Manila, particularly Makati, Taguig, or Manila, during the weekend to enjoy the night out. This city has recently acquired the status "Most Competitive City" and the "Most Improved City" in the Philippines.[citation needed] Shopping Centers[edit] Shopping malls plays an important role in the economy of Muntinlupa.

Alabang Town Center main atrium. Alabang Town Center is a shopping mall owned by Ayala Malls in Muntinlupa. This shopping mall has become popular for the people for the citizens of Southern Manila particularly those from Muntinlupa, Las Pias, and Paraaque. The mall includes a number of international chains, including Marks & Spencer, Gap, and Rustan's Department Store. The True Value hardware store there was renovated on 2009. Festival Supermall or Festival Mall is a large shopping mall owned and operated by Filinvest Development Corporation located at the sprawling and vibrant Filinvest Corporate City in Alabang Muntinlupa City, and is acknowledged as the first theme mall in the Philippines. The mall opened in the middle of May, 1998, and it became Filinvests flagship project, setting the standard for shopping centers in the south of Metro Manila. The whole Festival Supermall complex has an area of 20 hectares, the biggest mall in the south of Metro Manila, with the most number of tenants, and still remains as one of the largest malls in the Philippines. Festival Supermall is the biggest of all current 5 malls in Muntinlupa City. It is located at the heart of Filinvest Corporate City, a major business district in Alabang. The mall can be easily accessed via South Luzon Expressway from Filinvest Exit, Alabang Exit, and South Station Exit, and also via the National Highway and Alabang-Zapote Road. Festival Supermall is also adjacent to some of the largest malls South of Metro Manila, namely Alabang Town Center, SM Southmall, and other prominent malls like Starmall Alabang (Formerly Metropolis) and Lianas Alabang. Starmall Alabang, or formerly known as Metropolis Star Alabang is the first community shopping mall in this city and it's owned by Starmalls, Inc. It's features and anchors like: Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Department Store, Finds, Cinemas, and among othe

Ncr Economy

Metro Manila is the financial, commercial and industrial center of the Philippines. Makati is the largest financial and economic hub of the metropolitan area and the country. regarded as the metropolis' central business district (CBD), it is the base of many Philippines' largest corporations including the Ayala group of Companies, as well as the nation's major banks. The Makati area is built around the former Nielsen Air Base, an American installation during World War IIm and its runways now form the district's main roads, which cross each other at the Makati Triangle, home of the nation's stock exchange. Disserent well-known skyscrapers in Metro Manila are here like PBCom Tower and G. T. International Tower. Foreign corporations also have their main Philippine hubs here.

New developsments seeking to become vibrant centers of their own are Bonifacio Global City in Taguig; Eastwood City in Quezon City; the Manila Bay City Reclamation Area inthe cities of Pasay, Paranaque and Las Pinas; and Alabang Estates, madrigal Business Park, and Fillinvest Corporate City in Muntinlupa. triangle park in Quezon City is the latest addition to the list. Ortigas Center is thesecond most important business district in Metro Manila. Situated in Mandaluyong and Pasig,it is home to the headquarters of several major Philippine companies such as San Miguel Corporation and Meralco, and hosts mani shopping malls and hotels. The Asian Development Bank, also has its headquarters here.

The traditional business center of Chinese-Filipino businessmen and the country's CBD prior to the development of the Makati CBD was the Binondo District in the City of Manila