National Capital

Region
National Capital
Region
Metro Manila, otherwise
known as National Capital
Region, is the center of Luzon
and the capital region of the
Philippines. Unlike the other 17
Philippine regions, NCR does not
have any provinces. It is
composed of 16 cities namely
the City of Manila itself,
Caloocan, Las Pias, Makati,
Malabon, Mandaluyong,
Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas,
Pasay, Pasig, Paranaque, Quezon
City, San Juan, Taguig,
Valenzuela and the
municipality of Pateros.
 The region is considered as the political,
economic, social, and cultural center of the
Philippines and is one of the more modern
metropolises in Southeast Asia. Metro Manila
is the shopping center of the Philippines.
Three megamalls are located in this region
and these are SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall
and SM City North Edsa which is the 2nd
largest mall in the world. Makati is regarded
as the main central business district of
Metro Manila while Ortigas City is the
second most important business district in
Metro Manila.
Metro Manila is a place of economic
extremes. Many high-income citizens
live in exclusive communities such as
Forbes Park in Makati and Ayala
Alabang in Muntinlupa. In contrast
to these residences are the slums and
illegal settlement scattered across
the metropolitan area and are often
found in vacant government land or
in districts such as Tondo.
Geography
and
Population
Among the 17
administrative regions, NCR
had the second largest
population with 11.86
million (2010 census of
population, NSO) in an area
of 636 square kilometers.
NCR is bordered by the provinces
of Bulacanto the north, Rizal to
the east, Cavite to the south-
west and Laguna to the south.
Manila Bay lies to the west and
Laguna de Bay to the south-east.
 People
Metro Manila is composed of almost all
the cultural groups of the Philippines
because of migration.

Language
Filipino, also Pilipino, is the Tagalog language
designated as the national language and one of
two official languages of the Philippines.
Filipino/Tagalog is the first language of a third of
the population of the Philippines, It is centered
around Metro Manila but is known almost
universally throughout the country.
 Climate
Metro Manila lies entirely within the
tropics and because of its proximity to
the equator, the temperature range is
very small. It has a distinct, relatively
short dry season from January
through April and a long wet season
from May through December.
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 II 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. Different 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 developments 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 in the cities
of Pasay, Paranaque and Las Pinas; and Alabang
Estates, madrigal Business Park, and Fill Invest
Corporate City in Muntinlupa. triangle park in
Quezon City is the latest addition to the list.
Ortigas Center is the second 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.
Creation
National Capital Region also
known as Metropolitan Manila
was founded by the virtue of
Presidential Decree No. 824
signed on November 7, 1975
under the administration of
President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
In 1976, a conglomeration of
four cities - Manila, Pasay,
Caloocan and Quezon City -
and 13 municipalities was
officially designated as "Metro
Manila".
The city of Manila is declared as
the National Capital; of the
Country by the virtue of
Presidential Decree No. 940
signed on June 24, 1976 by
President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
Metro Manila is the Philippines
seat of government but the City
of Manila is the capital. The
Malacaan Palace, the official
office and residence of the
President of the Philippines, and
the buildings of the Supreme
Court of the Philippines are based
in Metro Manila.
 Cities and Municipality in
the National Capital Region
(NCR)
 Caloocan City
Descriptive Name:
The Only Divided City in the
Philippines
TheCity of Caloocanis one
of the cities that
compriseMetro Manila, the
National Capital Region of the
Philippines.
Etymology
Caloocan originated from the
Tagalog word lo-ok meaning
Bay as the place is near Manila
Bay.
 Short History
During the Spanish era, Caloocan used to be a small
barrio named Aromahan or Libis Espina. Chinese,
mestizos or Indians were the first inhabitants of
Caloocan. The arable portions of Libis Espina owned by
the Augustinians were leased to the 500 inhabitants at
that time. Most of the townsfolk were fisherman; others
are engaged in agricultural crops. Caloocan originated
from the Tagalog word lo-ok meaning Bay as the
place is near Manila Bay. In 1802, the residents of the
barrio grew. Then the barrio was converted into a town
in 1815, occupying a vast territory and the socio-
economic further improved. The first Gobernadorcillo
was Mariano Sandoval, while the first curate was Fray
Manuel Vaquerro, a Recollect.
A few years later, export products produced by
Caloocan entrepreneurs were in great demand in
Manila to meet the commitments of the Philippine
traders to Acapulco. Then on February 23, 1892,
the railway project from Manila to Mabalacat,
Pampanga was inaugurated. Then on November
23, 1892 the railroad line from Manila to Dagupan
was finally opened bringing economic
opportunities for the people of Caloocan.
Caloocan suffered three years of oppression under
the Japanese occupation. And in 1946, Philippine
independence was finally proclaimed and Caloocan
gained its true freedom. In 1961, through a
plebiscite, the municipality of Caloocan became a
city.
 Geography
The City is situated just north of
and adjacent to the City of
Manila and is divided into two
areas:Southern Caloocan City
lies directly north of the City of
Manila and is bounded by
Malabon City and Valenzuela City
to the north, Navotas to the
west, and Quezon City to the
east; andNorthern Caloocan
City and lies to the east of
Valenzuela City, north of Quezon
City, and south of San Jose del
Monte City in the province of
Bulacan.
 The Land
The total land area of Caloocan City is 55.8
square kilometers. The land use is primarily in
residential, commercial establishments,
facilities, parks, among many other land uses.

People
Caloocan is the country's third most populous
city with a population of 1,177,604.
Commerce and Industry
Caloocan City is currently organizing its
long-term and short-term socio-economic
development plans and policies of the
city and the medium-term and annual
public investment programs that would
appraise and prioritize local investment
incentives to promote the inflow and
direction of private investment capital.
 Local Products
Caloocan City's 10th Avenue area is well-
known for the clusters of motorcycle
dealers and motorcycle spare parts dealers.
Famous Foods
Various foods and delicacies can be seen in
Caloocan City which includes fast-food
chains, restaurants, and food stalls in malls.
 Major Tourist
Attractions
BONIFACIO MONUMENT
BUENA PARK UE SPORTS
COMPLEX
GUBAT SA CIUDAD
RESORT
LUZVIMINDA RESORT
MANILA CENTRAL
UNIVERSITY
TALA LEPROSARIUM
FESTIVALS
Tourism Awareness &
Promotion
An annual tripartite activity
among the key players of
the industry to boast the
promotion of the city as a
worthwhile tourist
destination. The event
includes an exhibit of
Caloocans best in the trade
and industry, a food festival
among the citys restaurants
and an exhibit and seminar
for the local travel agencies.
Las Pias
Las Pias is a city in the
National Capital Region of the
Philippines.
Geography
The land is bounded by
Paraaque City on its north
and northeast side, Muntinlupa
City on the east and southeast,
Imus Cavite on the south side,
Bacoor Cavite on the
southwest and west side, and
Manila Bay on the northwest.
 Etymology
The origin of the citys name varies some say it
was derived from the pineapples that were
shipped in the town, others say that it was Las
Penas due to excavation of stones and adobe
that was used for construction purposes in the
early years. However, a bell inscription that states
Siendo Cura-del Pueblo de las Peas el
M.R.P. Padre Diego Cera se Fundio este
equilon ano de 1820 proves that the city was
once named as Las Peas before it was changed
to Las Pias.
In the Spanish era, the city used to be a
small fishing port and a center for salt-
making and eventually Las Pias
developed into a residential, commercial
and industrial town of Metro Manila.
Las Pias is known as one of the cleanest
cities in Metro Manila and has also
recently achieved a status of the Most
Competitive City in the country.
 Descriptive Names
Home of the Bamboo Organ
City of Love and Progress
Salt Center of Metro Manila
Lantern Capital of Metro Manila
 Short History
In the city archives, Las Pias used to be a fishing
settlement on Manila Bay Shores in between
1762 to 1797. The origin of the citys name
varies some say it was derived from the
pineapples that were shipped in the town, others
say that it was Las Penas due to excavation of
stones and adobe that was used for construction
purposes in the early years. However, a bell
inscription that states Siendo Cura-del Pueblo de
las Penas el M.R.P. Padre Diego Cera se Fundio
este equilon ano de 1820 proves that the city
was once named as Las Peas before it was
changed to Las Pias.
 In 1822, a unique Bamboo
Organ was built inside the St.
Joseph Church of the Parish
of Las Pias, and was
completed in 1824. The city
is famous for this one-of-a-
kind musical instrument ever
built in the country. Las Pias
was also a major site in the
Philippine Revolution in 1896
and was also occupied by the
Japanese Forces during the
World War II.
The municipality of Las Pias
became part of Rizal province
pursuant to Philippine Act No.
137. Two years later, the
municipality was combined with
Paraaque and later became the
seat of a new municipal
government. Las Pias became a
separate municipality on March
27, 1907 by virtue of Philippine
Act 1625. On February 12, 1997,
Las Pias was declared as a city
by then President Fidel V. Ramos.
Then on March 26, 1997, the city
formally became the 10th city of
Metro Manila.
 The Land
The city occupies a total land area of 41.54 sq.
kilometers. Half of the land area is developed for
residential purposes and the remaining half
portion of the land is used for industrial and
commercial which comprised of about 36.47% of
the total land area, institutional with 37.68% of
the land, and the rest for recreational or park
areas.
The People
Las Pias City has a total population of 528,011
with a growth rate of 1.54% yearly in 104,000
households. The population growth is due to the
migration of other people from different regions
outside of Metro Manila.
 Commerce and Industry
Currently, Las Pias city is already a
booming city with various business
establishments, shopping malls and
other new building and facilities
infrastructures. In the year 2000, the
city generated a 742.0 million pesos
income.
 Local Products
During the Spanish era, the
city is known as a small-
fishing port and a major
salt-making center. The city
is also the first place where
Jeepney is built
beforehand. Currently, the
city is famous for its
Bamboo Organ inside the
St. Joseph Church of the
Parish of Las Pias which
wad created out of
bamboo, wood, and metal.
Major Tourist
Attractions
BAMBOO ORGAN
NATURE CHURCH
ST. JOSEPH
CHURCH
 FESTIVALS & OTHER EVENTS
The Bamboo Organ Festival
(February)
The festival is celebrated every
year at the St. Joseph Parish Church
of Las Pias where international
organists are invited to participate.
The melodious sound of the noted
instrument can be heard only during
Sundays. Viewing is from 2-4 PM on
weekdays.

The Town Fiesta / The Feast of St.

Joseph (1st Sunday of May)
The town fiesta covers five (5)
barangays namely, Manuyo Uno,
Daniel Fajardo, Ilaya, Elias Aldana
and Pulanglupa Uno. It is highlighted
with a Banda Parada, the staging of
Comedia or Moro-Moro, singing
Makati
The City is referred to as the
Financial Capital and Wall Street
of the Philippines since Makati is the
headquarters of various key
companies and work offices. Makati is
also a home of the Makati Business
Club and the Philippine Stock
Exchange.
The city today is the most modern
city in the Philippines and a highly
cosmopolitan culture since many
expatriates live and work here.
Makati also boasts of its first-class
shopping malls such as Ayala Center
and Rockwell Center, and five-star
hotels.
 Etymology
When the firstGovernor-General of the
Philippines,Miguel Lpez de Legazpi, explored
a swamp near thePasig River, he asked for the
name of the place but, because of the
language barrier, the question asked by the
Governor General was misinterpreted by
theTagalog people. Pointing to the receding
tide of the Pasig River, the Tagalogs answered,
Makati, kumakati na, literally meaning ebbing
tide. Makati (maka-ti) means "ebbed tide".
 Descriptive Names
The Financial
Capital of the
Philippines
The Wall Street of
the Philippines
Geography
Makati city is located
east of the capital
Manila.
 Short History
The name Makati came from the Tagalog
word kati which means tide that refers
to the flow of the Pasig River in the
northern border of the city. The area
used to be a swamp with cogon grass.
Makati was under the district of Santa
Ana de Sapa in between 1578-1670. And
during the Spanish era, the place was
also known as San Pedro Makati in honor
of the patron saint.
In the 19th century upon colonization of
Americans, Fort McKinley was established in
Makati and in 1901 the place became a part of
Rizal province. However, in the passing of the
Philippine Act 2390 on February 28, 1914, San
Pedro Makati was shortened to Makati name
instead. Then in 1930, the first airport, Nielsen
Airport was built in what was now the Ayala
Triangle in Makati. In the following years
thereafter Makati became a prime real property
that eventually became a financial and
commercial capital in the Philippines. On January
2, 1995, Makati became an independent city.
 The Land
The City of Makati has a total land area of 27.36
square kilometers or 2,736 hectares which is 4.3% of
National Capital Regions total land area. The city is
bounded by Pasig River on the north side, Pasig City on
the northeast, Pateros and Taguig City in the southeast
side, Manila in the northwest side, and Pasay City on the
southwest.
Affluent villages like Forbes Park and the main central
business district has the biggest land area of the total
land area in Makati.
The People
The 2000 census estimated a 524,000 population in
117,000 households. The population has an increase
rate of 8% and the number of households by 16%. The
city has the highest GDP per capita in the Philippines.
However, in daytime Makati reaches a million
populations especially during typical work days because
 Commerce and Industry
Major corporations, banks,
department stores, shopping
malls, embassies and
consulates of different
countries are based in the City
of Makati, thus the city earned
the name Wall Street of the
Philippines.
Makati has the highest
concentration of the countrys
finest commercial
establishments and exclusive
residential subdivisions, five
star hotels and fine dining
restaurants.
 Major Tourist Attractions
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE ART GALLERY
AYALA CENTER
AYALA MUSEUM
FINALE ART FILE
GALERIA JUPITER
GALERIA AURORA
LIBINGAN NG MGA BAYANI
LUZ GALLERY
MAKATI CINEMA SQUARE
MAKATI PARK AND GARDEN
MAKATI STOCK EXCHANGE
MANILA AMERICAN CEMETARY AND
MEMORIAL
MUSEO NG MAKATI
 Major Tourist
Attractions
OSMUNDO GALLERY
PHILIPPINE ARMY MUSEUM
SANCTUARIO DE
GUADALUPE
SAINTS PETER AND PAUL
CHURCH
THOMAS JEFFERSON
CULTURAL CENTER
UGARTE FIELD
 FESTIVALS &
OTHER EVENTS
Caracol (January)
Likhang-Kamay (March or
April)
Flores de Mayo (May)
Bailes delos Arcos (June)
Kasuotang Pilipino
(September)
 Malabon
Malabon Cityis part of the
CAMANAVA sub-region of
Metro Manila.
Geography
Located north side of Manila
and is primarily a residential
and industrial place, thus,
the city is largely populated.
CAMANAVA consists of
Caloocan City, Malabon City,
Navotas, and Valenzuela
City.
 Short History
The Augustinian Friars founded the town of
Malabon as a Visata of Tondo on May 21,
1599 and remained under the governance of
Tondo from 1627 to 1688. Malabon was also
an important literary center of the Philippine
Revolution during the Spanish colonization
in 1896. This is where the La
Independencia was printed in Malabons
Asilo de Huertanos. Then on June 11, 1901
by virtue of Philippine Act 137, Malabon was
made a municipality in the province of Rizal.
 A few years later by virtue of Philippine Act
942, the municipality of Malabon became a
part of Navotas governance. It was only on
January 6, 1906 when Malabon finally
became an independent municipality upon
signing of Philippine Act 1441. Malabon
remained a municipality of Rizal for 70 years,
and by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 824
Malabon became a part of the National
Capital Region and no longer part of the Rizal
province.
 The Land
The city is a coastal land situated in the
northern part of Metro Manila together
with Navotas, Valenzuela, Pateros,
Taguig, Pasig and Muntinlupa. Malabon
is bounded in the north and northeast
side by Valenzuela, west and southwest
side by Navotas and southeast side by
Caloocan City occupying a total land
area of 23.4 square kilometers. The city
land is generally flat with some slopes.
 The People
With the recent
population census,
Malabon City has a total
population of 347,484.
Local Product
Malabon is a
commercial fishing
center for Manila,
known for bagoong
(fish paste) production.
 Major Tourist Spots
ASILO DE HUERTANOS
ASILO DE MAYSILO
ASILO DE MAYSILO
MALABON ZOO AND
AQUARIUM
PAGODA-CARACOL
RIZAL SHRINE
SAN BARTOLOME CHURCH
 Famous
Delicacies
Dolors
Kakanin
Rufina Patis
Pancit
Malabon
 FESTIVALS
Pagoda-Caracol
The Feast of Our Lady of
Immaculate conception
observed every December 9th
is a joint celebration of the
Roman Catholic and Aglipay
churches. It features a grand
fluvial procession of the
venerated image of the Virgin
Mary along the Malabon-
Navotas River coupled with a
traditional street dancing
revelry participated in by
colorfully costumed dancers,
young and old.
 Mandaluyong
Mandaluyong City is one of the
cities that comprised Metro
Manila in the Philippines.
Geography
Bordered on the west by Manila,
San Juan in north, Quezon City
and Pasig City in the east side,
Makati City in the south side.
Descriptive Names
Tiger City of the Philippines
Metro Manila's Heart
Shopping Mall Capital of the
Philippines".
 Etymology
The city derived its name from tagalong
terms mga meaning many, and daluy
which means flowing in reference to tall
grasses that grow in this land many years
ago.
 Short History
In 1300, the Great Madjapahit Empire or
Anka Widyaya ruled the Kingdom of Sapa
or of this city by Prince Balagtas. Then in
1470, the kingdome expanded and became
Kingdom of Namayan with Lakan Takhan as
the ruler. The Kingdom comprised of the
communities which now forms part of
Quiapo, San Miguel, Sta. Mesa, Paco,
Pandacan, Malate, Sta. Ana in Manila,
Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Pasay,
Pateros, Taguig, Paraaque, and some
portions of Pasig and Quezon City.
Mandaluyong was originally known as
barrio of Sta. Ana de Sapa that is part
of the Paco District. In 1841, the barrio
was named San Felipe Neri by the
Spaniards in honor of the Patron Saint of
Rome. Then on September 15, 1863
under the administration of Dulcisimo
Nombre de Jesus congregation, they
constructed the Parish of San Felipe Neri.
The Parish was once used as a station by
the Katipunan revolution (1896-1898) in
leadership of Andres Bonifacio.
 Later on San Felipe Neri became a first class
municipality under Presidential Act No, 1942.
For some time the town was under the
governance of San Juan Municipality until it
finally became an independent municipality on
March 27, 1907. In 1960, the municipality of
Mandaluyong became a component of
Metropolitan Manila undergoing significant
development and economic transformation,
eventually becoming a highly urbanized city.
Today, Mandaluyong is a bustling city with
vibrant economic activities and among many
other city accomplishments.
 The Land
The city has a total land area of 1,124.97
hectares which is 1.77% of the total land
area of Metro Manila. The four largest
residential lots occupying the citys total
land area are Wack-Wack, Addition Hills,
Plainview and Highway Hills.
The land characteristic is partially flat on
the southwest portion with gentle slopes
in the rest of the area.
 The People
Currently, Mandaluyong City has a total
population of 278,474 with 275,110
households. The city also has various ethnic
origins. However, most of its population
generally speaks Tagalog, followed by Bicol,
Bisaya, Ilonggo and Ilocano language.
 Commerce and Industry
Mandaluyong City is now commercially developed
with a lot of central businesses such as banks,
offices and service establishments. Major
commercial districts are Boni Avenue, Shaw
Boulevard, Libertad-Sierra Madre, Kalentong, San
Franciso, part of Martinez, Sgt. Bumatay towards
Barangka Drive and Pinatubo towards EDSA. In the
eastern portion of the city it also has the famous
malls and establishments such as the Megamall,
Shangri-La, Podium and San Miguel Corporation.
Almost all businesses and personal services stores
dominates the whole roads in the city
 Major Tourist Spots
Plaza Tatlong Bayani
Liwasang Katubusan
Don Bosco Technical College
formerly San Carlos Seminary
San Felipe Neri Church
Dambana ng mga Alaala
EDSA Shrine
Kaban ng Hiyas
Archdiocesan Shrine of the
Divine Mercy
Dove of Peace Arch /
Dambana ng Kagitingan
Bantayog ng Kabataan
 Mandaluyong City Hall
Archbishops Palace
Wack Wack Golf and Country
Club
San Miguel Corporation
Building
Correctional Institute for
Women
Hardin ng Pag-Asa
Ilaya Mini Park
Vergara Community Park
Andres Bonifacio Integrated
School
Mandaluyong City Science
High School
Rizal Technological
University
 FESTIVALS & OTHER
EVENTS
Sto. Nio Festival (3rd Sunday of
January
Mandaluyong Day (February 9)
Lavandero Festival (Street Dance
and Parade)
Miss Mandaluyong & Misis
Mandaluyong Beauty Pageants
Liberation Parade
Bilbiling Mandaluyong (2nd Week of
July)
Senakulo (Starting Holy Monday)
Unang Kilos ng Himagsikan
Daluyong sa Mandaluyong
(December 16January 6)
Pasko sa Policarpio (November 25
January 6)
Marikina
The city is one of the
cities that comprise
Metro Manila, the
National Capital
Region in the
Philippines.
Descriptive Names
Shoe Capital of the
Philippines
Shoe Capital of Asia
 Etymology
The termMarikinais used after
theAmericanstook possession in the
Philippines on June 1901, and at the same
time, the creation of the province ofRizal.
The area was earlier
calledMariquinaafterFelix Berenguer de
Marquinain 1787 who was thegovernor-
generalat that time, and the town was
declared apueblounder theSpanish
colonial government. It is often abbreviated
asMKNA.
 Geography
Located along the
eastern border of Metro
Manila, bordered on the
west by Quezon City,
south by Pasig City,
and north by San
Mateo Rizal.
Approximately 21
kilometers away from
Manila, and the city is a
valley bounded by
mountain ranges and
sliced by a river.
 Short History
The spot known as Chorillo in Barangay Barangka was
said to be the spot were the Augustinians first arrived
in the Marikina valley. It was only in 1630 during the
Spanish period that the Jesuits administered the spot
and established a settlement naming itJesus dela
Peameaning Jesus of the Rocks. In 1687, the
settlement became a parish and was then known as
Mariquina and later on Marikina with the coming of the
Americans. There were a lot of legends told as to where
the name Marikina was derived, some say the town
got its name from Captain Berenguer de Marquina
during 1787 under the Spanish government; others say
the town was named after a Jesuit priest among other
foretold legends.
Marikina officially became a town in 1787,
and in the year 1887 the shoemaking
industry started through the pioneering of
Don Laureano Kapitan Moy Guevarra.
Then in 1896, a revolution was formed in
the leadership of Andres Bonifacio and his
Katipuneros. The local government was
then disrupted, but after the Philippine
revolution ended Mariquina became the
capital of Manila from 1898 to 1899. This is
also the period in which Emilio Aguinaldo
declared the Philippine Independence.
On June 11, 1901 during the American
occupation, Mariquina officially became
Marikina, and the province of Rizal was
created by virtue of Act. No.137. Then
on November 7, 1975 the twelve
western towns of Rizal including
Marikina were made a part of the new
Metropolitan Manila Area by Presidential
Decree No. 824.
 During the 20th century, Marikina had fully
emerged as a town of shoemakers. It was in
1950 when shoe industries were built in the city
and soon waves of workers stayed and Marikina
thus the increase in the city population.
In 1992, the city completely became an urban
city under the direction of Mayor Bayani BF
Fernando who is the former Chairman of the
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. It
was in December 8, 1996 when the Marikina
municipality became a chartered city by virtue
of Republic Act No. 8223. The twin city of
Marikina is Brampton, Ontario in Canada.
 The Land
The total land area of Marikina City is
approximately 2,150 hectares representing
about 3.44% of the total land area of Metro
Manila. The land use is more on residential,
commercial, industrial, institutional
facilities, development, housing projects,
and roads structure.
 The People
Currently, the total population of
Marikina is 457,722. The original
settlers of the land were Tagalog,
until other migrants settled in the
city. The people of Marikina are
called "Marikeo", but the main
language used is Filipino or Tagalog.
 Commerce and Industry
The city now prides itself as a major host of
shoe making, and other multinational and
exporting firms. The city has already received
numerous citations and awards for its
progression.
The city commerce in public markets is also in
full swing, like the Marikina Public Market also
known as Marikina Market Hall or Peoples Mall.
Modern shopping malls are also unstoppable. SM
Prime Holdings plans to construct an SM City
Marikina along Marcos Highway beside the
Marikina River and plans to be open this year.
There are also various shopping complex with
very affordable goods, crafts and delicacies.
It is also the primary target of the Philippine
government to construct and improve the
 Local Products
The city is the biggest
manufacturer of quality shoes
made from rubber, wood
(bakya) and plastic. It also
manufactures food processing,
cigarettes, porcelain and
chinawares, confectionary,
automobiles and cars,
appliances, crafts like bags,
hats and slippers.
Famous Foods
The city offers various
delicacies from diverse cultures,
and well-modernized dining
facilities in the city proper.
 Major Tourist Attractions
ANGEL TUAZON
ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
EVOLUTION PARK
CITYHOOD PARK
CLEAN AND GREEN
MARIKINA
LRT LINE 2 SANTOLAN
STATION
LOYOLA MEMORIAL PARK
MARIKINA INDUSTRIAL ZONE
MARIKINA MARKET MALL
MARIKINA RIVER PARK
MARIKINA SPORTS CENTER
MARIKINA SPORTS CENTER
MARQUINTON PLACE
 SENTRONG PANGKULTURA NG
MARIKINA
SHOE MUSEUM
PARISH OF OUR LADY OF THE
ABANDONED
RIVERBANKS CENTER
RIVER CARABAOS
SAN JOSE MANGGAGAWA
PARISH CENTER
SM CITY MARIKINA
THE RIVERBEND HOTEL AND
CONVENTION CENTER
THE WORLDS LARGEST SHOE
TEATRO MARIKINA
WOMENS PARK
WORLD OF BUTTERFLIES
 Festivals and
Other Events
Angkan-Angkan
Festival (April 16)
Rehiyon-Rehiyon
Festival (December
8)
Sapatero Festival
(Oct. 15 to Nov. 30)
 Muntinlupa
Muntinlupa City is known before as
a sleepy, agricultural community
and a city that is famous for its
national penitentiary, National
Bilibid Prison, where the countrys
most dangerous criminals are
imprisoned, is now a full developed
and progressive city.
Geography
It is bordered by Taguig City
(north), Paraaque City (northwest),
Las Pi as City (west), Bacoor Cavite
(southwest), and San Pedro Laguna
to the east side.
 Descriptive Names
Emerald City of the Philippines
Munti

Etymology
The origin of the name Muntinlupa came from three
accounts: First, due to its thin top soil in the area; Second, as
rumor has it, some residents replied to a Spaniards questioning
them in the 16th century as to what the name of the place was
and their answer was Monte sa Lupa; third, the place has
mountainous land, thus the term Monte or mountain became
Muntinlupa. However, these said versions cannot be established
as correct for there are no records or archives to prove it
otherwise.
In 1800, Father Joaquin de Zuiga, a catholic priest, recorded
Muntinlupa asla poblacion que sigue se Ilama Muntinlupathat
is now referred to a village Poblacion.
 Short History
During the early 1600, Muntinlupa
is under the religious supervision of
Augustinians. The education of the
residents was also under the convent
of Guadalupe Sanctuary until Quijano
Bustamante bought the land of
Muntinlupa from the residents. Then
in 1869, the civil government
approved the project of forming a
town out of the barrios of
Muntinlupa.
The place became a district of Morong, Rizal
in 1901. Later on, the Municipality of
Muntinlupa by Act 1008 of the Philippine
Commission is included within the boundary of
Laguna province and is placed under Bian
town and San Pedro. Muntinlupa residents
protested against this act, thus, on March 22,
1905 the petition of the people were heard
and through Act 1308 of Philippine
Commission Muntinlupa were returned to Rizal
province and became a part of Taguig. A few
years later Muntinlupa was eventually
separated from Taguig because of its distance.
On December 19, 1917, the government grants the petition of
the residents for the independent status of the municipality
under Executive Order 108 per approval of Governor General
Francis Burton Harrison that took effect on January 1, 1918.
The first appointed mayor in that year was Vidal Joaquin, while
the first elected mayor was Melencio Espeleta.
After the 1945 World war, infrastructure projects were
implemented such as the first municipal hall, residential
houses, factories and other business establishments. Portions
of the land area were also developed by the local government.
Then on November 7, 1975 upon the creation of Metropolitan
Manila Commission by virtue of Presidential Decree 824
(issued by the late President Marcos), Muntinlupa became a
part of Metropolitan Manila. Under the administration of
Loresca and Argana, education was given priority. Various
elementary public schools were built in different communities.
 In June 13, 1986, after the EDSA revolution,
President Corazon C. Aquino appointed Attorney
Ignacio Bunye as officer-in-charge of Muntinlupa
City. This appointment is in lieu of nationwide
revamp of local government units following the
EDSA revolution in February of that year.
Attorney Ignacio Bunye served the municipality
for three consecutive terms together with Vice
mayor Attorney Jaime R. Fresnedi. The
administration implemented various projects that
led to the municipalitys progression.
Upon the ratification of the 1986 Constitution,
Muntinlupa and Las Pias became one district on
June 13, 1986. Muntinlupa was divided into two
districts: Districts I include the communities of
Tunasan, Poblacion, Putatan and Bayanan, while
District II consisted of Sucat, Buli, Cupang,
During Bunyes Administration, Muntinlupa signed on
March 1, 1994 a sisterhood pact with Gunma, Japan
establishing bilateral relations between the two
municipalities. Then on February 16, 1995 through
House Bill No. 14401 as approved by the House of
Representatives, the municipality of Muntinlupa was
turned into a highly urbanized city. Later on,
Muntinlupa becomes a charter city upon signing of
Republic Act 7926 by President Fidel V. Ramos. The
first congressman representing Muntinlupa City is
nonetheless Attorney Ignacio R. Bunye.
By virtue of Republic Act No. 7926, Muntinlupa
becomes the 65th city in the Philippines as signed on
March 1, 1995. The first day of the month of March
was also approved by the city council on February 26,
1996 as Muntinlupa-Gunma Friendship Day.
On June 29, 1998, Attorney Jaime R. Fresnedi became
the new mayor of Muntinlupa City. Under his
leadership various new projects were undertaken
such as new agencies for the delivery of basic
services to the people of Muntinlupa City,
infrastructure projects and education-related
programs.
Recent developments came from another sister-city
agreement with Staffanstorp, Sweden on October 17,
2000. Then Muntinlupa City receives the first ISO
9002 compliance certification from Reyland
Nepomuceno of TUV products on March 1, 2001.
Another milestone is the signing of the third sister
city pact with Liuzhou, China on November 3-7, 2004.
Cultural exchanges, technology transfer and trade
interactions is a big help in making the city more
productive and up-to-date.
The Land
Muntinlupa is situated 22 kilometers South of Metro
Manila, accessible through the National Higway and
South Luzon Expressway. The total land area of
Muntinlupa City is 46.70 square kilometers or 4,670
hectares. The terrain of the city is relatively flat to
slopping towards the east, as gentle rolling hills
occupy the western part with elevation increasing
up to 60 meters.
The land is suited for lowland rice, corn, root, crops
and cogon grass due to its Guadalupe Clay Loam
Series type of soil. The total land use is more on
Residential, followed by Commercial, Industrial,
Institutional, Agriculture and other utilities.
 The People
According to the 2,000 census, the
City of Muntinlupa has a total
population of 379,310 with 78,016
households. Languages used by the
people are diversified.
 COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
The city was recently awarded as the Most
Competitive City and the Most Improved City in the
Philippines for its 9,957 number of various business
establishments, large scale commercial real estate
development projects such as Filinvest Corporate City
by Filinvest Development Corporation and Madrigal
Business Park by Ayala Land Inc.
Muntinlupa has now become a super city having top
premier shopping centers such as Alabang Town
Center and Festival Supermall; corporate office towers
such as Insular Life Towers; the famous hospital with
well-equipped facilities i.e. Asian Hospital and Medical
Center; and Information-Technology industries that can
be seen in the Northgate Business District.
 LOCAL PRODUCTS
Muntinlupa city has manufacturing
products, semiconductor, food,
textile and manufacturing industries.
FAMOUS FOODS
The city offers a lot of food stores,
food stalls, fine dining restaurants,
and fast-food chains with various
delectable dishes.
 Major Tourist
Attractions
JAMBOREE LAKE
THE JAPANESE CEMETERY
MEMORIAL HILL
THE DIRECTORS
QUARTERS
THE BUREAU OF
CORRECTIONS
ADMINISTRATION
Other tourist destinations are:
Alabang Town Center
Ayala Alabang Country Club
Festival Supermall
Filinvest Corporate City
Madrigal Business Center
District
Metropolis Mall
National Bilibid Prison (NBP)
Palms Country Club
 Festivals and Other
Events
Banhayan Festival
(Buli and Cupang
communities)
Bulaklakan Festival
(Bayanan community)
Grand Santacruzan
Samahang Batya
(Alabang community)
Senakulo
Serenata
Navotas
TheCity of Navotas is
a1st class cityinMetro
Manila,Philippines.
Descriptive Name
Fishing Capital of the
Philippines
Etymology
The name Navotas
originally comes from the
word Nabutas because of a
natural phenomenon which
created the Navotas River.
 Navotas is part of the informal
subregion ofMetro Manilacalled
CAMANAVA. This subregion,
aside from Navotas, includes
the cities of Caloocan,Malabon,
andValenzuela.
Geography
It is bordered on the north
byObando, Bulacanalong Sukol
Creek; on the south by the city
ofManila; on the east by Daang
Binuangan River, Bangkulasi
Channel, Malabon Channel and
Estero de Maypajo; and on the
west byManila Bay.
 The Land
Navotas is a coastal town in the northwest part
of Metro Manila. It is a narrow strip of land with
an aggregated shoreline of approximately
4.5km.
The People and Industry
According to National Statistics Office in the year
2010 the population of the City of Navotas is
249, 131 and 70% of this population is deriving
their livelihood directly or indirectly from fishing
and its related industries like fish trading, fish
net mending, and fish producing having marginal
percentage of inter-Island fish producers.
 Short History
Years ago, the town of Navotas was not known by its
present name for it was only considered as part of
Malabon. The place appeared to be a long and narrow
delta with a thick line of pandan leaves, which grew
abundantly extending from north to south along the
seashore. It was believed that long ago, the town was not
entirely surrounded by water. Old folks believed that the
layer of land between the former district of Tondo, Manila
and this town was probably soft and weak, such that the
turbulent waters of the bay gradually eroded a portion of
the land, until an opening was made. Soon seawater
begun to flow through its opening especially during high
tide. At low tide, the waters from inland flowed out into
the sea. This geographical change prompted the people
to refer to the place as nabutas which means breached
or pierced through. This developed into a regular
waterway, now known as the Navotas River.
 In later years, the whole place came to be known
as Navotas. The movement for a separate Navotas,
which was by that time part of Tambobong, now
Malabon started on December 20, 1827 when the
principales of the three barrios of San Jose,
Navotas, and Bangkulasi petitioned the Spanish
Government to form a new town citing among
others, the difficulty of the people to transact
business and attend religious festivities of the
mother town. On October 31, 1832, the residents of
the three barrios nominated Don Bernabe Francisco
to represent them in their fight for separation from
Malabon. But the petition of the principales of the
three barrios was shelved by the government on
September 19, 1855 pending the putting up by the
people of Navotas of a church, convent, and a town
hall that symbolized their sincerity. In spite of the
determined efforts of the principales, their petition
Finally, a document dated February 16, 1859 recorded
the separation of barrios San Jose, Navotas, and
Bangkulasi from Malabon. When the Philippine
Revolution broke out in 1896, Navotas formally joined
the revolutionary government of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo
on August 6, 1898. On June 11, 1901, the town of
Navotas was incorporated into the newly created
province of Rizal by virtue of Philippine Commission Act
No. 137. In 1903, by virtue of the Philippine
Commission Act No. 942, the municipalities of Malabon
and Navotas were merged into one by which the former
was chosen as the seat of government for economic
and centralization purposes. Bernardo Dagala of
Navotas fought for the separation of Navotas from
Malabon, finally, Navotas gained full independence as a
distinct municipality through the enforcement of the
Philippine Commission Act No. 142 lasts January 16,
1906.
 On November 1975, in the exercise of
emergency power during martial law of the late
President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Presidential
Decree No. 824 created the Metropolitan Manila
Commission, which placed Navotas together with
twelve (12), other municipalities of Rizal and the
four (4) cities under its jurisdiction. Today,
Navotas, after a long wait, was proclaimed as a
full-pledge city last June 24, 2007, upon obtaining
12,544 affirmative votes on a plebiscite. Navotas,
together with the other fifteen (15) cities and one
(1) municipality (Pateros) remain part of
Metropolitan Manila, particularly of the National
Capital Region (NCR). As mandated by the Local
Government Code of 1991, this LGU is also
guided by various devolved, deconcentrated and
concerned National Government Agencies
 Major Tourist
Attractions
Navotas Fishery Port
Dry-Docking Facilities
Floating Dry Dock
Raid Type Dry Docking
Belt Type Docking
Soon to be the Shrine
of St. Joseph in the
Diocese of Navotas
 Festivals
San Ildefonso (January 23)
San Roque Feast Day (Last Sunday
of January)
San Jose Feast Day ( First Sunday
of May)
San Lorenzo Ruiz Feast Day (Last
Sunday of September)
San Rafael Feast (Last Sunday of
October)
Holy Cross (Good Friday)
Black Nazarene (Good Friday)
Mutya ng Navotas
Sagalahang Bayan (May Flower
Festival)
Linggo ng mga Mangingisda-
Pangisdaan Festival
Penetensiya(Tanza and
Bangculasi)
 Pasay
Pasay City is known in different
descriptions such as The
Premier Gateway to the
Philippines, The Travel City, The
Travel Capital of The Philippines
Geography
Pasay City is bordered by Manila
City on the north side, Makati
City on the northeast, Taguig
City on the east side, and
Paraaque City on the south.
This city is one of the key cities
in Metro Manila, Philippines.
 The Land
Pasay City has a total land area of 18.50
square kilometers. The city is the third
smallest political subdivision in the National
Capital Region yet it has the greater area
devoted to utilities covering 51.35% of the
total land area. The city has various
entertainment, and business establishments.
The People
The current population of the city is 408,610
with 73,846 households. Predominant
language used is Tagalog, followed by English
language.
 Short History
According to history records, the name of the
place came from various versions, one version
came from the love story of Jose Rizal and his first
love Paz during the early years when their love
was forbidden by the latters parents. When Paz
died, Jose Rizal was said to have cried out in loud
anguish and uttered Paz-ay! in her grave and
later on the parents of Paz also named their
hacienda Paz-ay which eventually became the
name of the whole Pasay town. Another version is
that Pasay was derived from an abundant pasaw
or a plant with an exotic aroma within the vicinity
of the place during the early years. Others say it
was named after a princess of the Namayan
Kingdom, Dayang-dayang Pasay in 1175.
 In June 21, 1947 Pasay became a
city and was renamed Rizal City in
honor of Dr. Jose Rizal, the countrys
national hero. However, in 1949 the
citys name was renamed back to
Pasay.
Currently, Pasay City boasts of its
newly opened SM Mall of Asia, the
biggest SM Mall ever built in the
Philippines in the Bay area on May
21, 2006.
 Major Tourist Attractions
Cuneta Astrodome
Design Center of the
Philippines
Manila Domestic Airport
Manila Film Center
National Government Offices
such as Department of
Foreign Affairs (DFA),
Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration (OWWA),
among many other.
Ninoy Aquino International
Airport Terminal II and III
Philippine International
Convention Center (PICC)
 Philippine Trade Training
Center
Philippine World Trade
Center Various exhibits
both local and
international are held
here.
SM Mall of Asia
Theme Parks such as
Star City, Nayong
Pilipino and Boom na
Boom.
Villamor Airbase
 COCONUT PALACE
CULTURAL CENTER OF
THE PHILIPPINES (CCP)
FOLK ARTS THEATER
GSIS MUSEUM AND
ARCHIVES
PHILIPPINE MUSEUM
OF ETHNOLOGY
RESIDENCES OF
RECTO AND QUEZON
STA. CLARA PARISH
CHURCH
 Festivals
Cenakulo
Pasko ng Pagkabuhay
Flores de Mayo
Search for Ms. Pasay
Celebration of Pasay
Day
Serenata
Tiburin Race
 Pasig
Pasig is one of the highly
ubanized city of inMetro
Manilain thePhilippinesand was
the former capital of the province
ofRizalprior to the formation of
this grouping of cities designated
as theNational Capital Region.
Geography
Located along the eastern
border ofMetro Manila, Pasig is
bordered on the west byQuezon
CityandMandaluyong City; to
the north byMarikina City; to the
south by Makati City,Pateros,
andTaguig City; and to the east
 Etymology
The city's namePasigwas believed to have come from the
oldSanskrit wordpassid, orsand, which refers to the tribal
community beside the sandy edges of the river.Some
historians believed thatEl Pasigcame fromLegaspi(Miguel
Lopez de Legazpi, theBasqueexplorer well known for being
involved in the "Sanduguan", and was the first Governor-
General of the SpanishEast Indies.
It was pronouncedmapaksikby the Pre-Hispanic Chinese
inhabitants of
Binondo,Manila(MabagsikisTagalogfor"terrifying"-
depicting the river's raging current during thetyphoon
season, causing massive floods on nearby towns and
villages, destroying wide hectares offarmland, and even
bringing huge amounts of logs and water lilies fromMarikina
River,Laguna de Bay, andSan Juan Rivertowards Colonial
Manila).Mapaksik"later became"Pah-sik", and was then
changed to what is now"Pasig". It may have also come from
the Tagalog word"dalampasigan", which
means"riverbank".
 According to Jose Villa Panganiban,
the former director of The Institute of
National Language, "Pasig" is another
ancient Sanskrit word meaning
Awaterwaycoming from one body of
water to another, which briefly
describes the river because its flow
starts from Laguna de Bay, leading to
Manila Bay.
 Short History
On June 11, 1901 the province of Rizal was
created through Act No. 137 of Philippine
Commission. Pasig was incorporated into the
province of Rizal, and was designated as the
capital of the new province.

In 1975, Pasig was carved out of Rizal

province and became part of Metro Manila
when the Metro Manila Commission (pre-
cursor of Metro Manila Authority and later
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority)
was created by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos
through Presidential Decree 824.
 In July 1994, Pasig was converted
into a highly urbanized city through
Republic Act 7829. And in December
1994, President Fidel V. Ramos
signed it into law, which was ratified
through a plebiscite on January 21,
1995.
 The Land
Pasig City is regarded as highly
industrialized because of the
presence of big manufacturing
companies. It has the largest
number of establishments in the
district, which is 16,387 with a land
area of 31.0 sq. km.
Population
As of 2009 the population 652,358.
 Commerce and Industry
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. Primarily they situated in the Ortigas
Center, Pasig proper and along E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue (C-5)
and Ortigas Avenue. Real estate and commercial
developments along Mercedes Avenue and other areas near
the city center are developing. The eastern part was mostly
dominated with residential areas but numerous commercial
establishment are now developing along Marcos Highway.
Per capita income (GDP) of Pasig is $12,032 per year.
Thebarangayof San Antonio has the largest income in
Pasig, second only to San Lorenzo ofMakatias the largest
single income-generated government unit in thePhilippines.
Arguably more significant western part of Pasig, east of the
city ofMandaluyong and as part of the barangay of San
Antonio, lies theOrtigas Center.
 Major Tourist Destinations
Pasig City Hall
Mutya ng Pasig Public Market
Plaza Bonifacio
Concepcion Mansion: Pasig Museum
Immaculate Conception Parish (ICP) Church
Rizal High School
Plaza Rizal
Bahay na Tisa
Eugenio Lopez Foundation, Inc
Doa Geronima's Cave
Pasig City Convention Center
Rizal Provincial Capitol
Rainforest Park
 Festivals and other Events
Araw ng Pasig
Summer Music Festival
Itik-Itik Festival
Paskong Himig
Bambino Festival
Sunduan
Pakalog Festival
Pista ng Batampasig
Paranaque
Paranaque City or Lungsod
ng Palanyag is one of the
key cities that comprise
Metro Manila.
Geography
The place is bordered by
Pasay City in the north side,
Taguig City in the
northeast, Muntinlupa City
in the southeast, Las Pias
City in the southwest and
Manila Bay to the west side.
 Descriptive Name
The Fashion Capital of the Philippines
The City of Lights
Short History
The name of the city was derived from
the phrase para na aque meaning
stop now, boy which is commonly said
by people who wished to get off from
kalesas or horse-drawn carriages
during the Spanish era.
 In 1572 the place was founded by Spanish
missionaries and called it Palanyag meaning
beloved. The early settlers were into salt-
making, fishing, rice planting, shoemaking,
slipper-making and weaving which they trade
off to Chinese, Indonesians, Indians and
Malayans along the shores of Palanyag. Then in
1580, the town fell under the authority of the
Augustinians led by Fr. Diego de Espinar and in
the same year Palanyag became an
independent town.
The town became one of the hot battle zones
during the Philippine Revolution in the 19th
century since it is a gateway between Cavite
where the revolutionary Katipuneros stayed,
and Manila, as the Spanish seat of Government.
Upon the American occupation, Paraaque
 The Land
The total land area is 47.7 square
kilometers which consists of residential,
commercial centers, industrial areas,
multinational companies and other
service establishments.
The People
The current population of the city is
estimated to be at 564,247 with
118,050 households. The predominant
language used by the people is Tagalog
and English for business transactions.
 Commerce and Industry
Trade and commerce are much evident in the northern
communities of Paraaque such as Baclaran. This is
where affordable dry goods, ready-to-wear clothings
can be found. In Barangay La Huerta seafoods
products can be directly purchased from the boat, thus
the place is called fishermans wharf.
Other businesses and establishments can also be seen
along the stretch of Sucat. Day in and day out
business transactions are always on the go in these
avenues. As to the southern portion of the city, various
industrial estates and plants operates 24 hours a day,
such as Toyota Motor Philippines, Johnson and
Johnson's, Motorola, Philacor (GE, White-
Westinghouse), Columbia Motors (BMW, Hyundai, Kia),
and Astra Pharmaceuticals.
 Major Tourist
Attractions
BACLARAN CHURCH
BACLARAN BARGAIN
MARKET
DAMPA
FIESTA SHOPPING MALL
LA HUERTA
SUCAT MOTOR SHOPS
 Other interesting sites
in the city:
Casino Filipino
Loyola Memorial Park
Manila Memorial Park
Ninoy Aquino
International Airport
Terminal I
Paraaque City Hall.
SM City Bicutan
SM City Sucat
St. Andrews Cathedral
 Festivals
Araw ng Palanyag
(Paraaque Day)
Caracol
Flores de Mayo
Komedya
Linggo ng Palaspas or
Domingo de Ramos
Pasyon or Pabasa
Salubong (Easter Vigil) and
Pasko ng Pagkabuhay (Feast
of the Resurrection)
Semana Santa or Holy Week
Sinakulo or Via Crucis (Way
of the Cross)
Sunduan
Quezon
City
Quezon City is one of the
key cities and municipalities
that comprise Metro Manila,
the National Capital Region.
Etymology
The place is also popularly
known as simply QC, named
after the former president
of the Commonwealth of
the Philippines, Manuel L.
Quezon.
 The city is formerly the capital of the
Philippines and is currently the seat
of the House of Representatives in
Batasang Pambansa.
This is also where the two main
universities of Ateneo de Manila
University and the University of the
Philippines are located.
 Short History
The city was once a small town
adjoined by then now known as the
communities of San Francisco del
Monte, Novaliches, and Balintawak. In
1896, the Philippine Revolution was
declared by Andres Bonifacio in Pugad
Lawin which is now the Bahay Toro at
Project 8, Quezon City.
 In the turn of 19th century the late President
of the Philippines, Manuel L. Quezon visioned a
city, thus in 1938 President Quezon established
People's Homesite Corporation and purchased
15.29 km from the vast Diliman estate of the
Tuason family. And on October 12, 1939, a bill
was approved naming the city after President
Quezon. On July 17, 1948 after the World War II,
Quezon City became the Philippine Republics
capital and in the year 1950 in accordance to
Republic Act No. 537, the city boundaries were
extended to additional 153.59 km in land area.
However on November 7, 1975 in lieu of
Presidential Decree No. 824 by President
Ferdinand Marcos, Metro Manila was established
and Quezon City became one of the 17 cities
and municipalities of Metro Manila. And the
 President Ferdinand Marcos ordered the
transfer of the remains of the late
President Manuel Quezon from Manila
North Cemetery to the erected Quezon
Memorial Monument in Quezon Elliptical
Road. Currently, the city has developed a
database system that is capable of
recording property payments and the
very first local government in the
country with the said computerized real
estate assessment and payment system.
 The Land
Quezon City has a total land area of 16,112.12
hectares which is almost one-fourth of the National
Capital Region (NCR) and has the biggest land area
compared to other cities and municipalities. It is
bordered by Manila in the southwest side, Caloocan
City and Valenzuela City in the west and northwest,
San Juan and Mandaluyong City in the south side,
Marikina City and Pasig City to the southeast side,
Marilao River in the north, Rodriguez and San Mateo in
the east side. The city's topography is largely rolling
with alternating ridges and lowlands. The land area is
mostly residential with 45.45% of its total land area,
institutional government agencies, Batasang
Pambansa, medical institutions, public parks and some
industrial facilities in the north side of the city.
 The People
The city has a latest population of
2,173,831 people spread over four
districts and 142 barangays with District
II as the most densely populated area
estimated at
942,074 people. Population growth rate
is 1.92%.
 Commerce and Industry
Quezon City has 55,759 business
establishments as of 2001 and with the
further development of commercial and
industrial ventures, the city has potential
to increase further its number for big
businesses. Business establishments
range from Wholesale and retail trade at
47%, followed by manufacturers at 12%,
hotels and restaurants, real estate and
other leasing business services,
community and other personal services.
The city is said to be the richest local
government in the country in terms of asset,
cash in banks internal revenue allotment,
gross income, and gross net income. It is
also the major entertainment capital of the
Philippines as it is a home to major television
broadcasting networks such as ABC, ABS-
CBN, GMA Network, NBN, RPN, and IBC and
is known for having various restaurants
providing fine dining to fast food, bars and
cafes. The city also has various shopping
malls, a coliseum and amusement parks. Big
telecommunication companies also have
their branch offices in the city vicinity.
 Major Tourist Attractions
ARANETA CENTER
ARANETA COLISEUM
BARRIO LA LOMA
BARRIO PUGAD LAWIN
BALINTAWAK
CAMP CRAME AND
CAMP AGUINALDO
FIESTA CARNIVAL
COMPLEX
LA MESA DAM WATER
RESERVOIR
MABUHAY ROTUNDA
PARKS AND WILDLIFE
BUREAU
 PHILIPPINE NUCLEAR
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
QUEZON CITY HALL
QUEZON MEMORIAL
CIRCLE/ SHRINE
THOMAS MORATO AND
TIMOG AVENUE (TOURIST
BELT AREA)
UNIVERSITY OF THE
PHILIPPINES
 Other historical destinations
in Quezon City are:
Balara Park
Bantayog ng mga Bayani
EDSA Shrine and Sigaw ng
Pugad Lawin Shrine.
La Mesa Ecopark
People Power Monument
Philippine Science High
School
San Pedro Bautista Church
(the second oldest church in
the country)
 San Juan City
San Juanis one of
thecitiesthat comprises
theNational Capital
Regionof thePhilippines.
It is the smallest city in the
region and the country in
terms of land area.
The city is known for being
the site of the first battle of
theKatipunanagainst
troops of theSpanish
Empirein 1897.
 Etymology
"San Juan City" is a contraction of the city's
longer, ceremonial name ofSan Juan del
Monte(English: "Saint John of the
Mountain"). As with numerous other places
in the Philippines, the city is christened
afterJohn the Baptist, the city'spatron
saint, and the hilly terrain it is situated on.
Descriptive Names
Heart of Metro Manila
Home of Philippine Presidents
Tiangge Capital of the Philippines
 Geography
It is bordered byQuezon Cityon the
north and east,Mandaluyong
Cityon the south, and theCity of
Manilain the west.
The territory of San Juan was once
much larger than it is presently,
stretching all the way toCaloocan
City. Parts of what are now Districts
1, 2 and 4 ofQuezon Cityas well as
parts ofMandaluyongwere
originally within San Juan's
territorial boundaries. This explains
why San Juan Reservoir is in nearby
Horseshoe Village, a subdivision
currently under the jurisdiction of
Quezon City.
People
According to the NSO Census in the
year 2010 the total population of
San Juan City is 121, 430.
 Short History
During thepre-Hispanic period, the area of what is now
San Juan was a part of theKingdom of Namayan, whose
last recorded rulers were King Lacantagean and
hisconsort, Bouan. When the Spanish first took over
the kingdom which they re-christened asSta. Ana de
Sapa, the village remained a part of it, re-classified as
abarrioand later becoming a smallencomiendaby
1590. In 1602, theDominicanfriars built a retreat
house for their immediate use, where aging or
convalescing friars stayed. Later, the Dominicans
constructed a convent and a stone church dedicated to
theHoly Cross. To this day, the thrice-rebuiltSantuario
del Santo Cristostands on the same site, adjacent to
the Aquinas School and the Dominican College.
 In 1783, San Juan became independent
of Santa Ana but it was still then
abarriowithin theProvince of Manila. The
opening salvo of thePhilippine
RevolutionagainstSpain, began in San
Juan in 1897 with an attack by
theKatipunanon thealamacen(armoury)
orpolvorn(gunpowder magazine) of
theSpanish East Indiesgovernment. The
town was later incorporated into
theProvince of Rizalin 1901 during
theAmerican Occupation.
On 7 November 1975,PresidentFerdinand
Marcossigned Presidential Decree 824 that
established theNational Capital Region. San Juan
was among the towns that were excised from
Rizal Province. Voters in San Juan ratified the
conversion of the municipality into a highly
urbanized city on 16 June 2008, pursuant to
Republic Act No. 9388 ("An Act Converting the
Municipality of San Juan into a Highly Urbanized
City to be known as the City of San Juan").
ThenCongressmanRonaldo B. Zamora
sponsored the Cityhood Bill in the House of
Representatives and worked for its approval.
 Major Tourist Attractions
St. John the Baptist Church
Old Convent of Kabayanan
and Sanctuario de Santo
Cristo Church
The Learning Resource
Center Building at San Juan
Elementary School
Compound
Spirit of 1896 Monument
Greenhills Shopping Center
Pinaglabanan Shrine
Monuments of Andres
Bonifacio & Gen. Emilio
Aguinaldo
Club Filipino
 Festivals
Wattah, Wattah
Fiesta or Feast of St.
John the Baptist (June
24)
Anniversary of San
Juan / San Juan Day
(March 27)
Feast of the Holy
Cross Church (May 3)
Battle of San Juan del
Monte (August 30)
 Taguig City
TheCity of Taguigis a
highly
urbanizedcitylocated in
south-eastern portion of
Metro Manilain
thePhilippines. From a
thriving fishing
community along the
shores ofLaguna de Bay,
it is now an important
residential, commercial
and industrial center.
 Geography
Taguig City lies on the western
shore ofLaguna de Bayand is
bordered byMuntinlupa Cityto
the south,Paraaqueto the
southwest,Pasayto the
west,CaintaandTaytayon the
northeast andMakati,Pateros,
andPasigto the north. Taguig
River, a tributary of thePasig
Rivercuts through the northern
half of the municipality and
Napindan River, also a tributary
of the Pasig forms the common
border of Taguig with Pasig City.
 Etymology
The original 800 farmer-fishermen settlers of the
area were good at threshing rice after harvest.
Hence they were referred to as "mga taga-giik,"
and their settlement as "pook ng mga taga-giik."
Spanish friar Fray Alonso de Alvarado, together
with conquistador Rey Lopez de Villalobos who
crossed Pasig River to reach Taguig in 1571 found
"taga-giik" difficult to pronounce, and could only
produce the word sounding like "tagui-ig." So
many mispronouncements later, "tagui-ig" was
shortened to the present day "Taguig.

Descriptive Name
Metro Manila's ProbinSyudad
 Short History
Before the Spaniards came to the Philippines,
Taguig was once a part of the Kingdom of
Tondo which was ruled by Rajah Soliman. The
city was one of the first territories that have
been influenced by Christianity when the
Spaniards took control of Luzon. In 1587, it
was established as a separate town ofManila,
which was still a province during that time.
Taguig was then accessible through
thePasigRiver and connects it to Manila Bay
and Laguna de Bay. Fishing was one of the
main sources of livelihood for its residents.
When the Americans took over the country,
Taguig was made into an independent
municipality on March 1900. A year later, it was
incorporated into the province of Rizal when
Act. No. 137 was promulgated. In 1903, the city
was merged together with Muntinlupaand
Pateros by the virtue of Act. No. 942. The setup
did not last long. Muntinlupa was made part of
Binan just a month after the merger. In March
1905, Muntinlupa was returned to Taguig. After
three years, Taguig was again made into an
independent municipality. In January 1, 1918,
both Taguig and Pateros became independent
municipalities of Rizal.
It was during the occupation of the Americans
that a sizeable part of the Taguig was made into
Fort McKinley. When the Philippines gained its
political independence from the U.S. in 1946,
the Americans surrendered control of the
country but retained its hold on the military
bases. In May 1949, control of Fort McKinley was
finally turned over to the Philippine government.
In November 1975, Taguig was separated from
the province of Rizal during the formation of the
National Capital Region. In December 8, 2004,
Taguig officially became a city.
 Population
Total of 613,343 (as of August 2007
Census) with a population growth rate of
3.82% from 2000-2007.

The Land
The total land are of the city of Taguig is
45.21 km.

Major Economic Activity

Commercial and Service Centers
 Major Tourist Attractions
Laguna de Bay
Dambanang Kawayan
Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne
Simborio
The Blue Mosque
Parola
The Plaza Quezon
Bantayog ng mga Bayani ng
Tipas
DOST Mini-Forest and Eco-Park
The VFP Museum
Libingan ng mga Bayani
The American Cemetery and
Memorial
Plaza Bonifacio
Fort Bonifacio Global City
 Festivals
Sta. Anang Banak Taguig River
Festival
Karera ng mga Bangkang
Lunday
Boys and Girls Festival Parade
Banak Fish-Cone Tossing
Ceremony
Pagodahan
Pandangguhan
Taga-giik Festival
Mutya ng Taguig Pageant
Flurry of the Streamers
Grand Foundation Day Parade
Pagiikan Mini Olympics
 Valenzuela City
Valenzuela is the119th
largest cityof
thePhilippinesand one of the
16 cities plus a municipality
that compose
theregionofMetro Manila,
located about 14km (7.9
miles) north ofManila.
Valenzuela is categorized by
virtue of Republic Act Nos.
7160 and 8526 as a highly
urbanized, first-class city based
on income classification and
number of population.
Achartered citylocated on the
island ofLuzon.
 Land and People
It is bordered byMeycauayan, Bulacan
in the north,Quezon Cityand northern
Caloocanto the east; byObando,
Bulacan to the west;
byMalabon,southern
CaloocanandTullahan Riverto the
south. With a land mass of
44.59km2and a population of 575,356
inAugust 2010, Valenzuela is the13th
most populous cityin the Philippines.
Valenzuela's population is composed of
72%Tagalog peoplefollowed by
5%Bicolanos. Small percentage of
foreign nationals reside in the city.
 Etymology
Valenzuela was named afterPo
Valenzuela, a doctor and a member
ofKatipunan.

Descriptive Names
The Vibrant City
The City of Discipline
 Short History
Valenzuela means "little Valencia" in Spanish, and is
also the surname Dr. Po Valenzuela, a Filipino
physician and patriot who was among the leaders of
the Katipunan that started the Philippine Revolution
against Spain after which the city was named.

The historic City of Valenzuela was originally known

as Polo, and established as an independent town of
the province of Bulacan in 1623. Polo was once just
a part of the town of Meycauayan called
"Catangalan". The territory of the new town
encompassed the vast lands that stretched from the
town of Obando, to the forests of Novaliches. The
Franciscans, in the person of Fr. Juan Taranco,
administered the newly created town.
 During its long history played an important role in
development of northern Metro Manila. Valenzuela
City, before its cityhood on 1998, was divided into an
Spanish friar hacienda, small political settlement and
Spanish garrison before Philippine Independence in
1898. Valenzuela was once part of Bulacan province.
In the 19th century, its huge land area was
subdivided into Polo, Novaliches, Obando and others
merged into the province of Morong. Later on in the
American Period, Valenzuela became part of Bulacan
and started the construction of Marcelo H. del Pilar
Expressway. The expressway later became North
Luzon Expressway during Marcos's era.

The liberation of the Philippines from Japanese rule on

1946 resulted in the division of Valenzuela into two
towns.
 On 1960, President Diosdado Macapagal
signed a bill creating a municipality of
Valenzuela independent from Bulacan.
However, on 1963, the municipality was
redivided, the north Polo, to be under
Bulacan again, while the southern
Valenzuela town became an independent
municipality. The creation of MMDA and
NCR during Marcos's administration led
to unification of Polo and Valenzuela into
the municipality of Valenzuela in 1975.
Valenzuela City finally attained cityhood
status on February 14, 1998.
 Major Tourist
Attractions
Arkong Bato
Japanese Cemetery
San Diego de Alcala
Church
Residence of Dr. Pio
Valenzuela
Museo Valenzuela
Church of San Roque
National Shrine of
Our Lady of Fatima
 Festivals
Charter Day
Celebration
(February 14)
San Roque
Festival (May12)
Dr. Pio Valenzuela
Day (July 11)
Putong Polo
Festival
(November 12)
 Pateros
TheMunicipality of Paterosis a
first-class municipality inMetro
Manila,Philippines. This small town
is famous for its duck-raising
industry and especially for
producingbalut, a Filipino delicacy
that is boiled duck egg.
Pateros is also known for the
production of red salty eggs and
"inutak", a local rice cake.
Moreover, the town is known for
manufacturing of "alfombra", a
locally-made footwear with a
carpet-like fabric on its top surface.
 Geography and Population
Pateros is bordered byPasig
Cityto the north,Makati
Cityto the west, andTaguig
Cityto the south.
Pateros is the only
municipality and the
smallest, both in population
and in land area, in Metro
Manila, but it is the second
most densely populated at
around 29 thousand people
per square kilometer
afterManila.
Major Economic Activity
Commercial and Service
Centers
 Etymology
The namePaterosmost likely derived from the duck-
raising industry. TheTagalogword (ofSpanishorigin)
for "duck" ispatoandpaterosmeans "duck-
raisers".Edmund RobertsusedDuck-townas the
alternate name for Pateros, stating that he "never
before saw so many ducks together," in one place.
Another theory, though less known, is that the name
may allude to the town's small shoe-making industry.
The Tagalog word for "shoe"also of Spanishorigin
issapatosand shoemakers are calledsapateros.
 History
Before 1770, Pateros was only
abarrioofPasiguntil the Spanish Governor-General in
the Philippines issued a decree making Pateros an
independent municipality. The town was then
composed of five barangays (villages), namely, Aguho,
San Roque, Sta. Ana, Sto. Rosario and Mamancat (now
a portion of Fort Bonifacio). On March 29, 1900,
Pateros became one of the towns in the newly created
province ofRizal, by virtue of General Order No. 40,
Act No. 137 of the Philippine Commission, which was
promulgated on June 11, 1901. Then on October 12,
1903, Act No. 942 combined Pateros,Taguig
CityandMuntinlupa Cityinto a single municipality
under Pateros. The municipality was renamed Taguig
on March 22, 1905, through Act No. 1308. Executive
Order No. 20 dated February 29, 1908 separated
Pateros from Taguig. Pateros then regained its
independent status as a municipality on January 1,
 Major Tourist
Attractions
New Municipal Hall
Dulong Bayan
Monument
San Roque Church
Manggahan Shrine
Balut-Making
Garden of Memories
Memorial Park
Old Houses
Alfombra Slippers
Pateros River
 Festivals
Feast of St. Martha (2nd
Sunday of February)
Liberation Day (February
18)
Pateros Foundation (March
29)
Santacruzan/ Flores de
Mayo (May)
Feast of St. Martha Old
(July 29)
Feast of St. Roque (August
16)
Full Moon Festival
City of Manila
Manila City or in Filipino Lungsod
ng Maynila, is the capital of the
Philippines. The City is situated at
the mouth of the Pasig River on the
eastern shores of Manila Bay on
Luzon western side.
Geography
The city is bordered by several cities
and municipalities such as Navotas
and Caloocan City in the north,
Quezon City in the northeast, San
Juan and Mandaluyong City in the
east, Makati City in the southeast,
and Pasay City in the south side.
 Manila has been classified as a "Gamma"
global city by the Globalization and World
Cities Study Group and Network and is
also known as the National Capital Region
(NCR) since the metropolis is currently a
thriving metropolitan area which consists
of 17 cities and municipalities.
Etymology
The citys name was derived from a
flowering mangrove plant the nilad that
grew on the shores of the bay at that
time, thus, of the name Maynilad.
 Short History
Manila began as a small Muslim
settlement on the banks of the Pasig
River along the shores of Manila Bay.
The city was then a prosperous
Islamic community under the
governance of Rajah Sulayman.
 It was in the year 1570 when Miguel Lopez
de Legazpi demanded the invasion of Manila,
thus the Spaniards came under the command
of Martin de Goiti defeated and crushed native
settlements to the ground upon encountering
resistance from the Muslim king. The following
year, the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez
de Legazpi arrived and made a peace pact with
three Rajahs or Muslim leaders (Rajah
Sulayman, Rajah Matanda, and Rajah
Lakandula) and organized a city council
consisting of two mayors, 12 councilors, and a
secretary. At this time, the Spaniards built a
walled city known as Intramuros to protect the
colonizers. Then, on June 10, 1574 King Philip II
of Spain gave Manila the title of Distinguished
In 1898, the United States occupied and
controlled Manila till 1946. Spain handed over
the Philippines to the United States of America
for US$ 20,000,000 upon its defeat in the battle
and ending 377 years of Spanish rule in the
country. On December 31, 1941 the city was
declared an open city By President Manuel L.
Quezon and was later occupied by Japanese
forces on January 2, 1942. During World War II
much of the city was destroyed, but then upon
the return of General Douglas McArthur in the
Philippines on February 5, 1945 Manila officially
gained its freedom. In July of 1946, the
Commonwealth government under Manuel L.
Quezon declared independence.
Reconstruction of Manila soon came after
and the population grew rapidly. Land was
fully developed with subdivisions and
residential suddenly flourished. In 1976,
four cities: Manila, Pasay, Caloocan and
Quezon City and 13 other municipalities
was officially designated as "Metro
Manila". Today, the city and the
metropolis is already a progressive
cultural and economic center.
 The People
The City of Manila is second to the most
populous city in the Philippines with a
population of 1.5 million residents.
The main language is Filipino. However,
many Manileos are fluent in English
language. A small percentage of the
population can also speak Spanish
owing to Manilas Spanish heritage.
 Commerce and Industry
The city is progressive in terms of trade and commerce
which is attributed to its 24 hours economic activities
such as various trading centers, prime harbors, vast
array of business establishments, and human
resources capability. All of these factors contributed in
billions of pesos investments.
t is also a plus factor in the citys economy that local
and international products are placed in Manila where
it is sold at a lowest price. In its entirety, the city is
now a complete one-stop shopping mall where you
can find vast array of goods and other products.
The five leading industries or establishment in Manila
are Textile and Garments, followed by Food, Personal
Products, Chemical and Pharmaceutical, and Rubber or
Plastic Products.
 Major Tourist Attractions
Bahay Tsinoy
Intramuros Light and
Sound Museum
Metropolitan Museum
Museo ng Maynila
Museong Pambata
National Library
National Museum of the
Philippines
The Museum De La Salle
University Manila
UST Museum of Arts and
Sciences
 Archdiocesan Shrine of St.
Jude Thaddeus
Binondo Church also known
as the Basilica of St. Lorenzo
Ruiz
Malate Church
Manila Cathedral also known
as the basilica of Immaculate
Concepcion
Quiapo Church also known
as the Basilica of the Black
Nazarene
San Agustin Church
San Fernando de Dilao Parish
Church
San Sebastian Church
Santa Cruz Church
Sto. Nio Parish Church
 PLAZ A SAN LUIS
FORT SANTIAGO
MALACAANG PALACE
UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS
PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY
BONIFACIO SHRINE
CHINA TOWN
BULWAGANG GAT ANTONIO VILLEGAS
CASA MANILA
RIZAL SHRINE
MABINI SHRINE
RIZAL PARK
Rizal Memorial Sports Complex
(RMSC)
San Andres Gym (foremrly Mail and
More Arena, the home of the Manila
MetroStars.)
 PASIG RIVER
MANILA BAY
PLAZA MIRANDA
ERMITA DISTRICT
BAYWALK ALONG ROXAS
BOULEVARD
The Supreme Court of the
Philippines
Rajah Sulayman Park
Manila Boardwalk
Manila Zoological and Botanical
Garden (Manila Zoo)
Paco Park, the location of the
hitPaco Park Presents
University Belt Area
 SM City Manila
SM Department Store Quiapo
SM City San Lazaro
Robinson's Place - Manila
Harrison Plaza (SM Harrison;
Shopwise; Rustan's)
Ever Gotesco Manila Plaza (Recto)
Isetann Department Store (Recto
and Quiapo)
Divisoria Flea Market
168 Shopping Mall
Tutuban Center (Cluster Building,
Centermall & Primeblock)
Quiapo Bargain Center, home for
endless bargain goods
Palengke or Pamilihan sa ilalim ng
tulay (literally means "a
marketplace under the bridge), a
center for indigenous Filipino
products
 Festivals and other
Events
Feast of the Black
Nazarene
Feast of the Sto.
Nino
Grand Marian Feast
Bailes Delos Arcos
Buling-Buling in
Pandacan
Liberation of Manila
Manila Day
The End