Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, is strategically situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, at the mouth of the Pasig River. This prime location places it on the western coast of Luzon, the largest and most populous island in the Philippine archipelago. Understanding Manila’s location is key to appreciating its geographical context within Southeast Asia and its unique urban structure.
Manila’s strategic location on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, bisected by the Pasig River, highlighting its importance as a major port city in the Philippines.
The city is geographically bisected by the Pasig River, which plays a significant role in its layout and history. Administratively, Manila is divided into six divisions encompassing 17 districts. These districts largely evolved from the original walled city of Intramuros, meaning “Within Walls,” and the surrounding 13 villages that existed outside its fortifications. Approximately two-thirds of Manila’s districts are located north of the Pasig River, while the remaining third lies to the south. Several bridges span the river, connecting these two major sections of the city and facilitating movement throughout the urban landscape.
While commercial activities are distributed across Manila, the districts north of the Pasig River are particularly significant as centers of trade and commerce. This is especially true for areas along Manila Bay and in the west-central part of the city. Notably, the San Miguel district is home to Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the Philippine President. Furthermore, Sampaloc, situated on the northeastern edge of Manila, is a prominent educational hub, housing several universities.
Adjacent to the densely populated northern districts is Manila North Harbor. On the southern shore lies Manila South Harbor, serving as the city’s primary international port, emphasizing Manila’s crucial role in international trade and connectivity. Intramuros, steeped in history, is famous for the 16th-century San Agustin Church and the preserved ruins of its ancient walls and Fort Santiago, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike. Moving to the south shore, Ermita and Malate stand out as desirable residential areas, hosting numerous hotels and foreign embassies. The districts located to the southeast are predominantly middle-income residential neighborhoods, completing the diverse urban tapestry of Manila.
Manila is also at the heart of Metropolitan Manila, a larger urban agglomeration. This metropolitan area includes not only the city of Manila itself but also neighboring cities and municipalities. To the north, Caloocan City and Quezon City to the northeast are part of this vast urban sprawl. To the south, near Manila Bay, lies Pasay City. In addition to these cities, Metropolitan Manila incorporates 13 municipalities: Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Navotas, Pasig, Pateros, Parañaque, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Taguig, and Valenzuela. The creation of Metropolitan Manila was driven by the need for integrated public services – including water supply, police and fire services, and transportation – and to enable centralized planning for cohesive and unified urban development across this large region.
The Manila Cathedral, a landmark reflecting American, Spanish, Chinese, and Malay architectural influences, stands in Intramuros, highlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Manila’s architectural landscape is a diverse mix of influences, reflecting its rich history and cultural exchanges. American, Spanish, Chinese, and Malay styles are all evident in the city’s buildings. Significant landmarks like Rizal Park and several government buildings were designed by Daniel H. Burnham, an American architect and city planner. Modern structures, including towering commercial buildings and public and private edifices, commonly utilize reinforced concrete and hollow cement blocks in their construction. In districts like Ermita and Malate, modern house designs, particularly sprawling ranch-style houses with expansive lawns, are prevalent. Spanish-style houses, characterized by tiled roofs, barred windows, and thick walls, were a common sight before World War II and remain a popular architectural style. The city’s churches exhibit American, Spanish, or European architectural characteristics. The Manila Cathedral, a significant landmark, was reconstructed in the 1950s, succeeding five earlier cathedrals that were destroyed by earthquakes or wartime events, with the first dating back to the mid-16th century, showcasing the city’s enduring historical and architectural evolution.
