Welcome to Manila
The Philippine capital is Asia’s best-kept secret. The capital of the Orient’s only catholic country seems somehow out of place, vibrant with Latin American or Caribbean undertones. Music and dancing are everywhere, and the smiles and laughter rival Bangkok’s in their warmth and enthusiasm. Manila’s intense historical influences – Spanish religion and American consumerism – have led to the saying that the capital has spent “400 years in a convent and 50 in Hollywood.” The result is a city of extremes ready to delight the unsuspecting traveller.
Facts
| Population | City: 1,6 million Metropolitan area: 11,5 million |
| Currency | Philippine peso (PHP) 1 = 100 centavos |
| Opening hours | Shops open 10 am-8 pm, but shopping malls close at 9 pm or 10 pm. Smaller shops close for lunch 12 pm-2 pm. There are many 24-hour convenience and drug stores. Malls are open on Sundays and public holidays. |
| Newspapers | Philippine daily inquirer Manila bulletin Manila times Malaya Philippine star Manila standard today Daily tribune |
| Emergency numbers | 116 |
| Tourist information | Philippine department of tourism Address: T.M. Kalaw Street, Malate. Opening hours: 7 am-5 pm Monday-Saturday. Tel. +63 2 523 8411 |
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