Manila, officially known as the City of Manila, is the capital of the Philippines and the second most populous metropolitan area in the country. Located on the island of Luzon, it is serviced by Ninoy Aquino International Airport and is considered the primary gateway to the country. Often termed a fast-growing concrete jungle, Manila is one of the wealthiest cities in southeast Asia and is the most important location commercially, industrially, politically and socially in the country.
Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, the influences of that period can still be seen to this day in the form of several tourist sites and street or neighbourhood names. The most notable of them all being the historic Walled City of Intramuros considered the original district of the conquerors. Also known as an important port city of trade and commerce since its founding, the proof of Chinese settlement in Manila can be seen in the popular Chinatown district of Binondo, which is also the world's oldest. All over the city, churches, Hindu and Buddhist temples, old architectural structures and other historical sites stand as a testament to the influence of various cultures and communities.
Manila today hosts over 1 million tourists annually and is aggressively developing to provide modern contemporary travellers with a touristy urban experience. Modern parks, museums and cultural centres are common throughout the city. In addition, entertainment centres, premium or luxury shopping malls, and nightlife-centric lounges, clubs and bars are ever emerging and quite popular among both the locals and tourists. While most may deem Manila to be a stopover while visiting the other islands and regions of the Philippines, the capital city certainly has much more to offer.
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