Manila
Country: Philippines
Population: 1,780,14,813,308,097 (2011)
Dialing Code: +63 (0)2
Currency: Peso
Time zone: PST (UTC+8)
Official language: Fillipino, English
Manila is the Capital of Philippines and the nations centre of education, business and transportation.
Holding the record for being the most populous metropolitan city had its upsides and obvious downsides. Where it basks in a rich history and a multitude of experiences to offer with bustling, complicated and varied nightlife, it also commands a reputation of being a congested, polluted concrete jungle.
Fast paced and frenetic, first impressions of this metropolis can be daunting and overwhelming but give the city some time and it might just grow on you. Manila is not the easiest place to explore, not least because of the road congestion, but a ride on one of the city’s outrageously decorated jeepneys is a tourist attraction all by itself. And if it all gets too much, buses, flights and ferries connect Manila to every corner of the Philippines.