Manila: The Heartbeat of the Philippines

• HelloKamusta
  [kah-mus-tah]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pah-ah-lam]
• YesOo
  [oh-oh]
• NoHindi
  [hin-dee]
• Please/You're welcomeSalamat
  [sa-la-mat]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sa-la-mat]
• Excuse me/SorryPasensya
  [pah-sen-syah]
• How are you?Kamusta ka?
  [kah-mus-tah kah?]
• Fine. And you?Mabuti. Ikaw?
  [mah-boo-tee. ee-kahw?]
• Do you speak English?Marunong ka ba mag-Ingles?
  [mah-roo-nong kah bah mag-eeng-les?]
• I don't understandHindi ko maintindihan
  [hin-dee koh main-tin-dee-han]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto kong makita ang menu, pakiusap
  [goo-stoh kohng mah-kee-tah ahng meh-noo, pah-kee-oo-sap]
• I don't eat meatHindi ako kumakain ng karne
  [hin-dee ah-koh koo-mah-kah-een ng kar-neh]
• Cheers!Mabuhay!
  [mah-boo-hay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto kong magbayad, pakiusap
  [goo-stoh kohng mahg-bah-yad, pah-kee-oo-sap]

• Help!Tulong!
  [too-long]
• Go away!Lumayo ka!
  [loo-mah-yoh kah]
• Call the Police!Tawag sa Pulis!
  [tah-wahg sah poo-lees]
• Call a doctor!Tawag sa doktor!
  [tah-wahg sah dok-tor]
• I'm lostNawawala ako
  [nah-wah-wah-lah ah-koh]
• I'm illSakit ako
  [sah-kit ah-koh]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto kong bumili ng...
  [goo-stoh kohng boo-mee-lee ng...]
• I'm just lookingNagmamasid lang ako
  [nag-mah-mah-seed lang ah-koh]
• How much is it?Magkano ito?
  [mag-kah-noh ee-toh?]
• That's too expensiveMasyadong mahal ito
  [mah-syah-dong mah-hahl ee-toh]
• Can you lower the price?Pwede bang magbaba ng presyo?
  [pweh-deh bahng mahg-bah-bah ng preh-syo?]

• What time is it?Anong oras na?
  [ah-nong oh-ras nah]
• It's one o'clockAlas uno na
  [ah-las oo-noh nah]
• Half past (10)Alas dose y medya
  [ah-las doh-seh ee med-yah]
• MorningUmaga
  [oo-mah-gah]
• AfternoonHapon
  [hah-pohn]
• EveningGabi
  [gah-bee]
• YesterdayKahapon
  [kah-hah-pon]
• TodayNgayon
  [ngah-yohn]
• TomorrowBukas
  [boo-kahs]
• 1Isa
  [ee-sah]
• 2Dalawa
  [dah-lah-wah]
• 3Tatlo
  [taht-loh]
• 4Apat
  [ah-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Anim
  [ah-neem]
• 7Pito
  [pee-toh]
• 8Walo
  [wah-loh]
• 9Siyam
  [see-yahm]
• 10Sampu
  [sahm-poo]

• Where's a/the...?Saan ang...?
  [sah-ahn ahng]
• What's the address?Ano ang address?
  [ah-noh ahng ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede mo ba akong ipakita (sa mapa)?
  [pweh-deh moh bah ah-kohng ee-pah-kee-tah sah mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Kailan ang susunod na (bus)?
  [kah-ee-lahn ahng soo-soo-nod nah]
• A ticket (to ....)Isang ticket (papuntang ...)
  [ee-sahng ticket (pah-poon-tahng ...)]

Before Spanish colonization, Manila was already a thriving settlement known as Maynila, ruled by Rajahs and Datus. The area was a bustling trade hub with links to China, India, and other neighboring regions. Archaeological findings, such as the Laguna Copperplate Inscription, provide evidence of the sophisticated societies that existed in the Manila area during this time.

In 1571, Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in Manila and claimed it for the Spanish Crown. Manila was established as the capital of the Spanish East Indies and became a key center for the Galleon Trade, which linked the Philippines with Mexico and Spain. Intramuros, a fortified city within Manila, was built to protect the Spanish settlers and became the administrative and religious center.

From 1762 to 1764, during the Seven Years' War, British forces occupied Manila. The British invasion was brief but significant as it exposed weaknesses in Spanish colonial defenses and sowed seeds of future resistance. Despite their short stay, the British presence left a mark on the city's development and trade practices.

The late 19th century saw the rise of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule, led by figures such as José Rizal and Andrés Bonifacio. In 1898, following the Spanish-American War, the Treaty of Paris ceded the Philippines to the United States. Manila became the American colonial capital, leading to significant urban development, the introduction of public education, and the construction of key infrastructures like the Manila City Hall and the University of the Philippines.

During World War II, Manila was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. The Battle of Manila in 1945 was one of the fiercest urban battles of the war, resulting in widespread destruction and significant loss of life. The city's liberation marked the end of Japanese occupation, but the devastation necessitated extensive post-war reconstruction.

After World War II, Manila underwent extensive reconstruction efforts to rebuild its infrastructure and economy. The post-war period saw rapid urbanization and modernization, transforming Manila into a bustling metropolis. Key landmarks such as Rizal Park, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Makati Central Business District were developed during this era.

The People Power Revolution of 1986 was a pivotal moment in Manila's history. Millions of Filipinos gathered on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) to peacefully protest against the regime of President Ferdinand Marcos. The non-violent uprising led to the end of Marcos' rule and the restoration of democratic governance in the Philippines.

Manila is a melting pot of cultures, reflected in its diverse festivals and cultural practices. The city celebrates numerous festivals such as the Feast of the Black Nazarene, which attracts millions of devotees each year. Manila's rich cultural heritage is also showcased in its cuisine, arts, and architecture, with a blend of indigenous, Spanish, American, and Asian influences.

Manila is served by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is the main gateway to the Philippines. The airport is located approximately 7 kilometers south of Manila's city center. Direct flights to Manila are available from many major cities around the world. From the airport, you can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or airport shuttle to your accommodation.

Manila offers various modes of transportation including jeepneys, buses, taxis, tricycles, and the Manila Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems. Jeepneys are the most iconic and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are more comfortable and still relatively inexpensive. For longer distances, buses are available but can be slow due to traffic. The LRT and MRT are good options for avoiding traffic congestion, although they can be crowded during peak hours.

The official currency in the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available in Manila, and major foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and authorized money changers.

While Manila is generally safe for tourists, certain areas have higher crime rates, particularly for crimes targeting tourists. Areas to be cautious in include Quiapo, Tondo, and some parts of Ermita. Avoid walking alone at night in these neighborhoods and keep your belongings secure. Always use reputable transportation options and be cautious of scams and pickpockets in crowded places.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, medical, and fire assistance. Hospitals and medical facilities are available throughout Manila, with several major hospitals offering emergency services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing in public places. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a 'hello' or 'kumusta'. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Manila like a local, visit the weekend markets such as Salcedo Market and Legazpi Sunday Market for local food and crafts. Take a stroll through Intramuros, the historic walled city, and experience its Spanish colonial architecture. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. For a unique experience, ride a bamboo bike through the streets of Intramuros with Bambike Ecotours, or take a sunset cruise along Manila Bay.