Manila

Location/Positioning

Metro Manila
South of Bulacan, northeast of Cavite, west Rizal, and northwest of Laguna, Metro Manila, the National Capital Region, the throbbing cosmopolitan region of the Philippines. An aggregate of adverse distinctions, the region is an intriguing blend of the past and the present, of striking contrast and contradictions. While it is blessed with significant historical and cultural destinations, it is likewise enriched with modish skyscraping edifices and state of the art shopping malls. As the major gateway to the country's 7,107 alluring islands, Metro Manila is the nation's heart and soul. Believed to be the ultimate city to millions of Filipinos living outside the metropolis, Metro Manila is the central nerve of all activities in the country, the seat of government, the center of trade and economic activities and the core of education, culture and arts. It is a melting pot of different people, different cultures and different beliefs. NCR is the pulsating domain that remains to be the stalwart realm of the nation.

The Environs: CALABAR

Cavite, province situated at the southern boundary of Metro Manila. Bus lines ply different routes to Cavite. Air-conditioned FX taxis load passengers a short distance away. These vehicles take the Roxas Boulevard-Coastal Road route to Cavite City or to the towns of Rosario, Naic and Tanza. History buffs can follow a trail of historical sites and landmarks all over the province. By contrast, the countryside offers a variety of more tranquil pursuits. Magnificent Tagaytay Ridge has earned the country's second summer capital. Ternate has the fine beaches and first class resorts near Manila. Vast areas have been developed into leisure and golfing destinations. Cavite lies south of Metro Manila at the entrance of Manila Bay.

Batangas beckons with natural wonders and rich and colorful heritage. From its fertile, rolling plains come the famous barako coffee a dark, robust brew exported all over the world. The countryside is verdant with coconut groves, mango and other fruit orchards. Along with the sand and coral beaches abound, with spectacular submarine gardens just a few kilometers offshore. The most popular attraction, the Taal Vocano and Lake, is a wondrous creation of nature. In the towns and villages, many picturesque old houses still stand. Delicate embroidery and other native crafts make great souvenirs. Historical landmarks and grand colonial-period churches attest to the proud spirit of Batangueños. Just 110 kilometers south of Manila, Batangas is served by various commercial bus lines with terminals within the different pats of Metro Manila.

Laguna abounds with the blessings of nature and rich cultural and artistic heritage. Named after Laguna de Bay the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, Laguna is the country's premier resort province. It boasts a plethora of waterfalls and rivers, seven major lakes and innumerable hot and cold springs. Hispanic period churches stand as monuments to the artistry and faith of the Lagunenses. Traditional arts and crafts thrive in its towns. The province is also a birthplace of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Well-developed roads connect Laguna to Metro Manila and the adjacent provinces of Rizal, Cavite, Batangas and Quezon. Situated 30 kilometers south of Metro Manila, this province can be accessed via: the Southern Luzon Expressway (SLEX) or the eastern road that winds through the town of Anitpolo and Tanay.

Rizal as metro Manila's immediate eastern neighbor, Rizal is one of the most progressive provinces in the CALABARZON area. Named in honor of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the province has gained a reputation as the Cradle of the Philippine Art. Known for its artists' communities and folk festivals, Rizal also offers diverse natural and man-made attractions. Breathtaking views of Laguna de Bay, the rugged Sierra Madre mountain, swimming spots and picnic grounds stand side by side with burgeoning industrial parks, convention halls and commercial centers, situated on the eastern boundary of Metro Manila. There are many public utilities that can be taken to bring one in and out of the province.

Getting to And Around

Metro Manila

By Air
Being the primary gateway to the Philippines, Manila plays host to numerous international flights from the major airlines all over the world. Flights come in from the different parts of the globe by the hour daily all throughout the week. Domestic flights come aplenty since Manila serves as the hub of all the airports throughout the country.

By Sea
The Port of Manila (POM South Harbor) and the Manila International Container Port (MICP) service many international cargo ships that make Manila a port of call. In contrary, no international commercial passenger ships call these ports. Domestic shipping lines dock at the North Harbor.

By Land
Manila can be reached by private and public transportation from all over the country through the road networks extending as far north as Cagayan and Ilocos and down south in Zamboanga and Davao.

The Environs

The proximity of CALABAR provinces to Manila is a big advantage since access going to these provinces is very easy. Public transports are readily available to bring tourist to the different destinations in these areas.

Normally, land transportation is the fastest and most efficient mode of transport since most of the areas are less than 100 kilometers from Manila.

Tourist Attractions

Metro Manila

• Roxas Boulevard Baywalk
• Malacañang Palace/Museum
• Manila Hotel
• University of Sto. Tomas
• Manila Bay
• Rizal Park
• Intramuros
• Museo ng Maynila
• Bahay Tsinoy
• San Agustin Church
• National Museum of the Philippines
• Bonifacio Circle Monument
• Bamboo Organ
• Sarao Jeepney Factory
• Ayala Museum
• The Manila Polo Club
• Ayala Center
• Malabon Zoo and Aquarium
• EDSA Shrine
• Wack Wack Golf and Country Club
• Marikina River Park
• Marikina Shoe Museum
• Baclaran Redemptorist Church
• Cultural Center of the Philippines
• Star City
• Quezon Memorial Circle
• Cry of Pugad Lawin , Barangay Bahay Toro
• Our Lady of EDSA Shrine
• Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center
• Sto. Domingo Church
• St. John the Baptist Church
• Old Convent of Kabayanan and Sanctuario de Santo Cristo Church
• Greenhills Shopping Center
• Pinaglabanan Shrine
• Laguna de Bay
• Libingan ng mga Bayani
• Fort Bonifacio Global City
  

The Environs

Cavite

• Corregidor Island WWII Historical Marker Cavite
• Tagaytay Ridge, Flower Farms
• People's Park in the Sky - Tagaytay City
• Tagaytay Highlands, a blend of natural and man-made international golf course and country club - Tagaytay City
• Tagaytay City - second summer capital next to Baguio City
• The Flower and Vegetable Farm - Brgy. Guinhawa, Tagaytay Ridge, Tagaytay City
• Golf Courses Riviera, Orchard etc.

  Batangas

• Mabinin Shrine, Tanauan
• Taal Heritage Village , Taal Our Lady of Caysasay
• Lipa Cathedral, Lipa City
• Cottage Industries: Embroidery, Sawali, Balisong - Taal, Batangas
• Taal Volcano and Crater Lake
• Mabini-Anilao Dive Areas, Verde Island and Sombrero Island Dive Sites
  

  Laguna

• Pagsanjan Falls, Pagsanjan
• Mt. Makiling, Los Baños Mud Spring
• Hot Spring Resorts, Pansol Calamba City, Los Baños
• Paete Woodcarving, Paete
• Lake Caliraya, Lucban and Cavinti
• Underground Cemetery, Nagcarlan
• City of Seven Lakes, San Pablo City
• Enchanted Kingdom, Sta. Rosa

  Rizal

• Angono Petrog1yphs in Angono and Binangonan
• OurLady of Antipolo Shrine
• Angono Artists Village
• Hinulugan TAktak, Antipolo City
• Susong Dalaga, Talim Island, Binangonan
• Valley Golf and Country Club, Cainta
• Daranak Falls, Tanay
  
  

Required Infrastructure

Environs

Cavite

1. Improvement of capabilities of roads and alternate artery roads for the increased volume of population in the province - Coastal road and Aguinaldo Highway traversing the municipalities of Bacoor, Imus and Dasmariñas
   
   
2. Linking of tourism destinations and areas identified as tourism spots of the provinces of Cavite and Batangas. Completion of the Ternate-Maragondon-Nusugbu road
   
   
3. Traffic Demand Management Program Kawit, Imus, Centennial Sites

Batangas

1. Improvement of existing roads to improve access to beaches in Nasugbu, Calatagan, Mabini, Balayan and San Juan
   
   
2. Traffic Demand Management Program to decongest and minimize traffic problems in Lipa and Batangas City.

Laguna

1. Construction of a 1km. Asphalt Road around Lake Caliraya, Lumban to provide access to areas around Lake Caliraya
   
   
2. Improvement of existing roads to improve access to existing tourist destinations of the province

Rizal

1. Improvement of capacities of roads and alternate artery roads for the increased volume of population in the province from Cainta junction to Antipolo City
   
   
2. Traffic Demand Management Program to decongest and minimized Traffic problems in Cainta, Tanay and Antipolo City

Development Directions

Metro Manila
Upgrading/improvement of existing tourism facilities and tourism-related establishment

Environs
In the environs, tourism development is specific to the following identifies areas:

Cavite

• Centennial Sites, Kawit and Imus, Cavite
• Tagaytay City
• People's Park in the Sky

  Batangas

• Taal Lake Volcano Island and Pansipit River
• Heritage Sites, Taal and Batangas City
• Coastaline, Nasugbu to Calatagan

  Laguna

• Lake Caliraya
• Mount Makiling, Los Baños
• Pagsanjan Falls, Pagsanjan

  Rizal

• Conference Center, Antipolo City
• Arts and Culture, Angono
• Talim Island
  

Tourist Statistics

Visitor Arrivals

Subic

Present and Projected Accommodation and Transportation Capacities