Philippines – Manila
Manila is located on the main island of Luzon as the political and economic hub of the Philippines. Manila is a magnet for residents from all parts of the country. Manila is loved and cursed, cesspool of sin and juggernaut, dotted with slums and venerable churches, home to several universities and also stronghold of a vibrant nightlife. Manila is the gateway to the world. The capital with around 12 million inhabitants is an absolute challenge.
For most travelers, the megacity of Manila is hardly worth more than a few days’ stay. Most of them are drawn to the tranquillity and originality of the province. But Manila offers an insight into the culture and history of the island kingdom precisely because of the abundance of contrasts.
Intramuros, the core city surrounded by partially restored ramparts with Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Convent Church, the oldest church in the city, invite you to take a tour through the history of the Philippines. Past times can also be felt in the well-kept buildings of the colonial district Barrio San Luis. When Magellanes landed on the island of Homahon in 1521, he took possession of it in the name of King Philip II. At that time he knew but little of the riches of these still unexplored dreamlike islands. He had no idea of the spectacular sunsets and the temperate climate in which such a warm and friendly people lived.
Via the multi-lane prestige mile Roxas Boulevard, which upgrades noble hotels and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, you reach the business and banking district of Makati. In the midst of high-rise canyons and glittering shopping malls, the Ayala Museum displays its valuable collections of art, history and ethnography. Near the old town you will find the Luneta Park. It is a place for concerts and Sunday promenades. Huge buildings in the classicist style, such as the National Museum, frame it.
A tall obelisk commemorates the writer and physician José Rizal as a liberation from the colonial yoke. In 1896 he was executed by Spanish soldiers. The opponents of the Europeans were the Islamic princes, who had united a large part of the archipelago under the Koran and crescent moon since the 12th century.
In the country today, imposing church buildings and fortresses bear witness to the battles of the conquistadors. And today’s events, especially in the south of the Philippines, prove in a bloody way that these interests have not diminished on either side. In 1898, at the end of the Spanish-American War, the USA had taken over the Philippines, which was now economically devastated.
License plate in the Philippines
It was not until 1946 that the country, which had been devastated during the World War, gained its political independence. Economic upswing, but also ongoing paternalism by the USA, increasing corruption and crime accompanied the seizure of power by the Marcos clan. The dictator couple Ferdinand and Imelda oppressed their people for 21 years. In 1986, they had to give way to the “People Power” movement.
Corazon Aquino appeared as a superfigure and, as the first female president, put the people in the mood for democratic conditions with her charisma. However, she lacked the necessary assertiveness. Their successors Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada and the incumbent President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also failed to solve the major problems in the state and society. Corruption, social injustice and the spiral of violence in the south of the country, where Muslim separatists continued to demand autonomy, continued. North of the Pasig River is the bustling Chinatown with its numerous shops and restaurants, the Buddhist Seng Guan Temple and the curious Chinese Cemetery.
We take our onward flight to the island of Jakarta (Java) from Manila Airport with a small regional plane of Philippin Airlines. It’s a good thing that Brigitte only sees during the flight that the aircraft is already very old. Considerable amounts of oil flow from the fairings of the engines, as it seems to me, a real crash candidate. But I keep my knowledge to myself, everything went well again.
