This document provides information on several cities and municipalities that make up the National Capital Region of the Philippines, including Manila, Caloocan City, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, and others. It details the geography, demographics, languages, political profiles, attractions, histories, and festivals of each location. Key facts include Manila being the capital, the National Capital Region having a population of over 12 million people and being the economic and political center of the Philippines.

1. NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
CAPITAL
 MANILA
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 638.55 square kilometers
 North: Bulacan
 East: Rizal
 Southwest: Cavite
 South: Laguna
PEOPLE:
 Bicolano
 Bisaya
 Cebuano
 Ilocano
 Kapampangan
 Manilenyo
LANGUAGES:
 Filipino
 English
POLITICAL PROFILE:
 17 cities
 1,706 barangays
HOW TO GET THERE:
 Airplane: Ninoy Aquino Int’l Airport formerly
known as Manila Int’l Airport
 Bus: Baliwag transit, Genesis, Victory liner
FACTS:
 It is among the world’s thirty most populous
metropolitan area
 NCR is also known as the shopping center of the
Philippines ( Mega mall, Mall of Asia, North
Edsa)
 Also known as Metro Manila
 Metro Manila is the seat of government
CALOOCAN CITY
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total area of 55.80 square kilometers
 Divided into two
SOUTHERN CALOOCAN CITY:
 Northwest: Malabon and Valenzuela
 West: Navotas
 East: Quezon City
 South: Manila
NORTHERN CALOOCAN CITY:
 North: Bulacan
 East and South: Quezon City
 West: Valenzuela
FACTS:
 Called as “The only divided city in the
Philippines”
 2nd largest city in Metro Manila
 Caloocan is the country’s third most populous
city
HISTORY:
 It was the center of activities for the katipunan,
the secret militant society that launched the
Philippine revolution during the Spanish
occupation of the Philippines.
 1765 Caloocan was found by the Augustinian
priest.
 1855 Caloocan as a barrio of Tondo became a
town
 1899 the city saw heavy fighting in the Philippine-
American war, at the battle of Caloocan and the
2nd battle of Caloocan
 1920 Caloocan had annexed the neighboring
town of Novaliches, bringing its total area to
about 15,000 hectares
 FEBRUARY 16,1962 Caloocan was proclaimed
as city
 Caloocan is former part of Rizal province until
1975
ETYMOLOGY:
 Caloocan comes from the tagalog root word “lo-
ok”, kalook-lookan or kaloob-looban means
“inner most area”
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 BONIFACIO MONUMENT
- A memorial monument designed by National
Artist Guillermo Tolentino to commemorate
Philippine revolutionary Andres Bonifacio,
the founder and supremo of the katipunan.

2. - The monument is located in a roundabout in
Grace Park
- It is approximately 94 ft.
 SAN ROQUE CATHEDRAL
- Located near the intersection of 10th Avenue
and Mabini street
- The church was erected a parish on April 8,
1815
- During the Philippine revolution against the
Spaniards and later against Americans, San
Roque church played a part as the meeting
place of the Katipuneros coming from the
west coast of Manila going to Balintawak
 MANILA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
- Formerly known as Escuela de Farmacia del
Liceo de Manila
- It was founded in 1904
- MCU is the 1st pharmacy school run by
Filipinos and the 1st nursing school that
offered the 4-year Bachelor of Science in
Nursing program in the Philippines
FESTIVALS:
 PAMAYPAY NG CALOOCAN
- Held every February 12
- It is the foundation day of the city which
highlights the use of the “pamaypay” or fan
as traditional tool to the surging heat as
exhibited in techno-modern folk street
dancing competition
 PAJOTAN FESTIVAL
- Held every last Sunday of January
- Parade of different Sto. Ninos and street
dancing that serves as the highlight of the
festival
LAS PINAS
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 32.69 square kilometers
 Northeast: Paranaque
 Southeast: Muntinlupa
 West: Bacoor
 Northwest: Manila Bay
FACTS:
 Las Pinas is also known as one of the cleanest
cities in Metro Manila
 Las Pinas is famous for its Bamboo organ
located inside the Saint Joseph Parish Church
HISTORY:
 1896 during the Philippine-Spanish revolution, it
was occupied by the forces of Gen. Emilio
Aguinaldo, presidentofthe 1st Philippine republic
 1960 Las Pinas constructed their south super
highways and this was the beginning of the
current expansion and development
 1980 with the advent of the coastal road
constructed, economic growth erupted
 FEBRUARY 12, 1997 Pres. Fidel V. Ramos
signed the bill which elevated Las Pinas from
municipality into a city
 MARCH 26, 1997 Las Pinas became the 10th city
of Metro Manila
ETYMOLOGY:
 Some said it is derived from the word “Pina”
meaning pineapple, since traders from the
provinces of Cavite and Batangas shipped their
pineapples for sale first to this town before the
nearby markets.
 Others related that it was “Las Penas” (The
Rocks) evident by the quarrying of stones and
adobe which were used to construct buildings
and bridges.
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 SAINT JOSEPH PARISH
- Commonly known as the Las Pinas Bamboo
Organ or simply Las Pinas Church
- Located in P. Diego Cera Avenue
- The church is renowned as the house of the
Las Pinas bamboo organ, a pipe organ made
mostly with bamboo pipes.
 BAMBOO ORGAN
- Located inside St. Joseph Parish
- The organ was declared a National Cultural
Treasure of the Philippines in 2003
- It is a unique organ pipes made almost
entirely of bamboo
 SARAO MOTORS

3. - A Filipino automotive manufacturing
company headquartered in Brgy. Pulang
Lupa
- The company designs, engineers,
manufactures and distributes the jeepney,
the most popular form of transportation in the
country, labeled as the king of the road in the
Philippines.
- It was founded in 1953 as an automotive
shop and in 1962 as a corporation
 ZAPOTE BRIDGE
- The battle of Zapote River also known as the
battle of Zapote Bridge happened on June
13, 1899 between 1,200 Americans and
between 4,000 to 5,000 Filipinos. It was the
2nd largest battle of the Phil-Am war after the
battle of Manila
- The ruins of Zapote bridge still stand along
the General Emilio Aguinaldo Highway near
Manila bay
- The Zapote bridge is also part of the
restoration project, as it will serve as a
reminder of the courage and valor of Filipino
revolutionaries during the bloody battle for
freedom
 SALT BEDS
- Located in Brgy. Pulang Lupa
- Total are of 3,000 square-meter
- It can produce an average of45 to 50 kilos of
rock salt daily
- During harvest time, the scenery of Las
Pinas was filled with small pyramids of white
crystals
- The salt was graded and classified as either
tertia, had the most impurities and was
darkest color used with dry ice to preserve
ice cream, segunda salt is to preserve fresh
fish and primera or first class salt which is
fabled to be as white as snow, it was
distributed to all public markets in Manila and
used to flavor fine dishes.
FESTIVALS:
 INTERNATIONAL BAMBOO ORGAN
FESTIVAL
- A musical festival held in 3rd week of
February
- Celebrating the music of the unique bamboo
organ with performances by local and foreign
classical artist
 WATER LILY FESTIVAL
- Held every 1st Sunday of May
- Its highlight is the products made out of
waterlily
- It also feautures beauty contest and dance
competition

4. MAKATI
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 27.36 square kilometers
 North-northeast: Pasig River
 Southeast: Pateros and Taguig City
 Northwest: City of Manila
 Southwest: Pasay City
FACTS:
 Recently it was called as the Selfie Capital of the
world
 The city started out as part of the wide
municipality of Santa Ana de Sapa, part of Manila
today.
 Most of the tallest skyscrapers in the Philippines
are located in Makati such as the Gramercy
Residence, PBCom Tower and G.T. international
tower.
 Makati is one of the most well-known shopping
hub of Metro Manila
 The first airport was located in the city named
Nielson Field now known as the Ayala Triangle
HISTORY:
 1600 began to be developed as a pilgrimage
center around the churches of Our Lady of
Guadalupe (now Our Lady of Grace) and of St.
Peter and Paul in what is today the city proper,
built by the friar orders to attract the faithful and
also as a farming community
 1670 it became independent as full-time
municipality, and then named San Pedro de
Macati in honor of St. Peter, its patron
 1851 Don Jose Bonifacio Roxas (a member of
the Ayala Roxas family) purchased the Jesuit
estate of “Hacienda San Pedro de Macati” for
52,800 PHP
 1901 the Americans declared the whole area
south of the Pasig River, including the town of
San Pedro de Macati, down to Brgy. Ayala
Alabang, an US Military reservation; thus
establishing fort McKinley which is currently
known as Fort Bonifacio
 FEBRUARY 28, 1914 the Philippine legislature
passed act. 2390, shortening the name San
Pedro de Macati to simply Makati
 1930 the first airport in Luzon Island, Nielsen
Field, opened in what is now the Ayala Triangle
 1960 Makati has transformed into the financial
and commercial capital of the country
 MAY 17, 2000 at 5:02 p.m the Glorietta Mall
located inside the Ayala Center was bombed,
injuring 13 persons
ETYMOLOGY:
 When the 1st governor-general ofthe Philippines,
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, explored a swamp
near the Pasig River, he asked for the name of
the place but, because of the language barrier, it
was misinterpreted by the Tagalog people.
Pointing to the receding tide of the Pasig River,
the Tagalog answered, “Makati, kumakati na”
literally meaning ebbing tide.
 Makati (Maka-ti) means “ebbed tide”
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS
 Manila-American Cemetery and Memorial
- Largest cemetery and memorial in Makati
- Total area of 615,000 square meters
- it has a total of 17,206 graves
- it was established in 1948
 Philippine Army Museum
- The present Philippine Army Museum is a
replicate of a old building that was formerly
located at the corner of Mac Arthur Ave. and
Memorial road in Fort Andres Bonifacio
Makati
- It was used by Americans as headquarters
 Ayala Museum
- Envisioned by Fernando Zobel one of the
founder of Ayala Foundations and an
abstract painter
- The museum started out as a venue for
celebrating Philippine history and
iconography but gradually evolved into as
museum showcasing Philippine fine arts and
history
 Museo ng Makati
- Located in J.P. Rizal St., Poblacion
- Repository of Makati heritage and culture
- It was constructed in 1918
- The history of Makati is shown in a
collections ofrare photograph, dioramas and
murals
 Makati Coliseum
- An indoor sporting arena
- Built and operated by Makati government
- It was opened in 1998
- It has a sitting capacity of 3,000
FESTIVALS:
 Bailes delos Arcos
- Also called as Panatang Sayaw
- An old and charming tradition in Brgy.
Poblacion
- Ritual praise and thanksgiving to St. Peter
and Paul and Virgen de la Rosa
 Xong di Festival
- Mosteducational of all festival celebrated by
this high class city
- Highlighted by colorful costumes and
accessories
- This festival is more for Chinese community
- Xong di festival shows brotherhood of
Chinese and Filipino
 Belen sa Makati
- The event often starts in early November of
each year and ends on the 1st week of
January

5. - This festival showcases different versions of
Nativity displayed outside buildings,
barangay halls, school, malls and offices
- This event is known as a city-wide festival of
Nativity lanterns
 Likhang Kamay
- Or hand-created
- A trade show of native handicrafts featuring
works of superb artist and craftsman
- This festival is assisted by the trade and
tourism departments and well promoted to
ensure broader participation and exposure
 Caracol Festival
- Held every 1st Sunday of January
- It captures the efforts of Filipinos in coping
up with life’s vicissitudes
- The term “caracol” is Spanish meaning
“snail” which has a shell covering
- The shell symbolizes people’s efforts at
combating life’s challenges
 Flores de Mayo
- Each month of Makati city celebrates the
flower in bloom in the city
- The flowers are not only those produced by
plants but young women in the city as well
- Features lush varieties of flowers to serve as
backdrop for the young beauties paraded in
the street of Makati
MALABON
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 55.8 square kilometer
 North: Valenzuela
 West: Navotas
 Southeast: Caloocan
FACTS:
 Malabon industries include sugar refinery, patis
making, cigar making, fishing and ilang-ilang
trees flower extract production where the distilled
perfume is exported
 The city is considered as the local Venice
 The city of Malabon is a place famous for its
pancit Malabon
HISTORY:
 JUNE 11, 1901 Malabon was officialy made a
municipality of the newly-created province of
Rizal
 JANUARY 16, 1906 Philippine Commission act
1441 separated Malabon from Navotas into 2
district municipalities of the Rizal province
 For 70 years, Malabon was a municipality of
Rizal
 NOVEMBER 7, 1975 Malabon became part of
NCR
 APRIL 21, 2001 Malabon became a city
ETYMOLOGY:
 Originally called the town of Tambobong
 MAY 21, 1599 Malabon was founded as a
“Visita” of Tondo by the Augustinian friars
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 Malabon Zoo and Aquarium
- A well kept unique conservatory of both
endemic and exotic animals
- Located in Pascual Ave
 San Bartolome Church
- One of the oldest church in the country
- It is also a home to the marvelous dome
ceiling dotted with ornate paintings of saints
and biblical scenes
- It was established as an independent parish
church on May 17, 1614
- The church measures 70.14 meters long and
25.05 meters wide
- The façade of the church features ionic
columns resembling a Greco-Roman temple
 Jose Rizal Satue
- Statue was carved by Federico Alfato for
Jose Rizal’s 100th birthday
- Located in Plaza Rodriguez, Brgy. San
Agustin
 Balsa sa Niugan
- Located in Niugan, Malabon
- A bamboo raft floating on a fish pond where
you can dine or simply catch a fish
FESTIVALS:
 Luglugan Pancit Malabon Festival
- Held every December 10
- It is a celebration in honor of the patroness of
Malabon
- The highlight of the event is the giant pancit
bilao
 Kulinarya Festival
- Held every May 15 in Dampa sa Paseo
- This festival showcase the city’s culinary
tradition and distinct food heritage
CUISINES:
 Pancit Malabon
- A Filipino dish type of pancit
- It has yellow-orange color owning to a sauce,
its topping has heavily sea foods like shrimp,
oyster and squids
 Sumpia
- A large fried vegetables spring roll
- Sumpia can be partnered in goto and deeped
in spicy vinegar

6. MANDALUYONG
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 21.26 square kilometers
 West: Manila
 North: San Juan
 East: Quezon City and Pasig
 South: Makati
FACTS:
 Also known as the shopping capital of the
Philippines
 It is home to a cluster of shopping centers which
stand side by side
 3 major colleges and universities are located in
Mandaluyong namely: Don Bosco Technical
College, Jose Rizal University and Rizal
Technological University
HISTORY:
 Mandaluyong was 1st known as a Barrio of Sta.
Ana de Sapa which was part of the district of
Paco
 1841 it was named San Felipe Neri by the
Spaniards in honor of the patron saint of Rome, it
was separated from Sta. Ana de Sapa
 1904 San Felipe Neri became the capital of Rizal
province
 1907 San Felipe Neri became an independent
municipality when it was partitioned from San
Juan, and renamed the municipality of
Mandaluyong
 1994 it achieved city status
ETYMOLOGY:
 Legend says that the city was named after the
romance of a tribal couple, Manda and Luyong.
Manda was a lovely daughter of barangay
chieftain while luyong was a maharlika despised
by Manda’s father
 Another story says that the place was named
from Luyong, a kind of tree that was abundant in
the place and from which beautiful canes and
home furniture were made of
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 EDSA Shrine
- Also known as Shrine of Mary Queen of
Peace
- It was built in 1989 originally to
commemorate the memories of the People
Power Revolution and its peaceful outcome
 San Felipe Neri Church
- Located at Boni Ave., Mandaluyong
- The corner stone of the church was blessed
on March 25, 1870
- It was established in 1863
 Plaza Tatlong Bayani
- A tribute to the 3 heroes of the revolution in
1896
- The 2 heroes are Laureano Gonzales,
Vicente Leyva and Andres Bonifacio
 San Miguel Corporation
- Established in 1890 as a brewery
- It is southeast Asia’s largest publicly listed
food, beverage and packaging with over
17,00 employees
FESTIVAL:
 Lavandero Festival
- A week long Mandaluyong Day celebration
- Unique festival focused on the city’s ancient
traditions of washing clothes
- The focal point of the festival is the men
participants washing clothes instead of
women
- Held on November and it is movable
MANILA
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 38.55 square kilometers
 North: Navotas and Caloocan
 Northeast: Quezon City and San Juan
 East: Mandaluyong
 Southeast: Makati
 South: Pasay
FACTS:
 It is the capital and 2nd largest city of the
Philippines
 Manila is the economic and political heart of the
Philippines, home to extensive commerce and
some of the most historically and culturally
significant landmarks in the country
 Known as pearl of the orient
 It is the 2nd most populous city in the country
 Manila serves as the chief seaport of the country
 Manila is a major publishing center in the
Philippines
 Manila Bulletin is the Philippines largest
broadsheet newspaper by circulation, it is
headquartered inside Intramuros
 Manila is also the seat of the Roman Catholic
Archdiocese of Manila
HISTORY:
 1571 the city of Manila was established when the
Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi
arrived and made it the capitol of the colony.
 1574 Chinese invaded Manila
 Spanish retained control of Manila for 327 years

7.  1886 the seeds of revolution germinated with the
publication of Dr.Jose Rizal’s book, Noli Me
Tangere
 AUGUST 1896 the Spanish discovered the
katipunan and banished hundred of Filipinos
 DECEMBER 30, 1896 Spanish executed Rizal
by firing in Bagumbayan, Taguig, now part of
Manila
 JUNE 12, 1898 in Manila, General Aguinaldo
declared the Philippines independentfrom Spain,
however his declaration was not recognized
 U.S. paid Spain 20 million dollars
 FEBRUARY 4, 1899 war broke out between the
Filipinos and the Americans, when an American
soldier shot and killed a Filipino in Manila.
 1935 U.S. Government committed itself to
granting Philippines independence after a 10
year transition
 JANUARY 2, 1942 the Japanese landed in
Manila
 JULY 4, 1946 the Philippine flag was raised for
the 1st time in Rizal Park in Manila and the nation
celebrated its 1st day of independence
ETYMOLOGY:
 Manila derived its name from 2 Tagalog words
“May” meaning “there is” and “Nilad” the name of
a shrub that originally grew abundantly along the
shores of the Pasig River and Manila Bay
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 Intramuros
- Oldest district and historic core of city of
Manila
- Also called the walled city
- It is heavily damaged during the WWII
- The global heritage fund indentify it as one of
the 12 worldwide site
 Fort Santiago
- One of the most important historical site in
Manila
- The Philippine national hero, Rizal,
imprisoned here before his execution
- The Rizal shrine museum displays
memorabilia of the hero in their collection
and the fort features
 Casa Manila
- A museum in Intramuros depicting colonial
lifestyle during Spanish time
- Casa Manila is a copy of an 1850s San
Nicolas House that was once located in Calle
Jaboneros
- It was constructed by Imelda Marcos during
the 1980s
 Manila Cathedral
- Formerly known as Church of Manila
- It is a Roman Catholic Basilica dedicated to
Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the
Immaculate Concepcion, the principal
patroness of the Philippines
- It was built in 1581
 Rizal Park
- Also known as Luneta Park
- It is a historical urban park
- Located in Roxas Blvd.
- Rizal park is one of the major tourist
attractions of Manila
- It has a total land area of 58 hectares
 San Agustin Church
- Located inside the Intramuros
- In 1993, San Agustin Church was 1 of the 4
Philippine churches constructed during the
Spanish colonial period to be designated as
a World Heritage Site by UNESCO under the
collective title Baroque Churches of the
Philippines
- It was a National Historical Landmark by the
Philippine government in 1976
FESTIVALS / EVENTS:
 Independence Day Celebration
- Held every June 12
- It is an annual national holiday in the
Philippines, commemorating the Philippine
Declaration of Independence from Spain
 Black Nazarene
- Held every January 9
- A parade of a holy life-size ionic statue of
Jesus Christ Carrying the cross
 Lakbayaw Festival
- Celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January
- The feast features street dance competition
commonly known as Lakbayaw and the
procession of the image of Sto. Nino

8. MARIKINA
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 21.5 square kilometers
 West: Quezon City
 South: Pasig City and Cainta, Rizal
 North: San Mateo, Rizal
 East: Antipolo City
FACTS:
 Known as shoe capital of the Philippines
 Marikina is the biggest manufacturer of shoes in
the Philippines
 It is also the largest exporter of leather shoes
throughout the world
HISTORY:
 1560 first settlers are the descendants of Lakan
Dula
 1570 it was followed by Augustinians
 1572 Our Lady of the abandoned parish was
established
 1630 the Jesuit came
 1887 Marikina emerged as a town of shoemakers
 1900 Don Vicente Gomez became the 1st alcalde
president of Marikina
 1942 Japanese imperial forces occupied
Marikina
 DECEMBER 8, 1996 municipality of Marikina
became a city
ETYMOLOGY:
 From a young lady called “Maria Cuina” it is
said that before the Spaniards came to Marikina,
a beautiful, virtuous, polite and intelligent lade
named Maria Cuina was residing the town.
 When a traveler from other towns visited the
barrio, he asked for the name of the town, a
resident replied “Maria Cuina” thinking that was
being asked was their admirable lady.
 From a priest named “Mariquina” one of the
builders of the Jesus dela Pena chapel was a
young priest named Mariquina who was given
the task of baptizing children to Christianity
because of this very noble job, Marikina was
named in his honor.
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 Jesus dela Peña Church
- Also known as “San Isidro Labrador Church”
- The construction of Jesus dela Peña Chapel
marks the founding of Christianity in Marikina
- Established by the Jesuit fathers in the year
1630
- Discovered a small image of Jesus, which
was then worshiped by the people of Jesus
dela Peña
 Shoe Museum
- The shoe museum is one of the famous
attractions in Marikina
- During the 1860s, it was used to be a
BIGASANG BAYAN (rice mill) owned by the
affluent family of Doña Teresa de la Paz.
 Largest Pair of Shoes in the World
- One of the main attraction of Marikina is the
world’s largest pair of shoes
- The shoes measures 5.29 meters long, 2.37
meters wide and 1.83 meters high
- The heel of the shoe was measured 41
centimeters or 16 inches.
- The shoes were made in year of 2002
 Marikina Sports Center
- Also known as Marikina Sports Park
- It is one of the premier sports complex
established in the Philippines and touted as
the first of its kind in Asia in early 1970s
FESTIVALS:
 Ilognayan Festival
- Held every 2nd week of February
- This festival is about letting the people know
about the Marikina River’s significance
 Ka-angkan Festival
- Angkan-angkan is a reunion of century old
family clans in Marikina
- Held annually coinciding with Marikina’s
founding anniversary
 Marikina Christmas Festival
- Starts around the 2nd week of November
- This is Marikina’s famous festival wherein
Marikina River is filled with stalls selling a
wide variety of stuff at affordable prices
 Marikina Shoe Festival
- The 2013 Marikina shoe festival sale of
90,529 pairs of shoes marked a record high
in the shoe festival’s history
- Held every starts of mid-September until the
year end
- This is a celebration of the ingenuity and
craftsmanship of shoemakers in Marikin

9. MUNTINLUPA
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 46.70 square kilometers
 North: Taguig City
 Northwest: Las Piñas
 Southwest: Bacoor
 East: San Pedro, Laguna and Laguna de Bay
FACTS:
 Known as Emerald City of the Philippines
 Muntinlupa is the very first city in the Philippines
to ban the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam for
packaging.
HISTORY:
 1869 the lands were transferred to the state and
large individual landholders
 AUGUST 6, 1898 the town supported the
Philippine revolution against the Spaniards and
formally joined the revolutionary government
headed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo
 JANUARY 22, 1941 the historic new bilibid
prison, the national penitentiary was established
in the hills of Muntinlupa
 NOVEMBER 7, 1975 Muntinlupa became a part
of Metropolitan Manila by virtue of presidential
decree no. 824 issued by then Pres. Ferdinand
Marcos
ETYMOLOGY:
 The name Muntinlupa came from at least 3
versions:
 First, it’s association with the thin topsoil in the
area
 Second, residents purportedly replying to a
question by Spaniards in the 16th century what
the name of their place was said “Monte sa lupa”
apparently mistaking the question for what card
game they were playing
 Third, the topoghrapical nature of the area,
where the term monte or mountain was
expanded to Muntinlupa or mountain land
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 Filinvest Corporate City
- Filinvest Corporate City (FCC) sprawls over
an expansive 244 hectares of prime property
in Alabang
- Master-planned to be competitive with the
world’s most modern citites
 Jamboree Lake
- The smallest lake in the Philippines
surrounded by a rice terraces-like structure
similar to Ifugao, Mt. Province
 Japanese Shrine
- The cemetery is said to be the burial place of
Gen. Yamashita, the famous Japanese
general during the Japanese occupation in
the Philippines
 Everest Hills Memorial Parks
- The place is a small hill inside the prison
reservation compound
- It has a WWII vintage Japanese canon and a
site of a grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
FESTIVALS:
 Dinagsa Festival
- Held every February 18-19
- A celebration in honor of the city’s patron
saint Sto. Niño de Muntinlupa
- “dagsa” which means “swarm” the feast is
descriptive of the response of residents and
local and foreign guests who flock to the
streets to join and watch the lively festivities
 Banhayan Festival
- Held every September 10
- A yearly thanksgiving celebration for the
patron “Impong Kulas de tolentino”
- It is also to recognized “baklad” which is the
main work of the people
- Baklad is fishing on the lake, which is a part
of the festival
NAVOTAS
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 10.77 square kilometers
 North: Obando, Bulacan
 South: Manila
 East: Daang Binuangan River, Bangkulasi
Channel, Malabon Channel and Estero de
Maypajo
 West: Manila Bay
FACTS:
 Known as fishing capital of the Philippines
 Navotas was originally a contiguous part of
Malabon and was notseparated from it by a body
of water
HISTORY:
 DECEMBER 20, 1827 the movement for
separation of Navotas which was then a part of
Malabon

10.  FEBRUARY 16, 1859 the date when the barrios
of San Jose, Navotas and Bangculasi were
separated from Malabon
 1859 the year when Navotas became an
independent town
 AUGUST 6, 1898 Navotas joined the
revolutionary government of Gen. Emilio
Aguinaldo
 JUNE 11, 1901 Navotas was eventually
incorporated into the newly created province of
Rizal
 JANUARY 16, 1906 Navotas finally became an
independent municipality with the enactment of
act. No. 1442 which separated it from Malabon
 JANUARY 16, 2006 Navotas celebrated its
centenial
 JUNE 24, 2007 Navotas became a city after a
plebiscited was conducted
ETYMOLOGY:
 This natural phenomenon seemed to be the
origin of the name that today is associated with
this area. Continually referred to as “nabutas”
which over the time gradually evolved into
“navotas” literally meaning “pierced through”
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 Navotas Fish Port
- It is a traditional landing place of commercial
fishing boats operating in various fishing
grounds in the Philippines situated on a 47.5
hectares reclaimed land at the Northestern
section of Manila Bay
 San Jose de Navotas Parish Church
- Soon to be the Shrine of St. Jospeh in the
diocese of Navotas, the parish church is the
oldest in the municipality, established in
1838-1862
FESTIVALS:
 Pangisdaan Festival
- Held every January 16
- Celebrated as a tribute to every bountiful
catch of fish in this fishing capital of the
Philippines, people prepare various
programs like Mardi Gras or street dance,
different contests and food presentation
 Penitensya
- Held every Holy Friday during Holy Week
- Devotees, mostly men, do acts of
contribution by hitting their backs several
times with small bamboo sticks attached at
the end of the strings
PARANAQUE
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 46.57 square kilometers
 North: Pasay
 Northeast: Taguig
 Southeast: Muntinlupa
 West: Manila Bay
FACTS:
 Known as the Fashion Capital of the Philippines
and the City of Lights
HISTORY:
 1572 founded by Augustinian missionaries from
Spain
 MAY 11, 1580 the council of the definitors
accepted Palanyag, as Paranaque was then
known as an independent town
 1580 image of Palanyag’s patroness, Nuestra
Senora del Buen Suceso, was brought to St.
Andrew’s church in La Huerta
 1574 during the invasion of the town by the
Chinese pirate Limahong, Paranaquenos,
particularly those from baranagay Dongalo,
heroically aided in preventing the attack in Manila
 1896-1898 duringthe Philippine revolution, the
Spaniardsrealizedthatthe town was a practical
gateway to Cavite, the bastion o f the
revolutionary katipuneros
ETYMOLOGY:
 Palanyag was its original name which mean “my
beloved”
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat
- It covers a total area of 1/5 hectares along
the coasts of Las Pinas and Paranaque
- It consist of around 30 hectares of 8 species
of mangroves and 113 heactares of mudflats
- These mangroves and mudflats are roasting
and feeding grounds for 27 species of
threatened rare and uncommon water birds
 Salt Manufacturing

11. - The use of solar heat for evaporating
seawater and crystallizing salt from the
concentrated brine has been explored and
developed by the coastal dwellers of Manila
Bay
- Paranaque being one of the first-salt
producing town of Rizal, is a “natural” for this
industry
FESTIVALS:
 Moro-Moro / Komedya
- Held every May
- Another theatrical drama which history dates
back during the Spanish times
- The theme centers on the animosity between
Christians and Muslims in the beginning and
unity and brotherhood in the end
 Sunduan
- Held every February
- The Filipino term for “fetching:
- This celebration in La Huerta features a
parade of escorted young ladies holding
colorful parasols
 Nuestra Senora del Buensuceso
- Held every September 1-9
- A yearly celebration of the canonization of
Nuestra Sra. Del Buenseceso, patroness of
the city
- A special mass is held followed by a
procession and entertainment program of the
local followers
PASAY
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 18.50 square kilometers
 North: Manila
 South: Paranaque
 Northeast: Makati and Taguig
 West: Manila Bay
FACTS:
 Known as the premier gateway to the Philippines
 It is the 3rd smallest political subdivision in the
Philippines
 Philippines Airlines is headquartered in the
Philippines National Bank Financial Center
beside the World Trade Center Manila in Pasay
 National government offices found in Pasay
include DFA, Senate of the Philippines and
OWWA
HISTORY:
 1727 the ancient pre colonial name of the Pasay
settlement was changed to Pineda in honor of
Don Cornelio Pineda
ETYMOLOGY:
 Came from “pasaw” a plant with an exotic aroma,
that used to grow abundantly there
 Most credible explanation is that Pasay was
named after Princess Dayang-dayang Pasay of
the Namayan Kingdom, who inherited lands now
compromising modern-day Makati, Pasay and
Baclaran
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 SM Mall of Asia
- A shopping mall in Bay city, Pasay,
Philippines near the SM Central Business
Park, the Manila Bay, and the southern end
of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue opened on
May 21, 2006
 Resorts World Manila
- It is a casino resort
- Located in Newport city, opposite the NAIA
Terminal 3
- Opened on August 28, 2009
 Philippine Airforce Aerospace Museum
- A military museum of the AFP that was
earlier founded as Marcos Museum on May
2, 1974
- the museum displays Philippine military
aviation history and related aerospace
science exhibits
 Star City
- Total area of35,00 square meter amusement
park
- It is next to Cultural Center of the Philippines
- It opened on 1991
 The Wine Museum
- A family-oriented non-smoking establishment
which comprises a hotel, a colonial and
Spanish restaurant, and the wine education
center
- It is located in Aurora Blvd. Malibay, Pasay
FESTIVALS:
 Aliwan Fiesta
- An annual event that gathers different
cultural festivals of the Philippines in Star
City complex in Pasay city
- It features dance parade and float
competitions as well as beauty pageant
- It is held on either April or May
 Talulot Festival
- Started in 2007
- It is a vibrant and wondrous spectacle of
music, dance and local talents
- It happens in Newport City on October

12. PASIG
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 48.46 square kilometers
 North: Quezon City and Marikina
 East: Cainta and Taytay
 West: Mandaluyong
 South: Taguig, Pateros and Makati
FACTS:
 It is former capital of the province of Rizal
HISTORY:
 NOVEMBER 14, 1571 the encomienda in Pasig
is granted by the Adelantado Don Miguel Lopez
to Don Juan dela Isla
 JULY 2, 1573 Pasig was declared as the
visitacion parish
 1742 Fray Domingo Diez constructs the
Patiancillo bridge later Trillo Bridge donated by
Gremio de Mestizos
 NOVEMBER 8, 1762 the British occupation of
Pasig begins
 1787 Marikina becomes a separate town from
Pasig in order of the governor-general
 1892 Andres Bonifacio founds the katipunan
 AUGUST 29, 1896 the 1st battle of the katipunan
begins, an event called nagsabado sa Pasig
 FEBRUARY 9, 1899 American forces occupy the
Pasig church
 JULY 29, 1901 the 1st civil municipal council was
formed
 DECEMBER 8, 1994 municiplity of Pasig
officially becomes a city
ETYMOLOGY:
 Dr. Jose Ville Panganiban said that “Pasig” is an
old Sanskritword referring to a “river flowing from
one body of water to another”
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 Immaculate Conception Parish
- Founded on December 7, 1960
- Formerly known as Solomon’s Temple
 Bahay na Tisa
- This is the oldest bahay na bato in existence
in Pasig
- It was built by Don Cecilio Tech y Cabrera in
the early 1850s at P. Gomez
 Plaza Bonifacio
- A cenotaph originally constructed in 1932
- The Andres Bonifacio monumentpays tribute
to the courage and leadership of the great
Katipunero
 Concepcion Mansion or Pasig Museum
- A historic house museum located in Plaza
Rizal
- The museum is housed in the old
Concepcion Mansion, owned by the former
mayor of Pasig, Don Fortunato Cabrera
Concepcion who served from 1918 to 1921
-
FESTIVALS:
 Itik-itik Festival
- Held every last Sunday of February in Brgy.
Kalawaan.
- Men, women and children take part in the
activities and merry making
- The significant event is not only limited to
colorful activities, sumptuous food, revelry
and fun but also draws people closer to God
and to one another
 Bambino Festival
- Celebrated in honor of Sto. Nino
- An exhibitfeaturing the various images of the
blessed Child
- Held every January 11 to 20
 Araw ng Pasig
- The most anticipated celebration of the year
- Araw ng Pasig pays homage to the original
patroness of Pasig and its establishment as
a parish in 1573
- It features dance competition and beauty
pageant
- Held every July 2
PATEROS
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 2.25 square kilometers
 North: Pasig
 West: Makati
 South: Taguig
FACTS:
 Known as Balut Capital of the Philippines
 Famous for its duck-raising
 Pateros is also known for the production of red
salty eggs and “Inutak” a local rice cake

13.  The town is known for manufacturing “alfombra”
a locally-made footwear with a carpet-like fabric
on its top surface
 Pateros is the only municipality and the smallest
both in population and in land in Metro Manila
HISTORY:
 Before 1770 Pateros was only a barrio of Pasig
until the Spanish governor-general in the
Philippines issued a decree making Pateros an
independent municipality
 MARCH 29, 1900 Pateros became one of the
towns in the newly created province of Rizal
 OCTOBER 12, 1903 combined Pateros, Taguig
and Muntinlupa into a single municipality under
Pateros
 FEBRUARY 29, 1908 Pateros separated from
Taguig
 NOVEMBER 7, 1975 Pateros became a part of
the new Metropolitan Manila area through
presidential decree no. 824
ETYMOLOGY:
 The name Pateros most likely derived from the
duck-raising industry
 Tagalong word for “duck” is pato and Pateros
means “duck-raises”
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 Dulong Bayan Monument
- Located in Bagong Calzada St. Brgy.
Martinez
- It is a historical site depicting the events of
Philippine revolution in 1896.
- Many people in Pateros resisted against the
Spanish authorities.
 San Roque Church
- it was built in 1815
- it has a high tower on the right side where
the church bells are located
- the architecture of the church is simple inside
and out
 Balutan
- A place where balut is done
- Located in P. Rosales
- Balut industry was introduced by the Chinese
traders.
FESTIVALS:
 Full Moon Festival
- Held every full moon
- It is a gathering of fun-loving senior citizens
of Pateros in a cultural presentation like
harana and balagtasan
 Balut sa Puti Festival
- An annual festival held every January 31
- The most anticipated part of the event is the
cooking contest
QUEZON CITY
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 166.20 square kilometers
 Southwest: Manila
 West and northwest: Caloocan and Valenzuela
 South: San Juan and Mandaluyong
 Southeast: Marikina and Pasig
FACTS:
 Known as the city of the stars
 It is the largest city in Metro Manila
 The city was named after Manuel L. Quezon
 Quezon City is home to the Philippines major
broadcasting networks
ETYMOLOGY:
 Named after the former president MLQ
HISTORY:
 AUGUST 23, 1896 the katipunan led by Andres
Bonifacio declared a revolution against Spain in
the house of Melchora Aquino in Pugad Lawin
 1938 Pres. Quezon created the people’s
homesite corporation and purchased 15.29
square kilometers from the vast Diliman Estate of
the Tuason fmaily
 JULY 17, 1948 Rep. Act. No. 333 which
redefined the Caloocan-Quezon city boundary
was signed by Elpidio Quirino declaring Quezon
city to be the republic’s capital
 NOVEMBER 7, 1975 the promulgation of
presidential decree no. 824 of Pres. Marcos
established Metro Manila
 JUNE 24, 1976 transferred the capital back to
Manila
 FEBRUARY 22, 1986 Quezon City portion of the
Epifanio de los Santos Avenue became the
venue of the bloodless people power revolution
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 Quezon Memorial Circle

14. - It is a national park and a national shrine
- Located in Quezon city
- Its main feature is a tall mausoleum
containing the remains of MLQ
 Quezon Memorial Shrine
- It is an art deco-themed monumentdesigned
by Federico Ilustre
- It was built in 1950s and serves as the center
piece of the Quezon Memorial Circle
 Tandang Sora Birth Site
- Located in Banlat Road at Tandang Sora,
QC
- The park was built by former Mayor Sonny
Belmonte and the shrine by sculptor Toym
Imao.
- It was built in 2008 to honor Tandang Sora’s
kindness towards her fellowmen
 University of the Philippines
- It is a co-educational and public research
university
- Located in Diliman
- It was established on 1908
- The oblation statue is by Guillermo E.
Tolentino
 Smart Araneta Coliseum
- Also known as big dome
- Located in Cubao
- It is an indoor multi-purpose sports arena
- It is one of the largest coliseums and indoor
facilities in Asia, and it is also one of the
largest clear span domes on the world
- It is formerly known as Araneta Coliseum
SAN JUAN
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 5.96 square kilometers
 Northeast: Quezon City
 South: Mandaluyong
 West: Manila
FACTS:
 Known as the heart ofMetro Manila because San
Juan located at the very core of the metropolis
 Smallest city in the country in terms of land
 San Juan is notably the site of the 1st battle of the
katipunan
HISTORY:
 San Juan was once the municipality of San Juan
del Monte. Before the creation of Metro Manila, it
was part of Rizal Province
 1783 San Juan became independent as a
separate barrio of Sta. Anna
 MARCH 27, 1907 San Juan gained its
independence as a municplaity
ETYMOLOGY:
 San Juan derived its name from San Juan de
Bautista or St. John the Baptist, the patron saint
of the localty
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 Greenhills Shopping Center
- A shopping center in the city of San Juan
- It has over 2,00 stores and espouses an
‘indoor-outdoor’ theme
- The shopping center having the appearance
of several distinct buildings that re
interconnected through pathways and
bridges
 Pinaglabanan Shrine
- Filipino national shrine and park
- The shrine has a statue of a woman
supported by two children, holding up a bolo
or a machete
- This was built to commemorate the opening
salvo of the 1896 Philippine Revolution
 Club Filipino
- An exclusive club with complete amenities
- It also holds historical value because it was
here that Pres. Cory was sworn in as
president of the country
- Located between North Greenhills and the
Greenhill shopping center
FESTIVAL:
 Saint John’s Day or Wattah Wattah Festival
- Held every June 24
- San Juaneños engage in basaan “wetting”
where revelers splash people with water.
- Devotes and residents believe that getting
wet during the basaan brings blessings
 Fluvial Parade
- Held every June 23
- It is a parade of decorated boats honoring
the patron saint of San Juan, St. John de
Baptist who baptized Jesus in the river of
Jordan
- It is followed by the 10 colorful boats
presented by 2 brotherhood barangays per
boat
 Christmas-on-Display
- Held every Christmas season
- Greenhill Shopping Center features
“Christmas-on-display or COD”
- A yearly show of moving mannequins with
varying themes

15. TAGUIG
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 42.21 square kilometers
 South: Muntinlupa
 Southwest: Paranaque
 West: Pasay
 Northeast: Cainta and Taytay
 North: Makati, Pateros and Pasig
FACTS:
 Known as Metro Manila’s probinsyudad
 The city ranked 1st among Philippine cities in the
ease of doing world bank’s international
corporation
 Taguig was the home to several schools such as
the British school Manila, international school
Manila and Manila Japanese school
 2 top state university: the Polytechnic University
of the Philippines and Technological University of
the Philippines
HISTORY:
 MARCH 29, 1900 the Americans proclaimed
Taguig an independent municipality under
general order no. 40
 1901 it was incorporated to the newly created
province of Rizal, by virtue of the Philippine
commission act. No. 137
 1903 it was merged with the towns of Muntinlupa
and Pateros, with Taguig as the center of
government under Philippine commission act.
No. 142
 1905 the Philippine commission act.1308
separated Pateros, Taguig, Muntinlupa but
Taguig remained as the governmentcenter ofthe
2 municipalities
 1908 restored the independence of Taguig as
municipality
 1975 Taguig became part of Metro Manila
ETYMOLOGY:
 Farmer fishermen referred to as “mga taga-giik”
and their settlement as “pook ng mga taga-giik”
 Spanish friar Fray Alonso de Alvarado, together
with conquistador Rey Lopez de Villalobos who
crossed Pasig River to reach Taguig in 1571
found “taga-giik” difficult to pronounce and could
only produce the word sounding like “tagui-ig”
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 Bonifacio Global City
- One of Metro Manila’s fastest growing
financial hubs
- It is a 240 hectare world-class business
district at the heart of the city, home to
upscale shopping centers, hotel,
condominiums, offices and international
schools
 Museo de Sta. Ana
- A museum at the shrine of St. Anne
- The repository of artifacts detailing the rich
religious culture and history of Taguig since
1857
 Heroe’s Cemetery
- It is a national cemetery within Fort Bonifacio
in western Bicutan, Taguig
- It was established as a fitiing resting place
for Filipino military personnel from privates to
generals, as well as heroes and martyrs
- Philippine presidents Carlos Garcia and
Diosdado Macapagal was buried in the
cemetery
FESTIVAL / EVENT:
 Sta. Anang Banak Taguig River Festival
- Held every July 26
- A fluvial parade in honor of the town
patroness St. Anne
- the thrills and excitement of the fishes are
replayed year after year by the “pasubo”
where fluvial parade participants in colorful
boats and spectators by the river banks toss
goodies and native delicacies to each other
 Grand Foundation Day Parade
- Costumed municipal and barangay officials
and employees, members of non-
governmentorganizations, representatives of
the business sector in a grand parade
moving through the town’s main streets
 Pag-iikan Mini Olympics
- Native games as they were never played
before – habulan ng biik, hulihan ng itik,
patintero, arnis, tumbang preso and many
others broughtthe level of the para-olympics

16. VALENZUELA
GEOGRAPHY:
 Total land area of 47 square kilometers
 North: Meycauayan
 East: QC and Northern Caloocan
 West: Obando
 South: Malabon, Southern Caloocan and
Tullahan River
FACTS:
 Known as the city of discipline
 119th largest city of the Philippines
 Originally called Polo
HISTORY:
 1623 established as an independent town of the
province of Bulacan
 1627 when the construction of the parochial
church dedicated to San Diego de Alcala started
 1764 administration of Manila was turned over to
the Spaniards
 1856 Novaliches was separated from the town of
Polo or Valenzuela
 FEBRUARY 11, 1945 the Japanese abandoned
the town when the American and Filipino troops
were able to cross the river and took the town
 SEPTEMBER 11, 1963 order signed by
Diosdado Macapagal which unites the
municipalities of Polo and Valenzuela under a
one united government
 FEBRUARY 14, 1998 converting the municipality
of Valenzuela into a highly urbanized city
ETYMOLOGY:
 Valenzuela means “Little Vacencia” in Spanish
and is also the surname of Dr. Pio Valenzuela, a
Filipino physician and patriot who was among the
leaders of the Katipunan that started the
Philippine revolution against Spain after which
the city was named
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS:
 National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
- It is the center of the Fatima apostolate in the
country
- It was declared a tourist site on 1982 by the
Department of Tourism and a pilgrimage
shrine in 2009 by the Diocese of Malolos
 Arkong Bato
- Means “arch of stone”
- Constructed and built by the Americans in
1910 to serve borders between the provinces
of Bulacan, where Valenzuela or polo as it
was known before belonged to and Rizal
 Valenzuela Astrodome
- It is a large multi-purpose, dome sports
stadium
- Located in Brgy. Dalandan
- The Valenzuela city convention center is the
center of culture of performing arts of
Valenzuela
FESTIVALS:
 Mano Po, San Roque Festival
- Held every May 12
- San Roque is also known as the patron saint
of the unmarried
- There are countless tales of single girls who
danced and prayed in the procession and
who claim to have found their husband
during the fiesta
- The festival is almost similar to Obando
Fertility Rites where romantic hopefuls dance
to San Roque requesting to find their true
love
 Putong Polo Festival
- Held every November 12
- In rites honoring the oldest church in the city,
the 378 year old San Diego de Alcala Parish
Church in Brgy. Polo
- It includes annual boat racing, street dancing
and different fabulous activities of the festival
CUISINE:
 Putong polo
- The small but classe kakanin which was
originally created in the town of polo