Metro Manila Facts for Kids

Photo of Metro Manila and surrounding provinces taken from the International Space Station, with north in the upper-left corner. May 2016.

Metro Manila is the special area in the Philippines where the government is located. It's also known as the National Capital Region (NCR). This busy area has more people living in it than most other parts of the country. It's a very important place for the Philippines, full of history, culture, and modern life.

What is Metro Manila?
- The Heart of the Philippines
Cities and Towns in Metro Manila
- List of Cities and the Municipality
Exploring Metro Manila's Landmarks
Images for kids
See also

What is Metro Manila?

Metro Manila is not just one city, but a group of cities and one town that work together. It's like a giant, connected urban area. This region was created in 1975 to bring these places closer for better planning and services. It's the center of everything important in the Philippines, from government to business and education.

The Heart of the Philippines

As the National Capital Region, Metro Manila is where the country's main government offices are found. It's also a major hub for business, shopping, and entertainment. Many important events happen here, and it's a place where different cultures come together.

Cities and Towns in Metro Manila

Metro Manila is made up of 16 cities and one municipality. Each of these places has its own unique feel and history.

List of Cities and the Municipality

The cities that form Metro Manila are:

Manila
Caloocan
Las Piñas
Makati
Malabon
Mandaluyong
Marikina
Muntinlupa
Navotas
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Quezon City
San Juan
Taguig
Valenzuela

The one municipality in Metro Manila is:

Pateros

Each of these areas plays a part in making Metro Manila the lively and important region it is today.

Exploring Metro Manila's Landmarks

Metro Manila is home to many famous places, from historic sites to modern skyscrapers. You can find old churches, big shopping malls, and beautiful parks all in one region.

Historical Sites and Culture

Many places in Metro Manila tell stories of the past. For example, Intramuros in Manila is an old walled city built by the Spanish. Inside, you can see Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These places show how the Philippines has grown over hundreds of years.

Modern Life and Entertainment

Metro Manila also has many modern attractions. There are huge shopping malls like the Mall of Asia Arena, where you can shop, eat, and even watch sports games. Areas like Makati CBD and Bonifacio Global City are full of tall buildings and busy streets, showing the region's growth. You can also find museums, theaters, and parks for fun and learning.

Education and Learning

Many of the top universities in the Philippines are located in Metro Manila. These include the University of the Philippines Diliman and De La Salle University (DLSU). These schools attract students from all over the country and beyond.

Images for kids

Nichols Field runway with Manila in the background, taken prior to 1941
Metropolitan Manila, or the National Capital Region, is divided morphologically into three major parts. These are the: Central Plateau, Coastal Lowland, and Marikina Valley
Drainage map of the Pasig-Marikina River system
Flooding brought by Typhoon Ketsana (Tropical Storm Ondoy) in 2009 caused 484 deaths in Metro Manila alone.
Commemoration of 119th Rizal Day at Rizal Park
The Smokey Mountain Development and Reclamation Project for the former Smokey Mountain dumpsite and slum community is a prime example of in-city relocation housing for informal settler families in Tondo, City of Manila.
Ayala Avenue, looking westward, in the Makati Central Business District.
Bonifacio Global City and Makati skylines from Grand Hyatt Manila, the tallest building in the Philippines.
Gate of Fort Santiago at the historic walled area of Intramuros, City of Manila. (2013)
San Agustin Church, which was built in 1604 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Okada Manila is one of Metro Manila's integrated casino resort and hotel complex.
"Spoliarium", displayed at the National Museum of the Philippines
A 2019 Southeast Asian Games basketball game held at the Mall of Asia Arena.
University of the Philippines Diliman is the flagship campus of the University of the Philippines since 1949.
De La Salle University (DLSU)
Camp Crame is the headquarters of the Philippine National Police
Camp Aguinaldo is the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
A flyover on EDSA at its intersection with Quezon Avenue.
Portion of South Luzon Expressway at the southern tip of Metro Manila
Makati CBD is the principal central business district of the Philippines.
The Metro Manila skyline from San Mateo, Rizal, looking at Makati CBD, Ortigas CBD, Eastwood City and Bonifacio Global City.
The Northern Metro Manila skyline from San Mateo, Rizal, looking at Manila, Araneta City, and Quezon City.
The Northern Roxas Boulevard Skyline.
The Makati, Bay City, and Entertainment City skylines from Manila Bay.