San Juan, Metro Manila facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Juan
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Highly urbanized city
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Pinaglabanan Shrine
Greenhills
Santuario del Santo Cristo
City Hall of San Juan
Diwa ng 1896 Monument
Museo ng Katipunan
Hall of Justice
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| Nickname(s):
Dakilang Lungsód ng San Juan (Great City of San Juan)
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| Motto(s):
Diwa ng 1896 ("Spirit of 1896")
Makabagong San Juan (Modern San Juan) |
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| Anthem: San Juan, Sagisag ng Kalayaan (English: San Juan, Symbol of Freedom) | |||
Map of Metro Manila with San Juan highlighted
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OpenStreetMap
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 San Juan
Location in Philippines
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| Country | Philippines | ||
| Region | National Capital Region | ||
| Province | none | ||
| District | [[{{#property:P7938}} | — Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1804: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).]] | ||
| Founded | 1623 | ||
| Annexation to San Felipe Neri | October 12, 1903 | ||
| Chartered | March 27, 1907 | ||
| Cityhood and HUC | June 17, 2007 | ||
| Named for | St. John the Baptist | ||
| Barangays | 21 (see Barangays) | ||
| Government
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| • Type | Sangguniang Panlungsod | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 5.87 km2 (2.27 sq mi) | ||
| Area rank | 145th out of 145 | ||
| Elevation | 24 m (79 ft) | ||
| Highest elevation | 136 m (446 ft) | ||
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) | ||
| Population
(2020 census)
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| • Total | 126,347 | ||
| • Density | 21,524/km2 (55,750/sq mi) | ||
| • Households | 31,519 | ||
| Demonym(s) | San Juaneño (Male) San Juaneña (Female) |
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| Economy | |||
| • Income class | 1st city income class | ||
| • Poverty incidence |
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| • Revenue | ₱ 2,338 million (2020) | ||
| • Assets | ₱ 6,327 million (2020) | ||
| • Expenditure | ₱ 1,823 million (2020) | ||
| • Liabilities | ₱ 2,398 million (2020) | ||
| Service provider | |||
| • Electricity | Manila Electric Company (Meralco) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) | ||
| ZIP code |
1500–1504
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| PSGC |
[https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/{{#pro000®code={{&provcode=
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| IDD : area code | +63 (0)02 | ||
| Native languages | Tagalog | ||
| Catholic diocese | Archdiocese of Manila | ||
| Patron saint | John the Baptist | ||
| Website | www |
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San Juan, officially known as the City of San Juan (Filipino: Lungsod ng San Juan), is a busy city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. It is a highly urbanized city, meaning it's a very developed area. In 2020, about 126,347 people lived here.
San Juan is located near the center of Metro Manila. It is also the smallest city in the Philippines when it comes to land area.
This city is famous for its history. It was the place of the first battle of the Katipunan. This group led the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire. Today, you can visit important places like the Pinaglabanan Shrine and old heritage homes. San Juan is also a big shopping area with places like Greenhills and Santolan Town Plaza. You can find everything from fancy shops to bargain deals here!
Contents
- What's in a Name? The Meaning of San Juan
- San Juan's Story: A Look Back in Time
- San Juan's Location and Weather
- Who Lives in San Juan?
- San Juan's Economy: Business and Shopping
- Culture and Fun in San Juan
- Getting Around San Juan: Transportation
- Learning in San Juan: Education
- Famous People from San Juan
- Sister Cities: Friends Around the World
- Images for kids
- See also
What's in a Name? The Meaning of San Juan
The name "San Juan" is a shorter version of its old name, "San Juan del Monte." This means "Saint John of the Mountain."
Like many places in the Philippines, the name combines a patron saint with a description of the area. In this case, it's Saint John the Baptist and the city's hilly land. San Juan is higher up compared to the areas around it.
The city's official name is "Dakilang Lungsód ng San Juan," which means "Great City of San Juan."
San Juan's Story: A Look Back in Time
Early Days of San Juan
Long ago, before the Spanish arrived, the area of San Juan was part of the Kingdom of Namayan. Its last known rulers were King Lakan Tagkan and his queen, Bouan.
Spanish Rule and Important Buildings
In the late 1500s, the Spanish took over the islands. The Kingdom of Namayan became the parish of Santa Ana de Sapa. San Juan became a small town called San Juan del Monte in 1590.
In 1602, the Dominican Order built a special house for their friars. They also built a convent and a stone church called the Santuario del Santo Cristo. This church is still there today!
In 1771, the Spanish government built a strong gunpowder magazine called the Almacén de Pólvora in San Juan del Monte. This was because the town was far from the main city of Manila. This gunpowder storage was important later in history.
Becoming a Municipality
In 1783, San Juan del Monte became its own municipality. This meant it had its own local government. The town center moved to a new spot, where a new municipal hall was built.
In 1892, a new church, the San Juan Bautista Church (now Pinaglabanan Church), was built. It was for the people of San Juan del Monte.
The Philippine Revolution Starts Here
In August 1896, the Philippine Revolution against Spain began. Andrés Bonifacio and his group, the Katipunan, attacked the El Polvorín (gunpowder magazine) in San Juan del Monte. This happened on August 30, 1896.
The Spanish soldiers defended the magazine. The Katipuneros fought hard but could not capture it. They had to retreat. This battle was a big moment. It showed Filipinos were ready to fight for their freedom. It also led to more revolts across the country.
American Arrival and Changes
After the revolution, the Philippines was given to the United States. On February 4, 1899, the first shot of the Philippine–American War was fired in San Juan. An American soldier fired at Filipino troops. This started a long war.
Many people left San Juan during these wars. When they came back, some areas were unhealthy. A malaria sickness spread. Later, families from other towns moved to San Juan.
In 1901, San Juan became part of the new province of Rizal. In 1903, it joined the municipality of San Felipe Neri (now Mandaluyong). But in 1907, San Juan del Monte became an independent municipality again.
In 1916, the local government bought land for the town market, which is now Agora Market. Later, new housing areas called "subdivisions" were built. Around this time, the name of the municipality became shorter, just San Juan.
Between 1939 and 1941, some parts of San Juan were given to the new Quezon City.
World War II and Philippine Independence
During World War II, San Juan was part of the "City of Greater Manila" for a short time. After the war, it became a municipality of Rizal again.
Becoming Part of Metro Manila
In 1975, San Juan became part of the new National Capital Region. This was a big change for the town.
The People Power Revolution
Club Filipino, a famous club in San Juan, played a key role in Philippine history. In 1986, Corazon Aquino was sworn in as president there. This happened on the last day of the 1986 People Power Revolution. This event changed the country's government.
San Juan Today: A Modern City
Becoming a City
On June 17, 2007, San Juan officially became a highly urbanized city. This was a big step for the community.
City of Presidents
San Juan is sometimes called the "City of Philippine Presidents." This is because five presidents have lived here. They include Diosdado Macapagal, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Ferdinand Sr., Ferdinand Jr., and Joseph Estrada.
San Juan's Location and Weather
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San Juan is the smallest city in the Philippines. It has a total area of about 5.95 square kilometers.
The city is surrounded by other important places. Quezon City is to its north and east. Mandaluyong is to its south. The City of Manila is to its west.
San Juan used to be much larger. Parts of what are now Quezon City and Mandaluyong were once part of San Juan.
Climate in San Juan
San Juan has a tropical climate. It is warm all year round. There are two main seasons: a dry season and a wet season. The wet season usually brings more rain from May to November.
| Climate data for San Juan | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 29 (84) |
30 (86) |
32 (90) |
34 (93) |
33 (91) |
31 (88) |
30 (86) |
29 (84) |
29 (84) |
30 (86) |
30 (86) |
29 (84) |
31 (87) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 20 (68) |
20 (68) |
21 (70) |
23 (73) |
24 (75) |
25 (77) |
24 (75) |
25 (77) |
24 (75) |
23 (73) |
22 (72) |
21 (70) |
23 (73) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 7 (0.3) |
7 (0.3) |
9 (0.4) |
21 (0.8) |
101 (4.0) |
152 (6.0) |
188 (7.4) |
170 (6.7) |
159 (6.3) |
115 (4.5) |
47 (1.9) |
29 (1.1) |
1,005 (39.7) |
| Average rainy days | 3.3 | 3.5 | 11.1 | 8.1 | 18.9 | 23.5 | 26.4 | 25.5 | 24.5 | 19.6 | 10.4 | 6.4 | 181.2 |
| Source: Meteoblue | |||||||||||||
Barangays: The Neighborhoods of San Juan
San Juan is divided into 21 smaller areas called barangays. These are like neighborhoods. They are grouped into two city council districts.
| PSGC | Barangay | Population | ±% p.a. | Area | PD | District | Date of Fiesta | |||||
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| 2010 | ha | acre | /km2 | /sq mi | ||||||||
| 137405001 | Addition Hills | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 3,818 | 3,364 | 0.84% | 3,582 | 8,851 | 110 | 280 | 2 | June 24 | |
| 137405002 | Balong–Bato | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 7,203 | 7,141 | 0.06% | 2,451 | 6,057 | 290 | 760 | 1 | Tuesday before Ash Wednesday | |
| 137405003 | Batis | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 9,453 | 9,292 | 0.11% | 3,510 | 8,674 | 270 | 700 | 1 | June 24 | |
| 137405004 | Corazón de Jesús (Poblacion) | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 7,875 | 10,475 | −1.87% | 3,302 | 8,160 | 240 | 620 | 1 | June 8 | |
| 137405005 | Ermitaño | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 6,361 | 2,846 | 5.45% | 1,379 | 3,408 | 460 | 1,200 | 1 | June 24 | |
| 137405021 | Greenhills | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 15,213 | 12,548 | 1.28% | 20,786 | 51,364 | 73 | 190 | 2 | June 24 | |
| 137405006 | Isabelita | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 1,556 | 1,620 | −0.27% | 344 | 850 | 450 | 1,200 | 2 | September 14 | |
| 137405007 | Kabayanan | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 5,601 | 5,584 | 0.02% | 1,798 | 4,443 | 310 | 810 | 2 | May 3 | |
| 137405008 | Little Baguio | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 6,275 | 6,110 | 0.18% | 4,371 | 10,801 | 140 | 370 | 2 | May 1, Second Sunday of May |
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| 137405009 | Maytunas | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 2,775 | 2,699 | 0.18% | 2,078 | 5,135 | 130 | 350 | 2 | Last Sunday of January | |
| 137405010 | Onse | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 3,736 | 4,262 | −0.87% | 967 | 2,390 | 390 | 1,000 | 2 | November 30 | |
| 137405011 | Pasadeña | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 4,417 | 3,919 | 0.79% | 2,425 | 5,992 | 180 | 470 | 1 | May 14–15 | |
| 137405012 | Pedro Cruz | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 4,135 | 4,012 | 0.20% | 1,843 | 4,554 | 220 | 580 | 1 | December 12 | |
| 137405013 | Progreso | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 1,669 | 1,679 | −0.04% | 410 | 1,013 | 410 | 1,100 | 1 | July 25 | |
| 137405014 | Rivera | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 2,381 | 2,866 | −1.22% | 606 | 1,497 | 390 | 1,000 | 1 | Third Sunday of October | |
| 137405015 | Saint Joseph (Halo-Halo) | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 2,135 | 4,489 | −4.79% | 381 | 941 | 560 | 1,500 | 2 | March 19 | |
| 137405016 | Salapán | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 8,865 | 8,773 | 0.07% | 1,773 | 4,381 | 500 | 1,300 | 1 | August 15 | |
| 137405017 | San Perfecto | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 4,618 | 4,131 | 0.74% | 803 | 1,984 | 580 | 1,500 | 1 | January 18 | |
| 137405018 | Santa Lucia | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 8,092 | 6,370 | 1.59% | 3,106 | 7,675 | 260 | 670 | 2 | Second Sunday of December | |
| 137405019 | Tibagan | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 3,817 | 3,826 | −0.02% | 1,739 | 4,297 | 220 | 570 | 2 | June 24 | |
| 137405020 | West Crame | Expression error: Missing operand for /.% | 16,353 | 15,424 | 0.39% | 1,769 | 4,371 | 920 | 2,400 | 2 | December 8 | |
| Total | 68,578 | Expression error: Unexpected < operator.% | [convert: invalid number] | Expression error: Unexpected / operator. | Expression error: Unexpected * operator. | |||||||
Who Lives in San Juan?
Places of Worship in San Juan
San Juan has many important churches and places of worship. The Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint John the Baptist is where the city's patron saint, John the Baptist, is honored. The Santuario del Santo Cristo is the oldest church still standing in the area. Mary the Queen Parish serves the local Filipino-Chinese community.
The Iglesia ni Cristo once had its main office in San Juan. This building is now known as the Locale of F. Manalo. It has beautiful Art-Deco designs by famous architect Juan Nakpil. The chapel is the most important part of the complex.
San Juan also has many Evangelical churches. They help with the spiritual life of the city. Every January, the city celebrates National Bible Week. During this week, the Bible is read at the City Hall.
There are also two Islamic mosques in San Juan: Masjid Hamza Bin Ahmed and Greenhills Masjid.
In 2024, the local government officially declared St. John the Baptist as the patron saint of San Juan City.
San Juan's Economy: Business and Shopping
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San Juan is mostly a residential city, meaning many people live here. But it also has many businesses and factories.
The Greenhills shopping district is the main center for trade and business in San Juan. This shopping area has many malls like Virra Mall, Shoppesville, Greenhills Theatre Mall, Promenade Mall, and Unimart.
In 2022, San Juan had the highest number of people working in the Philippines, with 67% of its population in the workforce.
Culture and Fun in San Juan
Wattah Wattah Festival: A Water Celebration!
Since 2003, San Juan celebrates the feast of its patron saint, St. John the Baptist, every June 24. This celebration is called the Wattah Wattah Festival. It includes dancing, parades, and a fun tradition called basaan, where people splash water on each other in the streets!
The festival activities usually happen along N. Domingo Street and Pinaglabanan Street. This is where the image of St. John the Baptist is carried in a procession.
To keep everyone safe, the city has rules for the festival. You can't use dirty water, ice, water in glass bottles, or anything that could cause harm. Violence and splashing water inside public vehicles are also not allowed.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the festival was smaller. It was just a parade with social distancing and masks. But in 2022, with fewer cases, the traditional basaan was back! There was also a street dancing competition, a free concert, and fireworks.
Sports in San Juan
San Juan has a rich history with sports. The Filoil EcoOil Centre has hosted many sports events. These include games for the Philippine Basketball Association, Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, and Premier Volleyball League.
The city also has its own basketball team, the San Juan Knights. They have won three league championships!
Getting Around San Juan: Transportation
You can get around San Juan using jeepneys and buses. Jeepney routes run along Aurora Boulevard. The city has one train station, the J. Ruiz station of the LRT Line 2. The Santolan-Annapolis station of the MRT Line 3 is also nearby, at the border with Quezon City.
Major roads like C-3 (Araneta Avenue) pass through San Juan. Other important roads include Nicolas Domingo Street and Pinaglabanan Street.
Learning in San Juan: Education
The Schools Divisions Office (SDO) of San Juan manages 9 public elementary schools, 2 public high schools, and a science high school. The SDO also recognizes 24 private schools in the city.
For college, the state-run Polytechnic University of the Philippines has a campus here. Dominican College is a private college and one of the oldest schools in the city. It was started in 1924.
San Juan also has two culinary schools: the Center for Asian Culinary Studies and the Instituto Culinario.
Famous People from San Juan
- Alfred Vargas, actor and councilor
- Amanda Zamora, reality TV star
- Bongbong Marcos, 17th President of the Philippines
- Chris Tiu, TV host and basketball player
- Don Allado, basketball player and councilor
- Edu Manzano, actor and former vice mayor
- Eraño Manalo, Iglesia ni Cristo Executive Minister
- Ferdinand Marcos, 10th President of the Philippines
- Francis Zamora, current San Juan Mayor
- Franklin Drilon, senator
- Gabby Concepcion, actor and singer
- Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, 14th President of the Philippines
- Grace Poe, senator
- Imee Marcos, senator
- Irene Marcos, daughter of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
- Imelda Marcos, former First Lady
- Jake Ejercito, actor
- James Yap, basketball player and councilor
- Janella Salvador, actress and singer
- Jaymee Joaquin, former TV host
- Jinggoy Estrada, senator and actor
- Joross Gamboa, actor
- Joseph Estrada, 13th President of the Philippines and former San Juan Mayor
- JV Ejercito, senator and former San Juan Mayor
- Ericka Villongco, singer and actress
- Krissy Villongco, singer
- Luis Manzano, actor and TV host
- Max Soliven, journalist
- Ophelia Dimalanta, poet and teacher
- Paul Artadi, basketball player and councilor
- Philip Cezar, basketball player and former vice mayor
- Ronaldo Zamora, former congressman
- Teofisto Guingona Jr., 11th Vice President of the Philippines
- Yasmien Kurdi, actress
- Diego Loyzaga, actor
- Bayani Fernando, former politician
- E.R. Ejercito, actor
- Janella Salvador, actress, singer
Sister Cities: Friends Around the World
Local Friends
International Friends
Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States- Maui, Hawaii, United States
- Santa Barbara, California, United States
Images for kids
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The San Juan Government Center along Pinaglabanan Street
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Santuario del Santo Cristo
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The old municipal hall of San Juan, now replaced by an extension of San Juan Medical Center.
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V Mall, a shopping area in Greenhills.
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The tiangge (flea market) area of the Greenhills Shopping Center.
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The Museo ng Katipunan at Pinaglabanan Shrine.
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Shops along Nicolas Domingo Street.
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A view of San Juan from Xavier School Greenhills.
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San Juan City Welcome Arch on General Kalentong Street.
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See also
In Spanish: San Juan (Gran Manila) para niños
