Manila, a highly urbanized city, is officially known as the city of Manila. It is the capital city of the
Philippines, and among the wealthiest and most densely populated cities in Southeast Asia, despite being the second most disaster-afflicted capital city and full of damages caused by wars. Manila's commercial networks, traversing the Pacific Ocean first, resulted in Manila being considered as one of the original set of Global Cities together with Madrid ad Mexico City.
Manila is home to many historic sites, and the Philippines has invested heavily in preserving this noble pride. As active educational Centre Manila is home to The Universidad de San Ignacio, the first university that was built in 1590. Amongst other firsts, Manila also enjoys a transportation Centre with its first rapid transit system in the whole of Southeast Asia, modern buildings that house concerts and performances, and other intricate architectural designs spread out through the city to signify its profound cultural nature. The iconic Manila City hall, the ever-vibrant Rizal monument, the unifying Fort Santiago-a former military prison- and the ancient Quiapo church are some of the historical features that form the originality and pride of Manila.
There are many different tourist attractions across downtown Manila. Just north of Intramuros is the famous Binondo, Manila's Chinatown, which was established in the 1500s and is bustling with shops and restaurants. Rizal Park is Manila's main public space, home to a vast mall with fountains, gardens, and monuments in honor of national heroes. The Museum of the Filipino People focuses on ethnographic and archaeological exhibits, while the Metropolitan Museum of Manila displays contemporary art. The blocky, modernist buildings of the Cultural Center of the Philippines house various performing arts organizations. For a feel of the high-end and luxurious life of Manila, visitors prefer the ever-splendid Roxas Boulevard; it is a palm-lined waterfront promenade with hotels, restaurants, and views of Manila's famed sunsets.
The city of Manila experiences a tropical savanna climate of Köppen Aw, with a slight border on the tropical monsoon climate of Köppen Am. Its location within the tropics and in proximity to the equator influences its climate largely, making the temperature levels consistently high throughout as well as the humidity levels. Overall, though, the weather is characteristic of a long wet season and a moderately short dry period.
Between
May and
November, the city receives high rainfall amid the high temperature and high humidity. The wettest months are
July to
September when the precipitation averages 425mm (16.7") per month across approximately twenty-two days of rain.
From
December through
April, the high temperatures carry on, as does the high humidity. However, the period is moderately dry and colder and is an excellent time to be in the city. The driest month is
February with a low 14mm (0.6") precipitation reading.
Usually, the peak of the travel season falls between December and May, during the dry season that promises warm and pleasant days. Apart from having minimal weather-related interruptions, this period also has most of the festivals and popular events to be attended.
The Holy Week and Easter Festivals are held on varying dates between
March and April. They attract huge crowds amid the feasting and colorful decorations. In December, Manila celebrates Christmas in style with huge feasts everywhere, colorful ornaments, and other religious activities.