Central Manila - Thriving Metropolis

With its colourful history under Chinese, Spanish, Japanese and American influence the capital city Manila has developed into thriving modern metropolis. Tall skyscapers adorn the skyline at Makati business center and new ones are popping up almost as often as in Dubai, Shanghai or Panama. The country is clearly embracing a bold new world, and one can easily feel it in this vibrant city.

It is also a city of contrast and some controversy. The main beach boulevard is flanked by an enormous container shipping port, and wherever there is a bit of unoccupied land it is soon claimed by thousands of people in search of a better life away from the poorer provinces. We will soon visit two of the main areas: Baseco just next to the port and Payatas near the humongous city landfill near Quezon City north of the business district.