Prof. Kazuaki Maeda
Dr. Hemantkumar P. Bulsara
Prof. Dr. Nuno Soares Domingues
Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle
Address: Arellano Avenue cor. Estrada Street,
Malate, Manila, 1004 Philippines
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jStLVfEm3LFMY2p58
(The accommodation charges are NOT included in the registration fee mention above)
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is not just one city but a sprawling, dynamic Mega-City (Metro Manila) composed of 16 distinct cities (including Makati, Pasay, and Quezon City). It serves as the country's main gateway, blending centuries of colonial history with modern commercial energy. Visitors come to Manila to experience its unique blend of Spanish heritage, American influence, and deeply rooted Filipino culture, offering everything from historic walled cities to massive shopping malls and a vibrant arts scene.
Essential Travel Information
| Category | Details |
| Best Time to Visit | Dry Season (January to April). January and February offer cooler, more comfortable temperatures, ideal for sightseeing. Avoid the extreme heat of March–May and the heaviest rains from July–September. |
| Currency | Philippine Peso (PHP / ₱). Cash is essential for local transport, small markets, and street vendors. ATMs and exchange booths are widely available in malls. |
| Language | Filipino (Tagalog) and English are the official languages. English is widely spoken and understood in business, tourism, and media, making communication easy for most travelers. |
| Airport | Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) – Code MNL. It has four separate terminals; always confirm which terminal your flight uses. |
| Local Time | UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time) |
Manila is a history and culture lover's paradise, best explored by focusing on specific districts:
The historic core of Manila, founded by the Spanish in 1571.
Fort Santiago: A major defensive fortress and shrine to national hero Jose Rizal.
San Agustin Church: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest stone church in the country, featuring stunning baroque architecture.
Casa Manila: A reconstructed 19th-century colonial house offering a glimpse into affluent Spanish-era life.
Must-Do: Rent a bamboo bike (Bambike) or hire a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) to tour the cobblestone streets.
Known as the world's oldest Chinatown, established in 1594.
Food Crawl: Explore Ongpin Street for authentic Chinese-Filipino cuisine (e.g., dumplings, lumpia, hopia).
National Museum Complex: A cluster of stunning buildings (Fine Arts, Anthropology, Natural History) offering free admission and housing important national treasures, including Juan Luna's Spoliarium.
Rizal Park: A large, historic urban park dedicated to Jose Rizal, great for afternoon strolls.
Manila is notorious for its heavy traffic, so choose your transportation method wisely:
Ride-Hailing (Best for Tourists): Use Grab (the regional equivalent of Uber) for safety, fixed prices, and reliable tracking. This is the most recommended way to travel, especially for airport transfers.
Taxis: Available everywhere, but ensure the driver uses the meter or you agree on the fare before starting the trip to avoid scams.
MRT & LRT Trains: The rail systems are fast and cheap but are extremely crowded during rush hours. They are excellent for avoiding traffic during mid-day.
Jeepneys: Highly decorated public utility vehicles. A cultural experience but challenging to navigate for non-locals.
Petty Crime: Be vigilant, especially in crowded areas (malls, markets, public transport). Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common.
Tip: Do not display expensive jewelry or electronics. Use an anti-theft bag worn across the body and put backpacks on your front in crowded places.
Water: Do not drink tap water. Stick to bottled water, which is cheap and readily available.
Mosquitoes: Dengue fever is a risk. Use mosquito repellent regularly, especially during the rainy season.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but is widely practiced for good service (10% is standard if a service charge is not included in the bill).
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