Spratly Islands Issue

U.S. assures Philippines of its support on issues including Spratlys Islands — The United States threw its support for the Philippines claim on the highly contested Spratlys Islands located in the West Philippine Sea, a high-ranking American official announced.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas issued this declaration in his speech during the formal launch of the government's National Renewable Energy Program at the Makati Shangri-La Tuesday, June 14, 2011.

Thomas assured the Philippines of his country's support due to the strong bond between the two nations.

“I assure you and all subjects, we the Unites States, are with the Philippines. The Philippines and the United States are strategic treaty allies. We are partners. We will continue to consult and work with each other on all issues including the South China Sea and Spratlys Islands,” Thomas said.

The capital of the Philippines, it heart and soul, is Manila. (The capitol is actually in Quezon City, one of the cities in Metro Manila, not in Manila proper.) It sets the rhythm of life for the Northern part of this archipelago and is a pulsating hub that blends the Oriental with the Occidental, the quaint with the modern, the mundane with the extraordinary. But Cebu City is trying to compete. I is more centrally located, but time smaller, in many ways more attractive but the dominance of manila and those living in Manila will no doubt continue buy strength of numbers if nothing else to be the center of commerce. Its massive port facilities, are something no smaller city can take away, as it it ever growing airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport. (NAIA.) Arriving fights do come into Cebu City, but 98 percent still come in to NAIA

Manila was born out of the ashes of a once flourishing Malay settlement by the banks of the Pasig River. In 1571, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established the Ever Loyal City of Manila which, until 1898, was the seat of Spanish colonial rule in Asia. He built the city within walls and called it Intramuros.

An anchor tourist destination, Manila is the very core of the 7,000 times more islands that make up the Philippines. It is a center for the performing arts in Asia.

The Grandeur of Intramuros

At the turn of the 20th century, the great American architect and city planner Daniel Burnham noted that "the old walled city of Intramuros at the mouth of the Pasig River is one of the best preserved medieval cities anywhere in the world."

The Pacific War of the 1940's took its toll. Faithful reconstruction goes on today in Intramuros. A few of the gates and ramparts have been turned into parks and performing venues, including Puerta Real and Baluarte de San Diego. Chambers found along its gates are now occupied by art galleries, souvenir shops, restaurants, even a cyber cafe. Fort Santiago, the site of torture chambers and dungeons where political prisoners from Spanish to Japanese times were kept and executed, is now a lush park with flowering trees and homing pigeons. Here, one may enjoy a leisurely ride aboard a horse-drawn carriage.

At the center of Intramuros is the grand Manila Cathedral with its detailed stone carvings, stained glass mosaics and rose windows. San Agustin Church, completed in 1606, has withstood all the fires and earthquakes that have hit Manila through the centuries. One of the four Philippine Baroque Churches inscribed in the World Heritage List, its monastery has been turned into a museum housing priceless religious artifacts. Adjoining it are the restored gardens of Fr. Jose Blanco who studied Philippine botanical life during the Spanish period. Barrio San Luis along Juan Luna Street is made up of five faithfully reconstructed colonial houses - Casa Manila, Casa Urdaneta, Casa Blanca, Los Hidalgos and El Hogar Filipino.

Beyond the Walls Manila has since expanded beyond Intramuros to become the nucleus of the country's largest metropolis, Greater Manila, made up of 11 other cities and five towns. But before it spread out of its confines, history saw Manila figuring prominently in the Galleon Trade, the first trans-Pacific commerce between Asia, America and Europe for some 250 years.

The city was also scarred by many foreign invasions, ravaged by Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese and British marauders. Shortly after the country declared itself Asia's first democracy in 1898, the Americans invaded its shores and ruled for 50 years. And after the Pacific War of the 1940's, when the Japanese Imperial Army reigned for four years, Manila was the second most destroyed city in the world. The rubbles of the past have seasoned and strengthened Manila's character today. Just off Intramuros' walls is the world-class Club Intramuros which offers day and night golfing. Adjacent to it is the 58-hectare Rizal Park, which runs from Taft Avenue up to the seawalls of the fabled Manila Bay.

In 1902, Burnham, the American designer or Baguio City, designed a U-shaped government complex within Luneta. Only three buildings were however constructed: the Executive House occupied by the National Museum, the Department of Finance Building which now houses the Museum of the Filipino People, and the Department of Tourism Building envisioned to become the future Museum for Natural Sciences.

Across the Pasig River from Fort Santiago is Binondo, or Chinatown. Not much has changed in terms of lifestyle in this quaint district although, now, high-rise buildings have started to appear in its skyline.

A stone's throw away from Rizal Park is the Ermita district which, together with the Malate district, forms what is known as Manila's Tourist Belt. Ermita is antique and art galleries, curio and souvenir shops while Malate is cozy cafes, music lounges and performance theaters. This is what most expats and foreigners living in Manila call Manila.

At the heart of Manila is Quiapo. What has caught the fancy of many bargain-hunters is Ilalim ng Tulay - literally, "Under the Bridge" - where stalls sell an array of handicrafts at prices that are practically a steal. It is not clean, crowded and low rent, not a place to find amenities, nice restaurants, or hotels, but a place to shop till you drop.

Near Quiapo is the genteel San Miguel district, with its ancestral homes and Malacanang Palace, seat of the Philippine government. A museum of presidential memorabilia is open to the public. A Sampling of the Country's Best Manila mirrors the best of this country's 7,000 times more islands.

A few minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NIAH) and the Fiesta Duty Free Shop in Paranaque City is Nayong Pilipino, or Philippine Village, which features the country's famous landmarks in miniature. Weekends are good days to visit, when the p ark assumes a barrio fiesta (village festival) atmosphere, complete with traditional games, indigenous music, songs and dances, and craft demonstrations.

The Sunset Strip Roxas Boulevard, which extends from Paranaque City to Manila, is the Bay Area from where one can have a view of the famed Manila sunset. Many landmarks are found in this area, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Senate buildings. Within the stretch is the International Trade Center complex, the Philippine Trade Training Center and the World Trade Center. Further back is the Government Service Insurance System building which houses an art gallery by the bay. In this area is Pasay City, where many foreigners expats and yes of course, local frequent the many nightlife establishments Manila for which Manila is famous. It is now lined with massage parlors too, some simply sex dens. Hygiene is not a primary consideration and men from all over the world visit these places so you can say this area may be hazardous to your health at the least, dangerous as a rattler at the worst.

The boulevard is also home to the country's premier performing venue, the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Within its complex are the Philippine International Convention Center, the Product Design and Development Center, the Folk Arts Theater, the Coconut Palace and the Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel.

Adjoining the complex is the Manila Yacht Club and the Philippine Navy Headquarters. A little farther is the US Embassy. Across the Yacht Club is the Bangko Sentral (Central Bank) complex which houses the Money Museum. The bank has Asia's biggest and finest gold collection at the Metropolitan Museum, a home for the modern masters. Roxas Boulevard is lined with posh hotels, casinos and lively nightspots.

City Lights

Greater Manila is where the country's most prestigious business addresses and the trendiest leisure establishments are found. By day, it hums with the bustle of commerce and, by night, throbs with the excitement of varied, high class entertainment. Makati City is the country's financial center and the most prestigious business address. Many foreign embassies and multinationals call it home. Fashionable hotels, restaurants, discos, music bars, boutiques and specialty shops converge around the sleek Ayala Center.

In Makati is Forbes Park, home to the rich and famous. The most elite country club, Manila Polo Club, and golf course, Manila Golf Club, are nestled within the village.

Giving Makati a run for its money is Mandaluyong City, with Ortigas Center an impressive alternative to Ayala Center. Home to the Asian Development Bank and the Philippine Stock Exchange, it is also the site of three of Metro Manila's gigantic shopping malls - SM Megamall, Robinson's Galleria and Shangri-la EDSA Plaza.

San Juan is the hometown of President Joseph Estrada. Built on a hilly terrain, a drive along the old residential section can be a pleasurable diversion. Its Greenhills Commercial Center houses some of Metro Manila's vibrant music halls. Quezon City was envisioned by the late President Manuel L. Quezon (after whom the city was named) to be the country's government center. Many of the national government offices are located here as well as the country's leading educational institution, the University of the Philippines.

Dominating Cubao, Quezon City's commercial center, is Araneta Coliseum, the country's biggest enclosed entertainment arena. For nightlife, the Quezon Boulevard, Timog Avenue, Tomas Morato Avenue and West Avenue strips offer varied, colorful fares.

Marikina City is the Shoe Center of the Philippines. The city takes pride in its 75.6-hectare River Park Paranaque City is generally associated with its dry goods and seafood market and restaurants, and Redemptorist Church, a pilgrimage site which houses the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Las Pinas City has retained much of its provincial appeal. Visitors flock to this city to see the world's only bamboo organ, housed at the picturesque St. Joseph's Parish Church.
City Flavors

Metro Manila is one big gastronomic trip of many cuisines. In Intramuros is Illustrado Restaurant with its colonial ambiance and Spanish provincial cuisine. The old Malate district, with Remedios Circle at its core, is the favorite watering hole of artists, designers and the cafe society who are only too willing to try the varied international flavors offered by the many restaurants in the area. Authentic Chinese cuisine can be had at the old financial district of Binondo. Aside from Ayala Center, many fine and theme dining establishments line Jupiter Street and Pasay Road in Makati City. From theme restaurants to beer-and-grill gardens, Tomas Morato Avenue, Timog Street, Quezon Avenue and West Avenue in Quezon City have them all. Interesting clusters of restaurants and bars are found in San Juan's Greenhills and Mandaluyong City's Ortigas Center.

The outskirts of Manila offer many places of interest that are easily accessible by day excursions. Many of these destinations can be reached in an hour or two.

Corregidor

Corregidor is a tiny tadpole-shaped island lying across the entrance of Manila Bay. Also known as "The Rock," it was the focus of a protracted battle between Filipino-American and Japanese forces during the Second World War. The shell of the Mile Long Barracks still stands. Within the Malinta Tunnel, a light-and-sound show is staged for day tourists. It can be reached by de-luxe cruisers from the CCP Complex jetty in Roxas Boulevard.

Laguna

Laguna boasts one of the most beautiful country-sides in the Philippines with a plethora of waterfalls, springs, seven big rivers and the lake from which it got its name spanning all of 90 hectares, making Laguna de Bay the biggest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.

The town of Los Banos ("The Baths") has numerous resorts fed by hot and cold springs. Standing guard over the resort town is Mount Makiling which houses at its slopes a botanical park and the National Arts Center, a high school for budding artists.

The quaint town of Pagsanjan was the setting of the Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now." Its star attraction is the Pagsanjan Rapids and Falls.

In the town of Alaminos is found Hidden Valley which is actually a volcano crater. A number of hot, cold and soda springs lace a forest of towering fruit trees, tropical shrubs and flowering plants.

Also in Laguna is the historical town of Calamba where the ancestral house of Dr. Jose Rizal has been turned into a museum.

San Pablo City

In San Pablo City are found seven lakes. For a taste of plantation living, visit Villa Escudero. Here, bamboo cottages gird a river that flows into a dam.

Tagaytay

A one hour drive south of Manila is Tagaytay, a city perched on a ridge. From the Tagaytay Picnic Grove, there is an unobstructed view of Volcano Island, a volcano within a lake with a volcano within a lake, which is the standard description of the 406 meter-high Taal Volcano, the smallest volcano in the world.

Batangas

The heritage town of Taal in the Southern Tagalog province of Batangas features the largest church in the Far East, the Ionic-columned and Gothic-designed Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours.

In the southeast area of Batangas is the resort village of Anilao in Mabini town, the nearest scuba diving center to Manila. Anilao is also a jump-off point for island-hopping expeditions.

Subic

Also within Subic is a virgin forest where one can go on a 12-hour trek, visit a tribal village, and take a jungle survival course. Subic Bay is a rich hunting ground for both professional and Sunday anglers alike.

Clark

Clark, in the Central Luzon province of Pampanga, is the former homebase of the United States air fleet in Southeast Asia. A short hour and a half drive north of Manila, Clark is a special economic zone that has a recreation network which include an 18-hole golf course, an aviation school, a de-luxe hotel, and duty free shops.

An hour's drive from Clark is Subic, the 18,000-hectare former US naval reservation in the province of Zambales. Subic's recreation area includes an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding trail, firing range, casinos, restaurants, duty-free shops, bowling area, a bungee jumping area, and a marina complex.

Manila is the main gateway to the Philippines and is readily accessible from the travel capitals of the world. Traveling time to Manila from Hong Kong is an hour and 50 minutes; from Singapore, 3 hours and 10 minutes; from Bangkok, 3 hours and 50 minutes; Tokyo, 4 hours and 15 minutes; Sydney, 10 hours and 20 minutes; London, 20 hours and 45 minutes; Paris, 21 hours and 15 minutes; Frankfurt, 19 hours and 40 minutes; San Francisco, 16 hours and 15 minutes; Los Angeles, 15 hours and 20 minutes; and New York, 25 hours and 20 minutes. Philippine Airlines is the national carrier. Manila Clubs and Meetings

There are a myriad of organizations and groups available to residents in Manila.

Some popular groups among expats include: International Women's Clubs (numerous actively operating in Metro Manila. Most nationalities with a presence in Manila have a group-check with your local Embassy), churches - bible studies, charitable groups, business clubs, special interest groups, museum organizations, professional groups, sports clubs, Scouting programs, art and music groups. If you have a special interest or hobby, there probably is an organized association group waiting for you to join!

Social Clubs - A good variety, different nationalities and groups

Business - Chambers of Commerce in Manila

There are many organizations to get involved with in Manila. Here is a list of some of the social clubs, church groups, and sport and country clubs.

Business Organizations

American Chamber of Commerce in Manila Corinthian Plaza, 2nd floor, Makati City, Tel. 818-7911. amchamrp@mozcom.com, amchamrp@skyinet.net

-Canadian Chamber of Commerce - Unit 1406 Antel 2000, Corporate Center, 121 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Tel. 843-6457/66/71 info@cancham.com.ph

-European Chamber of Commerce - PS Bank Tower Makati City, Tel. 845-1324, info@eccp.com

-Indian Chamber of Commerce Cityland 10, Tower 1, Makati City, Tel. 844-7222 icc@vasia.com

-Chinese Filipino Business Club 825 M. Dela Industria, Tel. 241-6450

-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines Jacem Building, Makati City, Tel. 892-3233

-Makati Chamber of Commerce and Industry H.V. Dela Costa Street, Makati City, Tel. 892-0268

-Rotary

-World Trade Center Member of World Trade Centers
-Association WTCMM Building, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Manila, Tel. 551-5151 wtcclub@wtcmanila.com.ph

Social Clubs

-ADB Women's Club
-Alabang Ladies International Group
-American Women's Club of the Philippines Makati Office
48 McKinley Rd., Makati, Metro Manila Tel: 817-7587
Email:mailto:awcp@mozcom.com
-Alabang Office
Park Trade Center
1716 Investment drive
Madrigal Business Park

This Club offers newcomer's coffees, social evenings, children's parties, volunteer opportunities, domestic registry, monthly meetings, interest groups. (note: AWCP-South-is a new branch of the club supporting ladies residing in Alabang, Batangas, Laguna areas south of Makati).

- Australia/New Zealand Association
- British Women's Association
-Canadian Women's Club
-Dutch Club
-German Club
-Japanese Association of Manila
-Latin American Ladies Club
-American Association of the Philippines
-American Citizens Abroad

Hands on Manila - A non-profit organization that recruits, educates, and coordinates a network of volunteers for diverse community projects within the Greater Manila area. Fostering the spirit of volunteerism.

- Museum Volunteers of the Philippines
-Women of Union Church Manila
- USA Girl Scouts
-Boy Scouts of America
-Additional Services in Manila
-Car Rental Hire Service
-Travel Insurance

Giant Impressive Malls of Manila

1. Power Plant Mall

This mall has international class convenience and comfort to you. Most stores are for upscale buyers who are particular and can afford to be. But it is highest rated because you don't have to walk miles to find what you want, lots of dining among the shops. but it came out on top. Some malls are laid out so you have to see walk by every shop to get in and out of a different door. Not so at Power Plant Mall. Parking is flat rate and reasonable. nicely not garishly lighted, fast food and Five Star Restaurants. And it smells good too! This is a great place to while away a few or more hours in comfort and enjoyment.

2. Green Belt Mall

Ayala Malls has done a great job with Greenbelt 2, 3 and 4. Now with Greenbelt 5 it hit the jackpot. It has created lifestyle shopping for Manila's most demanding clientele. crowd. Greenbelt 5 is the place to eat with is its line of restaurants. When you Its big the epitome in big name brands. It is sophisticated wild and night with its bars and cubs, where all ages boogie. the place be and be seen.

3. Eastwood Mall

Eastwood has features that are both different, exciting and inviting to shoppers. It features a WiFi-ready four-level shopping center that houses a good mix of local and international brands and world-class movie theaters It also hosts a unique line of restaurants on a park. The park has a lagoon and a giant screen on a high-rise building where the mall's announcements are displayed. The mall's interiors are refreshing, new and stylish. And comfortable l sofas on every floor give tired and elderly shoppers a place to pause and rest, relax, chill out while enjoying the live music played by any number of pianists. The mall' concierge staff, is the friendliest among the customer service staff in Manila. It is great to have someone with a smile by you carrying your bags, friendly chatting too if you are in the mood.

4. Trinoma and Mall of Asia, or Metro Mall of Asia, an Ayala Mall

"Triangle North of Manila", or Trinoma opened in 2007, but swings today. They flow in from the north part of Manila stop at the first quality Mall. This Ayala Mall is the favorite oasis and lifestyle haven for many now. The mall features multilevel gardens and fountains that give you a break from the concrete structures of other malls. It also has direct access to the MRT North Avenue Station, so easy transportation. Also it has the most number of dining places and coffee shops (three Starbucks outlets!) this side of the National Capitol Reigon. This is Northern Quezon City's most alluring lifestyle mall!

It is the country's largest mall. It may be the world's biggest malls depending on how you measure., It has the IMAX Theatre, with the largest screen in the country. And maybe more importantly interactive educational centers like the Science Discovery Center It also boasts the largest ice skating rink in Southeast Asia. Because of its size, the SM Mall of Asia is the only mall in the country with free transportation services that transport you, if you want, from one block to another. Yes, the SM Mall of Asia is the premier people’s mall, the one everyone can enjoy and where all are welcome. It should be on every tourist's list of sights to see if not on one of the Seven Wonders of the World list!

5. Shangri-la Plaza and Robinsons Galleria

Not class conscious? He you may be. Shangri-la is upscale, quality shoppers, Filipinos who don't even thing, tawad (bargain.) Fewer people indeed with such quality goods and services. Shang, as the "kool," say, is the only mall in this side of the metropolis that houses Rustan's Department Store. It is located at the Ortigas Business District and connected to the MRT Shaw Station. So it convenient for commuters to go often. The mall also offers a flat rate parking fee of P45, less than a US dollar a day! Shangri-La Plaza is also a great place hang: upscale, wealthy, feel "feelthy" rich. And there are loads of coffee shops and fine restaurants. Even the mall's movies theater are the best in Manila, clean comfortable and not so crowded.

Robinsons Galleria was one of the first malls in the bustling Ortigas District. Through the years, Galle, as the regulars call it, has expanded its floor area to house more shops and restaurants. It is connected to two of the biggest hotels in Ortigas: Holiday Inn Galleria and Crowne Plaza. And it has free WiFi everywhere, don't even need to go into a coffee shop.. The mall it is beside the historic Edsa Shrine. And it is a short walk away from the MRT Ortigas Station store, one of the few places in the country where you can buy stuff for only P85. Maybe it is the "Cheap Charlie," in me but I love of Robinsons Galleria because I know can afford what I want and need and go home with money left in my pocket, at least "jingling money."

Information about natural landscapes, the climate, tropical animals and tropical fruit & vegetables in the Philippines. Special attention for the volcanoes the Pinatubo and Mount Mayon, the danger of the typhoons and the advantages of Geo-energy. The housing, means of transportation and economic activities on markets and other places, will show you the way of living in this beautifull tropical country.

The Philippines

A country of eastern Asia consisting of the Philippine Islands, an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean southeast of China. Inhabited by Malays and various indigenous groups, the islands were first sighted by Magellan's expedition in 1521 and were colonized by the Spanish after 1565. They came under U.S. control in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. A commonwealth was created in 1935 and full independence achieved in 1946. The islands were occupied by Japan during much of World War II. Political turmoil led to the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos after 1965 and his exile in 1986 following the election of Corazón Aquino. Manila is the capital and the largest city. Population: 84,600,000.