National Capital Region

This chapter presents the major tourist destination areas of National Capital Region.
The major discussions will be on access, health and safety issues, geographical characteristics,
major attractions, gastronomy, and distinctive cultural attributes of the region related to the
development and promotion of tourism in the Philippines.
Objectives
At the end of the chapter, students should be able to:
1. identify the different major attractions, activities, accommodations, and cultural highlights in
the provinces within the National Capital Region;
2. create different tour packages that carry different types of tourism activities within the
region; and
3. assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the region in terms of the 4
As of tourism.
Introduction
National Capital Region, more popularly known as Metro Manila, is the main financial, commercial, and
educational centers of the Philippines. It is one of the smallest regions of the country but is the most densely
populated. It includes 16 cities and one municipality namely:
Caloocan City;
City of Manila;
CALOOCAN CITY (N)
Las Piñas City;
Makati City;
Valenzuela
Malabon City;
Navotas Malabon
CALOOCAN
MARIKINA
QUEZON
Mandaluyong City;
Marikina City;
MANILA
San Juan
Muntinlupa City;
MANDALUYONG
PASAY
PASIG
Navotas City;
MAKATI
MANILA BAY
Pateros
Parañaque City;
Taguig
Pasay City;
PARANAQUE
Pasig City;
帶
Pateros;
LAS PINAS
Quezon City;
San Juan City;
MUNTINLUPA
Taguig City; and
Valenzuela City.

Fast Facts
Capital
Land Area (in hectares)
Major Industries
No. of Cities
No. of Towns and Municipalities
Metro Manila
City of Manila
63,600
Business Process Outsourcing, Retail, Gaming, Hospitality and Leisure, Real Estate, Trade and Commerce
A.
Ports of Access
The major gateway to the Philippines for both international and
local flights is located in this region. Roads leading to the north
and south of Metro Manila are well- maintained but are not
toll-free.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Port of Manila
via via NLEX via SLEX
By Air: Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the primary
gateway to the region and to the country. Its four terminals
facilitate travelers to and from various international and
domestic destinations.
By Sea: The Port of Manila is the primary maritime gateway of
the region. Its North and South Harbor facilitates travelers to
and from various provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao region
such as Batangas, Cebu, Bacolod, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, and
Zamboanga.
By Land: Several bus companies offers regular bus trips from
various parts of Luzon going to Manila through the North Luzon
Expressway (NLEX) and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
Getting Around: Metro Manila is the only region in the
Philippines that has a metro rail system that connects its cities.
Tourists can also opt to ride bus and jeepney to go to different
parts of the region. Taxi cabs are also available for a more
convenient ride at a certain cost.
B.
Attractions and Activities
Built Attractions
Historical, Cultural, and Heritage Attractions
Natural Attractions
Bonifacio Monument
Caloocan City
San Roque Cathedral
Bamboo Organ
Las Piñas City
• Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area
• Guadalupe Ruins
• Museo ng Makati
• Saints Peter and Paul Church
Ayala Museum
Makati City
The Philippine Army Museum
Tanong Fish Market
Balsa sa Niugan
Malabon city
• San Bartolome Church
Malabon Zoo and
Aquarium
• San Felipe Neri Church
• Wack Wack Golf and Country Club
• EDSA Shrine
Mandaluyong City
• San Miguel Corporation
Building
• Muelle Del Rio
• The New Plaza Miranda
• Malacañang Palace and Museum • Chinese Cemetery
• Manila Zoological
Garden
• Museo ng Maynila
• Paco Park and Cemetery
• Manila Ocean Park
Manila Hotel
City of Manila
• University of Sto. Tomas
• Rizal Park
• Rizal Monument
⚫. Intramuros
• Fort Santiago
• Bahay Tsinoy • San Agustin Church
• Marikina River Park
Our Lady of the Abandoned Church
Doll Museum
• Marikina Sports Center
Marikina City
• Shoe Museum
Biggest Shoe in the World
Muntinlupa City
• Filinvest Corporate City
• San Jose de Navotas Parish Church
Navotas Fish Port
Navotas City
• Entertainment City
Parañaque City
• Baclaran Redemptorist Church
Historical, Cultural, and Heritage Attractions
Natural Attractions
Built Attractions
• Coconut Palace
• Cultural Center of the Philippines
Pasay City
Pasig City
• Philippine International • Convention Center
• Immaculate Conception Parish Church
• Bahay na Tisa
• San Roque Church
Pateros
• San Pedro Bautista Church
• Sto. Domingo Church
Quezon City
St. John the Baptist Church
San Juan City
• Old Convent of Kabayanan and Sanctuario de Santo Cristo Church
Pinaglabanan Shrine Dambanang Kawayan
• Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne
The Blue Mosque
• National Shrine of Our
Valenzuela City
Lady of Fatima
• SM Mall of Asia Complex
• Resorts World Manila
• Museo ng Sining
• Star City
Concepcion Mansion: Pasig Museum
• Rainforest Park
Ortigas Center
• Tiendesitas
• La Mesa Dam
• Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center
• Quezon Memorial Circle
• University of the Philippines, Diliman
• Araneta Center
• Eastwood City
Himlayang Pilipino Memorial Park
• Greenhills Shopping Center
Libingan ng mga Bayani
• The American Cemetery and Memorial
• Bantayog ng Bayani
• Fort Bonifacio Global City
• Museo Valenzuela
Taguig City
C.
Range of Accommodations
A wide variety of hotels, apartelles, hostels, and condotels abound Manila. This list is not complete.
in Metro
Budget (less than P1,500 per night)
Mid-Range
(P1,500 to P3,000 per night)
High-End (at least P3,000 per night)
Lakbayan Hotel Makati
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila
• Great Eastern Hotel
Golden Panda Dormtel
• Red Planet Hotels
• Crimson Hotel
• Just Beds Apartments
• Eurotel
• Dusit Thani Manila Hotel
• Urban Hostel Makati
• Nichols Airport Hotel
• Conrad Manila
• Makati Budget Hotel
Hotel Durban Makati
• Bellevue Manila
• Manila International Youth
• Dream Hotel
• Solaire Resort & Casino
Hostel
Goldstar Garden Inn
• Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Hilik Boutique Hostel
Hyatt City of Dreams
• Junction Hostel
Le Beato Hotel-Style Residences
New World Makati Hotel
The Fort Budget Hotel
• Manila Grand Opera Hotel
• Nobu Hotel
• White Knight Hotel Intramuros
Makati Shangri-la Hotel
• The Jeepney House
• Stone House Hotel
Metro Manila
• ACL Suites
• EDSA Shangri-la Hotel
Our Awesome Hostel
• Hotel Mango
Diamond Hotel • Manila Hotel
• The Contemporary Hotel
• Our Melting Pot Hostel
• Tambayan Capsule Hostel & Bar
Rothman Hotel
Fairmont Makati
Jade Hotel and Suites
• Raffles Makati Hotel
• Good Shepherd Hostel
• Century Park Hotel • Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila
Amax Inn Makati
• Regency Crown Suites
Sunny Bay Suites
• Orange Suites Serviced Apartments
• Manila Pavilion Hotel &
Casino
• Marriott Hotel Manila
• Harts Hotel
• Armada Hotel Manila
• The Peninsula Manila
• Time Travellers Hotel
• Sulo Riviera Hotel
• Maxims Hotel
• Rio Suites
Remington Hotel
• Citystate Hotel Quiapo
D. Food and Delicacies
Metro Manila
• Beef Mechado
• Kare Kare
• Lomi
Sinigang
Kaldereta • Adobo
• Turon
Balut
Salted Egg
• Pancit Malabon
Sapin-sapin
Hopiang Tipas Putong Polo
Street Food such as Fish Balls, Kikiam, Isaw
E.
Recommended Pasalubong
Pasalubong - National Capital Region
Polvoron
Pastillas
Mamon
Hopia
Ensaymada
Donuts
'ChocNut'
Chicharon
Gourmet Tuyo
Atchara
Bagoong
Mixed Nuts
F.
Festivals and Special Events
Caloocan City
Pajotan de Sto. Niño Festival - (last Sunday of January) a grand procession in
honor of Sto. Niño.
City of Manila
Feast of the Black Nazarene – (January 9) a day-long mammoth procession of the
miraculous image of Black Nazarene; attended by thousands of devotees.
Lakbayaw Festival - (January 16) a series of cultural activities to honor the Sto.
Niño de Tondo. Philippine International Arts Festival (February) a month-long
showcase of Philippine culture and arts.
Chinese New Year Festival - the grandest celebration to welcome the Chinese
Lunar New Year in the oldest Chinatown in the world.
Feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion procession of various images of
the Blessed Virgin.
Las Piñas City
Bamboo Organ Festival - (3rd week of February) an international festival to
showcase the famous Bamboo Organ.
Water Lily Festival - (3rd week of July) to promote livelihood opportunities from
the abundance of water lilies in the city.
Makati City
Caracol - (February 27) to promote preservation and conservation of nature
through street dancing dressed in flowers, trees, birds, etc.
Linggo ng Kasuotang Pilipino - (3rd week of September) a showcase of the
traditional Filipino attire in a special fashion show.
Malabon City
Pagoda and Caracol - (December 8-9) to honor the patroness of Malabon, Our
Lady of Immaculate Concepcion, a fluvial parade and caracol are celebrated.
Luglugan Pancit Malabon - (December 10) a culinary festival showcasing pancit
Malabon.
Mandaluyong City
Senakulo sa Barangka - (Holy Week) a theatrical depiction of the life and passion
of Christ held at a local plaza.
Lavandero Festival - (November) a street dancing parade to pay tribute to the
laundrymen and women of the city.
Pasko, pasko sa Policarpio - (December) an entire street of houses glittered and
lighted by thousands of Christmas lights and decorations to celebrate the season.
Marikina City
Sapatos Festival - (September to December) aims at revitalizing the city's shoe
industry. International Philippine Marathon - (February 24) an annual event that
advocates the rehabilitation of Marikina River through a marathon event from
Marikina
River Park to Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
Muntinlupa City
Dinagsa (February 16 and 27) in honor of the city's Patron saint, Sto. Niño de
Muntinlupa.
Banhayan Festival - (September 10) an annual thanksgiving celebration for the
patron, "Impong Kulas" de Tolentino.
Navotas City
Pangisdaan Festival - (January 11-16) a celebration of the city's fishing industry.
Parañaque City
Nuestra Señora del Buensuceso - (September 1-9) an annual celebration of the
canonization of Nuestra Sra. Del Buensuceso, patroness of the city.
Feast of San Nicolas - (September 10) a fluvial parade in honor of Brgy. La Huerta's
patron saint San Nicolas de Tolentino.
Feast of San Dionisio - (October 9) a religious celebration wherein the Komedya
or Moro-Moro is stage-played.
Pasay City
Feast of Santa Clara - (2nd Sunday of February) in honor of the feast day of Santa
Clara, the fertility rites street dance and serenata (rondalla and brass band
concert) is held.
Aliwan Fiesta (3rd week of April) a float and street dancing festival featuring
various regions in the country.
World Pyro Olympics (December) an annual international pyrotechnic
competition that is considered to be the largest of its kind in the world.
International Pyromusical Competition - (weekends of February to March) an
annual event that puts on a spectacle of lights and colors tuned to the beat of
music staged by the world's leading pyrotechnic experts. Metro Manila Film
Festival - (3rd week of December) a grand parade of floats of the different film
entries to the annual Metro Manila Film Festival.
Pasig City
Itik-itik Festival - (July 29) in honor of the patron saint, Sta. Martha, that also
features itik cuisines.
Pakalog Festival - (December 31) a community new year celebration to promote
unity and cooperation among
the people
Nagsabado - (August 29) a re-enactment of the revolutionary action against the
Spaniards led by Valentin Cruz and Andres Bonifacio in 1896, which happens to
fall on a Saturday, hence, called "Nagsabado."
Feast of St. Martha - (July 29) a celebration of the Feast Day of St. Martha, marked
by a mass followed by a procession.
Quezon City
Anniversary of the Cry of Pugadlawin - (August 24) another historical event
celebrated annually with a flag-raising and a wreath-laying ceremony a civic
parade and a program. followed by
La Naval Festival - (October 12) in honor of the Nuestra Señora del Santissimo
Rosario, marked by a Holy Mass followed by a grand procession.
San Juan City
Wattah! Wattah! San Juan Festival - (June 24) in
celebration of the feast of the patron saint of the city, St.
John the Baptist, it is highlighted by joyful basaan (water-
dousing).
Taguig City
Sta. Anang Banak Taguig River Festival – (July 26) a fluvial
parade in honor of the town patroness, St. Anne.
Valenzuela City
Mano Po San Roque Festival - (May 12) a street dancing
and procession in commemoration of the Feast of San
Roque.
Feast of San Diego de Alcala – (November 12) in
celebration of the feast of the oldest church in
Valenzuela City, which includes annual boat racing, street
dancing, and different activities of the festival.
G.
Major Cultural Groups
NCR is a melting pot of all cultural groups since it is the
most highly urbanized city in the Philippines.
H. Major Industries
The major business central districts are in the region
including Makati Business District, Ortigas Center, and
Bonifacio Global City among others.
1. Languages and Dialects
English and Filipino are widely spoken in the region.