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Astoria Plaza
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The Astoria Plaza is a towering 4-star hotel centrally located in the Ortigas business district....
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Philippines: Search for areas
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Manila
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Description
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Pictures
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Modern Manila is a teeming metropolis, with huge towerblocks crowding those few examples of colonial architecture that survived the bombing of the city during WWII. Many people use it only as a base for further travel, but the more persistent will discover its friendliness and charm.
Catch a glimpse of the old Manila at Casa Manila, a faithfully restored Spanish colonial home that offers a window into the opulent lifestyle of the gentry in the 19th century. The three-storey house is furnished with antiques from the period:
General Luna St
Manila City
© 2005 Lonely Planet Publications
In the 16th century, Manila grew from a Muslim settlement on the banks of the Pasig River into the seat of the colonial government of Spain when it controlled the Philippine Islands for 333 years. In 1898 the U.S. occupied and controlled the archipelago until 1935 and Manila became an internationally-known city in the Orient. During World War II, much of the city was destroyed, but was eventually rebuilt. In 1975, to better manage the affairs of the fast-growing region, the city of Manila and the surrounding towns and cities were incorporated into an independent entity, Metropolitan Manila. Today, the city and the metropolis thrives as an important cultural and economic center. However, overpopulation, traffic congestion, pollution, and crime challenge the city.
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