Manila history

The history of Manila begins long before the arrival of Europeans. On its site flourished the Tagalog settlement-principality of Maynila, which was an important trade hub in the region. It is believed that the name comes from the words "may-nilad", meaning "place where nilad grows" — a type of mangrove plant that grew abundantly along the banks of the Pasig River. This settlement maintained active trade ties with merchants from China and other Asian states.

The modern city was officially founded on June 24, 1571, by the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. The Spaniards conquered and rebuilt the existing settlement, establishing the new capital of the Spanish East Indies on its site, which became a stronghold of their influence in Asia.

Three main factors contributed to the rapid growth and rise of Manila:

• Geographical Location: Its location in the natural harbor of Manila Bay and at the mouth of the navigable Pasig River made the city an ideal port and a strategic point for controlling the archipelago.
• Trade: For 250 years, Manila was the central hub of the trans-Pacific Manila Galleon trade, which operated between Asia and Acapulco in Mexico. This route connected Asia with the Americas and Europe, allowing the exchange of Asian goods, such as silk and spices, for silver from the New World.
• Political Power: Becoming the colonial capital, Manila transformed into Spain's main administrative, military, and religious center in the region. The heart of the city became the powerful stone fort Intramuros ("within the walls"), which protected the Spanish population and government institutions.

Early Manila was a true melting pot where Malay, Chinese, and Spanish cultures met. The Spaniards brought Catholicism to the islands, which quickly became the dominant religion and a key part of Filipino identity. Numerous churches, monasteries, and schools were built, and the city itself became an important educational center in Asia with the founding of the University of Santo Tomas in 1611.

The city's economy was almost entirely focused on the lucrative galleon trade, which contributed to the formation of a wealthy merchant class. Bustling commercial districts emerged outside the walls of Intramuros, the most famous of which became Binondo — the world's oldest Chinatown, which remains an important commercial center to this day.

Key Milestones in Manila's History

The history of Manila is a kaleidoscope of cultures and eras, from a pre-colonial trading port to a modern metropolis. Below are the major events that shaped the look and character of the city.

• Before 1570: The Muslim principality of Maynila flourishes on the site of modern Manila, serving as an important trade center connected with China and other Asian states.
• June 24, 1571: Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi officially founds the city of Manila on the ruins of the conquered settlement and declares it the capital of the new colony.
• 1574: The city successfully repels an attempted invasion by the Chinese pirate Limahong, strengthening the Spanish position in the region.
• 1595: Manila becomes the capital of the entire Philippine archipelago, and construction begins on the stone fortress of Intramuros in its heart to protect the Spanish administration.
• 1611: The University of Santo Tomas is founded, one of the oldest in Asia, cementing Manila's status as an educational and religious center.
• 1762–1764: During the Seven Years' War, Manila is captured and occupied by British forces but returned to Spain following a peace treaty.
• 1898: During the Spanish-American War, the US Navy achieves victory in the Battle of Manila Bay, after which the USA occupies the city, ending 300 years of Spanish rule.
• 1942: Japanese forces occupy Manila during World War II.
• February 3 – March 3, 1945: The devastating Battle of Manila takes place, resulting in the liberation of the city by American and Filipino forces, though the city is left almost entirely razed to the ground.
• July 4, 1946: The Philippines gains independence from the USA, and Manila becomes the capital of the new sovereign state.
• February 22–25, 1986: Manila becomes the center of the People Power Revolution (EDSA), peaceful protests that led to the overthrow of the authoritarian regime and the restoration of democracy in the country.

Stages of Manila's Transformation

From a colonial port to a bustling metropolis, Manila has undergone a long journey of development marked by key transformations in economy, culture, and urban planning. These milestones have shaped the modern look and character of the Philippine capital.

• Center of Trans-Pacific Trade (1571–1815): For 250 years, Manila was a key node on the Manila Galleon trade route. This route connected Asia with the Americas and Europe, turning the city into a global center for exchanging Chinese silk and spices for Mexican silver. This laid the city's economic foundation and contributed to the formation of a unique multicultural environment.
• Opening of the Suez Canal (1869): The shortening of the sea route to Europe gave a powerful boost to Manila's economy. The flow of goods and people increased, and with them, new ideas penetrated the country, contributing to the growth of national consciousness and a cultural rise among the educated class.
• The American Period and the Burnham Plan (Early 20th Century): After coming under US control, an ambitious urban planning scheme was developed for Manila by architect Daniel Burnham. The plan envisioned wide boulevards, parks, and monumental government buildings in the Neoclassical style, aiming to turn the city into the "Pearl of the Orient". Many elements of this plan defined the appearance of the city center.
• Post-War Reconstruction (1945–1960s): The Battle of Manila in 1945 left the city in ruins; it was one of the most devastated capital cities of World War II. The subsequent period of massive reconstruction radically changed the urban landscape. Modern architecture rose on the site of destroyed buildings in Spanish and American colonial styles, marking the beginning of a new stage of urbanization.
• Formation of the Makati Financial Center (From the 1950s): The development of the Makati district as the country's new business heart became a turning point in Manila's economic geography. From agricultural land, Makati transformed into a hub of finance and business, concentrating headquarters of major companies, banks, and modern skyscrapers.
• Era of New Metropolises (1990s – Present): Continuing the trend of decentralization, new business and residential districts began to actively develop within Metro Manila, such as Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Ortigas Center. These areas, built to modern standards with developed infrastructure, skyscrapers, and public spaces, symbolize Manila's transformation into a dynamic Asian metropolis of the 21st century.

The architectural landscape of Manila is a multi-layered collage where every era has left its unique mark. From fortified stone bastions to gleaming glass skyscrapers, the urban fabric tells the story of cultural shifts and aspirations that shaped the Philippine capital.

Spanish Colonial Period (16th–19th Centuries)

The dominant style of this era is Spanish Colonial Baroque, which acquired unique features in the Philippines known as "Earthquake Baroque". Due to seismic activity, builders erected lower and more massive churches with powerful buttresses for stability. The brightest example and the heart of Spanish Manila was the fortress district of Intramuros, established in the late 16th century. The main administrative and religious buildings were concentrated here.

• San Agustin Church: The oldest stone church in the Philippines, an example of "Earthquake Baroque" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its massive walls and interior decoration reflect the fusion of European and local craftsmanship traditions.
• Manila Cathedral: Rebuilt multiple times after destruction, this cathedral is a symbol of Catholic influence and the city's architectural resilience.

American Period and "City Beautiful" (Early 20th Century)

With the arrival of the Americans in the early 20th century, a new stage of urban planning began. An ambitious plan was developed for Manila by the famous architect Daniel Burnham, intended to transform the capital into the "Pearl of the Orient". The plan included the creation of wide boulevards, parks, and monumental government buildings. The main architectural styles became Neoclassicism and, somewhat later, Art Deco.

• National Museum Complex: The buildings that today house the National Museum of Fine Arts, Anthropology, and Natural History were built in the Neoclassical style and were originally intended for key government institutions under the Burnham Plan.
• Manila Central Post Office: A majestic building in the Neoclassical style that became one of the symbols of the urban planning ambitions of that time.
• Metropolitan Theater: An outstanding example of Philippine Art Deco with its geometric forms and stylized national motifs in the decor.

Post-War Modernism and the Contemporary Era (From 1945)

After the devastating Second World War, Manila needed massive reconstruction. Colonial styles were replaced by Modernism, and later, in the 1960s and 70s, by its monumental branch — Brutalism. This architecture was characterized by the use of raw concrete, massive forms, and functionality.

• Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP Complex): Designed by Leandro Locsin, this complex is a landmark example of Philippine Brutalism. Its strict geometric forms and scale were meant to symbolize the nation's cultural rebirth.
• Business Districts of Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC): Starting from the second half of the 20th century, the economic center shifted to new districts. Today, their appearance is defined by modern and post-modern skyscrapers of glass and steel, housing the headquarters of international corporations, shopping malls, and luxury residential complexes.

Distinguished Figures in Manila's History

Manila has been the cradle for many iconic figures whose activities have had a huge impact not only on the city but on the entire nation. From revolutionary heroes to artists, these individuals shaped the historical and cultural landscape of the Philippine capital.

• José Rizal — The national hero of the Philippines, a writer, physician, and scientist. Born near Manila, he was a central figure in the reform movement of the 19th century. Through his novels "Noli Me Tángere" (Touch Me Not) and "El Filibusterismo" (The Reign of Greed), he inspired the national liberation movement. His execution by Spanish colonial authorities in Manila in 1896 became the catalyst for the Philippine Revolution.
• Andrés Bonifacio — A revolutionary, founder, and leader of the secret society "Katipunan", which fought for independence from Spain. Born in the Tondo district of Manila, Bonifacio is considered the "Father of the Philippine Revolution". He led the armed uprising in August 1896, which began in the outskirts of the capital.
• Corazon Aquino — The 11th President of the Philippines and an icon of democracy. After the assassination of her husband, Senator Benigno Aquino, she led the opposition against the authoritarian regime. In 1986, she became the leader of the peaceful People Power Revolution on EDSA Avenue in Manila, which led to the restoration of democracy in the country. Her presidency was marked by the adoption of a new constitution.
• Carlos P. Romulo — A distinguished diplomat, journalist, and statesman. A native of Manila, he became one of the co-founders of the United Nations and the first Asian representative elected as President of the UN General Assembly. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his journalistic work.
• Nick Joaquin — National Artist of the Philippines for Literature, a writer, historian, and journalist. Born in the Paco district of Manila, he is considered one of the greatest Filipino writers writing in English. In his works, he deeply explored Filipino identity, often referring to the rich historical and cultural heritage of Manila.
• Leandro Locsin — National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture. His works defined the look of modern Manila. He designed many iconic buildings, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Coconut Palace. His style, often characterized as Brutalism, combined monumentality with elements inspired by traditional Philippine architecture.