Philippines

My Country, The Philippines
Places

     There are more than 41,000 barangays (communities), nearly 1,500 municipalities, 136 cities, 81 provinces, 17 regions and 3 major island groups in the Philippines. More than 88 million Filipinos live in these places. The most populated region is Region IV-A or CALABARZON Region (***population = 11,743,110) while the most populated city is Quezon City (***population = 2,679,450). Sixty-four (***64) cities are located in Luzon, thirty-nine (***39) cities are found in the Visayas and thirty-three (***33) cities are located in Mindanao. The largest city (land area) is Davao, which is located in Mindanao, while the most congested place is Manila, which is located in Luzon.

     Manila is the capital of the Philippines, as stated earlier, while Baguio city is the "summer capital" of the Philippines. Baguio is a city which sits atop the Cordillera mountain range and it is known for its cool weather, pine trees and mountain sceneries. Another famous summer vacation spot is Tagaytay city. It is located just outside Metro Manila, in the Southern Tagalog region. Like Baguio, it is situated on a mountain range. Two well-known cities south of Luzon are Cebu and Zamboanga. Cebu is the "queen city of the south," although, in fact, it is located in the Visayas which is the central portion of the country. Zamboanga is a progressive city in Mindanao and it is the second biggest city. In Luzon, two of the most progressive cities are Makati, which the country's "financial district," and Quezon city. In the northern part of Luzon, there are two places which are recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites. These are Vigan and the Banaue rice terraces. Vigan is the best preserved Spanish town in Asia while the Banaue rice terraces (as a whole) is an artistic and engineering marvel created by the indigenous people of the Cordillera region. Filipinos often refer to the terraces as the "eight wonder of the world." The rice paddies were built along the slopes of the vast Cordillera mountain range.

Manila

     It is a city rich in culture and history. Prior to the coming of the Spaniards in 1521, Manila was a thriving port where merchandize were bought and sold by local, Chinese and Arab traders. During the Spanish colonial period (1521-1898), Manila became the center of socio-economic and political activities in the country and a massive wall was built around the city as a fortress. The Spanish government had plans to abandon its post in the Philippines but it was reluctant to give up Manila. It was a city which rivaled the best cities in Europe and, therefore, it was jewel on the crown of the Spanish monarch. Manila was also the site of many a decisive battle that influenced the course of Philippine history.
     Today, Manila is one of the biggest cities in the Philipines and it is classified as a highly urbanized city. It is located along the Manila Bay area in Luzon. It is the seat of the Philippine government and a center for cultural activities. It is home to many old buildings and landmark structures such as the Malacanang Palace, Philippine Post Office Building, Wall of Intramuros, National Museum of the Philippines and the Rizal monument. The Rizal monument is an iconic structure located in Rizal park, which is a popular tourist destination. Another tourist destination is Fort Santiago which is located inside the walled city of Old Manila.
Quezon City

     The city was the brainchild of the late Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon. During the 1930's, President Quezon envisioned a city where the ordinary people can live with dignity. That vision has become a reality.
     Today, Quezon city is the country's most populated city and one of the biggest cities in terms of land area. Much of the land area are used for residential purposes but the city is also home to many government offices: the Philippine Congress (House of Representatives), Department of Agriculture, Camp Crame, National Computer Center, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Coconut Authority and many more. Business is powered by small-to-medium scale enterprises belonging to the retail and service sectors. Other business enterprises which contribute to the economy of Quezon city come from the transport and tele-communications sectors. The most well-known commercial district is the Araneta Center in Cubao. Quezon city is known for its large, open spaces. The Quezon Memorial Circle is one example of this kind of environment and in the middle of this memorial circle stands an iconic structure: the Quezon Memorial Tower. Near the memorial circle is another famous landmark: the Parks and Wildlife. It is a nature's park at the heart of the city.

*REGIONS and PROVINCES (Except National Capital Region or NCR)

Region I - Ilocos : Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan
Region II - Cagayan Valley : Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino
Region III - Central Luzon : Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales
Region IV-A - CALABARZON : Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon
Region IV-B - MIMAROPA : Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan
Region V - Bicol : Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon
Region VI - Western Visayas : Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental
Region VII - Central Visayas : Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor

Region VIII - Eastern Visayas : Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, Western Samar (Samar)
Region IX - Zamboanga Peninsula : Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
Region X - Northern Mindanao : Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental
Region XI - Davao : Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental
Region XII - SOCCSKSARGEN : Cotobato (North Cotobato), Sarangani, South Cotobato, Sultan Kudarat
Region XIII - Caraga : Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur

ARMM Region - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao : Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi
CAR Region - Cordillera Administrative Region : Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Kalinga, Mt. Province
NCR Region - National Capital Region
Cities: Kalookan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela / Municipality: Pateros

***Source: National Statistical Coordination Board of the Philippines Website, 2008
*Administrative Divisions