While most people know that Manila is the capital city of the Philippines, the term Metro Manila can sometimes be confusing to foreigners. Here’s what you need to know:
Metro Manila doesn’t refer to the capital city of the Philippines, Manila
Metropolitan Manila, commonly known as Metro Manila, refers to the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines. It consists of 16 cities with a combined population of 13.4 million. These cities are:
- Manila
- Quezon City
- Las Piñas
- Makati
- Taguig
- San Juan
- Malabon
- Caloocan
- Navotas
- Pasay
- Valenzuela
- Mandaluyong
- Marikina
- Parañaque
- Pasig
- Muntinlupa
According to Wikipedia, Metro Manila is the 9th most populous metropolitan area in Asia and the 5th most populous urban area in the world.
Metro Manila is home to major business districts like Makati, Taguig, and Ortigas.
For culture enthusiasts, you’ll find numerous museums — from Manila to Antipolo — showcasing the country’s rich history and heritage.
Additionally, Metro Manila is home to the top five universities in the Philippines and the largest mall in the country.
Surviving Metro Manila Without Learning Tagalog is Possible
The Philippines has over 100 dialects, but Tagalog is the official language in Metro Manila. Fortunately, English is widely spoken and understood, making communication easy for foreigners.
Since the Filipino language uses the Roman alphabet, locals can typically read and speak basic English, even in casual encounters.
Transportation in Metro Manila can be challenging
- 6 AM to 9 AM
- 5 PM to 10 PM
To make the most of your visit, try to avoid these peak hours.
There are so many places to go for shopping
Traffic isn’t just a weekday issue — expect congestion on weekends too, especially around noon when mallgoers flock to shopping centers.
With over 800 malls across the country — and 19 major shopping centers in Metro Manila alone — finding souvenirs or exploring retail spaces won’t be a problem.
Pro tip: In community malls, you can sometimes haggle for better prices!
So many leisure places to visit
- National Museum
- Intramuros
- Binondo’s Chinatown (the oldest Chinatown in the world) — perfect for discovering delicious food finds!
