Overview of NCR's Location in the Philippines
🌏 Metro Manila, also referred to as the National Capital Region, is the Philippines' capital and the hub of Luzon. In contrast to the other 17 Philippine areas, the NCR lacks a province.
🌏 It consists of the following sixteen cities: Quezon City, San Juan, Pasay, Taguig, Valenzuela, Makati, Malabon, Marikina, Caloocan City, Mandaluyong, Manila, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Pasig, Parañaque, Las Piñas, and the municipality of Pateros.
QUEZON CITY
🌏The geography of Quezon City is characterized by undulating terrain. The city is within the catchment area of five river systems – Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, Tullahan and Meycauayan – along with their creeks and tributaries with a total length of almost 200 km.
🌏Quezon City (Philippines) in general has a tropical climate. Temperatures during the day are in the range from 30 °C (86 °F) in December to 34 °C (93 °F) in April. The highest night temperatures could be experienced in May with 25 °C (77 °F), the lowest in January with 22 °C (71 °F).
🌏The Quezon Memorial Circle is one of the most famous landmarks in Quezon City. The centerpiece of this Circle is a 66-meter-tall monument that honors the memory of the Philippines' second president, Manuel L. Quezon.
SAN JUAN
🌏San Juan, officially the City of San Juan, is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 126,347 people.
🌏The Katipunan, the group that spearheaded the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire in 1896, is most recognized for having fought its first fight at this city. The city is home to famous landmarks including the Pinaglabanan Shrine and historic residences. Santolan Town Plaza and Greenhills are two other places, which combine to make the city a significant shopping destination with a variety of high-end, boutique, and discount stores.
🌏The term "San Juan" is a shortened form of "San Juan del Monte," which means "Saint John of the Mountain" in ancient usage. The name, like many other localities in the Philippines, combines a toponym (Saint John the Baptist in this case) with the location's hilly topography and considerably greater elevation than nearby areas.
"Dakilang Lungsód ng San Juan" is the official name of the city, meaning "Great City of San Juan."
PASAY CITY
🌏Pasay, officially the City of Pasay, is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 440,656 people. Due to its location just south of Manila, Pasay quickly became an urban town during the American colonial period.
🌏In local folk history about the period before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, Pasay is said to have been part of Namayan (sometimes also called Sapa), a confederation of barangays which supposedly controlled territory stretching from Manila Bay to Laguna de Bay, and which, upon the arrival of the Spanish, eventually became known as Santa Ana de Sapa (modern day Santa Ana, Manila)
🌏Pasay City has a total land size of 18.64 square kilometers (7.20 sq mi), Pasay ranks fourth in the nation and as the third-smallest governmental subdivision in the National Capital Region. It shares borders with Taguig to the east, Makati to the northeast, Manila Bay to the west, Parañaque to the south, and the nation's capital, Manila, to the north. Three separate areas make up the city: the 5.505 square kilometer (2.125 square mile) metropolitan area; the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) complex, which houses the Villamor Airbase and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA); and 9.5 square kilometers (3.7 sq mi); and the 4.00 square kilometers (1.54 sq mi) of reclaimed land from Manila Bay. The reclamation project in Pasay Harbor City, which is now under development, is anticipated to increase the city's overall land area by 2.65 square kilometers (1.02 sq mi).
TAGUIG CITY
🌏Taguig, officially the City of Taguig, is the fifth-most populous city in the Philippines with a population of 1.2 million people
🌏One of the most important financial hubs in the Philippines, Bonifacio Global City, is a well-known feature of the city. Once a fishing community during the Spanish and American colonial eras, it grew quickly after the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) transformed former military reservations into planned communities with diverse uses and financial hubs. Following the plebiscite-approved Republic Act No. 8487 in 2004, Taguig underwent a significant urbanization process.
🌏One of the cultural, financial, high-tech, entertainment, and media hubs of the Philippines, the city has a big impact on politics, business, health care, research, technology, education, tourism, dining, art, fashion, and sports. Taguig is home to multiple embassies, making it a significant hub for the nation's foreign diplomacy. The corporate headquarters of numerous significant international firms are also located there.
VALENZUELA CITY
🌏Valenzuela, officially the City of Valenzuela, is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 714,978 people. It is the 6th most populous city in the National Capital Region, and the 11th most populous in the country.
🌏The Valenzuela City People's Park, also known as the People's Park, is an urban park situated in barangay Karuhatan on a 1.3-hectare plot of land next to the city hall. At the park's entry are an electronically controlled dancing fountain, an aero circle for group workouts like zumba, a garden, a children's playground, public zoological areas with animals on show, and a 400-seat amphitheater that can accommodate a variety of events.
MAKATI CITY
🌏Makati is a city in the Philippines’ Metro Manila region and the country’s financial hub. It’s known for the skyscrapers and shopping malls of Makati Central Business District, and for Ayala Triangle Gardens, an area dotted with trees and sculptures. Ayala Museum houses the Filipinas Heritage Library and craft collections documenting the country’s history.
🌏Makati is home to a number of fine art museums, colonial-era churches and recreation areas. Along the south-eastern border of Makati beyond Forbes Park are the Manila Golf Club and the Manila Polo Club. The Manila Golf Club features an 18-hole golf course. The Manila Polo Club counts among its polo enthusiasts some of the country's wealthiest people. The Makati Sports Club in Salcedo Village is another popular place for sports. The Makati Coliseum is another famous sports landmark in the city, where some of the biggest sports gatherings are held.
🌏Roman Catholicism is the most common religion among Makati residents. Other major religions represented in the city are Protestantism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism, as well as Evangelical Christians, Members Church of God International, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
MALABON CITY
🌏Known as the "Venice of the Philippines," Malabon is well-known for its complex system of rivers and waterways, which are essential for trade, culture, and transportation. However, the city is vulnerable to floods due to its flat geography and low-lying terrain, particularly during the rainy season. Its natural scenery has changed as a result of land reclamation initiatives that have enlarged its coastal areas. Malabon's coastline is still lined with mangrove forests, which act as natural storm surge breakers and provide habitat for marine life despite the area's increased urbanization.
🌏Malabon, a city in the Philippines, has a tropical climate with high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from June to November, influenced by the southwest monsoon, and can lead to flooding. The dry season, from December to May, is influenced by the northeast monsoon. Climate variations can occur due to factors like global climate change, El Niño, and local geographic features.
🌏Malabon, a Philippines city, is known for its intricate network of waterways, Pancit Malabon, historical churches, and traditional crafts. The Malabon River and Estero de Malabon are significant for transportation and cultural significance. Pancit Malabon is a popular Filipino noodle dish with thick rice noodles and orange-colored sauce. Historical churches like San Bartolome Parish Church and Sto. Rosario Church reflect the city's rich history. Malabon hosts various festivals and celebrations, such as the Malabon Cityhood Anniversary and the Lugaw Festival, showcasing the city's culture and community spirit.
MARIKINA
🌏Situated atop the "Marikina Valley," Marikina faces southward towards Pasig and Cainta, Rizal. The hills of Quezon City are to the west and the Sierra Madre mountains to the east. The Nangka River is one of the tributaries of the Marikina River, which flows through the city's mid-west.
🌏When one looks at the monthly climate parameters, one can see that the monthly highs vary a little bit, from 29°C (84.2°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93.2°F). Conversely, the low temperatures are consistent, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 24°C (75.2°F). This illustrates the consistently warm or hot weather that Marikina experiences all year round.
🌏Because of its renowned shoe manufacturing, Marikina is referred to as the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines". With about 70% of shoes created in the Philippines coming from this production facility, it is the largest shoe producer in the nation.
CALOOCAN CITY
🌏Caloocan has a combined total land area of 5,333.40 hectares and is located at the northern part of the National Capital Region (NCR). The city is divided into two geographic locations: South Caloocan, with an area of 1,362.50 hectares; and North Caloocan, with an area of 3,970.90 hectares.
🌏The variation in annual temperature is around 3.5 °C | 6.4 °F. The month with the most relative humidity is August (86.66 %). The month with the least relative humidity is April (68.67 %).
🌏Because it served as the hub for the Katipunan, the covert militant organization that started the Philippine Revolution under the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, Caloocan is noteworthy historically.
MANDALUYONG
🌏The city is bounded to the west by Taguig, to the southeast by Makati, to the north by San Juan, to the east by Pasig, and to the northeast by Quezon City.
🌏The climate in Mandaluyong City is tropical monsoon. All year long, there are high temperatures and a lot of rain. Mandaluyong City experiences 58°C average yearly temperatures and 216 inches of precipitation annually. With an average humidity of 77% and a UV-index of 7, it is dry for 165 days a year.
🌏In the center of Metro Manila, Mandaluyong is a thriving city noted for its tall skyscrapers, business centers, and active residential neighborhoods.
MANILA
🌏Geographical. Situated in the southwestern region of Luzon is Metro Manila. The area is made up of flat alluvial fields that stretch from the Pasig River mouth in the west to the rougher, higher terrain of the Marikina Valley in the east.
🌏The mountains of the Bataan Peninsula and the hills of the Sierra Madre shield the city from harsh weather. There is a wet season that runs from June to November and a dry season that runs from December to May in a tropical environment.
🌏The Philippines' capital, Manila, is well-known for its shopping, entertainment, airport, and cultural sites. It is the primary entry point into the nation and is the site of cultural celebrations like the Feast of the Black Nazarene. Manila is a dynamic metropolis with a wide variety of urban culture and food, as well as home to several famous universities.
MUNTINLUPA
🌏Muntinlupa City, located in the southern part of Metro Manila, Philippines, is characterized by its lakefront area, undulating terrain, and the Alabang-Zapote Road, a vital transportation artery. The city is home to prominent commercial and business centers, such as Filinvest City and Ayala Alabang, which contribute to economic growth. The city also has various river systems, including the Tunasan and Sucat Rivers, which play a role in drainage and flood control. Muntinlupa's diverse housing landscape reflects its diverse population and socioeconomic profile.
🌏Muntinlupa City, part of Metro Manila, has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the wet season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April). The wet season is characterized by heavy rainfall, high humidity, and frequent thunderstorms. The dry season is hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Muntinlupa is susceptible to typhoons and tropical cyclones, which can cause flooding and landslides. The densely populated urban area may experience the urban heat island effect, with slightly higher temperatures within the city. Microclimatic variations may occur in areas near water bodies.
🌏Muntinlupa City, Philippines, is known for its infamous New Bilibid Prison (NBP), Alabang, Filinvest City, SLEX and Skyway, Sucat Thermal Power Plant, and Barangay Ayala Alabang. NBP is the largest prison in the country and has been the subject of controversies. Alabang is a thriving commercial and business district with upscale residential areas, shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment hubs. Filinvest City is a modern business district with high-rise buildings and corporate offices.
NAVOTAS
🌏 Navotas, officially the City of Navotas, is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 247,543 people. It was formerly part of the Province of Rizal in southern Luzon.
🌏 It is known as the Commercial Fishing Hub of the Philippines, for the city has the third largest fish port in Asia and the largest in Southeast Asia. Although it was established on February 16, 1859, Navotas celebrates its foundation day every January 16, the day in 1906 when it finally separated from Malabon. Navotas became a highly urbanized city on June 24, 2007.
PASIG
🌏Pasig City is a large district with a mix of offices and upscale housing, popular for mall complexes in and around the Ortigas Center area. Hip eateries serving modern Filipino fare cluster in Kapitolyo village, and parks like Greenfield District host weekend markets with local food and crafts. Cultural sites include the Pasig City Museum, exploring local history, and the stone Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
🌏There are no surviving firsthand accounts of the history of Pasig before Spanish colonizers arrived in 1573 and established the settlement which they called the Ciudad-Municipal de Pasig. However, surviving genealogical records and folk histories speak of a thriving indigenous Tagalog community (barangay) on the banks of the Bitukang Manok river (now nearly extinct, and known as Parian Creek), which eventually became modern-day Pasig. The greatest rulers of this pre-colonial polity are named Rajah Lontok and Dayang kalangitan by the legends, which also say that they are closely related to the pre-colonial rulers of Tondo and Maynila.
PARAÑAQUE
🌏Parañaque City, in Metro Manila, Philippines, is situated along the Manila Bay coastline, allowing maritime activities and industries. The Pasay River divides the city from neighboring Pasay City, and it has undergone coastal reclamation projects to expand land and accommodate urban development.
🌏The Philippines' Parañaque City enjoys a tropical climate with two different seasons: the wet season, which runs from May to October, and the dry season, which runs from November to April. There is a lot of rain throughout the wet season; the peak falls between June and September. There is less rain and high temperatures during the dry season. Typhoons and tropical cyclones, which can result in flooding and landslides, can affect the city.
🌏Parañaque, a city in Metro Manila, Philippines, is known for its entertainment, cultural sites, shopping, and historical significance. Its major attractions include City of Dreams Manila, Solaire Resort & Casino, and Okada Manila. St. Andrew's Cathedral and Baclaran Church are significant religious sites. The city is also home to the historic Battle of Parañaque, a significant battle during the Philippine-American War. Its rapid urban development, including ASEANA City, and proximity to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport make it a popular tourist destination.
LAS PIÑAS
🌏Las Piñas, is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 606,293 people. Las Piñas was sixth in MoneySense Philippines "Best Places To Live" report in 2008.
🌏Las Piñas was one of the earliest fishing settlements on the shores of Manila Bay. It was proclaimed as a province of Manila either in 1762 or 1797. Agustin a Spanish historian, and Fr. Juan de Medina placed it at 1762. Las Piñas was formerly called "Las Pilas" due to its separation from Parañaque due to tribal conflicts. On the other hand, Manuel Buzeta recorded the date at 1797. Felix Timbang was the first gobernadorcillo in 1762, while Mariano Ortiz was the first municipal president of the town of Las Piñas.
🌏Las Piñas is famous for its Bamboo Organ, which was built by Fr. Diego Cera and completed in 1824. In 1880, the city experienced an outbreak of cholera and smallpox leading to the loss of many lives. Years later, Las Piñas also became a central battleground between Spanish and Philippine forces during the Philippine Revolution.
MUNICIPALITY OF PATEROS
🌏Pateros, officially the Municipality of Pateros, is the lone municipality of Metro Manila, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 65,227 people.
🌏The Philippine municipality of Pateros experiences two distinct seasons in its tropical climate: the wet season, which runs from June to November and is affected by the southwest monsoon, and the dry season, which runs from December to May and features warmer temperatures and less rainfall. However, a number of variables, including urbanization, the heat island effect, local topographical features, and climate change, can cause long-term changes in climate patterns. Consult your local environmental authority or meteorological services for precise climatic information. They can offer detailed information and insights.
🌏This municipality is famous for its duck-raising industry and especially for producing balut, a Filipino delicacy, which is a boiled, fertilized duck egg. Pateros is also known for the production of red salty eggs and "inutak", a local rice cake. Moreover, the town is known for manufacturing of "alfombra", a locally-made footwear with a carpet-like fabric on its top surface. Pateros is bordered by the highly urbanized cities of Pasig to the north, and by Taguig to the east, west and south.