Manila is a truly wonderful city. Its opulent culture and traditions are unique in the country. Acquiring a condo for sale in Manila will be one of the best choices you’ll make. A place which held so many events in time and rich history, Manila can be named as the Philippine’s city of wonders. If you plan on living in Manila, it’s good to know a bit about its history, what you can do in the city and the advantages of living here. Read more about it below:

The History of Manila

During the late 16th century, Manila was known as a Muslim settlement whose leader charged customs duties on all forms of commerce that passed up the river of Pasig. It was one of the earliest forms of business known in Manila. These ports welcomed various kinds of trade from the Chinese, Japanese, and Malays. Eventually making the Philippines into a melting pot of exotic trade items. 

Colonization of the Spanish
In 1571, the Spanish navigator and governor, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, led a group of conquistadors who entered the mouth of the Pasig River. They destroyed the Muslim settlement and established the walled city as their own fortress. This was the birth of Intramuros. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi also became the first Spanish governor-general of the Philippines. 

With the establishment of Intramuros, Manila became the capital of the Spanish colony. The newly founded Spanish settlement was formidable. Outside the city walls stood numerous groups of local villages and tribes, all of which were led by a chieftain and were centered on a marketplace.

From then on Manila was an established and recognized city of the Philippines under Spanish rule. But over the course of history, Manila was colonized by many other countries. There are only a few cities in the world that have such a long history of colonization. Manila was occupied and threatened by other foreign powers. 

Colonization of the Chinese
Shortly after Manila’s baptism, Chinese pirate Limahong attempted to invade Manila and nearly succeeded. It was known as the 1574 Battle of Manila. A year after their defeat, the Viceroy of Fukien travelled to the Philippines in order to secure Limahong’s release. This peaceful visit was a great part in establishing diplomatic relations between the Chinese and the Spanish colonized Philippines. 

Colonization of the British
During the Seven Years War, in 1762, Manila was infiltrated and held by the British. They wanted to control Manila’s ideal location as a foreign trading hub. The Spanish were unable to successfully go against the fully armored British soldiers that outnumbered them. But a year later, the Treaty of Paris passed and Manila was restored to Spain’s rule. 

Foreign trade was opened to the gates of Manila in 1832, this further roused commerce. When the Suez Canal opened in 1869, trade began to stimulate even more. After a few years, Manila was able to trade with larger countries such as the United States of America.

Colonization of the Americans
In the 1890s, the Filipino people started to take a stand against the Spaniards. Manila then became a center of anti-Spanish sentiment. In December 1896, Jose Rizal, Philippines’ national hero and a key member of an anti-Spanish propaganda movement, was executed. His execution sparked a year-long insurrection.

Things then took a turn for the worst for the Spanish colonizers during the Spanish-American War. The Spanish fleet suffered defeat at the hands of the Americans on May 1, 1898. On August 13, 1898, Manila submitted to the American forces. After which, it became the headquarters for the U.S. administration of the Philippines.

Under the rule of America, Manila had experienced rapid economic improvement and increased social growth. Many public schools were established throughout Manila and the entire archipelago. An American policy encouraged a gradual political economy for the Filipino people and more attention was given towards investing in education. Manila progressed into a more major trading center in the country.

Colonization of the Japanese
During the beginning of World War II, Manila became an open city but was occupied by Japanese forces in January 1942. The city of Manila suffered minor damages during the Japanese occupation. 

It was when U.S. forces fought to recapture Manila that the city was leveled to the ground. Most parts of the city have become a ruin. While the city was being rebuilt, the Americans started the process of creating an independent Republic of the Philippines.

The Creation of the Republic of the Philippines
In 1946, Manila city became the capital of the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Following the Independence of the Philippines, Manila was rebuilt with the aid of the U.S. Though the new image of Manila bared the appearance of American industrialization. 

A change in the country’s capital from Manila to the suburban Quezon city happened in 1948, but Manila became the capital of the country once again, in 1976. Manila became the permanent seat of the national government. In the late 20th century, Metropolitan Manila experienced rapid social and economic growth. This aided the country into becoming a major economic center in the Pacific region of the world. 

Manila in the Present
Today, the country’s progression continues to rise and the city of Manila still stands tall as one of the best cities in the country. Manila has been through a slew of enduring events and has made it one of the most interesting cities in the world. 

As Manila was under the rule of a number of colonizers over the years, some of its underlying effects survive until today. The reign of the Spanish lives on through Spanish-type buildings still standing amongst modern infrastructure. Philippine-Chinese business relations remain strong as Chinese companies are investing in the development of Philippine industries. And the cultural effect of the United States can still be seen in our educational system, which they established during their rule.

Business is booming in the city of Manila, from condos for sale to the opening of new restaurants and attractions. Though Manila still holds a lot of its traditional structures and cultures, it is not a city which is stuck in the past. Manila is steadily growing in terms of its economy due to its wide acceptance of the latest technologies and its collaboration with foreign companies. 

Living in the great city of Manila, whether it is a condo for sale or a house and lot, would be a great decision as you’ll get the chance to immerse yourself in the wonderful and surprising modern cultures of the city. Good food, great attractions, and dozens of opportunities lie before you in Manila.

Gastronomic Retreat

Intramuros
If you’ve recently acquired a condo for sale in Manila and you’re looking for a great place to satisfy your gastronomic desires, Intramuros is the area you should visit. Restaurants such as Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, Ilustrado Restaurant, Ristorante Delle Mitre, 9 Spoon and the Sky Deck of the BayLeaf Hotel. All of which are perfect places to eat if you want to truly experience Intramuros at its finest.

These restaurants offer a great atmosphere and authentic Filipino and Filipino-Spanish food. Simply walking within the walled city gives you an ambiance and the feel of living back in the Spanish colonial era of the Philippines. The guards still wear the classic Guardia Civil uniform. Some parts of the road are still clad with cobblestones, and many structures still take on the influence of the Spanish-Filipino colonial era.

Binondo
Binondo is known as the world’s oldest Chinatown. Its origin dates all the way back to 1594 when Chinese immigrants inhabited the city of Manila. Binondo isn’t just a place of rich Chinese-Filipino culture. It’s also one of the Philippine’s greatest culinary treasures. The busy and buzzing streets of Binondo will take you on a mouth-watering trip with its great restaurants and amazing dishes.

If you want to experience authentic Chinese food in the Philippines, there’s no better place to go than Binondo. Among the best restaurants in the area are Yingying’s Tea House, Quik Snack, Wai Ying Fast Food, Tasty Dumplings, and Sincerity. Everything on their menu is a must-try. If you just bought a condo for sale in Manila, one of the first places you should visit to grab grub is Binondo.

Manila Bay
If you have just recently moved into your condo for sale in Manila and you want to venture out and experience the city, you can take a quick stroll along Manila Bay and enjoy the breeze and view of the bay in restaurants that reside just along the area. It’s one of the best places to enjoy with your family, loved ones, or on your own. It’s a great place to unwind and simply relax.

Among the best places to dine close to the bay are Café Ilang-Ilang, Harbor View Restaurant, Happy Nana Restaurant, Yurakuen Japanese Restaurant, and of course, a local favorite of many, Aristocrat.

Malate
There’s no better place to experience the best nightlife in Manila than in Malate. You can enjoy the great bars, sumptuous street food, and stunning restaurants in the area. Most of the bars in the area all serve similar drinks and food. It’s a great place to spend time with your friends and enjoy the night.

In Malate, you can dine in places such as Café Adriatico Premier, Ang Bistro Sa Remedios, Silya, and Purple Yam to satisfy your Filipino food cravings. But out on the street, you’ll be enthralled with the number of street food vendors and the wonderful flavors of their products.

Wonderful Attractions and Places

Ocean Park
Fascinated with marine life? Have you recently moved into your condo in Manila for sale? Then you’ll be glad to know that Manila Ocean Park has one of the most fascinating aquariums in Asia. You can even experience the fish spa, which is one of their most famed attractions. Here, little doctor fish will eat dead skin and calluses on your feet.

You can bask in the wonderful sights of the marine life they care for. It’s amazing to know that Manila Ocean Park is also a sanctuary for marine animals. But one section of Manila Ocean Park that captivates visitors is the Jellyfish exhibit. Just watching the different varieties of jellyfish move around in their colorfully lit aquariums is a wonder to behold.

Rizal Park
If you have a thing for historical locations and want to pay homage to Filipino national heroes, Rizal Park would be a great place to go to. It was formerly known as Luneta Park until its name was changed to Rizal Park in the 1950s. 

Around 60 hectares of open lawn, wonderful flora, and monuments dedicated to a whole pantheon of Filipino heroes, the atmosphere of the place is unique. This is the place where Jose Rizal was executed; you’ll find his monument, fronted by a flagpole which is closely guarded. That’s because the said national hero’s remains lie beneath his monument.

San Agustin Church
If you’re the religious type or one who seeks joy in visiting old churches, the San Agustin Church in Manila is a place you should visit. It is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines and was the only building left standing after the chaos that occurred in Intramuros during World War II.

Manila has been able to thrive due to the rich history of the area. Amidst the hustle and bustle of this exciting and thriving city are charming pockets of serenity. Live amidst the combination of nature and modernity at Filinvest’s Maui Oasis.

Filinvest’s Maui Oasis as the Perfect Haven for Young Professionals

Manila’s growing economy and a multitude of business opportunities make for the perfect place for young entrepreneurs and businessmen to reside in. They can learn from many other thriving businesses in the area. Manila is a highly populated city, which increases your chances of finding customers, business partners, and clients. 

It’s also one of the places where simple businesses such as small restaurants, barbershops, and general merchandise kiosks thrive. If you want to know the ropes about starting a business, it’s best to start in a city such as Manila. Luckily, there’s a wonderful and serene residential area from Aspire by Filinvest called Maui Oasis. It’s close to many landmarks around Sta. Mesa, Manila such as public transportation, restaurants, churches, and schools. This is one of the best condos for sale in Manila.

Advantages of Living in a Condo For Sale in Manila from Aspire by Filinvest

Living in a city of rich heritage, growing economy, and wonderful attractions can be further enhanced by living in a tranquil and serene location such as the Maui Oasis in Sta. Mesa. You’ll be surrounded by tradition and culture with easy access to a number of amenities. Aspire by Filinvest ensures that you are living with the utmost comfort and convenience. Click here to find out more about Aspire by Filinvest’s projects and properties!