Metro Manila, otherwise known as the Philippines’ National Capital Region (NCR), is the country’s largest metropolitan area and home to the nation’s seat of power and commerce. Made up of 16 urbanized cities, the metropolis is the center of the country’s culture, education, and government, significantly impacting finance, commerce, media, technology, research, and education.
Within this region lies emerging or growing cities with significant potential for job creation, efficient land use, and a healthy workforce. Moreover, these cities have good urban development and visionary leaders and serve as gateways to domestic and international destinations.
This article presents the four emerging cities in Metro Manila that offer the best of the country’s metropolitan offerings.
Here are the Philippines’ top four growing and emerging cities:
Manila City
Manila is the country’s capital and is the epicenter of culture, social, economic, and education. It has a long and varied history, with points of interest being the famous walled and fortified city of Intramuros, the National Museum of the Philippines, and the Malacanang Palace (the official residence and office of the President).
Also known as the most densely populated city proper in the world, Manila is the jumping-off point to the rest of the country, accessible by all types of transportation, from planes to boats to buses, allowing for easy movement within and outside the city.
Quezon City
Quezon City was the Philippines’ former capital from 1938 until 1976 when the capital was changed to Manila. It’s no surprise, however, that some of the country’s government offices are found here, such as the office of the Vice President and the seat of the House of Representatives.
Its other claim to fame is being nicknamed “The City of the Stars” since it’s considered the entertainment capital of the Philippines. It is home to several multimedia networks, where most of the country’s popular TV shows and films are produced. Other points of interest in this city include being the home of the country’s top 2 universities (Ateneo and University of the Philippines), the Quezon City Memorial Circle, and the People Power Monument, one of the most historical sites in the Philippines commemorating the peaceful revolution of 1986.
Pasay City
Our third emerging city is Pasay, which has an interesting backstory to its name. During 1175, it is believed that the land area of modern-day Pasay, as well as Baclaran and nearby areas, belonged to a princess called “Dayang-Dayang Pasay,” and thus, the name.
Ancient backstory aside, Pasay has a long list of shopping destinations, cultural adventures, and incredible nightlife. Aside from these modern offerings, the city is also home to several government offices, such as the Coconut Palace (one of the residences and offices of the Vice President), the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Senate offices, the World Trade Center Manila, and the majority of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is also found here.
Makati City
Dubbed the “financial hub” of the Philippines, Makati is known for its modern skyscrapers and contemporary architecture. Also known as one of the top central business districts of the Philippines, the modern buildings in Makati serve as headquarters to some of the top local companies and several multinational companies that call the city home.
Though Makati is more of a corporate haven favored by the country’s sizable expatriate community, it’s still a city that prioritizes Philippine art and heritage. It is home to the famed Ayala Museum and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
To cater to its diverse and multicultural lifestyle, Makati City boasts of premier shopping with malls such as Greenbelt and Rockwell Center and hosts some of the country’s most exquisite dining options.
Related article: Top 5 Biggest Shopping Malls Around Metro Manila
Overall, the Metro Manila is where you can find some of the country’s most celebrated historical sites, financial centers, entertainment hubs, top-tier education, shopping, and so much more.
The emerging and growing cities of Manila, Quezon City, Pasay City, and Makati City are more than just metropolitans that feature contemporary and historical offerings; they have some of the most significant impacts on the country’s overall economic and political position.
Whether you would like to visit for pleasure or business, these four emerging and growing cities in the Philippines’ capital region will give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy and discover, but also to learn, network, and grow.
If you want to know more about the trendiest places in the Metro, be sure to check out this page.
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Featured Image by Rey Melvin Caraan via Unsplash
