EVERY June 24, Manila, the capital of the Philippines, celebrates its founding anniversary. It is a day when Manila residents participate in various activities that highlight the city’s heritage and beauty, to go with the efforts of numerous individuals who made the city’s accomplishments possible.
This year is no different, as Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah Honrado “Honey” Lacuna–Pangan, or Honey Lacuna, prepared a festive line-up for Manilans to enjoy — a day specially curated for their beloved city’s legacy.
Lacuna announced the line-up last May 25, which included activities like a clean-up drive, tree planting, a film festival, a mass wedding, awarding, and more. The schedule began last June 15, Thursday, and culminates this Saturday with a Civil and Military Parade in Moriones, Tondo, and Grand Copa De Manila in Malvar, Batangas.
In nearly every activity, Lacuna was present to lead her fellow Manilans to inspire camaraderie and patriotism for the city
Araw ng Maynila 2023’s week-long celebration and turnout are a testament to how its leaders and residents respect the city’s eventful history, relevance in the country, and continuing vibrant culture.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared June 24 a special non-working day in Manila to mark its 452nd founding anniversary, which Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed on behalf of the Chief Executive.
“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Manila be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” the proclamation said.
Looking back
Before the high-rise buildings and modern tourist attractions Manila is known for today, the city was home to historical landmarks and events that defined the city’s identity and relevance to the Philippines. Manila was said to be named after a stalky rice plant with yellow and white flowers called “Nilad,” which grew abundantly in the Southern part of the Pasig River.
However, before colonization turned Manila into the country’s center, earlier civilizations already recognized the city’s potential as a hub for trading and economy.
As early as the 14th century, traders, investors, and seafarers worked in the commerce triangle of Southeast Asia between Canton, Malacca, and Timor.
Manila was–still is–the chief city of Luzon, ruled by three Muslim chieftains, namely Raha Matanda, a grandson of Sultan Bolkiah of Borneo, Raha Sulayman, Raha Matanda’s nephew, and Raha Lakandula of Tondo. But in 1570, Sulayman routed Martin de Goiti’s attack on the city.
By 1571, Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi arrived in Manila and claimed Spanish sovereignty over the area. Legazpi established a municipal council and became Manila’s founding day, which Manilans celebrated for centuries.
On the other hand, historians argue that the date celebrates a Spanish Manila than its original roots. Nonetheless, the event stuck. Manila continued to flourish and became a bustling city that has sparked progressive innovations in many sectors and industries.
Where to go in Manila
It’s no secret that there’s much to see and do in Manila. It’s why Filipinos from across the country often flock to the capital to change their fortunes or find unique experiences within its streets and among the colorful communities. But for tourist destinations, Manila hardly lacks any spots worth visiting.
The historic and scenic Rizal Park or Luneta Park, complete with the iconic Rizal Monument, is a fine place to start. The sprawling greenery of the park is ideal for picnics or scenic walks, with themed sub-gardens providing variety to the scenery. A dancing fountain and open-air stage add a dash of entertainment. Upon reaching the monument, which faces the equally breathtaking sunset proudly, one can’t help but beam with patriotism.
A good thing to note about Rizal Park is its proximity to other destinations that provide insights into Filipino heritage–like The National Museum of the Philippines.
Museums are the ideal locations to visit to better acquaint with the past and witness masterpieces, which is what The National Museum provides to its guests. From early artifacts to biological specimens to modern attractions, there’s much that the museum teaches its guests. It takes people on a well-curated trip down fine arts and anthropology, while combining the elements of the past with contemporary components.
Still on history and culture, another popular tourist site is Fort Santiago, located within the sturdy walls of Intramuros, also known as “The Walled City” during the Spanish era because of its impenetrable exterior that still stands firm today. Various historical relics are strewn throughout Intramuros for tourists – among them Fort Santiago.
Fort Santiago is famous for being the last place where the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, was incarcerated before heading for his execution in Bagumbayan, now known as Luneta. Many structures are still intact, with many repurposed to meet modern demands. While tourists can stroll around the vicinity and look at what used to be prison cells from above, one attraction they shouldn’t miss is a museum dedicated to Jose Rizal.
There, people can see some of the artifacts he used frequently, the masterpieces he created throughout his life, and a recreation of his holding cell.
Meanwhile, a recent addition to Manila’s tourist destination is the Dolomite beach along the famed Manila Bay on Roxas Boulevard. It has become a top spot for those who want to spend a leisurely day watching the Manila Bay sunset and listening to the city go about its business.
Those who want to explore the other communities of Manila can visit Chinatown in Binondo, where they can find some elements of Chinese culture in every corner. Besides the sights and shops, Binondo is a treasure trove filled with culinary gems to satisfy cravings. Whether street food or restaurant-quality dishes, there’s something for everyone in Binondo.
It’s been more than 400 centuries since Manila was founded. Although it commemorates a Spanish Manila than its native community, there’s no denying that much has occurred within the city’s borders that’s always worth celebrating. Araw ng Maynila is also a day to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding Manila residents, who sparked change within their communities.
So here’s to another anniversary for Manila and many more to come.