Manila, Philippines

One day after the attack on Pearl Harbour on 7th December 1941, Japan began its invasion of the Philippines with a landing on Batan Island, 120 miles north of Luzon. Further main landings followed two days later. The Japanese planned to occupy the Philippines Islands as part of their plan for a "Greater East Asia War".

During the battles that followed; the capital city Manila became one of the most destroyed cities during World War II. Prior to this Manila was thought to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Manila walled city destruction, May 1945

(photo courtesy of US archives)

Also of note during World War II, is the so called Manila Massacre of February 1945, this refers to atrocities allegedly conducted against Filipino civilians in Manila by Japanese troops. Various credible sources put the death toll at about 100,000. During lulls in the battle for control of the city, Japanese troops took out their anger and frustration on the civilians caught in the crossfire. Japanese troops looted, burned, and brutally executed, decapitated and abused women, men and children alike, including priests, Red Cross personnel, prisoners of war and hospital patients.

Slain woman and children in the ruins of Manila

(photo courtesy of US archives)

Today Metro Manila is a polluted, busy and over-crowded city and the home to nearly 11 million people. This modern capital city is considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, it is also suggested that 97% of the total GDP in the Philippines is controlled by 15% of the population, the majority of whom live within gated communities in the Metro Manila area.

Arriving or departing from Manila by air, you will get a good indication where the rest of the "not so fortunate" millions 'survive'.  Metro Manila's primary waterway is the Pasig River, this river passes through the city before draining into Manila Bay. The river is severely polluted from municipal waste, and this is where you will find fragile looking shacks perch all along the river, the home to the "not so fortunate".

Filipinos are often described as jovial, laid back, casual, corrupt and shambolic. This is certainly the case in Manila, more than anywhere else in the country. Manila is certainly a city of the 'haves' and 'have nots', there is no escaping the poverty. As in any big city, crime is a part of life in Manila, with foreigners seen as easy prey by pickpockets and petty criminals.

The Philippines has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: wet and dry. Typhoons, floods and tropical storms are a common occurrence.  Which when it happens, adds yet more misery and confusion to the busy streets of Metro Manila.