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History of Manila takes one back before the Christian era and the archeologists
date it around 500 B.C. The ancient history of Manila can be well understood from
the displays at the National Museum and the Ayala Museum. Thus the Filipino culture
is old and has been influenced by other cultures in history. Manila got its name
from maynilad that means, there is nilad (nilad- a white flowered mangrove plant).
The increase of trade and commerce in the middle ages had led to Muslim settlements
in Manila. The History of Manila also reveals that that Manilians had their-
own system of govt. and writing.
It was in 1571 that the medieval history of Manila took a turn with the invasion
by the Spaniards with the changing scenario in the south Asia. The Spanish invaders
led by Miguel Lopez defeated Raja Sulayman. This historical event in Manila
was to leave a lasting impact on the culture and life of the people of Manila.
With the founding of the now popular tourist attraction Intramuros in 1571 where
the Spanish would settle one finds that the population embraced Christianity
en masse. The local populace also adopted the ruler's language, dress, way of
life or in other words their culture. This unique mix of culture is now reflected
in the numerous monuments that dot Manila's landscape.
There was also a brief rule of the British between 1762- 1764 due to the seven
years was between the French and British. The Indian soldiers who came with
the British, one finds that some of them settles in the Cainta and now reflects
in the culture of the Cainta residents.
History of Manila also reveals the revolts and skirmishes that would affect
the future of Manila. The Spanish rule came to an end in 1898 as a result of
the revolution fostered by the Dr. Jose Rizal and the extremism of Andres Bonifacio.
Rizal was executed in the now Rizal Park and the Rizal Shrine in the Fort Santiago
are other attractions in the city. On the other hand the Monumento in Kalookan
City honors Bonifacio.
But the change of events in the world scenario made America conquer the new
nation of Manila and the treaty between the U.S and Spain led to the acquisition
of Philippines. The subsequent years under the new masters are also referred
as Manila's 40 years in Hollywood. During this period one finds cultural infusion
yet again like the introduction of the English language, new infrastructure
and others. Now the populace embraced the western way of life and that is reflected
in the dress, medium of entertainment and the architecture.
But History of Manila also reminds one of the horrors of the World War II when
the Japanese forces brought about havoc on the land of Manila. The country gained
independence in 4th July 1946 and one finds the quick recovery as the economy
flourished thereby making Philippines the second richest nation in Asia.
But in 1972 the turn of events Ferdinand Marcos imposed the marital law and
the next 20 years marks the dark phase in the modern history of Manila. In 1986
there was another revolution without bloodshed that saw the end of dictatorship.
The unique culture of Manila and the growing economy make Manila one of the
important cities in East Asia.
AsiaRooms provides information about History of Manila and for further information
check the other web links of AsiaRooms.
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