The Guide

Mapping the Metro: Metro Manila In Online Maps

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The advancement of technology these days has made it possible for us to experience the joys of modern navigation. Gone are the days when we have a map or atlas at hand trying to guess where we are at that moment as many devices today have built-in GPS systems that tell us where we are at. Mapping today has become more powerful as it has gone online, now boosted with features like directional navigation or even 3D views.

This advancement has also led to the rise of a number of online mapping services, which has, unfortunately but inevitably, created a bit more competition and confusion among users. Each service has its own strengths and weaknesses, each having features customers have come to appreciate. It is with this scenario in mind that today, the Urban Roamer will take a look at some of the most popular online mapping services out there, particularly at how they have mapped Metro Manila. Mind you that this does not aim to tell you which is the best, but rather provide an overview of them, as well as my personal impressions. So read on as we will learn about some of them.

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The World Economic Forum in Manila: A Primer

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Manila, and the Philippines in general, will be once again thrust in the world spotlight as the World Economic Forum will hold its East Asia summit this week from May 21-23 in this bustling metropolis.

But for many of us, I suppose there are questions that will be asked about this event like:

– what is this World Economic Forum?

– what is this East Asia summit all about?

– will we get to benefit from this event and how?

So to the best that the Urban Roamer can do, let this piece serve as a little primer about this event with some of the basic information we need to know about it.

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the Metro Manila City/Town Name Guide

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There are questions that are not asked often but never fail to make heads scratch whenever they are asked. One of them being “how did this place get its name?”

Today, we will attempt to answer this question with regards to the origins behind the names of the cities and town (yes, as in one town) that comprise Metropolitan Manila. Some of the information that will be shared here may be of common knowledge to some, but it is still worth knowing. Who knows, you may be asked about in in a game show or something. 😉

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A US President In Manila

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As the Philippines’ capital and seat of government, Manila has seen various heads of state and government who have come here for state or working visits in the country. However, for many Filipinos, there is no greater impact of such visits than that of the President of the United States. Then again, that should come as no surprise given the United States’ position today as  a global superpower and more importantly, the historical ties that existed ever since the Philippines first became an American colony in 1898.

Thus, the high level of anticipation being seen at this time for the upcoming state visit of US President Barack Obama on April 28. It will be a given that the visit will be about strengthening US-PH ties, (something that is being stressed out as of late due to those issues we are having with China over disputed areas in the country) but it will be interesting to find out what else will be on the table when Obama and Philippine President Benigno Aquino III meet. Will we get back the Balangiga Bells?  Will Obama announce new investments in the Philippines? Will Obama get to wear and barong and how will he look with it? On another note, will Obama get to try balut or other Filipino delicacies?

As we await and see what history will be made, if any, from the upcoming Obama state visit, let us look back at the US presidents who came before him who visited Manila in the past through this new edition of the Urban Roamer’s Guide. We will deal here strictly with those who visited the country in their official capacity as President of the United States. Thus, we will not be counting William Howard Taft, (who was here from 1900-1904 as US civil governor before he became president) Ronald Reagan, (governor of California state when he visited here in 1969) George Bush, (who came here in 1981 as US Vice President) and Jimmy Carter. (no longer president when he came here in 1999)

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