NCR -- the National Capital Region. (also called Metro Manila) The region is comprised of 10 cities and 7 municipalities. The 10 cities -- Manila, Pasay, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasig, Quezon, Las PInas, Kalookan, and Marikina. The 7 municipalities -- Navotas, Malabon, San Juan, Paranaque, Taguig, Pateros, and Valenzuela.

    The land area of Metro Manila is 636 square kilometers. To the north of NCR is Bulacan; to its east, Rizal; Cavite and Laguna to its south; and Look ng Maynila to its west.

    It is in the region that technology is progressing fast. This is because Metro Manila is the center for commerce and trade. The products of other regions are brought here for trade, as well as imported goods. The largest and most modern airport and seaport in the country can be found here.

    Aside from being the center of trade, it is also the center of government and education.

See the nation's capital :

Malacanang Palace --located in the city of Manila. It used to house the incumbent first family, until former president Corazon Aquino opened it to the public. The Office of the President of the Philippines is still here. 

Intramuros --located in the city of Manila. The Spaniards built a fortress-like walled city for protection from the insurgent natives.

Luneta Park -- located in city of Manila . It was known in the 1800's as Bagumbayan---where the national hero,Jose Rizal, was executed.

museums :

National Museum -- a repository of Philippine history, art and artifacts including scientific, geological and natural exhibits.

Ayala Museum -- exhibits colorful dioramas highlighting significant events in Philippine history.

Metropolitan Museum of Manila -- displays works of the masters as well as those of the contemporary artists from the Philippine and international art scene.

Contemporary Art Museum of the Philippines -- located at the Cultural Center Complex,   has galleries and hallways displaying samples of modern Philippine art.

where to stay :

   Manila offers an extremely wide range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Top of the scale are hotels affiliated with internationally famous chains such as Sheraton, Shangri-La, Mandarin, Westin, Century Park, Peninsula and Hyatt. Not to be missed is the country's very own and equally world-famous Manila Hotel. Aside from such modern palaces of luxury, there are score of smaller but quite comfortable hotels, as well as cozy family-run inns, pension houses and lodges for the frugal traveler.

dining :

     Excellent eateries line Metro Manila's restaurant rows: Makati Avenue in Makati, Tomas Morato in Quezon City, and Remedios Circle in Malate. Ayala Center in Makati and Ortigas Center in Pasig boast of the city's newestfine dining attractions. Metro Manila's restaurants serve not only the traditional Filipino fare but also international cuisines such as Chinese, Korean, American, Spanish, Vietnamese, Japanese, German, French, as well as every kind of fastfood from hamburgers to pizza. Service is almost always friendly and prices are among the most reasonable in Asia.

night life :

   The wide range of evening entertainment and the reasonable cost of a night out in the city make Metro Manila a favorite with Asian nightowls. From jazz bars to discos to the inceasingly popular karaoke lounges. Manila after dark is abustling venue for Asia's greatest entertainers. Bands, singers, and musicians dish out a wide repertoire of favorite from romantic tunes to rock, jazz and soul. There are dozens of high-tech discos, as well as cozy cafes, bistros and music lounges in Malate, Makati, Greenhills, Ortigas Center and Quezon City.

sports :

   Outdoor sports and leisure activities abound in Metro Manila's balmy tropical setting. The city has long been renowned as the golf capital of Asia, and no less than ten golfing greens offer challenging courses for both  guests and club members alike. Green fees and caddy fees are relatively low by international standards. Country clubs offer  swimming facilities as well as basketball and tennis courts. Billiard halls and bowling lanes abound in the city's entertainment centers. Some malls also have ice rinks for ice-skaters and hockey players.