| bottom-link"> | | | | most important landmarks in modern Manila. It is |
| | | | the designated residence of the President of the |
| Manila’s Malacanang Palace inherits a rich | | | | Philippines, and has maintained an important status |
| legacy and has been the official residence for | | | | over the years. Formerly the summer home of a |
| many foreign officials and Philippine Presidents. | | | | Spanish nobleman, Malacanang Palace became the |
| Manila, capital of the Philippines is a major | | | | residence of the Spanish Governor-General when |
| metropolis and one of the largest cities in | | | | the previous residence was destroyed by an |
| Southeast Asia. Manila has a successful and | | | | earthquake. It was later selected to be the |
| multifaceted economy which maintains an | | | | residence of the American Governor-General. |
| exceptional rate of growth. Major industries include | | | | President Manuel Quezon was the first local Filipino |
| textiles, clothing, chemicals and electronic goods. | | | | occupant of the Palace, and it has been the official |
| Tourism is also a major source of revenue with a | | | | residence of the successive Presidents of the |
| vast number of foreign visitors arriving yearly. | | | | Philippines. |
| Manila has experienced a colourful and tumultuous | | | | Equivalent to the Oval Office at the White House, |
| history with local powers and European colonizers | | | | the Presidential Study is the official working office |
| controlling the area over the centuries. At the | | | | of the President, and is located on the second |
| time of the Malay monarchy, the site was known | | | | floor of the Palace. Its desk has been used as the |
| as Seludong/ Selurung, and was probably the | | | | official desk since the inception of the |
| capital of the ancient Tondo Empire. The city | | | | Commonwealth of the Philippines, when the desk |
| came under the control of the neighbouring | | | | used by the American Governor-General was |
| Sultanate of Brunei and various Muslim Rajahs in | | | | taken to the United States. |
| the course of time. In later years Manila came | | | | When selecting a hotel in Manila, an ideal choice |
| under the power of Spain, Britain and the United | | | | would be Edsa Shangri-La Manila. This superb |
| States; it was occupied by Japan during World | | | | Manila hotel provides sumptuously appointed |
| War II and subsequently became the capital of | | | | rooms and suites as well as courteous service |
| the independent Philippines. | | | | and offers a panoramic view of the hotel’s |
| The imposing Malacanang Palace is one of the | | | | lush gardens and the city. |