Bus
Around Manila, city buses only display their final destination on the sign board, in the front, which can be a large complex like the NAIA, a street name like Ayala (for Ayala Ave in Makati) or a whole suburb like Quiapo (north of Pasig River). The fare is 75 centavos for the first four km and 25 centavos for every km after that. At the end of Rizal Ave Extension there is a statue of Andres Bonifacio, known as the Monumento, a very popular destination and stop for jeepneys and buses. The air-con Love Buses are very popular in Manila. They are blue with red hearts. They operate on several main routes and charge a flat rate of P 8.50. Have small change at hand as bus drivers usually cannot change large notes. The Escolta-Ayala/Medical Centre bus is a useful one for tourists. The Love Bus goes from the Calle Escolta (Binondo/Santa Cruz) through Ermita (M H del Pilar St) to Makati (the embassies) and the Makati Commercial Centre. It returns through Mabini St. in Ermita. There are no fixed stops on the way. One must not throw the ticket away, as there are frequent inspections.
Train
The Metro Rail LRT (Light Rail Transit) is an overhead railway which runs on concrete pylons several metres high, linking the suburbs of Caloocan City and Pasay City. The line runs from North Terminal (Monumento) in Caloocan City, over Rizal Ave to Central Terminal near the Manila City Hall and on over Taft Ave to South Terminal in Baclaran, Pasay City. The fare is a flat rate of P 3.50, irrespective of the number of stations you travel to. Instead of tickets, one has to buy tokens that open the barriers to the platforms. Smoking, eating and drinking are all forbidden both on the platforms and in the trains. Bulky objects which may cause obstruction is not allowed.
The Metro Rail LRT (Light Rail Transit) is an overhead railway which runs on concrete pylons several metres high, linking the suburbs of Caloocan City and Pasay City. The line runs from North Terminal (Monumento) in Caloocan City, over Rizal Ave to Central Terminal near the Manila City Hall and on over Taft Ave to South Terminal in Baclaran, Pasay City. The fare is a flat rate of P 3.50, irrespective of the number of stations you travel to. Instead of tickets, one has to buy tokens that open the barriers to the platforms. Smoking, eating and drinking are all forbidden both on the platforms and in the trains. Bulky objects which may cause obstruction is not allowed.
Taxi
One must always have some change ready when boarding a taxi in Manila, as there's no guarantee that the driver will have any. The flag-down charge is P 2.50 after which it is P 1 for the first 500 metres and PI for each subsequent 250 metres.
Jeepney
One needs to get to know Manila a bit before one can travel through the city by jeepney without problems. Crowding and the limited view make it hard to see where you are going, so a seat by the driver is desirable. Jeepney routes are fixed. Their main streets and stops are shown on the side of the vehicle and mostly on the windscreen as well. For example, jeepneys with the sign Baclaran, Harrison, Santa Cruz, Rizal, Monumento will go from Baclaran in Pasay City through Harrison St. to Harrison Plaza, then down Mabini St, back down M H del Pilar St—both one-way streets—past the City Hall (Lawton), to the suburb of Santa Cruz, then down Rizal Ave and Rizal Ave Extension to Monumento in Caloocan City.
Jeepneys on the north-south route are almost always marked Baclaran or Libertad to show the southern end of their route, both in Pasay City. The northern end could be Monumento (Caloocan City, at the end of the Rizal Ave Extension); Blumentritt (a street in northern Santa Cruz, by the Chinese Hospital and near the Chinese Cemetery); or Divisoria (the Divisoria Market in the suburb of San Nicolas). Jeepneys in Ermita run along M H del Pilar St and Mabini St (those marked Harrison) or Taft Ave (those marked Taft). Jeepneys whose north-eastern destination is shown as 'Project 2', 'Project 3' or 'Project 4' are going to Cubao, while those marked 'Project 6' and 'Project 8' are heading for Quezon City. The fare is 75 centavos for the first four km; most charge P 1.
Self Driving
Traffic in Manila is chaotic and noisy, especially to someone who is used to fairly strict traffic control. There are few bus stops and these are not always used. Buses and jeepneys stop wherever they see a fare to pick up and then taxis of various companies try to get in ahead of them. Horns and hand signals are used most often, brake lights and blinkers rarely, and traffic-lane markings seem to be thought a waste of paints. However, the Filipinos are used to these conditions and there are few accidents— the battered vehicles usually last longer than their appearance would lead you to believe. If one wants a cheap and pleasant form of inner-city public transport, try the Metro rail.
Tours
For a quick and cheap overview of Manila one can organise something for oneself.
One can travel in the air-con Love Buses going in all possible directions within the city; from M H del Pilar Street in Ermita, past Ayala Museum to the Makati Commercial Centre termenies. There is another Love Bus from the Commercial Centre to Cubao in Quezon City. From the Araneta Centre inCubao one can take another Love Bus upto Quiapo Church, past numerous ministries and offices.There is yet another suggested tour: using a variety of public transport to go through Tondo, Binodo and Chinatown.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Philippines Festivals - Festivals in Philippines
Religion governs most of Singapore's traditional festivals, which are as varied as the multicultural origins of its people. Some festivals are unique to Singapore and Malaysia, while other celebrations, which are also celebrated in Asian countries where they originated, have changed beyond recognition. Most festivals have shed their religious garb to do a secular carnival appearance. The festivals are listed here in the order in which they come depending on the year.
NEW YEAR'S DAY (January)
Most hotels and restaurants and night clubs hold elaborate New Year's Eve dinners with live entertainment. The first of January is a public holiday and offers good opportunity to sleep off the festivities of the night before. The New Year's show produced by the local television is fun too.
PONGAL (January)
The winter harvest festival on Pongal is celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu in India, on the first day of the month of Thai. This festival falls usually around mid-January, marking the end of the rains and the onset of spring. On Bogh the day before Pongal, bonfires are set up and old clothes and old clay cooking pots are burned in it. On the actual day, people wear new clothes and decorate their homes with strings of fresh mango leaves and decorative patterns or kolam on their doorsteps.
The Pongal, (a dish prepared from newly gathered rice cooked with cashew nuts, butter, peas, milk and raisins) is cooked on this day in a new pot over a stove built over a Kolam with a sun sign. The Pongal is allowed to boil over signifying abundance in the forthcoming year. In Singapore, throngs of Tamilians are seen around the Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road.
KITE FESTIVAL (January)
Organised by the Singapore Kite Association it is held annually in January. The
location is not fixed, it varies year to year.
THAI PUSAM (January)
This is a Hindu Festival, celebrated by the Tamils in honour of Lord Subramanium or Murugan. Men wearing huge steel arches orKavadi, adorned with peacock feathers and flowers, and taking part in a number of penintence ceremonies, walk in a procession from the Sri Perumal Temple to the Chettiar Tank Road Temple. Families gather for special meals and it is customary for older people to give money in bright red packets called hongbao to children. The red colour signifies luck for both the giver and the receiver.
Preparations for the festival begin one month in advance. Chinatown shops bear a festive look. Waxed duck, sausages and other seasonal delicacies such as mandarin oranges, potted chrysanthemums, melon seeds and sweets are some of the traditional purchases. Besides the fun and frolic, this is also the time to settle debts and paying of bills and spring cleaning as it is considered bad luck to enter the new year with something hanging over from the old.
CHINESE NEW YEAR (January /February)
This is the most important time in the year and is a two-day public holiday. Origin of this festival dates back to a legend about a village where the mysterious disappearance of people became a cause for serious concern. It was believed that these disappearance were connected with a monster whose movements were dictated by the lunar cycles. Houses were lit up and various objects painted red were hung outside the house to ward off the monster. According to the legend this trick worked and no-one disappeared. The villagers celebrated and prayed and this practice continues to date.
The Chinese New Year is mainly a family reunion occasion. The two-day holiday culminates with iheChingay parade which takes place at Orchand Road. This is a spectacular parade which includes, a vintage car procession, Malay, Indian, Filipino and Morris dancesH nursery rhymes and cartoon characters in choreographed movements, demonstrations by German shepherd dogs, stilt walkers, lion and dragon dancers, flag-dancers, acrobats and a flotilla of decorated floats wending its way through the city.
This parade is held on the first Sunday after the Chinese New Year's Day.
MONKEY GOD'S FEAST
A huge rock atop the Huo Guoshan mountain, is believed to have given birth to a stone, which the wind transformed into a stone monkey. This monkey is believed to have come to life and eventually became the king of monkeys. The Monkey God is renowned for his bravery in protecting his master, a pilgrim monk, sent by the Tang dynasty emperor to collect Buddhist sutras from India. The feast of the Monkey God who is believed to assume 72 different forms and to cure the sick is held twice a year at the Monkey God Temple in Eng Hoon Street near SengPoh Market Later there is a dramatic procession of people who slash themselves, as if possessed, with blades and distribute paper charms.
QING MING (April)
It is the Chinese equivalent of All Soul's Day, celebrated by the filial in honour of their ancestors. It is a family event, where the entire family visits the cemetery, cleans the ancestral graves, and offers food and joss sticks at the graveside.
SONGKRAN (April)
This Thai festival celebrated around 13th-15th April, involves bathing of religious icons and having a good time throwing water at each other.In Singapore this Thai New Year festival has been adopted by the Big Splash Aquatic Sports Complex located at East Coast Park.
BIRTHDAY OF THE THIRD PRINCE (April)
Nezha's birthday is celebrated on the eighth and ninth of the fourth moon. This child deity, depicted to be bearing a magic bracelet and sword with wind and fire wheels at his feet, has a temple dedicated to him near the junction of Clarke street and North Boat Quay.
Legend recounts that, before he was born, Nezha's mother had a premonition that she would bear the son of a unicorn. The third prince grew to be 6 ft. tall at the age of seven itself. It is believed that he accidently killed the Dragon King's son, and in order to save his parents from the wrath of the king, he gave himself up to him, and stripped his flesh to bone in penitence. However, the Dragon King recreated him from the leaves of the lotus and the stalks of the water lily, taught him martial arts and equipped him with the wheels of wind and fire.
RAMADAN (April)
The fasting month of Ramadan is also the feasting month. Muslims abstain from food and drink between dawn and dusk throughout the month. Stalls are set up near mosques around Bussorah street near the Sultan Mosque, to sell cooked food for breaking of the fast. These provide an excellent opportunity to try out Malay delicacies. Communal meals of rice porridge called bubur kambul are also offered free at the mosques. This period culminates in theHari Raya.
INDEPENDANCE DAY (12th June)
A national holiday, displaying age old military celebrated with military equipment and regalia, parades and processions.
FEAST OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA (24th June)
In San Juan, Manila, the deeds of the Baptist St John are re-enacted. Water is thrown about at each other and even at passing traffic. The focus of attention on this day is a Suckling Pig Parade.
PAGODASAWAWA (1st Sunday in July)
A river procession carrying the Holy Cross of Wawa in the pagoda boat is the highlight of the festival. The boat travels from around Bocaue, 30 km north of Manila.
PATEROS RIVER FIESTA (29th July)
Pateros, a suburb of Manila, is a centre of duck breeding. The fiesta is in memory of the killing of a legendry crocodile that threatened the existence of the balut (duck) suppliers.
MASSKARA FESTIVAL (19th October)
The largest of the Negro festivals, it is marked by street dances masquarades etc.
UNDAS (ALL SAINT'S DAY) (1st November)
Families get together at the cemetary, offering prayers, candles, flowers and incense
sticks for the peace of their ancestors. It is a national holiday.
BONIFACIO DAY (30th November)
A national holiday in tribute to Filipino war heroes, more specifically Andres Bonifacio, who headed the Katipunam revolutionary movement against the Spanish.
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (8th December)
The whole day long of feasting culminates in a boat procession held at night on the waters of Malabon, northwest of Metro Manila.
SIMBANG GABI (16th-25th December)
Come November, the singing of Christmas carols, commences all over the country, however, officially the Christmas season begins on 16th December. Filipinos go to night masses called simbang gabi, as per traditions.
CHRISTMAS (25th December)
Awaited with great excitement by Christians all over the world, Christmas is more of a family scene festival here. There are elaborate family reunion, dinners and exchanging of gifts.
HOLY INNOCENTS' DAY (28th December)
Some what similar to the April Fool's Day in the west, the Filipinos try to pull a trick on one another on this day.
RIZAL DAY (30th December)
It is a national holiday marked with street parades in honour of Dr Jose Rizal, the national hero, who on this day in 1896 was executed by the Spaniards. National flags are lowered to half mast on this day, as a mark of respect.
NEW YEAR'S DAY (January)
Most hotels and restaurants and night clubs hold elaborate New Year's Eve dinners with live entertainment. The first of January is a public holiday and offers good opportunity to sleep off the festivities of the night before. The New Year's show produced by the local television is fun too.
PONGAL (January)
The winter harvest festival on Pongal is celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu in India, on the first day of the month of Thai. This festival falls usually around mid-January, marking the end of the rains and the onset of spring. On Bogh the day before Pongal, bonfires are set up and old clothes and old clay cooking pots are burned in it. On the actual day, people wear new clothes and decorate their homes with strings of fresh mango leaves and decorative patterns or kolam on their doorsteps.
The Pongal, (a dish prepared from newly gathered rice cooked with cashew nuts, butter, peas, milk and raisins) is cooked on this day in a new pot over a stove built over a Kolam with a sun sign. The Pongal is allowed to boil over signifying abundance in the forthcoming year. In Singapore, throngs of Tamilians are seen around the Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road.
KITE FESTIVAL (January)
Organised by the Singapore Kite Association it is held annually in January. The
location is not fixed, it varies year to year.
THAI PUSAM (January)
This is a Hindu Festival, celebrated by the Tamils in honour of Lord Subramanium or Murugan. Men wearing huge steel arches orKavadi, adorned with peacock feathers and flowers, and taking part in a number of penintence ceremonies, walk in a procession from the Sri Perumal Temple to the Chettiar Tank Road Temple. Families gather for special meals and it is customary for older people to give money in bright red packets called hongbao to children. The red colour signifies luck for both the giver and the receiver.
Preparations for the festival begin one month in advance. Chinatown shops bear a festive look. Waxed duck, sausages and other seasonal delicacies such as mandarin oranges, potted chrysanthemums, melon seeds and sweets are some of the traditional purchases. Besides the fun and frolic, this is also the time to settle debts and paying of bills and spring cleaning as it is considered bad luck to enter the new year with something hanging over from the old.
CHINESE NEW YEAR (January /February)
This is the most important time in the year and is a two-day public holiday. Origin of this festival dates back to a legend about a village where the mysterious disappearance of people became a cause for serious concern. It was believed that these disappearance were connected with a monster whose movements were dictated by the lunar cycles. Houses were lit up and various objects painted red were hung outside the house to ward off the monster. According to the legend this trick worked and no-one disappeared. The villagers celebrated and prayed and this practice continues to date.
The Chinese New Year is mainly a family reunion occasion. The two-day holiday culminates with iheChingay parade which takes place at Orchand Road. This is a spectacular parade which includes, a vintage car procession, Malay, Indian, Filipino and Morris dancesH nursery rhymes and cartoon characters in choreographed movements, demonstrations by German shepherd dogs, stilt walkers, lion and dragon dancers, flag-dancers, acrobats and a flotilla of decorated floats wending its way through the city.
This parade is held on the first Sunday after the Chinese New Year's Day.
MONKEY GOD'S FEAST
A huge rock atop the Huo Guoshan mountain, is believed to have given birth to a stone, which the wind transformed into a stone monkey. This monkey is believed to have come to life and eventually became the king of monkeys. The Monkey God is renowned for his bravery in protecting his master, a pilgrim monk, sent by the Tang dynasty emperor to collect Buddhist sutras from India. The feast of the Monkey God who is believed to assume 72 different forms and to cure the sick is held twice a year at the Monkey God Temple in Eng Hoon Street near SengPoh Market Later there is a dramatic procession of people who slash themselves, as if possessed, with blades and distribute paper charms.
QING MING (April)
It is the Chinese equivalent of All Soul's Day, celebrated by the filial in honour of their ancestors. It is a family event, where the entire family visits the cemetery, cleans the ancestral graves, and offers food and joss sticks at the graveside.
SONGKRAN (April)
This Thai festival celebrated around 13th-15th April, involves bathing of religious icons and having a good time throwing water at each other.In Singapore this Thai New Year festival has been adopted by the Big Splash Aquatic Sports Complex located at East Coast Park.
BIRTHDAY OF THE THIRD PRINCE (April)
Nezha's birthday is celebrated on the eighth and ninth of the fourth moon. This child deity, depicted to be bearing a magic bracelet and sword with wind and fire wheels at his feet, has a temple dedicated to him near the junction of Clarke street and North Boat Quay.
Legend recounts that, before he was born, Nezha's mother had a premonition that she would bear the son of a unicorn. The third prince grew to be 6 ft. tall at the age of seven itself. It is believed that he accidently killed the Dragon King's son, and in order to save his parents from the wrath of the king, he gave himself up to him, and stripped his flesh to bone in penitence. However, the Dragon King recreated him from the leaves of the lotus and the stalks of the water lily, taught him martial arts and equipped him with the wheels of wind and fire.
RAMADAN (April)
The fasting month of Ramadan is also the feasting month. Muslims abstain from food and drink between dawn and dusk throughout the month. Stalls are set up near mosques around Bussorah street near the Sultan Mosque, to sell cooked food for breaking of the fast. These provide an excellent opportunity to try out Malay delicacies. Communal meals of rice porridge called bubur kambul are also offered free at the mosques. This period culminates in theHari Raya.
INDEPENDANCE DAY (12th June)
A national holiday, displaying age old military celebrated with military equipment and regalia, parades and processions.
FEAST OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA (24th June)
In San Juan, Manila, the deeds of the Baptist St John are re-enacted. Water is thrown about at each other and even at passing traffic. The focus of attention on this day is a Suckling Pig Parade.
PAGODASAWAWA (1st Sunday in July)
A river procession carrying the Holy Cross of Wawa in the pagoda boat is the highlight of the festival. The boat travels from around Bocaue, 30 km north of Manila.
PATEROS RIVER FIESTA (29th July)
Pateros, a suburb of Manila, is a centre of duck breeding. The fiesta is in memory of the killing of a legendry crocodile that threatened the existence of the balut (duck) suppliers.
MASSKARA FESTIVAL (19th October)
The largest of the Negro festivals, it is marked by street dances masquarades etc.
UNDAS (ALL SAINT'S DAY) (1st November)
Families get together at the cemetary, offering prayers, candles, flowers and incense
sticks for the peace of their ancestors. It is a national holiday.
BONIFACIO DAY (30th November)
A national holiday in tribute to Filipino war heroes, more specifically Andres Bonifacio, who headed the Katipunam revolutionary movement against the Spanish.
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (8th December)
The whole day long of feasting culminates in a boat procession held at night on the waters of Malabon, northwest of Metro Manila.
SIMBANG GABI (16th-25th December)
Come November, the singing of Christmas carols, commences all over the country, however, officially the Christmas season begins on 16th December. Filipinos go to night masses called simbang gabi, as per traditions.
CHRISTMAS (25th December)
Awaited with great excitement by Christians all over the world, Christmas is more of a family scene festival here. There are elaborate family reunion, dinners and exchanging of gifts.
HOLY INNOCENTS' DAY (28th December)
Some what similar to the April Fool's Day in the west, the Filipinos try to pull a trick on one another on this day.
RIZAL DAY (30th December)
It is a national holiday marked with street parades in honour of Dr Jose Rizal, the national hero, who on this day in 1896 was executed by the Spaniards. National flags are lowered to half mast on this day, as a mark of respect.
History Of Singapore (7th-14th Century)
The Vietnamese historical anfe Sach-ma-tich belonging to the 14th century, offer documentary proof of Temasek, the ancient name for Singapore. The ancient settlement is also mentioned in a Javanese court poem.
Temasek or Sea Town was the focal point of the ancient Hindu Empire of Sri Vijayan. By the 13th century it became one of the empire's three kingdoms. Legend recounts that it was named Singa Pura or Lion City when a visiting prince, Sang Nila Utama, saw a lion (probably a native tiger). Meanwhile, the empires of Java and Siam struggled for regional dominance with the Chinese fleet under Admiral "Cheng Ho. Through the next few centuries the Dutch, the Portuguese and the British sailed past with no interest in this area. Later in 1811, Malays from Johore led by the local chief called temenggong, settled at the mouth of the Singapore River.
Coming of the British
The British East India Company by this time felt the need of a south-east Asian trading post. Thus the small fishing village of Singapore with its natural harbour and strategic location was considered an ideal site. When Raffles first arrived, the Sultan recognised by the Dutch, held court at Linga. This, however, did not stop Raffles who made a deal with the temenggong or Sealord and installed the Sultan's elder brother, Hussein, a rival claimant to the throne. Despite the protest of the Dutch, Raffles went ahead and signed an agreement with the temenggong and the newly created Sultan Hussein on 6th February 1819, under which the East India Company was allowed to set-up a trading station in Singapore. The temenggong looked on the arrival of the English as a chance to revive his own empire under their protection. Unhappily for him, his aspirations were not shared by the colonisers. His expenditure was much more than his resources, thus in effect, he signed away to the East India Company all rights to Singapore and islands within ten miles of its shores. Although Raffles spent only nine months in Singapore, he laid the principles for the city's development as a free port, and by 1824, the population had risen to 10,000, with many immigrants, such as the Chinese and Malay from Riau and Malacca, the Balinese, Bugis and the Javanese. Indians were among the first immigrants to the new settlements. They arrived with Raffles and settled here.
Raffles died in 1826, the year Singapore became part of the Straits settlement, together with the older settled area of Penang and Malacca. By 1832, Singapore became the centre of government for the straits settlements. In 1869, the advent of the steamship and opening of the Suez Canal, allowed Singapore to make the most' of its strategic position and natural harbour. Meanwhile, the stream of Chinese immigrants to Singapore continued.
The War & Its Aftermath
Despite its so called impregnability, Singapore fell to the Japanese on 15th of February 1942, the eve of the Chinese New Year. Thus the myth of western colonial power was shattered. The Japanese occupation lasted until September 1945. During this period Singapore faced a reign of terror under the Kempeita or secret police of the Japanese.
With the surrender of the Japanese to the Allied forces on 21st August 1945, once again Britain ruled Singapore. It became a separate Crown Colony on 1st April 1946, under a British Governor. The gradual growth of national identity finally led to self-government in 1959, headed byLeeKuan Yew, a Cambridge educated lawyer. He became the country's first prime minister. In the year 1963, Singapore merged into a new federation of Malaysia with its northern neighbour Malaya and the states of Sabah and Sarawak. But Singapore's involvement was short-lived and in 1965 it became an independent republic.
On Its Own
Singapore started afresh and was on its own on 9th August 1965. It then began to relentlessly pursue the goal of tackling severe unemployment, housing problem and to provide basic education to the whole population. In the years since independance the Republic has undergone rapid growth astonishingly. Today its airport is voted as the best in the world. It is one of the world's major oil refining and distribution centres, a major supplier of electronic components and Asias most important centre for tourism, trade and finance.
Temasek or Sea Town was the focal point of the ancient Hindu Empire of Sri Vijayan. By the 13th century it became one of the empire's three kingdoms. Legend recounts that it was named Singa Pura or Lion City when a visiting prince, Sang Nila Utama, saw a lion (probably a native tiger). Meanwhile, the empires of Java and Siam struggled for regional dominance with the Chinese fleet under Admiral "Cheng Ho. Through the next few centuries the Dutch, the Portuguese and the British sailed past with no interest in this area. Later in 1811, Malays from Johore led by the local chief called temenggong, settled at the mouth of the Singapore River.
Coming of the British
The British East India Company by this time felt the need of a south-east Asian trading post. Thus the small fishing village of Singapore with its natural harbour and strategic location was considered an ideal site. When Raffles first arrived, the Sultan recognised by the Dutch, held court at Linga. This, however, did not stop Raffles who made a deal with the temenggong or Sealord and installed the Sultan's elder brother, Hussein, a rival claimant to the throne. Despite the protest of the Dutch, Raffles went ahead and signed an agreement with the temenggong and the newly created Sultan Hussein on 6th February 1819, under which the East India Company was allowed to set-up a trading station in Singapore. The temenggong looked on the arrival of the English as a chance to revive his own empire under their protection. Unhappily for him, his aspirations were not shared by the colonisers. His expenditure was much more than his resources, thus in effect, he signed away to the East India Company all rights to Singapore and islands within ten miles of its shores. Although Raffles spent only nine months in Singapore, he laid the principles for the city's development as a free port, and by 1824, the population had risen to 10,000, with many immigrants, such as the Chinese and Malay from Riau and Malacca, the Balinese, Bugis and the Javanese. Indians were among the first immigrants to the new settlements. They arrived with Raffles and settled here.
Raffles died in 1826, the year Singapore became part of the Straits settlement, together with the older settled area of Penang and Malacca. By 1832, Singapore became the centre of government for the straits settlements. In 1869, the advent of the steamship and opening of the Suez Canal, allowed Singapore to make the most' of its strategic position and natural harbour. Meanwhile, the stream of Chinese immigrants to Singapore continued.
The War & Its Aftermath
Despite its so called impregnability, Singapore fell to the Japanese on 15th of February 1942, the eve of the Chinese New Year. Thus the myth of western colonial power was shattered. The Japanese occupation lasted until September 1945. During this period Singapore faced a reign of terror under the Kempeita or secret police of the Japanese.
With the surrender of the Japanese to the Allied forces on 21st August 1945, once again Britain ruled Singapore. It became a separate Crown Colony on 1st April 1946, under a British Governor. The gradual growth of national identity finally led to self-government in 1959, headed byLeeKuan Yew, a Cambridge educated lawyer. He became the country's first prime minister. In the year 1963, Singapore merged into a new federation of Malaysia with its northern neighbour Malaya and the states of Sabah and Sarawak. But Singapore's involvement was short-lived and in 1965 it became an independent republic.
On Its Own
Singapore started afresh and was on its own on 9th August 1965. It then began to relentlessly pursue the goal of tackling severe unemployment, housing problem and to provide basic education to the whole population. In the years since independance the Republic has undergone rapid growth astonishingly. Today its airport is voted as the best in the world. It is one of the world's major oil refining and distribution centres, a major supplier of electronic components and Asias most important centre for tourism, trade and finance.
Language And Religion Of Manila
Immigration of alien people and the structure of the country i.e. an archipelago of 7107 islands, have resulted in a multiplicity of languages, linguistic groups and hence spoken dialects. Today about 80 significantly different dialects are spoken.
Broadly speaking there are 11 cultural and racial groups each with its own language. The major linguistic group is Tagalog, on which is based te national language, Filipino. Other prominent ones are Ilocano, Cebuano, Hiligay-non, Bicolano, Waray, Pam-pango and Pangasinese.
English is widely used in government offices and private business and is also taught in schools. Spanish, Arabic and Chinese are spoken by a minority of the population.
With over 90% of its population claiming to be Christians, Philippines is the only Christian country in Asia. Muslims constituting a majority of the minority religious groups make up for 8% and are concentrated around the islands of Mindanao and Sulu.
More than 80% of the Christians are Roman Catholics. However, about 4% of the Filipinos belong to the Philippine Independant Church, founded by Gregorio Agliplay. The Protestants i.e. the Iglesia ni Kristo community are about 4% while the Baptists, Methodist, Mormons, Jehovah's, etc. constitute another 2%.
There is no marked wet or dry season, as rain falls throughout the year. The showers are brief, heavy and refreshing. However, owing to the north-east monsoon, there is more rain from November to January than the rest of the year.
Broadly speaking there are 11 cultural and racial groups each with its own language. The major linguistic group is Tagalog, on which is based te national language, Filipino. Other prominent ones are Ilocano, Cebuano, Hiligay-non, Bicolano, Waray, Pam-pango and Pangasinese.
English is widely used in government offices and private business and is also taught in schools. Spanish, Arabic and Chinese are spoken by a minority of the population.
With over 90% of its population claiming to be Christians, Philippines is the only Christian country in Asia. Muslims constituting a majority of the minority religious groups make up for 8% and are concentrated around the islands of Mindanao and Sulu.
More than 80% of the Christians are Roman Catholics. However, about 4% of the Filipinos belong to the Philippine Independant Church, founded by Gregorio Agliplay. The Protestants i.e. the Iglesia ni Kristo community are about 4% while the Baptists, Methodist, Mormons, Jehovah's, etc. constitute another 2%.
There is no marked wet or dry season, as rain falls throughout the year. The showers are brief, heavy and refreshing. However, owing to the north-east monsoon, there is more rain from November to January than the rest of the year.
People Of Manila
Today there are about 63 million Filipinos of which 2 million live in Manila, but including the suburbs such as Quezon, Caloucan and Pasay, the population of Metro Manila is o/er 8 million. The Filipinos are basically of Malayan descent with Chinese and Spanish ancesteries. Some 60 odd minority groups collectively comprise 12% of the total population. Most of these ethnological groups are distributed around North Luzon, Mindoro and Western Mindanao and Sulu Islands. Phillippines is a young nation, 53% of its population are under 20 years of age, while those above 65 years constitute only 7%.
Manila - A Tourist Destination
Premier gateway to the many islands and tourist destinations of the archipelago, Manila Manila The city has a host of attractions, each vying for the attention of the tourist. Malls, flea markets, antique shops complimented with sidewalk eateries entice one and all. The cozy bars and mystic discotheques of Manila
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