Manila

Manila (pop. 1,600,000), city (founded 1571) on Manila Bay, capital of the Philippines (before 1948 and after 1976). It is the commercial, industrial, and cultural center, developed by Spanish missionaries and then taken by the United States (1898) in the Spanish-American War, and chief port of the islands. Manila was occupied by the Japanese (1942–45), nearly destroyed in the Allied attack, and almost completely rebuilt after the war. Buildings of interest include the Church of San Agustin (1606) and the Philippine Cultural Center complex. Industries include textiles, chemicals, and automobiles.