Manila

Manila is the most densely populated city proper in the world.  At 46,000 people per square mile, the city maintains twice the density of New York City.

Manila is also notable for being the second most natural disaster-afflicted city in the world.  Only Tokyo has experienced more natural strife.  Floods are perpetual in the city. 

The area now occupied by Manila had been the site of a settlement as far back as 1258.   In 1570 Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, having previously established a Spanish settlement on the Nearby island of Cebu, sent an expedition to the northern island of Luzon, arriving there himself the next year.  He quickly deposed the local Muslim ruler, and by 1571 established the city of Manila, which became the capital of the new Spanish colony.

Manila soon became a center for the spread of Catholicism and commerce connections with Asia.   

Manila today is a city of great contrast.  Here, the haves and the have nots are but thinly separated both physically and financially.  The streets are chaotic. Motorcycles squeeze through stalled vehicle traffic like platelets though kinked capillaries.  Very few streetlights help control the traffic.

But the people are friendly and calm.

I landed in Manila just in time for evening rush hour.  Desiree scooped me up in a Grab ride and pulled me away into the commotion of the city.      

I am staying in Global City, the shiny new part of the Manila.  I managed a 15^th floor room at the Ascott.

Posted are two photographs captured from my window.

Last night upon arrival

Sunrise this morning

—Mitchell Hegman

Sources: Wikipedia, Business Insider, Britannica.com