Quezon City

Quezon City was the country's official capital before Manila. Though a few non-government organizations and several universities are based here, Quezon serves only nominally as the capital, with government institutions firmly vested in downtown Manila.

Quezon is located 10 kilometers north of Manila. Heading north on EDSA leads to Cubao, Quezon City's commercial center, where several large malls, amusement centers, and jeepney and bus terminals are found.

In terms of land area, it is fives times bigger than Manila and ranks second to the nation's largest city, Davao City in Mindanao. Quezon City is surrounded by San Mateo, Rizal (east), Marikina City(east), Pasig (south), Mandaluyong (south), San Juan (west), Manila (west), Caloocan City (north) and San Juan Del Monte, Bulacan (north).

On July 17, 1948, Quezon City officially became the capital of the Philippines and the permanent seat of the national government. Its inauguration as the capital city was marked by the laying of a cornerstone for the capitol building and the construction of other government buildings. Eventually, it lost its title as the capital city to Manila, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 940, approved in June 24, 1976.The city's major sources of income are service-oriented industries like factories, department stores, shopping malls, banks, movie houses, restaurants and hotels.

Aside from these commercial establishments which greatly allure visitors, it also has its share of historic memorabilia. The 66-meter high tower in the Quezon Memorial Circle/Shrine offers excellent views. It was erected to honor the late President Manuel L. Quezon. Surrounding the tower is a 27-hectare greenery with an orchid farm, which contributes a bit of fresh air to an otherwise highly urbanized city.

Another towering structure, the Mabuhay Rotonda or also known as the Welcome Rotonda, serves as the gateway to the three of Metro Manila's busiest roads meet: Espana Boulevard, Quezon Avenue, and E. Rodriguez Avenue. The other interesting sites are as follows:

Barrio Pugad Lawin Balintawak - This is where Andres Bonifacio launched the Philippine Revolution against the Spaniards in 1896. The uprising was called as The Cry of Balintawak.

Barrio La Loma - In this barrio, the Filipinos first fought against the Americans in the Philippine-American War.

Quezon City Hall - In 1971, the new Philippine Constitution was signed in this massive 14-storey building.

University of the Philippines - This is a state-owned university which was established in June 1908 and is a foremost in the Far East when it comes to higher learning. As a matter of fact, many of the country's famous leaders, artists, writers and professionals had been in this university as students or teachers.

Araneta Coliseum - was billed as the world's largest domed coliseum in the 1960's. It has hosted many important events participated by national and international celebrities.

Fiesta Carnival Complex - Conceived for fun-loving children, it offers merry rides and sideshows at minimal prices.

Araneta Center - It is called the Quezon city's business heart because it serves as the total shopping center for every Filipino where huge department stores seem to be endless.