Metro Manila is composed of 13 cities and 4 municipalities. The whole grouping is part of Metropolitan Manila or administratively as the National Capital Region. The City of Manila is the seat of government. Manila started at the banks at the mouth of the Pasig River as a small Muslim settlement until Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi claimed the settlement and established for Spain, "The Most Distinguished and Ever Loyal City of Manila," as the seat of power of the whole islands. Metro Manila's grouping was established initially in 1975 as Greater Manila Area, after then President Ferdinand Marcos through then Governor Imelda Romualdez Marcos annexed municipalities in neighboring provinces to become part of the National Capital Region. At present, the affairs of the region is overseen by a Chairman holding a cabinet rank, reports directly to the President under the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority or the MMDA.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 is the main gateway of the Philippines and if you're taking the national flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, one will arrive and depart at the Centennial Terminal nearby. The airport is located at Pasay City, 8 kilometres into the heart of Manila or an hour by vehicle. Public transports such as taxi limousines are available at the airport at an average of Php 500.00. Tipping is not mandatory but not more than 10% of the total cost. In departing, one must be at the airport at least 3 hours to avoid strict security measures before boarding time.

The City of Manila is the capital of the Philippines. One may find the seat of government in Manila which includes Malacañang Palace (Office of the President) and various government agencies. One may also find Intramuros or "The Walled City," or what was Manila during the 333 years of Spanish colonialization. The Port of Manila is also located in Manila.

If one must do business, the City of Makati is the Business District (Ayala Center) and is home for the country's premiere office addresses. The City of Pasig also hosts another premiere business center called Ortigas. One may also find premium shopping in these areas.

The Senate of the Philippines is located in Pasay City while the House of Representatives is at Quezon City where one could also find most of the key government agencies. Most of the major television networks and radio stations are in Quezon City.

Mass transport in Metro Manila is available and is accessible to the key places in the metropolis. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 stretches from Baclaran in Parañaque City, across the heart of Manila and all the way north to Monumento in Caloocan City. The Metro Rail Transit traverses the Epinio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) from the LRT 1 Taft-EDSA station all the way to North Edsa in Quezon City. A new line LRT Line 2 was opened in 2004 that crosses from west to east of the metropolis from Manila's Divisoria to Marikina City. Travelling across these transit system costs at an average of Php 15.00 to Php 18.00.

Taxi is available in the metropolis and starting flag rate is at Php 25.00 and Php 1.00 for every kilometer after the first 4 kilometers travelled. Bus transportation is also available almost 24-hours a day. The main mode of transportation is the jeepney that could take anyone to any point at a given line. The average fare cost for a jeep ride is Php 5.50 for the first 4-kilometres and Php 0.25 for every additional kiolmetre travelled. Competing for the jeepney's routes are the more leisure trip using air conditioned taxis made of Asian Utility Vehicles or compact taxis designed for the Asian roads.

Provincial buses are available to take any passenger to any point in the country. The Philippine Transit Corporation (PHILTRANCO) provides services for passengers destined to the southern island regions. These buses will utilize Roll-On Roll-Off RORO ferries to get from one island to another. Provincial ferries to the Visayas and Mindanao regions are available at the Manila South Harbor with Superferry, Negros Navigation & Sulpicio LInes as providers.. Domestic air travel can be located at the Manila Domestic Airport at Pasay City. Philippine Airlines, sister carrier Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Asian Spirt are some of the key domestic carriers.