Manila, capital of the Philippines is one of the 17 cities and municipalities that comprise of Metro Manila. Located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay in western Luzon, Manila is the central hub of the thriving metropolitan area. It features a tropical wet and dry climate that borders on tropical monsoon climate.

The city is divided into 897 barangays which are the smallest unit of local government in the Philippines. As the capital of the Philippines it is also the seat of political power in the country. Manila’s economy is diverse and multifaceted. Being a favored tourist destination it attracts over 1 million visitors annually.

Manila serves as the nation's chief seaport having a first rate harbor. It is also a major publishing center for the Philippines and is home to majority of the colleges and universities in Metro Manila. The University Belt or U-Belt is commonly referred to the districts of Malate, Ermita, Intramuros, San Miguel, Quiapo, and Sampaloc where there is a high concentration of institutions of higher education that include state Universities like University of the Philippines in Ermita and University of Santo Tomas. There are many more Universities and colleges in the Manila.