MANDALUYONG CITY is one of the cities that comprised Metro Manila in the Philippines, bordered on the west by Manila, San Juan in north, Quezon City and Pasig City in the east side, Makati City in the south side. The city is considered as "Tiger City of the Philippines", "Metro Manila's Heart", and the "Shopping Mall Capital of the Philippines".
HISTORY
The city derived its name from tagalong terms “mga” meaning many, and “daluy” which means flowing in reference to tall grasses that grow in this land many years ago.
In 1300, the Great Madjapahit Empire or “Anka Widyaya” ruled the Kingdom of Sapa or of this city by Prince Balagtas. Then in 1470, the kingdome expanded and became “Kingdom of Namayan” with Lakan Takhan as the ruler. The Kingdom comprised of the communities which now forms part of Quiapo, San Miguel, Sta. Mesa, Paco, Pandacan, Malate, Sta. Ana in Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Pasay, Pateros, Taguig, Parañaque, and some portions of Pasig and Quezon City.
Mandaluyong was originally known as ‘barrio’ of Sta. Ana de Sapa that is part of the Paco District. In 1841, the barrio was named San Felipe Neri by the Spaniards in honor of the Patron Saint of Rome. Then on September 15, 1863 under the administration of “Dulcisimo Nombre de Jesus” congregation, they constructed the Parish of San Felipe Neri. The Parish was once used as a station by the Katipunan revolution (1896-1898) in leadership of Andres Bonifacio.
Later on San Felipe Neri became a first class municipality under Presidential Act No, 1942. For some time the town was under the governance of San Juan Municipality until it finally became an independent municipality on March 27, 1907. In 1960, the municipality of Mandaluyong became a component of Metropolitan Manila undergoing significant development and economic transformation, eventually becoming a highly urbanized city.
Today, Mandaluyong is a bustling city with vibrant economic activities and among many other city accomplishments.
PROFILE
THE LAND
The city has a total land area of 1,124.97 hectares which is 1.77% of the total land area of Metro Manila. The four largest residential lots occupying the city’s total land area are Wack-Wack, Addition Hills, Plainview and Highway Hills.
The land characteristic is partially flat on the southwest portion with gentle slopes in the rest of the area.
THE PEOPLE
Currently, Mandaluyong City has a total population of 278,474 with 275,110 households. The city also has various ethnic origins. However, most of its population generally speaks Tagalog, followed by Bicol, Bisaya, Ilonggo and Ilocano language.
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY Mandaluyong City is now commercially developed with a lot of central businesses such as banks, offices and service establishments. Major commercial districts are Boni Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, Libertad-Sierra Madre, Kalentong, San Franciso, part of Martinez, Sgt. Bumatay towards Barangka Drive and Pinatubo towards EDSA. In the eastern portion of the city it also has the famous malls and establishments such as the Megamall, Shangri-La, Podium and San Miguel Corporation. Almost all businesses and personal services stores dominates the whole roads in the city.
THE CLIMATE
The city has two pronounced seasons, Dry Season during the months of November to April and the Wet Season in the remaining months. Weather temperature ranges from 20.4ºC to 34.9ºC.
ARTS & CULTURE
Mandaluyong has started in developing its city as a center for arts and culture, providing cultural programs with other cities via a “sister city” agreement in order to promote tourism for both cities and in exchanging cultural programs.
In “Kaban ng Hiyas” at the City Hall Compound and in art galleries in SM Megamall in Ortigas Center various historical artifacts and paintings of famous Filipino artists are on display for public view. The city is also providing hosting jobs for local and international film festivals as well as a favorite location for premiere showing of blockbuster films both local and foreign. The people of Mandaluyong City has pride itself trough various Performing Arts achievements through the Mandaluyong Children’s Chorus (MCC) with 8-15 years old finest singing talents winning various awards in the recent years, and the Mandaluyong Center for Performing Arts which gives free training for talented Mandaluyong children applicants and transform them into world-class performers, such as the Mandaluyong Rondalla, Mandaluyong Choristers and Mandaluyong String Orchestra. Team building workshops, group counseling is also provided to monitor the child’s growth in and out of the program, and other community outreach activities. The operation has expanded in opening a program for 17-32 years old bracket who would like to become part of the choir, giving birth to Mandaluyong Philharmonic Choir or “Koro ng Bayan”. There is also a plan of putting up a Mandaluyong Symphony Orchestra in the near future.
RELIGION
Most of the Mandaluyong residents are comprised of Roman Catholics, and the rest of the population are among other religious denominations like the Iglesia ni Kristo, Evangelicals, Protestants, Jehovah’s Witness, Aglipayan, and other religious sectors.
LIST OF “BARANGAYS” (or communities)
Divided into two districts, the city is composed of 27 communities or barangays:
District 1
District 2
Addition Hills
Bagong Silang
Burol
Daang Bakal
Hagdan Bato Itaas
Hagdan Bato Libis
Harapin Ang Bukas
Highway Hills
Mauway
New Zaniga
Pag-Asa
Pleasant Hills
Poblacion
Wack-Wack Greenhills
Barangka Drive
Barangka Ibaba
Barangka Ilaya
Barangka Itaas
Buayang Bato
Hulo
Mabini-J. Rizal
Malamig
Namayan
Old Zaniga
Plainview
San Jose
Vergara
MAJOR TOURIST SPOTS
AMADO T. REYES PARK
This is a place where people can relax and unwind. The park is named after a past mayor.
BANTAYOG NG KABATAAN
In honor of the city youth and in signifying the proper guidance of these youth for their own betterment and motivation to succeed.
CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN
This place is a famous rehabilitation center for adult female prisoners.
DAMBANA NG MGA ALAALA
This is in memory of people of Mandaluyong who struggled for liberty and freedom during the revolution time.
DON BOSCO TECHNICAL COLLEGE
This school is used to be known as San Carlos Seminary. It was also used as Japanese headquarters during World War II.
EDSA CENTRAL
Situated in EDSA Shaw Boulevard, this is a place where one can find a food market, shops, dining areas all in one place.
Other Interesting Tourist spots:
MEMORIALS
CHURCHES
Bernard Shaw Giant Bust
Tatlong Bayani Monument
Ibon ng Kalayaan at Dambana ng Kagitingan
Kaban ng Hiyas ng Lungsod ng Mandaluyong
Liberation Marker
Old Library Building of Don Bosco
Sanctuario de San Jose
St. Francis Church
Shrine of Divine Mercy
San Roque Parish Church
PENITENTIARY
ABBEY
Correctional Institute for Women
Archbishop Palace
INSTITUTION
PARKS
National Center for Mental Health
Coronado Riverside Park
Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club
HOW TO GET TO MANDALUYONG CITY
BY LAND
Means of transportation going to this place is through buses and jeepneys plying along the main streets. Taxis and pedicabs are also another means of transportation to be able to reach other areas of Mandaluyong City.
