The concept of cities has played a significant function throughout human history. Socialization was integral to the lives of the early humans as they hunted and gathered, bringing them together and helping them survive the harsh environment.
Over time, the introduction of technological advancements paved the way for them to abandon their nomadic lifestyles and establish settlements. These territories evolved into the first cities with the advent of innovations like infrastructure and commerce, becoming centers of trade and culture.
Upon stepping foot, speeding cars trying to beat the traffic and buildings that loom over the people below seem to be what makes a city. What makes cities unique, however, are the people who offer their tastes, sights, and experiences to anyone who visits.
Most would suggest going to a mall when considering urban recreation. However, cities are more than just retail experiences as various establishments become more overlooked.
From new adventures such as dining by a waterfall to thrilling exploits like going through a haunted tunnel, cities all over the Philippines have a lot of often-ignored gems to present to the right kind of adventurer.
2023 Rankings of Highly Urbanized Cities in the Philippines
Before we even begin looking at fun and thrilling opportunities these urbanized cities and skyscrapers bring to the table, let’s take a look at some of the ranking results gathered from various website reports of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and Cities and Municipalities Report of city government and local government Philippine cities.
First off, the rankings of the cities and municipalities are based on their total scores on four identified pillars. These are Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, Resiliency, and Innovation.
Whereas the rankings of the provinces in the country are set against population density and average annual income weighted average of the overall scores of cities and municipalities that are identified under a particular province.
Top 10 Highly Urbanized Cities:
Occupying the top three slots from the list are from Metro Manila, namely Quezon City, Pasay City, and Manila. Iloilo comes fourth with another Metro Manila City, Muntinlupa at fifth place. Davao City in Davao Del Sur is at sixth, followed by another fellow city from Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental. The last three spots are filled in by another three cities from Metro Manila, Makati City, Pasig City, and the City of Valenzuela. Interesting to look at as well are cities that have already been doing well in terms of the four pillars identified but have made tremendous increases this year. Let’s take a look at the list of the Top 10 most improved ranking of highly urbanized cities in the Philippines for 2023.
Top 10 Most Improved Rankings of Highly Urbanized Cities
Most improved ranking from comparatively lower scores in 2022 include the Queen City of the South, Cebu City. Second is Butuan in Agusan del Norte followed at third by Iligan, Lanao del Norte. Fourth spot is occupied by Tacloban City, Leyte with the fifth occupied by Iloilo City. Puerto Princesa in Palawan, the country’s last frontier comes close at sixth, followed by Lucena City in the province of Quezon at seventh. Another city in Cebu, Lapu Lapu, is at eight spot with Pasig City Metro Manila occupying the ninth spot. Completing the list is Olongapo City in Zambales.
Other cities, municipalities, and provinces that are on the steady rise and are worth watching over for investors include the following : Agusan Del Sur, Eastern Samar, Davao Oriental, Negros Oriental, while in Luzon, Ilocos Norte and Nueva Ecija.
There is Fun Outdoors
Nature is not often associated with a metropolis. Paved roads and tall buildings usually fill the mind’s eye despite the increasing efforts by property developers to highlight sustainability and conservation of the natural environment in their developments.
For a quick trip out in nature, be sure to visit these cities.
San Pablo City, Laguna
Everyone knows that cities are filled with restaurants of various kinds. Tasting different dishes worldwide has become the most exciting thing at some point in anyone’s life. But how about a different dining experience?
Within the walls of Villa Escudero is a diner in the middle of a shallow waterfall basin. The Labassin Waterfalls Restaurant serves a traditional provincial feast on banana leaves from the Filipino pantheon of dishes.
But the real treat comes in the waterfalls, where guests can experience the waters rushing through their feet.
Surigao City, Surigao Del Norte
Surigao City residents are fortunate enough to experience the allure of a seaside vacation every day. Just a few minutes from the city center lies Mabua Pebble Beach, one of the unique beachfronts in the Philippines.
The sound of crashing waves, the smell of salt in the air, and the cool breeze are just some things that make a day at the beach so appealing, and Mabua Pebble Beach has all that and more.
In place of sand, the coastline is filled with smooth pebbles gathered by the sea’s strong currents, making it one of the most distinctive beaches in the Philippines.
Mabua Pebble Beach is perfect for a tan, splashing in seawater, or lounging around. But what makes it truly unique is its therapeutic and relaxing effects.
Walking on smooth pebbles barefoot can aid with therapeutic and soothing benefits, as, according to reflexologists, the feet contain reflex points connected to various body organs. This experience can give a healthy dose of Vitamin Sea while helping the body. If you are already in the area, there’s no harm in visiting Surigao del Sur which is a beauty all its own.
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On the Hunt for Unique Indoor Experiences?
A few unique indoor experiences exist in cities as well.
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Unique dining experiences have become popular recently; after all, eating answers both the need for sustenance and satisfaction. With restaurants being challenged to satisfy the growing curiosities of food enthusiasts, the competition to create the next new thing has become increasingly fierce. Tasting menus have become the latest culinary adventure, and a restaurant on a waterfall basin is on this list, so why not go the opposite direction?
Located in Eastwood, Quezon City, above the 33rd floor of the MDC 100 Building, is 100 Revolving Restaurant. That’s right; not only will one get a fantastic view of the city, but they will get a 360-degree view of it! The establishment serves Korean cuisine, perfect for sharing, with recipes created by Chef Jessie Sinsioco of Le Soufflé, Top of the Citi, and the Rockwell Club. The restaurant has been known as the perfect spot for couples and groups to set romantic dates, celebrate special occasions, and even create some memories.
Makati City, Metro Manila
Are the young ones showing early enterprising spirit or ever dreaming of opening a business? People nowadays are inspired to widen their horizons and jumpstart their ventures, but only some know how.
Fittingly, Dream Lab, located in Circuit Makati, promotes entrepreneurial education in the heart of one of the most highly urbanized cities in the Philippines. Children of all ages can experience the many phases of establishing their own business, from creating concepts and applying for barangay permits to operating point-of-sale (POS) systems and learning about packaging.
While it might sound too extreme, the programs designed by Dream Lab wrap everything neatly in an interactive package that allows apprentices of all ages to learn in a welcoming environment.
Taguig City, Metro Manila
A curiosity-bending structure exists amid the not-so-secret secret bars, imposing office buildings, and luxury malls within Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Clad in modern architecture, the Mind Museum houses five galleries dedicated to the vast world of science.
Cities in the Philippines are blessed with museums that house many artifacts, but only a few can give an expansive focus on introducing the primary fields of science.
While marketed toward educating children, the Mind Museum can be fun for adults who want to discover a new scientific curiosity or rekindle a dormant love for physics, biology, technology, and astronomy through interactive exhibits and impressive displays.
Learning about the Past
While this list is all about cities in the Philippines, the next set is replete with history. Read further and uncover the stories of these locations.
Marikina City, Metro Manila
Marikina is called the Shoe Capital of the Philippines for a reason, having built a reputation for manufacturing some of the best footwear in the country. Of course, it makes sense for the city to host a museum dedicated to the backbone of its economy.
The gallery houses exhibits depicting the evolution of Marikina-made shoes. However, the recognition for the most visited exhibit goes to the former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ famed shoe collection. The display, with at least 749 pairs, will make every shoe fan green with envy.
Cavite City, Cavite
The City of Cavite has been essential in telling the Philippines’ history from the Spanish to the Japanese occupation. Above all that transpired in the town, the isle of Corregidor holds the most accounts.
With a rich history that dates back to Spanish colonization, Corregidor was initially established as a support site for trading ships. It later transformed into a fortress, a penal institution, and a signal post to detect incoming hostile naval vessels.
After the Spanish-American war, the Americans converted Corregidor into a defensive base. The island played a pivotal role in the fighting during World War II, serving as the temporary location of the Philippine government and the headquarters of the local Allied Forces until 1942.
Corregidor Island is famous for being the site of the Battle of Bataan. Today, visitors can explore its various attractions. For instance, they can access the bomb-proof Malinta Tunnel, which has been converted into an audio-visual venue by National Artist Lamberto Avellana.
There are also memorials dedicated to soldiers who served and lost their lives during the war, and one can view the ruins through tram and biking tours. Those wishing to experience an overnight stay can book rooms on the island.
Here’s More: Is Anyone Up for Otherworldly Thrills?
The storied past of the Philippines means there are plenty of allegedly haunted spots.
Manila, Metro Manila
The country’s capital has seen its fair share of disasters. When looking for scary spots around the city, most people will probably point toward the Manila Film Center—known for its tragic past involving the loss of 169 workers during construction. Nearby, the supposed coffin-shaped Manila City Hall is also long believed to be haunted by former employees and those lost during World War II.
But if one is seeking hair-raising, spine-tingling places, look only as far as Manila’s earliest relics from the Spanish era. The walled city of Fort Santiago and Rizal Park, formerly Bagumbayan, is beautiful any time of the day.
Within the Fort Santiago Complex’s mostly intact Italian-Spanish-based fortifications is the site of numerous executions during the era, which has long been rumored to be packed with sightings of ghostly friars.
Baguio City, Benguet
Baguio, the City of Pines, chocolate flakes, and strawberry taho, does not necessarily advertise its more infamous side, but it certainly has a couple! And no, it is not the supposed break-up curse. Baguio has reportedly haunted sites all over the city, such as the Japanese Tunnels, the Laperal House, and Loakan Road. Those who have been to a retreat during elementary and high school may have heard stories of ghosts floating about in Baguio Teachers’ Camp.
The old Diplomat Hotel is arguably the most famous building in Baguio City, Philippines. Originally designed as a retreat house for the Dominican Order of Priests, it was built on top of Dominican Hill in 1913.
During World War II, the building was repurposed as a camp for Filipinos evading capture by the Japanese, where many met their unfortunate fate. In the 1970s, the war-torn building was transformed into a lavish hotel managed by a faith healer, Antonio Agpaoa, but was eventually shut down a decade later.
Since then, many stories have circulated about hauntings in the form of cries, screams, and headless apparitions in the abandoned building. Today, the old Diplomat Hotel is an architectural relic, offering picturesque panoramic city views.
Clark Air Base, Pampanga
Pampanga is famous for its parols and sisig, but it is also home to Clark Air Base, which has existed since 1903. During World War II, many lives were lost in the military base, while many more succumbed to their wounds in its hospital during the Vietnam War.
Following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, the structure was abandoned and became one of the most haunted places in the Philippines. It has been the subject of multiple ghost hunts organized by local and international teams.
However, the hospital is now under renovation and is intended to become operational after years of inactivity.
Cities have always been a hub for diverse and unique experiences. All it takes is a willingness to explore and step out of one’s comfort zone. Whether seeking a change from the usual routine or simply looking to try something new, being open to new experiences can lead to discovering hidden gems in the city that one never knew existed.
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