The Story of Manila, The World’s Most At-Risk City

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and the largest city in the 7,641-island country.

One of the most beautiful countries is also one of the most dangerous. Not only have decades of unsteady leadership followed centuries of foreign occupation, but its capital is the most vulnerable urban area to natural disasters on Earth. Conditions have become so challenging that the national government may leave. But most of the 25 million people living here will stay and carry on, as is their way. Fortunately, some major improvements are in the works. This is Manila, the island megacity.

Key sources and videos quoted:

There is no subway here, only very limited above-ground rail, and a bus network that mostly consists of uncomfortable Jeepney’s. So everyone who can afford to drives, creating the most gridlocked city in Asia, if not the world. Commute times can reach an unfathomable six hours roundtrip. That’s how long it takes Emico to navigate the multiple stages of her commute into her office in Metro Manila each morning and back home to Rizal each night, even though they are just 19 kilometers apart.

The situation - thankfully - is improving. Thousands of electrified Jeepnys have hit the road, and construction has begun on what locals call the “Project of the Century”--the Metro Manila Subway. When fully operational in 2028 it could serve more than 1.5 million trips a day.

But not all developers have abandoned Manila. The new Bonifacio Global City that has gone up over the last two decades provides a safe, clean bubble for foreigners and wealthy Filipinos. By looks and design, it seems to rival many of the world’s other new luxurious steel and glass cities. Of course, similar to Delhi’s Gurgaon, it is mostly walled off from the extreme poverty existing just meters away.

Chapters:
0:00 Welcome to Manila
0:40 Geography of the capital
0:57 Spanish Manila
1:23 Philippine independence movement
2:08 War with the United States
3:22 American design
4:00 Manila in WW2
4:42 Modern Manila's challenges
6:06 Transportation system
6:30 A six-hour roundtrip commute
7:00 Metro Manila Subway
7:22 Most vulnerable city to natural disasters
7:55 Government moving to New Clark City
8:15 Bonifacio Global City

Megacity Episodes:
Buenos Aires, Argentina: The World's Southernmost MEGACITY
Los Angeles, California's Megacity:
AFRICA'S MEGACITY: Kinshasa, DRC (CONGO)

Manila, the Philippines' MEGACITY: History of an Island Capital
Manila, the Philippines' MEGACITY: Capital of 7,641 Islands

[TheDailyConversation]

This is a reupload to correct a factual error: New Clark City is being built to support Manila, but has not been officially declared as the new capital as the first version of this video stated.

[gabriellupisan]

Finally! as a Filipino living within the "greater Manila area", I've been waiting for this.

[whistler]

This is a great video! Very educational! I just used in an HL IB Geography class as a starter to Manila as a case study of the challenges and promises of a megacity.

It would be amazing if you considered Sao Paulo as the next South American megacity as part of your series.

Keep up the amazing work!

[OversizedPringleToe]

But the Jeepneys are iconic they can’t go! I remember going on them when I was 4 or so.

[agnimitradas]

6:28 to 6:42, relatable to anyone living in Bangalore lol

[mkkk]

Very nice and beautiful video 🕊️🐦🦜🐓👍👏👍🔥🕊️🐦🦜🐓👍👏

[yolemae]

Which cities will you do after Mumbai?

[Nosyaj]

that was 400 yrs of figthing for independence...thats why i conclude the bravery of pilipino people is worth dying for❤

[mauroducusin]

Maghandahanda na tayo incase na magka gera mindanao ang magandang takbuhan ng tao

[zupermaus]

Manila, along with Warsaw was the most destroyed cities in WWII

[siwexwot]

As a Trumps' supporter I didn't have much respect for leftist people. But it changed when I found your channel. The world needs more people like you.