Postcard Exchange - Philippines

Philippines

Postcard courtesy of Ralph Ordiz

Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is the name of the city and the province. Tagalog is the primary dialect of Manila but virtually every other Philippine dialect can also be heard. In addition, many other languages are spoken in Manila, including English and Spanish. The name Manila came from two Tagalog words: May (there is) Nilad (a bush that grew around the Manila Bay). Maynilad was later changed to "Manila".

Caption: One of Manila's largest religious festivals is the festival of the Black Nazarene, held annually on the 9th of January. There are many Black Nazarene statues of Christ in the Philippines, but the most important is kept at Quiapo Church in Manila.