Manila, My Manila

by Nick Joaquín, Bert Gallardo (Illustrator), Andrés Cristóbal Cruz (Foreword by)

'In early 1988, then Mayor Mel Lopez invited Nick Joaquin to write a popular history of Manila that young Manilans would enjoy. The city's poet laureate—whose entire body of work sings of Manila as Homer sang of Troy and Virgil of Rome—complied with a will. The first edition of Manila, My Manila (1990) was distributed exclusively to the city's schools. This hardcover gift edition finally brings Joaquin's celebration of his beloved city to readers throughout the world.'

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Asia

365 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1990

About the author

Nicomedes Márquez Joaquín (1917–2004) was a Filipino writer and journalist best known for his short stories and novels in the English language. He also wrote using the pen name Quijano de Manila. In 1976, Joaquin was conferred the rank and title of National Artist of the Philippines for Literature. He has been considered one of the most important Filipino writers, along with José Rizal and Claro M. Recto. Unlike Rizal and Recto, whose works were written in Spanish, Joaquin's major works were written in English despite being a native Spanish speaker.

Before becoming one of the leading practitioners of Philippine literature in English, he was a seminarian in Hong Kong – who later realized that he could better serve God and humanity by being a writer. This is reflected in the content and style of his works, as he emphasizes the need to restore national consciousness through important elements of Catholic Spanish Heritage.

In his self-confessed mission as a writer, he is a sort of "cultural apostle" whose purpose is to revive interest in Philippine national life through literature – and provide the necessary drive and inspiration for a fuller comprehension of their cultural background. His awareness of the significance of the past to the present is part of a concerted effort to preserve the spiritual tradition and the orthodox faith of the Catholic past – which he perceives as the only solution to our modern ills.

Reviews

[Luigi Lago · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read. I love the imagery used by Nick Joaquin to describe how the city was from its earliest form during the pre-colonial times and how it has evolved all throughout history. I love the insight he brings about different important figures in the city's history and how their decisions have impacted how it was formed.

I also love the what-ifs that were posed and how if certain events played out differently, the butterfly effect would have been extremely drastic.

It can be quite confusing at first because although it's generally told chronologically, some portions fast forward then go back when there are connected moments.

Overall such a great read. Any Filipino must read it.

[Ava (jeepneylit) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dubbed as a “Pop History for Manilans,” Manila, My Manila chronicles the capital’s history. It is a useful read but I did not find it illuminating. The book presents a narrative that puts the city at the center of an idealized colonial legacy. While it tells of a Manila that is diverse and has overcome the multitude of crises thrown its way, it fails to break away from a homogenous narrative. At one point I thought, “was Manila populated mostly by foreigners? Where are the voices of its original inhabitants?” Reading this book needs thoughtful digestion and critical thinking.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves to be read again. I love my Manila. Nick Joaquin should live forever if only to continue this book.

[Kaizerine Dela Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been in love with this city and Nick Joaquin captures its soul in Manila my Manila

[Jaypee Malénab · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are so engrossed with the City of Manila, despite its foibles, this is the best place to start.

[Immanuel Navarro · Rating 1 out of 5]

I unfortunately have to give this book a 1 star rating. I cannot even get past the first chapter without wanting to throw it over the Pasig River.

There's something about the writing style and the author's voice that is so grating and irritating. The constant vascillation of tone and register from formal to conversational, the unnecessary quips and side comments, the lack of attribution and references to actual historical texts, referencing characters that will only be introduced 3 paragraphs later - I can't stand it. I found myself asking "What??" and "What the f---?! Why?" and "Who is this person??" every other paragraph just because the author can't seem to actually create a cohesive narrative.

There's also something so condescending and patronizing about the writing style which is so off-putting, add to the fact that, at least in the first chapter, Filipinos are portrayed as people without any sense of agency.

It's an unbearable read. I can't believe this author is a national artist. He writes like a highschool kid writing for a school paper.

[Gabriela Francisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading the last chapter on the eve of yet another historically significant election offers this reader a strange kind of hope that despite everything history throws at our country, she shall prevail:

“Races and empires and religions have washed over it; the warlike have used thunder to claim it and the city, smiling, has allowed them their foolish moment. Age after age, its lovers have hailed its rebirth or bewailed its perishing, while outside continued the traffic for strange webs with Eastern merchants.

And all this has been but as the sound of lyres and flutes.”

(Read the rest of the review at https://exlibrisphilippines.com/2025/... )

[Earnest · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting romp though annals of Manila as seen through the lens of one of the Philippines greatest writers.

I liked the how it combined straightforward chronicle, literary storytelling, and gossipy factoids into a very readelable piece. Certainly more fun reading than any schoolbook.

Though the nature of the work made it seem like it's just ticking off names and events, especially near the end.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Manila as much as I do, then this book is for you. Go deep into the country's capital and discover our history and what shaped Manila to be the city it is now.

[Dit Dit · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's good to read

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting popular history with the bulk of the focus on pre-20th century.

[Ricardo David Bea Dy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A descriptive, dramatic literary piece describing the history of the Philippine capital city of Manila.

[Mica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manila, My Manila (A History for the Young) by Nick Joaquin talks about Manila - the city and its people - from Pre-colonial until the the emergency of the Cory Aquino Administration.

Finishing every page makes me realize how much I do not know about my own history. As a Filipino and a Manila-girl (born, raised and educated in Manila and the surrounding cities), I can't believe each chapter can still make me go "So that's what happened".

Unfortunately, there is a flaw in the Filipino race (albeit the always positive demeanor and unbeatable hospitality) - our inability to be truly rooted. Mr. Joaquin explains this thru the structures of the city of Manila. He explains that the reason why Filipinos may not be as attached to history and culture of our own country may be because our city itself has no sense of self. No building in Manila was ever rebuilt the same way after it was ravage by war, bombs or natural disasters. Every building we see in Manila today is not the same Manila in the olden paintings and literature. The only structure from "old Manila" to survive the "new Manila" are the San Sebastian Parish and Ayala Bridge - both structures made of steel and by divine intervention saved from the bombings of World War II.

Again, another "Ah ha!" moment.

A recommendable book to every history enthusiast. A must for every Filipino.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Joaquin ingenuously blends the old with the new with this history for the young Filipino people. Published in 1991, it is a landmark historical work, attempting to reconstruct history after the years of Martial Law and during the tumultuous years of the Aquino administration.

The author cites Morga's notes from the Sucesos and other sources of Spanish Manila and recreates the events as they have likely occurred. He provides a unique Philippine perspective in a history written by colonialists for colonialists. He takes this historical piece further by continuing the written history until the 20th century, highlighting the significant events that would have brought about subsequent American and Japanese occupation, liberation, Martial Law and the birth of the Philippine Republic.

This is a must-read for Filipinos who wish to know more about their roots, their perspectives and the changes that underwent given the long years of colonialism, revolution and independence.

[Eric Zulueta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A history of the Philippines written by a Manileño (a Philippine National Artist for Literature) from the point of view of a Manila resident. This book gives great insight into the city and how it came to evolve into what it is today..

It was fun (and educational) to learn about the prominent personalities that helped mold Manila and its destiny.. This is a highly recommended material for anybody interested in Philippine history!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, vivid history of Manila -- from its earliest days as a settlement for Malay voyagers to the lush delta of the Pasig River, through the insurrection against the Spanish, the brutal days of Japanese occupation during World War II to Marcos -- by one of the Philippines' most illustrious writers Nick Joaquin. I loved it (and it helped that I was reading it in Manila).

[Fiamma Aletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

National Artist Nick Joaquin captured in 355 pages, our capital, Manila's rich history and culture that in turn shaped our country's destiny. Manila, My Manila resonates with loveliness and pride. Interesting trivias are intricately inter-woven in this narrative without sounding too scholarly. Hence, perfect for the history buffs in all of us.

[Katrine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a must-read book for anyone living in Manila. It's the wonderfully entertaining history of the capital. A light but insightful read. The book washes out a bit towards the end when describing the Marcos years

[Aida · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent book. truly joaquin-ish

[Diego Dela]

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[Barbie Dario · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read this book how can I reed this online!!!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice take on the story and evolution of Manila - from Intramuros to the arrabales to Malacañang to Greater Manila and beyond - intertwined with anecdotes of important personalities and common folk.