This partial list of city and municipality nicknames in the Philippines compiles the aliases, sobriquets, and slogans that cities and municipalities in the Philippines are known by (or have been known historically by), officially and unofficially, to municipal governments, local people, outsiders, or their tourism boards or chambers of commerce.
Loading...
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:
- Stylish face mask
- Water container/tumbler to rehydrate
- Sunscreen for skin protection
- Goggles for swimming or snorkeling
- Stylish Swimsuit
- Travel backpack / luggage
- Reusable vacuum storage packs
- Selfie stick
- Waterproof phone case
- Acion cam
- Camping tent
- WiFi kit
- Power bank
Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:
Here are the nicknames of cities and towns in the Philippines:
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Las Piñas City
- Saltbed of the Philippines - The Irasan or the Las Piñas Salt Bed in Barangay Pulanglupa, which is part of the Las Piñas Historical Project, was formally opened on December 13, 2005.
Makati
- Business Capital of the Philippines - Due to the city being the host of numerous corporate and office buildings, particularly its central business district.
Mandaluyong
- Tiger City - The nickname comes from the classification of Mandaluyong as a "Tiger City" under the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2002 report of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center due to the city's increase in generated income from 1986.
- Shopping Capital - Due to several shopping malls found in the city.
Manila
- Pearl of the Orient
- Venice of the Orient - in reference to the city's low-lying ground intersected with many picturesque canals, particularly in the area of Binondo. It was made popular in the late 19th century by several authors including Graciano López Jaena.
- Rome of the East - (Spanish: Roma del Oriente), also the City of Churches, particularly in reference to the walled city of Intramuros which, prior to World War II, contained several convents and churches of six major religious orders. Spanish Manila served as the center for missionaries for the whole of Asia and Oceania.
- City of the Sun - (Spanish: Ciudad del Sol), coined by the Spanish poet Salvador Rueda during his visit to Manila in 1915.
- Havana of the Orient - in reference to the city's large tobacco export industry in the early 1900s.
- Queen City of the Pacific - from the 1938 documentary film Manila: Queen City of the Pacific written by American filmmaker André de la Varre.
- City of Our Affection - first used by national artist Nick Joaquin in 1950 in his literary play A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino.
- Imperial Manila - referring to the city's status as the Philippines' primate city and the nation's capital since the days of the Spanish empire.
 |
| Me walking inside Intramuros, Manila |
- America's First Chinatown - in reference to Spanish Manila's (and eventually American Manila’s) Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown.
- City of Man - a nickname given to the city by Imelda Marcos in the 1970s which was also the name of her tourism and infrastructure development campaign for the city as governor of Metro Manila.
- Handsome Metropolis - (Filipino: Metro Gwapo), coined by former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando in 2006 as a campaign slogan for the redevelopment of the Manila metropolitan area.
- Capital of Fun - a recent nickname and tourism slogan coined by the Department of Tourism in 2014.
- Paris of Asia - (or Paris of the East), a moniker given to Manila by Australian travel guide publisher Lonely Planet in 2015.
Marikina
- Shoe Capital of the Philippines - After the city's shoemaking industry.
Muntinlupa
- Emerald City - After the city's urban biodiversity.
Navotas
- Fishing Capital of the Philippines - After the city's fishing industry which is a major part of Navotas' economy. The status of the city as the "Fishing Capital of the Philippines" is represented on its city seal by a fish.
Parañaque
- Bay City - The nickname was adopted in 2015 by the city government as part of a tourism campaign. Bay City is a reference to the city bordering two bodies of water; Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay.
Pasay
- Entertainment City of the Philippines
Pasig
- The Green City - Known as “the green city” for its environment-friendly initiatives led by its local government, Pasig was recognized as one of the most livable cities in the world in 2013.
 |
| RAVE Rainforest Park in Pasig City |
Pateros
- Balut Capital of the Philippines - After the town's balut industry.
Quezon City
San Juan City
- Tiangge Capital of the Philippines - The city is known for its tiangge or flea markets. The Greenhills Shopping Center is a major host of tiangge.
Taguig
- Probinsyudad - it is considered that Taguig is the only remaining city in Metro Manila which has the amenities of a highly urbanized city, yet has the feel and relaxing atmosphere of a province.
 |
| Laguna Lake Highway, Taguig City |
Valenzuela
- Vibrant City of Discipline
For Your Trip to the Philippines
How much does it cost to visit The Philippines? Click below to compare rates and discounts online:
Hotels
Tours & Activities
Essentials
Popular booked by other travelers
CALABARZON
Amadeo (Cavite)
- Coffee Capital of the Philippines - After the town's coffee growing industry.
Angono (Rizal)
- Art Capital of the Philippines - Due to the town being able to produce two National Artists despite its small population; namely, Botong Francisco for painting and Lucio San Pedro for music. The nickname is unofficial in the sense that there is no legal document conferring the title although the designation has been used to promote tourism in the town.
Antipolo (Rizal)
- City in the Sky - Since the city is located at a higher altitude in the mountains of Rizal province compared to its neighboring cities in Metro Manila.
Bacoor (Cavite)
- Marching Band Capital of the Philippines - As per Proclamation No. 939 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2020. A recognition to Bacoor being the birthplace of the country's oldest marching bands and continued tradition of producing music troupes such as community marching bands, and school-based drum and lyre corps.
Calamba (Laguna)
- Hot Spring Capital of the Philippines - Due to the proliferation of hot spring resorts in the city.
Imus (Cavite)
- Flag Capital of the Philippines - Imus is said to be the site where Philippine flag was unfurled for the first time during the Battle of Alapan of the Philippine Revolution.
Liliw (Laguna)
- Tsinelas Capital of the Philippines
Los Baños (Laguna)
- Special Science and Nature City of the Philippines - As per Proclamation Order No. 349 issued by President Joseph Estrada on August 7, 2000. The issuances cited the city's recognition as a "national and international center of learning in the various fields of human knowledge such as the arts, humanities, ecology, socio-economics and mostly notably science in its basic, natural and applied forms" and the motivation of Los Baños' residents to pursue a "higher status while preserving the ecology" for their city.
Paete (Laguna)
- Woodcarving Capital of the Philippines - As per Proclamation No. 809 issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2005.
Taal (Batangas)
- Vigan of the South
- Heritage Town - After the Taal Heritage Town, a tourist attraction known for its ancestral houses and centuries-old churches. For this reason, the town is known also known as the Vigan of the South a reference to the town Vigan in Ilocos Sur.
CENTRAL LUZON
Angeles (Pampanga)
- City of Angels - After the city's etymology.
Apalit (Pampanga)
- Blacksmith Capital of Pampanga - Due to being the hometown of a Spanish-era blacksmith named Pande Pira who is said to be the first cannon maker in the Philippines. He is said to be the progenitor of the town's metal crafts industry. Among the town's known metal-derived products include bolos, machetes, and knives.
Bocaue (Bulacan)
- Fireworks Capital of the Philippines - After the town's firecrackers and fireworks industry.
Cabanatuan (Nueva Ecija)
- Tricycle Capital of the Philippines - After the prominence of motorized tricycles in the city.
San Fernando (Pampanga)
- Christmas Capital of the Philippines - After the local parol or Christmas lantern-making industry of the city and the Giant Lantern Festival.
Santo Tomas (Pampanga)
- Coffin Capital of Central Luzon - After the coffin-making industry of the town, which is concentrated in Barangay San Vicente.
CAGAYAN VALLEY
San Mateo (Isabela)
- Munggo Capital of the Philippines
Tuguegarao (Cagayan)
- Premier Ibanag City of the North - The nickname or "tagline" highlights the Ibanag ethnolinguistic group.
CORDILLERA
Baguio (Benguet)
- Summer Capital of the Philippines - During the American period, Baguio became a chartered city and was declared the Summer Capital of the Philippines. The Mansion became the official residence of the Governor-General in the city. Nowadays, the nickname is a reference to the city's relatively cool weather, which is comparable to areas which have a temperate climate.
- City of Pines - Baguio is known for its pine trees.
La Trinidad (Benguet)
- Strawberry Capital of the Philippines - After the town's strawberry cultivation industry.
- Salad Bowl of the Philippines - After the town's vegetable cultivation industry. Nickname also applies to the Benguet province.
ILOCOS REGION
Dagupan (Pangasinan)
- Bangus Capital of the Philippines - After Dagupan's local milkfish (bangus) industry. In 2002, the city government organized the first Bangus Festival as part of a "bid to gain the title"
BICOL REGION
Donsol (Sorsogon)
- Whale Shark Capital of the World - After Donsol's ecotourism with the town touted as a good place for tourists to view whale sharks.
Naga
- The Queen City of Bicol
MIMAROPA
Puerto Galera (Oriental Mindoro)
- Poor Man's Boracay - Comparison to the resort island of Boracay. Reportedly it cost less to visit Puerto Galera as a tourist.
Puerto Princesa (Palawan)
- Eco-Tourism Capital of the Philippines - As per the Puerto Princesa Board. After the city's ecotourism industry.
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Cebu City (Cebu)
- Queen City of the South - Due to an economic boom of the city in the mid to late 1900s. The title was originally claimed by Iloilo City only.
- Oldest City in the Philippines
EASTERN VISAYAS
Tacloban (Leyte)
- Home of the Happiest People in the World - After a tourism campaign adopted by the city government in 2018. The moniker came from the tagline "Happiest people in the world", which in turn represents the optimistic aspirations of the city after it was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.
WESTERN VISAYAS
Bacolod (Negros Occidental)
- City of Smiles - Came from introduction of the MassKara Festival, which is known as a "festival of smiles", in 1980 as a response to a socioeconomic crisis in that period.
Barotac Nuevo (Iloilo)
- Football Capital of the Philippines - Due to the popularity of association football in the town compared to other parts of the country, where basketball has a better reception. The town is known for producing several players for the Philippines men's national team, including Ian and Mariano Araneta, Elmer Bedia, Jovin Bedic, Chieffy Caligdong, Antonio Piao, and Roel Gener.
Cadiz (Negros Occidental)
- City of Whales - The nickname was adopted in reference to a 1967 event which saw several humpback whales get beached on the shores of Cadiz.
Carles (Iloilo)
- Alaska of the Philippines - The Carles and Estancia towns share the nickname "Alaska of the Philippines" after its bountiful marine resources.
Iloilo City (Iloilo)
- Most Loyal and Noble City - In the late 1800s, Iloilo City was known and was given the title "La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo" by the then Queen Regent Maria Christina of Spain, which means "The Most Loyal and Noble City of Iloilo". This is an inscription in the Coat of Arms from the Royal Decree of 1896 in recognition of the local people's loyalty to the Spanish crown. Since then, the title has always been engraved in the city's official seal.
- Queen City of the South - Due to the economic boom of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries, the then Queen Regent of Spain raised the status of the town to the Royal City of the South on October 5, 1889. This honorific made Iloilo the first "Queen City of the South" where the city government was established. The title is also now claimed by Cebu City. As of 2013, there were efforts to "reclaim" the title from Cebu.
- City of Love - Ilonggos are known for having a certain way of speaking that is very soothing to the ears.
Passi (Iloilo)
- Sweet City at The Heart of Panay - Due to its vast pineapple plantations and annual output in fruit production, and because the city lies in the bosom of Panay.
Roxas (Capiz)
- Seafood Capital of the Philippines - Due to its abundance in marine life from prawns to crabs, marlins to catfish, and mussels to angel wings (diwal).
NORTHERN MINDANAO
Cagayan de Oro (Misamis Oriental)
- City of Golden Friendship - Due to the warm welcoming smiles and the utmost hospitality of the locals.
CARAGA
General Luna (Surigao Del Norte)
- Surfing Capital of the Philippines - Inherited from the nickname of Siargao Island, which is promoted as a surfing destination.
DAVAO REGION
Davao City (Davao Del Sur)
- King City of the South
- Crown Jewel of Mindanao
- Durian Capital of the Philippines - The durian fruit is among the major produce of the city.
- Chocolate Capital of the Philippines - As per Republic Act No. 11547 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte. Davao City hosts majority of the 20,000 hectares (49,000 acres) of cacao farms in the Davao Region, including Malagos Chocolate which produced chocolate products that have garnered international recognition.
Tagum (Davao Del Norte)
- Music Capital of the South - The city is known for its Musikahan sa Tagum music festival.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA
Klook.comBANGSAMORO
Marawi (Lanao Del Sur)
- Islamic City - Due to its Muslim-majority population and historic roots with Islam. Marawi was declared as an "Islamic City" by the city council in 1980.
Sitangkai (Tawi-Tawi)
- Venice of the South - In comparison with the Italian city of Venice due to the town having canals and waterways as its main thoroughfare instead of roads.
SOCCSKSARGEN
Kidapawan (Cotabato)
- City of Fruits - After the city's fruit industry. Kidapawan is known for the Timpupo festival, a harvest festival showcasing locally grown fruits.
ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA
Zamboanga City
- Asia's Latin City - Due to the city being known as the origin of the Spanish-based creole, Chavacano. This is the result of the Spanish long presence in the city, particularly in Fort Pilar. The nickname was adopted by the city government in 2006 under Mayor Celso Lobregat during the 15th Mindanao Business Conference.
- City of Flowers - After the etymology of "Zamboanga". Zamboanga was derived from the Malay word "Jambangan" which means "land of flowers".
- Convention Capital of the Philippines
- Sardines Capital of the Philippines - Due to Zamboanga City being a major hub of sardine canning factories in the Philippine.
ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA
OTHER NICKNAMES OF PLACES IN THE PHILIPPINES
- Banana Capital of the Philippines - after the Davao del Norte's banana industry, accounting for a third of the Philippines' total banana production as of 2018.
- Cattle Country of the Philippines - Due to the cattle-raising being a major part of the Masbate's industry.
- Island Born of Fire - due to the Camiguin's volcanic origin.
- Land of the Howling Wind - due to Catanduanes' location in the Pacific end of the country.
- Land of True Insulares - of Malay stock, the Ivatans in Batanes are nationally acclaimed as the ”True Insulares” having kept the purity of their gene pool, from as far back as 16th century, and preserved their rich history and cultural heritage.
- Last Frontier of the Philippines - with its unique biodiversity, unspoiled forests, and beautiful beaches, Palawan is the Philippines' last frontier.
- Rodeo Capital of the Philippines - nickname officially given through Executive Order No. 120 issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2002. After the Masbate's rodeo tradition which is an offshoot of the province's cattle-raising practice
- Salad Bowl of the Philippines - named after Benguet's vegetable cultivation industry. Nickname also applies to the town of La Trinidad.
- Sugar Bowl of the Philippines - after the Negros Occidenta's sugarcane industry. The province accounts about 60 percent of the Philippines' sugar output as of 2020.
See other lists here:
Philippines
- TOP 10 Best Tourist Spots in LUZON
- TOP 10 Must-See Sights in Ilocos Norte
- 4 Things to do in Coron
- List of Holidays in the Philippines
- List of Underrated But Worth-The-Money Eats In Tagaytay City
- 6 Romantic Destinations in the Philippines Except Boracay
- 5 summer destinations near Metro Manila
- Seven Must-Visit Beaches Near Manila
- List of Batang 90s Snacks
- Your Ultimate Food Guide in Pasig
- 7 White Sand Beaches in Southern Luzon you should see and visit
- 7 Must-See Things in Marinduque
International
- TOP 10 Best Tourist Spots in London
- 10 Underrated Places In Europe Where Locals Don't Want Tourists To Spoil
- Travel Thoughts You Can Relate To
Resorts and Hotels
- Top 10 Best Hotel and Resorts in Boracay
- Top 10 Best Places to Stay in Baguio City, Philippines
- List of Resorts In Laiya, Batangas
- Top 10 Best Hotels and Resorts in Bolinao, Pangasinan
- Top Hotels and Resorts in Coron, Palawan
list of city and municipality nicknames in the philippines misamis oriental nickname nicknames of the philippines davao oriental nickname nickname of ilocos norte nickname of caloocan city tiger city of the south in philippines leyte nickname
No comments
Let us know your thoughts!