San Miguel, Manila

Much of San Miguel is located on a riverine island, separated by the mainland by the Estero de (Stream of) San Miguel, and by the Pasig River. In order to reach the district, one has to cross any of the following bridges traversing Estero de San Miguel, from west to east: Carlos Palanca Bridge, P. Casal Bridge, Nepomunceno Bridge, Arlegui Bridge, San Rafael Bridge, Chino Roces Bridge (carrying Mendiola Street), Concepcion Aguila Bridge and J.P. Laurel Bridge. P. Casal Bridge's logical extension is the Ayala Bridge, that connects it to the southern bank of the Pasig. On the district's eastern parts is another riverine island, bounded by the Estero de San Miguel and Estero de Sampaloc. A small part is on the mainland, at the far eastern corner. San Miguel also includes the Isla de Convalecencia, the largest island in the Pasig River, which is home to the Hospício de San José, Manila's oldest Catholic welfare institution. Malacañang Palace, the seat of the Government of the Philippines and official residence of the President of the Philippines, is located in the neighborhood, and outside the Palace gates is Mendiola Street, a popular site for protests against the government. The San Miguel district is also home to some colleges and universities that form part of Manila's "University Belt" which encompasses San Miguel, and the districts of Quiapo and Sampaloc. Educational institutions that are located in the district include Far Eastern University, San Beda University, Centro Escolar University, College of the Holy Spirit, Saint Jude Catholic School, La Consolacion College Manila and Victorino Mapa High School. San Miguel Brewery, where the popular San Miguel Beer was originally produced beginning in the Spanish colonial era, was located and, hence, named after San Miguel district. The brewery's buildings were demolished after the property was transferred to the Philippine government, and it today forms part of the Palace complex. == Etymology ==

According to the writer Nick Joaquin, the island where San Miguel is now centered in was referred to in ancient times as "Malacañang" or "Malakanyang", which was the Tagalog term that meant "there are great ones there". After the Spaniards arrived in the area, they renamed the island as San Miguel after the archangel Saint Michael. == History ==

Precolonial era San Miguel used to be one of the many places occupied by the precolonial Tagalog polity once known as Namayan, centered around the modern-day barangay of Namayan in Mandaluyong and eventually in Sapa (the district of Santa Ana in Manila), once ruled by a lord known as Lakantagkan with his wife Bouan. Spanish era and founding After the Spaniards arrived, the island of Malakanyang was annexed as a barrio of Dilao (now known as Paco, Manila). However, in 1591, the Jesuits set up a Japanese mission in the island. In 1611, the Spaniards continued to accommodate Japanese Christians who were persecuted by the Tokugawa Shogunate. It was Justo Takayama, a feudal lord, who led a group of approximately 300 Japanese Christians to the Philippines in 1614. On February 4, 1945, American forces reached San Miguel, kicking the Japanese out of the region. People Power Revolution On February 22, 1986, the People Power Revolution erupted in Metro Manila, which was started by the Reformed the Armed Forces Movement before transpiring into a popular movement. By the 25th, the revolution had reached San Miguel. Government forces and civilians were injured in a clash at Nagtahan Street in the early morning. Not long after, President Ferdinand Marcos evacuated Malacañang for Hawaii and supporters of Corazon Aquino stormed the Malacañang Palace. == Barangays ==

San Miguel is divided into 12 barangays, grouped in three zones of the City of Manila. Barangays 637 to 640 are part of Zone 65, while Barangays 641 to 644 are part of Zone 66 and Barangays 645 to 648 are part of Zone 67. ;Barangays of San Miguel ==Attractions==

Casa Roces Casa Roces is a 1930s ancestral house of the Roces family which was renovated and turned into a full-service restaurant, café and an art gallery. Casa Roces is located in the district of San Miguel, Manila right across Malacañan Palace, the official residence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Casa Roces was designed in the Pre-war modernist style with Art Deco articulation using a variety of construction materials which includes reinforced concrete, wood and masonry. On the ground floor, the distinguishing feature is the use of "Machuca" tile flooring which is typical with Commonwealth era house. The original layout of the rooms were changed to accommodate its new use as a restaurant and an art gallery. ==Notable people==

• Angelo Reyes • Imelda Marcos • Chino Roces == References ==