Motto: “Manila, God First” … represents the caring nature of the Philippine community. Many of the Philippines’ “firsts” are in Manila, including the first university in 1590, light station in 1642, lighthouse tower in 1846, water system in 1878 and the first hotel in 1889. Many reasons why Manila is called the “Pearl of the Orient”. Manila is located in the National Capital Region (NCR) and is “The most densely populated city proper in the world”.