Masjid al-Dahab, The Golden Mosque, is situated in the predominantly Muslim section of the Quiapo district in Manila, Philippines, and is considered the largest mosque in Metro Manila. The Golden Mosque is so-named because of its dome is painted in shining gold. Under the supervision of former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos, it was constructed in 1976 for the visit of Libya's President Muammar al-Gaddafi, although his visit was cancelled. It now serves many in Manila's Muslim community, and is especially full during Jumuah prayers on a Friday.

The minaret is now completely rusted and the dome is partly rusted. However, renovations are taking place on the mosque.

History

The structure was built under the regime of President Ferdinand Marcos under the supervision of First Lady Imelda Marcos for the state visit of Libyan strongman Muammar al-Gaddafi. The purpose was to help broker peace with the Muslim separatists in Mindanao. The visit did not happen; instead, it was the First Lady who visited Libya. The mosque remained and eventually became the largest mosque and the center of Islam in Manila.

Structure

The mosque is located in Quiapo mainly because there were a number of Muslims who lived there and also in Binondo, which is near Quiapo. The Golden Mosque stands at the end of the Globo De Oro Street, whose name means "Golden Globe." The mosque is large enough to accommodate 3,000 worshipers. Usually, during the Islamic day of worship every Friday noon, the mosque is packed full. At present, the minaret of the mosque is rusted and the dome is partly rusted; however, the mosque is currently being renovated.

Accommodations

Here is the list of hotels that can be found in Manila that offer good service and accommodation.

• Bayview Park Hotel - Ermita, Manila
• Centara Hotel Manila - Malate, Manila
• Century Park Hotel - Malate, Manila
• Diamond Hotel Manila - Malate, Manila
• G Hotel Manila by Waterfront - Malate, Manila
• Hotel H20 Manila - Rizal Park, Manila
• Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila - Ermita, Manila
• Manila Hotel - Rizal Park, Manila
• Pan Pacific Manila - Malate, Manila
• Ramada Manila Central - Binondo, Manila
• The Bayleaf Intramuros - Intramuros, Manila
• Waterfront Manila Pavilion - Ermita, Manila

Getting around the Manila City

Manila is the capital of the Philippines. Tourists can go around Manila through many options. Buses, FXs, jeepneys, taxis, tricycles, and pedicabs are available as a mode of transportations in the city. The city is also serviced by the Manila Light Rail Transit System, popularly known as LRT, as distinct from the MRT in other parts of Metro Manila.

Calesas are still used in the streets of Binondo and Intramuros, but mostly for tourists. Which mode of for-hire used depends upon the distance to be traveled, the cost, and the width of the streets.

The Port of Manila, located in the vicinity of Manila Bay, is the chief seaport of the Philippines. The city is also served by the Pasig River Ferry Service which runs on the Pasig River.

The city is served by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.