Manila: Cultural Whiplash

Muslim slum surrounding minaret of Manila Islamic Center..Most of its residents are Marawi and come from the shores around idyllic Lake Lanao, Mindanao to live in squalor in Manila in search of opportunity. The Quiapo district with its large Muslim population is closely watched for potential terrorist activities. It is an island of Islam in a sea of Catholicism. When the Spanish arrived in Manila (Maynilad) 500 years ago, they found a Muslim settlement. Ironically Manila's largest...
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Muslim slum surrounding minaret of Manila Islamic Center..Most of its residents are Marawi and come from the shores around idyllic Lake Lanao, Mindanao to live in squalor in Manila in search of opportunity. The Quiapo district with its large Muslim population is closely watched for potential terrorist activities. It is an island of Islam in a sea of Catholicism. When the Spanish arrived in Manila (Maynilad) 500 years ago, they found a Muslim settlement. Ironically Manila's largest Catholic church, Quiapo Church, gives the district its name.
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