Uploaded on 2017-02-05 by Kiu, Louie Nathaniel

Most Livable Cities (As Experienced) ------------------------------------ 1. Hong Kong 2. Osaka, Japan 3. San Francisco, USA 4. New York City, New York 5. Dubai, UAE Criteria ------------------------------------ 1. Safety - There is a sense of security, and a near-absence of threats — detrimental to a quality of living —of any kind 2. Geography and Climate - The general climate is pleasant, and the geographical location of a city has the capacity for both pleasure (through the strong presence of nature, for instance) and for the growth of a city. 3. Infrastructure - Infrastructure, such as transportation and medical buildings, are more than ample to support the many lives a city encapsulates. 4. Culture - There is a general culture of acceptance, respect, competence, growth, and enjoyment. 5. Work-Life Balance - There are opportunities for growth in both academics/ work and life/ leisure. Manila, Philippines ------------------------------------ I feel strongly that the city of Manila shows signs of a wonderfully livable city, but falls short in its implementation, and the follow-through of the policies and infrastructures that support the community. Within the city, there are further divisions into smaller units called “barangays,” and even smaller neighborhoods from thereon. It is not uncommon to see that demographics, and thus, safety, can rapidly change within these smaller ecosystems. Situated in a tropical country, the heat of the city can also sometimes grow far too intensely for comfort (especially with the excess numbers of cars and air-conditioning systems running in the metro). While there is a presence of a multitude of infrastructure for transportation, it simply isn’t enough for Manila’s extremely dense population— Roads are cramped, and the number of trains are inadequate (resulting in people cramping in like sardines). Despite all these, what makes the city truly lovable are the warm culture of its people, and the sheer number of things to do within the confines of the city.