Ermita, Manila
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Ermita is a district of Manila, Philippines located halfway between Intramuros (the old walled city) and Malate. It was known before as the city's red-light district that has gained fame and notoriety among locals and foreigners alike. This has all changed when a number of nightspots were closed down by then mayor Alfredo Lim who has deemed these places as "immoral". Nightlife in the area has since dwindled though it has has picked up lately with the help of the emergence of the nearby Malate district and the Roxas Blvd. Baywalk area in the nightlife scene.
Other than the night life, there are a number of coin shops and antique shops, as well as some artists who remained in the area, such as National Artist F. Sionil Jose who maintains a modest bookstore on the area. Other attractions include the Supreme Court, the United States Embassy, several universities and hospitals, including Philippine General Hospital and the University of the Philippines. The students have turned Robinson's Mall into a bustling shopping center and rendez-vous, with a Starbucks, Figaro's Nescafe and several other coffee shops and outdoor-type cafes.