Manila visitors visit Manila's across the U.S.

Manila, Ark., is a long way from Manila, Philippines. Guests from a city of millions made a tour of Manila in the heart of the Delta last week.

Making a stop in northeast Arkansas were Mark Gary and Denisa Gary from Manila, Philippines, and Gary's relatives from Kentucky, Doug Gary and Nancy Hack.

Mark Gary is making a feature film and they are making visits to places in the United States with the Manila name.

Last year they visited Manila, Calif., and this year they toured Manila, Tenn., and Manila, Ark.

Among other states with the name of Manila are West Virginia, Kentucky and Utah.

So far on their U.S. Manila visits, Manila, Ark., has been the largest with the population of 3,342.

Manila, Calif., had a population of 784 and Manila, Tenn., was not a town, but a church.

The visitors were pleased to make the acquaintance of Donna Jackson, local historian. Jackson opened the new Manila Main Street Museum for the guests to tour, along with the restored Manila Depot Museum.

Jackson shared the history of Manila, how it got its name, what brought the early settlers, information about Big Lake, going from the timber days to agriculture that still plays a major role in the local economy. They talked about the railroads.

They also enjoyed hearing the story of World War I hero Herman Davis and how the monument came about.

Mark Gary filmed points of interest from the community including the the airport, community center, museum, Herman Davis Monument, old water tower, and much more.

The visitors agreed they liked the South and the southern hospitality shown to them.