Manila is the capital and second largest city of the Philippine Empire, largest city of the Home Islands, and the financial center of the empire. Within the city lies important infrastructure vital to the government and the nation, namely the Emperor's Residence, the headquarters of all five Ministries (State, War, the Navy, Finance, and Air Forces) and the enormous, stadium-like Imperial Senate Building. Since the Philippines' rise as a regional power following World War II, Manila has become one of the most influential cities of the eastern world.