Philippine history, many argue, did not begin with the coming
of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Rather,
it began in the 13th century when 10 datus from Borneo, each
with a hundred of his kinsmen, landed in what is now known
as Panay Island in the Visayas.
Yet it was Magellan and succeeding expeditions from Spain
who put the Philippine archipelago on the map of the world.
The intrepid Magellan was dubbed the discoverer of the Philippines
after he landed in Homonhon Islet, near Samar, on March 17,
1521. He was later killed in Mactan Island of Cebu in clash
with native warriors led by a chieftain named Lapu-lapu.
The Philippines was a prize catch for Spain which, at that
time, was locked in a fierce struggle for world colonization
with Portugal. The archipelago, named Felipinas for Spain's
Philip II, was composed of 7,107 islands and islets
spanning 1854 kilometers from north to south. The Philippines,
also a window to the New World, stretched from China to the
north and the Indonesian archipelago to the south . The northernmost
tip of the country, Y'ami of the Batanes Island group, is
241 kilometers south of Taiwan while the southernmost tip,
Sibutu of the Tawi-tawi group of islands, is just 14.4 kilometers
north of Borneo.
The Philippines in fact is at a most strategic location making
it a natural hub for commerce. Manila and Cebu are premiere
centers of trade in the region. To the east is the vast Pacific
Ocean and beyond it, the new World. To the west are the kingdoms
of Indochina including Cambodia and Thailand while southwest
There are three major geographical groups in the country:
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The northern portion of the archipelago
is composed of the largest island, Luzon. The Visayan region
is made up of about 6,000 islands including Panay, Leyte,
Samar, Cebu and Bohol. Mindanao is the second largest island
and encompasses about 400 smaller islands.
Spanish colonizer succeeded in introducing Christianity in
Luzon and Visayas but were unsuccessful in Mindanao, where
Moslem staved off Spanish efforts.
Spanish rule lasted from the 16th century to the 19th century
but was marked with a series of revolts. When three
Filipino priest were executed for nationalist activities,
a group of reformist formed the Propaganda Movement that would
later pave the way for the Philippine Revolution. A young
doctor-writer named Jose Rizal was arrested and later executed
by Spanish officials for his scathing criticisms of Spanish
rule in the Philippines through two novel. Rizal, who was
just 30 when he was executed, would later be recognized by
historian as Asia's first nationalist. His contemporaries
include Gandhi and Dr. Sun Yat-sen.
The Philippine Revolution was launched after Rizal's death
and was led first by Andres Bonifacio and then later by Emilio
Aguinaldo. Philippine independence was proclaimed on June
12, 1898 on the balcony of Aguinaldo's home in Cavite.
But as Spanish rule ended, so would American domination start.
Unknown to Aguinaldo and the Filipinos, Spain ceded the archipelago
to the US for $20 million. Thus, when American and Filipino
forces laid siege on Intramuros, little did the Filipinos
know that they would have new enemies. Intramuros surrendered
by Filipinos were prevented by Americans from entering. This
sowed the seeds of distrust that would eventually culminate
in the Filipino-American War.
A new fight for independence was waged and this would last
six years. The war ended in 1905 and the period of fighting
was followed by decades of progress. In 1935, a Commonwealth
government was established complete with a Constitution.
World War II broke out in 1941. Japan annexed the Philippines
after heroic battle with Filipino-American forces making a
stand in Bataan and Corrigidor. With the surrender, Filipinos
took to the hills and waged a guerrilla war for four years.
In 1945, US forces liberated the Philippines. On July 4, 1946,
the US flag was lowered for the last time as the Philippines
was finally granted independence.
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People. The Filipino is basically
of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish
and Arab blood. The Philippines has a population of 60 million,
and it is hard to distinguish accurately the lines between
stocks. From a long history of Western colonial rule interspersed
with the visit of merchants and traders evolved a people of
a unique blend of east and west, both in appearance and culture.
The Filipino character is actually a little bit of all the
cultures put together. The bayanihan or spirit of kinship
and camaraderie that Filipinos are famous for is said to be
taken from Malay forefathers. The close family relations are
said to have been inherited from the Chinese. The piousness
comes, from the Spaniards who introduced Christianity in the
16th century. Hospitality is a common denominator in the Filipino
character and this is what distinguishes the Filipino. Filipinos
are probably one of the few, if not the only, English-proficient
Oriental people today. Pilipino is the official national language,
with English considered as the country's unofficial one.
The Filipinos are divided geographically and culturally into
regions, and each regional group is recognizable by distinct
traits and dialects - the sturdy and frugal Ilocanos of the
north, the industrious Tagalogs of the central plains, the
carefree Visayans from the central islands and the colorful
tribesmen and religious Moslems of Mindanao. Tribal communities
can be found scattered across the archipelago. All in all
the Philippines has 111 dialects spoken, owing to the subdivisions
of these basic regional and cultural groups.
Some 80 percent of the population is Catholic, Spain's lasting
legacy. About 15 percent is Moslem and these people can be
found basically in Mindanao. The rest of the population is
made up mostly of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhists.
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The Philippines is an archipelago blessed with a wealth
of natural resources, a rich history and unique culture. It's
attractions are as many as they are diverse, with each island
offering something different, something special to the most
discerning visitor. White sand beaches, lush green forests,
majestic mountain peaks, age-old structures, modern cities,
and rustic countrysides - the list goes on and on.
The country is most popular for its beaches and deep waters
teeming with a plethora of marine life. The Philippine waters
have attracted a growing numbers of scuba divers all eager
to discover the underwater treasures of the country. Most
of the resorts are well-equipped with modern diving equipment
and have in their staff professional diving instructors and
guides. Facilities for water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing,
hobie cat sailing, island hopping, and other water sports
are also available. Those who prefer to keep their feet dry
can still view the magical coral world through glass-bottomed
The Philippines is not only for sun, sea and sand lovers.
The numerous attractions present a wide array of activities
to choose from whether you are in the north or the south.
For the nature lover, there is a mountain climbing, birdwatching,
cave exploration, and even photo safaris. History and culture
buffs may learn more about the Philippines and its people
when visiting the museums, centuries-old structures, monuments,
and churches spread across the country. And for a taste of
rural Philippine life, a tour of the farms in the provinces
is highly recommended.
Golfers have also found their place in the sun here in the
Philippines. The country boasts of challenging golf courses,
some of which were designed by world-class course architects
in the likes of Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Gary Player.
Whatever your interests are, our islands have it.
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Metro Manila evolved from its humble beginnings as a tiny
tribal settlement at the mouth of a natural harbor into a
bustling metropolis that is now the center of government,
business, commerce and education. It is composed of
four cities and 13 municipalities, covering an area of 630
square kilometers. Manila is the country's capital and premier
gateway to the country.
Metro Manila is a delightful mix of old and new: age-old
traditions and modern-day attractions; centuries-old buildings
and gleaming high-rise structures; quaint street stalls and
modern shopping malls; stately museums and discotheques and
The Spanish colonizers moved the capital of the Philippines
from Cebu of Manila in 1571. During that same year the Spaniards
started building Intramuros, the Walled City, as the seat
of Church and State.
History echoes within the walls of this fortress-complex and
a tour of this landmark will provide the visitor a deeper
understanding of Manila's rich heritage.
Among the more popular attractions in Intramuros are: Fort
Santiago, the headquarters of Spanish military troops and
prison to thousands of Filipinos including the country's national
hero Dr. Jose Rizal; Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church,
two of the oldest churches in the country filled with an extensive
collection of religious artifacts; and Casa Manila, a reconstructed
19th century mansion replete with 16th to 19th century furniture
Outside of Intramuros is Rizal Park, a place of relaxation
for Filipinos. Rizal Park is a wide expanse of manicured lawns
and spouting fountains complete with an open air auditorium,
Chinese and Japanese Gardens, a children's playground and
a skating rink. The remains of Jose Rizal lie within the cornerstones
of Rizal Monument.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines(CCP)Complex is the
arts center of the country. It is the favored venue for ballet
presentations, concerts, stage plays and other performances.
Within the complex is Coconut Palace which is a living testament
to the Filipino architectural genius. Almost the entire structure
is made of materials from the coconut tree mixed with other
indigenous materials. Also within the CCP Complex are the
Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and the
Philippine Center for International Trade and Exhibit (PHILCITE).
While at the CCP Complex, visitors must not miss watching
the spectacular sunset at Manila Bay.
Just 10 minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport
is a 32-acre theme park which showcase the country's diverse
attractions and culture. Found in Nayong Pilipino(Philippine
Village) are scaled-down replicas of Bicol's Mayon Volcano,
the Banaue Rice Terraces, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and
Magellan's Cross of Cebu. Clusters of houses, their architecture
reflective of six of the 13 regions in the country, form miniature
Makati, the business district of Metro Manila, is characterized
by modern high rise buildings, sprawling shopping malls, rows
of gourmet restaurants and entertainment establishments and
exclusive sports lubs.
In Makati Ayala Museum's dioramas depicting various periods
in the history of the Philippines put visitors in a time warp
across centuries of Filipino civilization.
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Entertainment. Succulent, exotic, tangy, spicy,
sweet, sour, colorful and always a feast. Whether in a cramped
sidewalk stall (kainan) or in a posh restaurant, dining
in the Philippines is a guaranteed adventure. The wide array
of cuisine - from native to Asian to continental - is matched
only be the myriad choices of restaurants and eateries around
Philippine cuisine is a mirror of its culture, thus the variety
in what is cooked and how it is cooked. Rice is the staple,
although influences of foreign recipes have become a regular
practice in food preparation. For instance, coconut milk or
gata is still used often as ingredient, a gastronomic
legacy from the Filipinos' Malay ancestors. Popular dishes
like lumpia (rolls) and pancit (noodles) are
Chinese. Even the lechon (roast pig), which is considered
the country's most famous dish, has its origins in China.
Spain's contribution to Philippine cuisine include adobo,
mechado, menudo and pochero.
Because of its coastlines, the, Philippines boasts of seafood
galore. In fact, most, if not all, restaurants offer seafood
cooked one way or another. The most popular though is broiled
(inihaw). Standard seafood dishes include shrimp, rock
lobster, crab, oyster, squid, and fish. A delicious type of
crustacean which looks like a cross between a crab and a crayfish,
the curacha, is an attraction in itself in restaurants
in Zamboanga while Davao has become synonymous with the inihaw
na panga, tuna head split and broiled. To cap a sumptuous
meal is a wide array of desserts, from the fresh fruits to
baked delights. The sweet mango is almost always the first
on the list of after dinner fares.
A wide choice of food establishments awaits the visitor whether
it be in Metro Manila or in the various provinces in the country.
Entertainment often follows a good meal. Metro Manila bristles
and bustles with nightlife and is often heralded as Asia's
entertainment capital. There are nightly show bands dishing
out bouncy numbers or soulful ballads. There is a wide range
of music to choose from - pop, rock, jazz, even Broadway.
Some entertainment establishments feature bands or singers
that specialize in original Pilipino music (OPM) or have cultural
show presentations featuring the traditional folk dances of
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Tours and Transport.
Getting around the Philippines is not a problem. Often,
it is an advantage in itself. Philippine Airlines (PAL), the
national flag carrier, has regular scheduled routes to about
45 points from Batanes in the north to Tawi-Tawi in the south.
There are also several air charter companies operating in
the country and these companies fly to select tourist destinations
anywhere in the Philippines.
Aerolift Philippines, flies regularly to Caticlan, Aklan,
the main drop-off point for Boracay Island, and to Dipolog,
Zamboanga del Norte. Aerolift has introduced a new service
to Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya, which is an hour and a half by
land to Banawe. Pacific Airways, Inc., another local airline,
flies to Cuyo and Coron in Palawan and to three other destinations
in the country.
There are about 47 airports being used by PAL and Pacific
Airways and other air charter companies, although there are
as many as 300 airports, all over the country.
The Philippines has three international airports - the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport(NAIA), the Mactan International
Airport and the Davao International Airport - with the NAIA
as the main gateway. Manila is also served by the Manila Domestic
Airport. Cebu and Davao are the hubs on the domestic network
and travelers can jump off to other points in the Visayas
and Mindanao from these airports. Airport shuttle service
for these airports is provided by Nissan
Car Lease Philippines.
Land transportation provides a leisurely, albeit longer, alternative
to travel the various destinations especially in the main
island of Luzon. There are 45 bus companies and 50 tour operators
based in Metro Manila alone, and they offer scheduled runs
using air-conditioned coaches and vans. Nissan
Car Lease Philippines provides another alternative by
offering reasonable car rental services.
There are several bus companies that operate a Manila-Davao
run. The trip normally takes 36 hours with specified stops
along the way.
For Visayas region, which is basically all islands, there
are inter island shipping companies which maintain scheduled
trips to regular points. From Manila, there are at least 10
shipping lines that offer comfortable amenities. Voyages from
Manila to the Visayas often take about 18 to 20 hours, depending
on the destinations. Ferry services are available to get from
island to island.
For easier arrangements for transportation, it is best to
consult tour operators. In Metro Manila, there are tour associations
such as the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA)
and the Philippine Association of Tourist Transport Operators,
who offer transportation. assistance. The two tour associations
in Cebu are the Cebu tours and Travel Association (CTTA) and
the Cebu Association of Tour operators (CATO).
Tour operators boast of complete transport facilities for
whatever needs the travelers may have. More importantly, these
operators maintain a high standard of quality service and
experience to handle the task at hand.
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Even the most seasoned shopper and bargain-hunter would find
shopping in the Philippines a delightful surprise. Anywhere
a traveler might wander - from the northernmost tip of Luzon
to the southern bottom of Mindanao quality items can be bought
for a bargain.
Philippine products include handicraft items such as carved
statues and religious icons; household items such as the Tiffany
lamps made of Capiz; jewelry made from gold, silver, brass
and pearl; baskets, jars, vases. They include ready-to-wear
dresses in the most modern fashions as well as knitwear and
traditional clothes such as the Barong Tagalog, the
national costume made cloth woven from banana fiber (jusi)
or pineapple fiber (pina).
World-famous Philippine furniture made from bamboo, rattan
or exquisitely carved wood can be priceless. Other items
include snake or crocodile skin leather products, antiques
and shell products.
Department stores in all the major cities also carry an array
of imported goods such as perfumery, clothes, jewelry, toys
and electronic items, often at cheaper prices than in other
Virtually everything in the Philippines can be bought in Metro
Manila. Just along the Tourist Belt (on Mabini Street in Manila
proper), a tourist can acquire a wide variety of items from
rows of specialty shops. For incoming tourist wishing to go
on a hassle-free-shopping expedition there is the duty-free
Fiesta Shopping Complex near the Ninoy Aquino International
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The Filipino are a people known to be industrious and
hardworking. Yet there is another side to this. Filipinos
are also fun-loving and this can be seen in the fiestas held
throughout the country.
Philippine fiestas are a mixture of Christian commemoration,
and folk elements, celebrated with great pomp and pageantry.
There are many reasons why fiestas are held: as a form of
thanksgiving, to pay homage to the town's patron saint, in
celebration of a bountiful harvest, or a re-enactment of a
historical event. Some of more popular fiestas are the Pahiyas
of Lucban and Sariaya, Quezon, Feast of San Clemente of Angono
in Rizal, Carabao-festival of Bulacan; Parada ng Lechon of
Batangas, Ati-Atihan of Kalibo, Sinulog of Cebu, Masskara
Festival of Bacolod Moriones Festival Marinduque Lanzones
Festival Camiguin, and Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo which
are celebrated nationwide.
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and Incentives. The Philippines lays claim to being
the pioneer of the convention industry in the ASEAN region.
It was the first in the region to host the lnternational Monetary
Fund-World Bank annual meeting in 1976. The Philippines is
a natural convention destination with its excellent facilities,
experienced support services and a hospitable working environment.
And with its rich culture and heritage, the Philippines also
provides the perfect backdrop for incentive travel.
There are nine major convention sites in Metro Manila complemented
by 15 de luxe and first class hotels located within the major
business and commercial centers in the metropolis. The largest
convention site, the Philippine International Convention Center
(PICC), has a multi-level plenary hall which can accommodate
up to 4,000 people. There are 14 meeting rooms and even a
press area. The holding of conventions is not limited to Metro
Manila for there are more than 10 other convention destinations
spread out from the northern to the southern parts of the
country. Smaller business meetings may be held in the many
hotels and resorts in the country.
The Philippines is also a perfect destination for incentive
travelers. Filipino creativity and imaginative flair, spiced
with the characteristic of love for fun, makes for theme tours
that are sure to make the visitors' stay a memorable one.
A number of incentive packages have been developed which highlight
the various destinations and attractions of the Philippines.
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more information, please visit the web sites below:
Government Department of Tourism
Information of Philippines
Planet - Destination: The Philippines
Courtesy: The Department of Tourism