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General information

Population : 100.7 milion people (12th in the World, 8th in Asia)
Total Area : 300,000 km^2 (63rd in the World, 22nd in Asia)
Official languages : Filipino, there are a number of 19 recognized regional languages
Official currency : Peso(PHP)
Capital : Manila
Population density : 294 people/km^2 (40th in the World, 9th in Asia)
Top 5 biggest cities : Quezon City, Manila, Davao City, Caloocan, Cebu City

The Philippines has a democratic government in the form of a constitutional republic with a presidential system. It is governed as a unitary state with the exception of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao(ARMM), which is largely free from the national government. There have been attempts to change the government to a federal, unicameral, or parliamentary government since the Ramos administration.

The President functions as both head of state and head of government and is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The president is elected by popular vote for a single six-year term, during which he or she appoints and presides over the cabinet. The bicameral Congress is composed of the Senate, serving as the upper house, with members elected to a six-year term, and the House of Representatives, serving as the lower house, with members elected to a three-year term.

The Philippines is divided into three island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These are further divided into 17 regions, 81 provinces, 145 cities, 1,489 municipalities, and 42,036 barangays. In addition, Section 2 of Republic Act No. 5446 asserts that the definition of the territorial sea around the Philippines archipelago does not affect the claim over the eastern part of Sabah.










National sport : Arnis, Eskrima or Kali

Basketball



National animals : Carabao(Bubalus bubalis)

Philippine eagle(Pithecophaga jefferyi)


National plants : Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac)


Nara(Pterocarpus indicus)





The significance of the 12nd of June

12 June 1898 is the 1st time there was a decree that issued the proclamation of independenceof the Philippines from Spain. The independence was granted officialy after the Treaty of Manila in 4 July 1946. 12 June as Independence Day was officialy declared in 1962 by Diosdado Macapagal.










Time for some Philipine mythology … I am really new at this and think it is pretty interesting, what about you people… stay tunned for some mythology…


The stories of ancient Philippines mythology include deities, creation stories, mythical creatures, and beliefs. Ancient Philippines mythology varies among the many indigenous tribes of the Philippines. Some groups during the pre-Spanish conquest era believed in a single Supreme Being who created the world and everything in it, while others chose to worship a multitude of tree and forest deities (diwatas). Diwatas came from the Sanskrit word devata which means "deity", one of the several significant Hindu influences in the Pre-Hispanic religion of the ancient Filipinos. Below are some of the gods and goddesses of the ancient Philippines:



In the beginning of time there were three amazing powerful gods who lived in the universe: Bathala, who was the caretaker of the earth, Ulilang Kaluluwa, a huge serpent who lived in the clouds, and Galang Kaluluwa, the winged god who loved to travel. These three gods did not know each other.

Bathala often dreamt of creating mortals, but the empty earth stopped him from doing so. Ulilang Kaluluwa, who was as lonely as Bathala, liked to visit places, and the earth was his favorite.

One day the two gods met. Ulilang Kaluluwa, seeing another god rivaling him, was not pleased. He challenged Bathala to a fight to decide who would be the ruler of the universe. After three days and three nights, Ulilang Kaluluwa was slain by Bathala. Instead of giving him a proper burial, Bathala burned the snake's remains.

A few years later the third god, Galang Kaluluwa, wandered into Bathala's home. He welcomed the winged god with much kindness and even invited him to live in his kingdom. They became true friends and were very happy for many years.

Galang Kaluluwa became very ill. Before he died he instructed Bathala to bury him in the spot where Ulilang Kaluluwa’s body was burned. Bathala did exactly as he was told. Out of the grave of the two dead gods grew a tall tree with a big round nut, which is the coconut tree.

Bathala took the nut and husked it. He noticed that the inner skin was hard. The nut itself reminded him of Galang Kaluluwa’s head. It had two eyes, a nose, and a round mouth. Its leaves looked so much like the wings of his dear winged friend. But the trunk was hard and ugly, like the body of his enemy, the snake Ulilang Kaluluwa.

Bathala realized that he was ready to create the creatures he wanted with him on earth. He created vegetation, animals, and the first man and woman. Bathala built a house for them out of the trunk and leaves of the coconut trees. For food, they drank the coconut juice and ate its delicious white meat. Its leaves, they discovered, were great for making mats, hats, and brooms. Its fiber could be used for rope and many other things.

Well, it was quite interesting.. waiting for feedback on the Philippines mythology.







Top 8 places visited by tourists


Boracay











This tiny island in the west Visayas region is ideal for beach-goers who are after simple relaxation in the sun or water activities. White Beach, on the west side of the island, is one of the most popular beaches, with a lively reputation. Puka Shell Beach is on the tip of the island and is a favorite spot for shell collectors. Cagban Beach is a quiet spot with nearby caves that are rumored to still contain treasure chests. Diniwid Beach is a tiny beach at the north end of White Beach that has the best view of the island from a platform rock located there. This island is known for its many resorts, so finding a place to stay is easy. For a panoramic view of the island, take a day trip to Mount Luho, its highest point.



Bohol


Chocolate Hills









The island of Bohol in the Philippines' central Visayas region runs at a slower pace, and it's a destination that showcases the country's natural beauty. One of the most unique natural wonders on the island is the Chocolate Hills in Carmen. This UNESCO-protected site is a collection of 1,200 geological formations that turn brown in the dry season, resembling a landscape of chocolate candy kisses. Bohol is home to a family-owned sanctuary for the tiny Tarsier primate, known for its large engaging eyes. For a small fee, you can take an intimate walk through the grounds and stand inches away from the small nocturnal mammal. The showcase of Bohol is the beach.



Cebu










The island of Cebu, in the central Visayas region, is considered the port to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Philippines. If you are an underwater enthusiast, Cebu is one of your best options for excursions that get you up-close to whale sharks, coral reefs, and sea turtles. Some of the most spectacular scenery from the water near Cebu are the sea caves that attract photographers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for unique diving and snorkeling sites. The Sudlon National Park, located approximately an hour from Cebu City, is a breathtaking park to explore and hike. While Cebu's greatest draw is its water, Cebu City is a metropolitan area, with tourist attractions like museums and cathedrals that will interest history buffs.



Banaue










The rice terraces of Banaue are one of the most striking things to see in the Philippines. The emerald-green terraces are an agricultural wonder in this area. Your most impressive view of the terraces is at sunrise, when clouds and fog lift off the mountain to reveal the intricate landscape of the terraces. The Batad Rice Terraces and the Bangaan Rice Terraces are protected UNESCO World Heritage sites. For a deeper taste of this region, take a stroll through the Banaue Ethnic Village or the Hiwang Village to mingle with the indigenous people who farm the rice terraces.





Vigan






St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral


Bantay Bell Tower

The historical city of Vigan in the northern Philippines is one of the most charming towns to visit in the Luzon region. Its culture is a fusion of Chinese and Spanish influences originating from settlers to the area. Take a ride in a horse-drawn kalesa through the streets and admire the colonial architecture, courtesy of the Spanish who colonized the area in the 18th century. Vigan is a city with many nuances to explore. The best view of the area is from the Bantay Bell Tower, which is also a noted landmark in the area. The Calle Crisologo historic district is a walkable district, where you will encounter many local craftsman and see historical architecture. A visit to the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral is breathtaking and a perfect spot to sit and people-watch as you take in the local culture.



Manila




Rizal Park

[img]https://image.prntscr.com/image/BmNWocZDRICYnC0EeyAq6A.png[/i][/img]San Agustin Church


Quiapo Churchp

The Philippines capital of Manila, on the island of Luzon, is a bustling city with non-stop activity. Hop on board one of the colorful jeepneys, the main form of public transportation, to get a taste of local life. Usually over-packed with locals, the bumpy ride through the streets on the iconic and kitschy jeep/bus hybrid vehicles will be one of the highlights of your visit. Plan stops to the main park in the city, Rizal Park, and the historical San Agustin Church that was built in the 16th century. Buy local fruits and handmade gifts at the public market at Quiapo Church, where you are likely to see several thousand people show up on Fridays for worship.




Davao City






Philippine Eagle Centerp


Mount Apo


For a city scene outside of Manila, head to Davao City, which has a large metropolitan area. Davao City is the main city in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao. Despite its malls and large population, Davao City features many natural elements, including the Eden Nature Park, Philippine Eagle Center, and the Davao Baywalk near the sea. One of the must-visit spots in Davao City is Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines. Davao City is a prime location for shopping as there are several large malls, including Abreeza Mall and SM Lanang Premier Mall. For a peek into Davao City history and culture, the tiny Davao Museum of History and Ethnography is worth a visit.




Sagada







One of the most unique experiences you can have in the Philippines is in the northern tribal region in Sagada. Nestled in the rugged and remote Cordillera Mountains are tribes that embrace the occasional visitor. This area is a paradise for the advanced outdoor enthusiast. The steep mountains and high elevation enhance the thrill and skill level required for outdoor adventure. One of the must-sees in this region are the hanging coffins that hide deep in the mountains. It is best to connect with a local guide to take you to this incredible site because this is not a tourist area, but rather an authentic tribal region hiding an experience worthy of bragging rights. Hiking is popular in Sagada, particularly to Mount Ampaco, which has the highest peak in the region or through Echo Valley, which has steep and rugged terrain.








Inventions Philippines gave to the world!

*Erythromycin!
*by Abilardo Aguilar in 1949.



*Panabas!


*Balisong (Butterfly knife)!


*Torogan!




*Jeepney!
*by Leonardo Sarao in 1945.










Famous people from Philippines:


Manny Pacquiao - is a Filipino professional boxer and politician, currently serving as a Senator of the Philippines. He currently ranks #4 in BoxRec's ranking of the greatest pound for pound boxers of all time. In 2016, Pacquiao was ranked number 2 on ESPN's list of top pound-for-pound boxers of the past 25 years. He is the only eight-division world champion in the history of boxing, having won eleven major world titles, as well as being the first boxer to win the lineal championship in five different weight classes. Pacquiao is also the first boxer in history to win major world titles in four of the original eight weight classes of boxing: flyweight, featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight.


(born 1978)


Lou Diamond Phillips - is a Filipino-American actor and director. His breakthrough came when he starred as Ritchie Valens in the biographical drama film La Bamba(1987). For the Academy Award–nominated Stand and Deliver (198😎, Phillips was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and won an Independent Spirit Award. He made his Broadway debut with the 1996 revival of The King and I, earning a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of King Mongkut of Siam. Phillips' other notable films include Young Guns (198😎, Young Guns II (1990), Courage Under Fire (1996), The Big Hit(199😎, Che (200😎, and The 33 (2015). In the television series Longmire, he played a main character, Henry Standing Bear.

(born 1962)


Rodrigo Duerte - is a Filipino politician who is the 16th and current President of the Philippines and the first from Mindanao, the southernmost island of the country to hold the office. He is chair of the ruling PDP–Laban party. At 71 years old, Duterte is the oldest person to assume the Philippine presidency; the record was previously held by Sergio Osmeña at the age of 65

(born 1945)



Ferdinand Marcos - was a Filipino politician and kleptocrat who was President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He ruled as a dictator under martial law from 1972 until 1981. His regime was infamous for its corruption, extravagance, and brutality.
Marcos claimed an active part in World War II, including fighting alongside the Americans in the Bataan Death March and being the "most decorated war hero in the Philippines". A number of his claims were found to be false and United States Army documents described Marcos's wartime claims as "fraudulent" and "absurd".

(1917 - 1989)


Arnel Pineda - is a Filipino singer and songwriter. He came to prominence in the Philippines during the 1980s and internationally in 2007 as the lead singer of the Americanrock band Journey.

I invite you to listen to the next story about him if you are a fan of Journey and you never stoped believing:




(born 1967)








Traditional food


Lupia



The filling varies, but one thing remains the same: You can (and will) inhale them by the dozen.

Sinigang



Sinigang is a Filipino soup or stew characterized by its sour and savoury taste most often associated with tamarind . It is one of the more popular viands in Filipino cuisine, and is related to the Malaysian dish singgang.



Chicken Afritada



Spanish influences can be found throughout Filipino cuisine, and this tomato-based stew with chicken, peppers, and onions is one of the heartiest examples.


Pancit Palabok



It's a super versatile, catch-all dish that centers around a simple, savory combination of meat, veggies, and noodles.

Pork Adobo



A popular dish and cooking process in Philippine cuisine that involves meat, seafood, or vegetables marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns, which is browned in oil, and simmered in the marinade. It has sometimes been considered as the unofficial national dish in the Philippines.

Bistek



It is a dish of pieces of salted and peppered sirloin, usually flattened with a meat tenderizing tool, cooked in coconut vinegar, Philippine brand soy sauce, onions bistek Tagalog, a specialty of the Tagalog region, is typically topped with onions and the strips of sirloin beef slowly cooked in soy sauce and vinegar juice. It is known in the Spanish-speaking world as bistec encebollado or bistec tagalo. It is usually Anglicized in Philippine English as "beefsteak."

Chicharon



Chicharon is ubiquitous as it is a well-loved snack, and may be bought anywhere, from large supermarket chains to sari-sari stores, and even from vendors on foot. It is popular as pulutan or finger food, to be eaten while consuming alcoholic beverages. It is also used as a topping on many native vegetable and noodle dishes. Pork chicharon is prepared by deep-frying dried pork rind with a little salt. It may be dipped in coconut vinegar spiced with soy sauce, chopped garlic and labuyo, or eaten with other condiments like bagoong, lechon liver sauce, or atchara.

Sizzling Pork Sisig



Sisig is a Filipino dish made from parts of pig head and liver, usually seasoned with calamansi and chili peppers.

Kare-Kare



Kare-kare is a Philippine stew complemented with a thick savory peanut sauce. It is made from a variation base of stewed oxtail, pork hocks, calves feet, pig feet, beef stew meat, and occasionally offal or tripe. Kare-kare can also be made with seafood (prawns, squid, and mussels) or vegetables. Vegetables, which include eggplant, Chinese cabbage, or other greens, daikon, green beans, okra, and asparagus beans are added — usually equaling or exceeding the amount of meat. The stew is flavored with ground roasted peanuts or peanut butter, onions, and garlic. It is colored with annatto and can be thickened with toasted or plain ground rice.

Ukoy




Traditional desserts

Bibingka (Cassava Cake)



Bibingka is a type of rice cake from the Philippines and in Christian communities in Indonesia. It is usually eaten for breakfast, especially during the Christmas season. It is traditionally cooked in clay pots lined with leaves.


Ube Ice Cream



Exactly what it sounds like: ice cream made from the root crop ube, also known as purple yam.

Halo-Halo



Haluhalo or Halo-halo is a popular Filipino dessert with a mixture of shaved ice and evaporated milk to which various ingredients are added, including boiled sweet beans, coconut, sago, gulaman (agar jelly), tubers, fruits, and yam ice cream. It is served in a tall bowl.



Biko




Biko is a Filipino dessert made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. It’s an easy and simple homemade dessert that is popularly served at parties and gatherings.


Dessert Lumpia



Sweetened bananas baked in lumpia wrappers, then drizzled with caramel and chocolate.

Leche Flan



Caramel custard.


Traditional drinks

Calamansi Whiskey Sour

A cocktail highlighting one of the most frequently used fruits in Filipino cooking.


Manila Sunshine





Katipunan Indio Pale Ale









Interesting facts about Philippines:


1.The Philippines was the first country in Southeast Asia to gain independence after World War II, in 1945..
2.The Philippines has the highest rate of discovery of new animal species with 16 new species of mammals discovered just in the last 10 years.
3.The Philippines are named after King Philip II of Spain. Explorer Ruy López de Villalobos named the Eastern Visayas Felipenas first, and the name was later applied to the entire archipelago. The country’s official name is the Republic of the Philippines.
4.Of the top 10 largest shopping malls in the world, three are found in the Philippines: SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, and SM Mall of Asia.
5.The world’s largest pearl was discovered by a Filipino diver in the Palawan Sea in 1934. Known as the “Pearl of Lao Tzu,” or “Pearl of Allah,” the gem weighs 14 pounds (6.35 kg) and measures 9.5 inches (24 cm) long and 5.5 inches (.4 cm) in diameter. It has a value of over US$40 million. It is believed to be 600 years old.
6.The Philippines is the world’s largest exporter of coconuts and tropical fruits, such as papaya and mangosteen.
7.The Philippines is the only majority Christian nation in Asia. Eighty percent of its population identifies as Roman Catholic.
8.The Philippines is the only country in the world whose flag is hoisted upside down when the country is at war.
9.The yo-yo had its beginnings as an ancient Filipino studded hunting weapon attached to a 20-foot rope. The modern yo-yo was invented by a Filipino American, and its name yóyocomes from the Filipino language Ilocano and means “come back.”
10.Of the eight known species of giant clams in the world, seven are found in the Philippines.






My 5 words when I hear about Philippines:
#Pacquiao,#ExSpaniards,#Islands,#Pinoy,#Diving

What are your 5?





Unfortunetly I couldn’t contact anyone living in RL Philippines so I made the article by myself.

I will leave you with the national motto:













I leave you with some Philippines memes:













Waiting for feedback , comments , opinions and if there is anyone that thinks I missed something , I could do something better or just wants to help me with this project , PM me !

Special thanks to Kariky for the spacers !!




Hope you enjoyed and see you next time!

P.S. Article 54/74!









P.S.2. Don't forget to push the flags !