Philippines

Positioned on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, along the Ring of Fire,
the Philippines is the second-largest archipelago in the world, with over 7,100
individual islands counted within its borders. With a population of
103,775,002, The Philippines became an independent state in 1946.

The history of the Philippines begins with its first inhabitants arriving via
primitive boats nearly 67,000 years ago. Various tribes roamed the islands
until small kingdoms began establishing roots during the first millennium.

For several centuries there was no unifying power within the Philippine
archipelago, as the islands were controlled by various sultans.

Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521, and placed the islands

under Spanish ruling. Colonization was quick to follow, and the first European
settlements began to pop up in 1565.

For hundreds of years the Philippines were a Spanish colony, but were ceded
to the U.S. in 1898, after the Spanish-American War.

The Philippines became one of the main focal points of battles

between Japan and the U.S. during World War II, and at the end of the war (in
1946) with the U.S. victory in the South Pacific, the Philippines attained total
independence.

During their early years as a new country, the Philippines faced various
challenges, and had to be almost completely rebuilt following the devastation
brought on by World War II.

Ferdinand Marcos was elected president in 1965, and toward the end of his
second term, after being constitutionally barred from obtaining a third, he
declared martial law.

The dictatorial government of Ferdinand Marcos ended in 1986. Since then,a

long parade of electoral presidential problems and internal struggles have been
ongoing.
In addition, Abu Sayyaf, an armed Muslim insurgency group operating in the
south, has collectively plagued the country for many years, and is now causing
serious disruptions, especially in western tourism visits.

On June 25, 1991, Mount Pinatubo violently erupted, severely weakening the
already strained economy. The volcano's eruption marked the second largest
of the 20th century, and its effects were felt worldwide.

In 1992, after many years of negotiations, the U.S. finally closed its last
military bases on the islands, and (in the view of many), the Philippines lost
much needed revenue from that action.

To further add to their problems, decades of intensive logging, inequitable

land distribution, agricultural expansion and failed policies, have caused
severe deforestation and land degradation.

The government has established more than 270 protected areas covering over
10 million acres. Forest conservation areas encompass approximately six
million acres.

Haiyan, one of the strongest storms in recorded history, decimated parts of the
Philippines in November, 2013. More than 6,000 people were killed and over
four million lost their homes. The government has played a powerful role in
spearheading the recovery.
Philippines's Information

Land Area 298,170 km2

Water Area 1,830 km2
Total Area 300,000km2
Population 102,624,209
Population Density 344.18/km2
Government Type Presidential Republic
GDP (PPP) $807.00 Billion
GDP Per Capita $7,700
Currency Peso (PHP)

Where is Philippines?
Located in Southeastern Asia, Philippines is an island nation. It has a
36,289.00 km coastline. The Philippines claims sovereignty over Scarborough
Reef, which is also claimed by China and Taiwan.
The current capital of The Philippines is Manila. Manila is also the second
largest city in The Philippines, with a total of 22 million people in its urban
area.
Philippines is an Asian country covering 300,000.00 km2 of which 0.61% is
water and 298,170.00 km2is land. This makes it the 72nd largest country in the
world and slightly less than twice the size of Georgia slightly larger than
Arizona. Its geographic coordinates are 13 00 N, 122 00 E and Manila is the
capital city.
The Philippines were named in honor of King Phillip II of Spain.
Its ISO code is PH.
Geography
Philippines has a mean elevation of 442 m above sea level.
It has a tropical, muggy climate that is modified by southeast trade winds. Its
terrain is mostly mountainous with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands.
Population
Philippines has a population of 102,624,209 making it the 12th largest in the
world. One-eighth of the country's population lives in Manila.
Filipino (a language based on Tagalog) and English are both official
languages. Major ethnic groups include Tagalog, Cebuano, and Ilocano. The
majority of the population is Roman Catholic.
Filipino is the national language of The Philippines. However, both Filipino
and English are designated as the official languages of The Philippines. The
Filipino language is Tagalog. Filipino is recognized as the standard version of
the Tagalog language. For official purposes,Tagalog (Filipino) and English are
used for government purposes. Both languages are used in news broadcasts,
education, and for the purpose of conducting commerce.

The Tagalog language is an Austronesian language. The Austronesian

language family are a group of languages spoken throughout the insular
regions of Southeast Asia, islands in the Pacific Ocean, and Madagascar.
While Tagalog (Filipino) is the national language, and one of the official
languages of The Philippines, Tagalog is spoken by 24.4 percent of the
nation's population. The Tagalog language is related to several other
languages classified as "Philippine languages" by linguist Robert Blust. The
2nd most spoken first language is Cebuano, which is spoken on the island of
Cebu. Cebuano, like Tagolog, is an Austronesian language. Most of the
languages spoken in The Philippines are Austronesian languages. Even though
English is considered an official language of The Philippines, 99 percent of
English speakers in The Philippines do not speak it as a first language. There
are 19 languages that are recognized as regional languages. With the nation,
there are 182 languages spoken.
"Mabuhay" means "welcome" in Tagalog. To say "how are you?", one can
simply say "musta?"
The languages spoken throughout The Philippines can vary based on where
people live or by ethnicity. In the province of Cebu, Cebuano is spoken.
Cebuano is also spoken in Bohol, the southern portion of Masbate, and other
regions in the southern parts of The Philippines. The Ilocano language is a
local language spoken mainly in the island of Luzon. This language is spoken
by the Ilocanos, who live mainly in the Ilocos region of The Philippines.
Government
Philippines is an independent country. It gained independence from the United
States in 1946. Its constitution was last ratified in 1987.
The government of The Philippines is a democracy. The Philippines' form of
democracy exists as that of a constitutional republic. A presidential system is
in place. To understand what this means, a constitutional government is when
government officials and the President are representatives of the people who
have elected them. The government of The Philippines has three separate
branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.
Economy
Factoring in Purchasing Power Parity, Philippines's GDP is
$807,000,000,000.00 (USD) with $7,700.00 (USD) per capita. This makes it
the 29th largest economy and its citizens the 149th richest in the world. The
currency of Philippines is the Peso (PHP).
Its major export partners are Japan, the United States, and China. Its main
exports are semiconductors, machinery, and wood manufactures. Its major
import partners are China, the United States, and Japan. Its major imports
include electronic products, mineral fuels, and machinery.
Flag
The flag of the Philippines is one of the world's most notable flags, with three
geometric shapes of white, red, and blue covered in suns. It was designed by
Emilio Aguinaldo.
The flag of The Philippines has three main colors. They are red, white, and
blue. The Philippine flag also features a 4th color, gold. The hoist side of the
flag contains a white triangle with a gold/yellow sun with eight rays. There are
three gold stars, one for each corner of the triangle. To the right of the triangle
are two horizontal bands on top of each other. The blue band is on top of the
red band.
The name of the flag is Pambansang Watawat. This means "National Flag" in
Tagalog. This flag was first designed by Filipino revolutionary Emilio
Aguinaldo. June 12, 1898 is the date that the flag of the First Philippine
Republic was adopted. The current version was adopted in 1998.
The sun represents the unity, freedom, and democracy. The eight rays of the
sun represen eight main provinces with a high amount of involvement with
the Philippine Revolution. These provinces are: Manila, Bulacan, Cavite,
Pampanga, Bataan, Laguna, Batangas, and Nueva Ecija. The three stars
represent the islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindinao. These are the main
islands where the Philippine Revolution started. The white triangle on the
hoist side represents equality, brotherhood, and freedom. The blue band on the
top represents peace, truth, and justice. The red band of the flag represents
patriotism and courage.

Philippines's Information

Capital Manila

Languages Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English

(official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano,
Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray,
Pampango, and Pangasinan

Ethnic Groups Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%,

Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%,
Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000 census)

Religion Catholic 82.9% (Roman Catholic 80.9%, Aglipayan

2%), Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni
Kristo 2.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%,
unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)

Government Presidential republic

Independance 4 July 1946 (from the US)

Area 300,000.00 km2

Water Area 1,830.00 km2

Land Area 298,170.00 km2

Population  102,624,209.00

 Population concentrated where good farmlands lie;

highest concentrations are northwest and south-
central Luzon, the southeastern extension of
Luzon, and the islands of the Visayan Sea,
particularly Cebu and Negros; Manila is home to
one-eighth of the entire national population

Location Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the

Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of
Vietnam

GDP(PPP) $807,000,000,000.00 (USD)

GDP (Per Capita) $7,700.00 (USD)

Export Partners Its major export partners are Japan, the United
States, and China.

Export Commodities Its main exports are semiconductors, machinery,

and wood manufactures.

Import Partners Its major import partners are China, the United
States, and Japan.

Import Commodities Its major imports include electronic products,

mineral fuels, and machinery.

Climate Tropical; hot and humid; modified by southeast

trade winds; rainy season (November to March)

Terrain Mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal

lowlands
Most Populated Cities In Philippines

City Population

Manila 10,444,527

Quezon City 2,761,720

Budta 1,273,715

Davao 1,212,504

Malingao 1,121,974

Cebu City 798,634

General Santos 679,588

Taguig 644,473

Pasig City 617,301

Antipolo 549,543
Welcome to Philippines

The Philippines is defined by its emerald rice fields, teeming megacities,

graffiti-splashed jeepneys, smouldering volcanoes, bug-eyed tarsiers, fuzzy
water buffalo and smiling, happy-go-lucky people.

Island-Hopping Paradise

With more than 7000 tropical islands to choose from, the Philippines is a
beach bum's delight. There's an island to suit every taste, from marooned
slicks of sand in the middle of the ocean, to volcanic fantasy-scapes
concealing hidden lagoons, to sprawling mega-islands such as Luzon and
Mindanao. Sun worshippers and divers should head straight to the Visayas,
where island-hopping opportunities abound and the perfect beach takes many
forms. More adventurous travellers can pitch a tent on a deserted stretch of
coastline in Palawan and play solo Survivor for a few days.

The Great Outdoors

The Philippines is justifiably famous for its beaches, but sporty types need not
feel left out. While surfers are just catching on to the tasty (if fickle) waves
that form on both coasts, divers have long been enamoured of the country’s
underwater charms. Northern Palawan is perfect for sea kayakers, and
Boracay and Pagudpud (North Luzon) are world-class kiteboarding
destinations. Back on terra firma, trekking can be done just about anywhere,
while mountain-bike and canyoneering tours are gaining popularity. And the
Philippines is also, unofficially, the zipline capital of the world.

A Land Apart

The Philippines is a land apart from mainland Southeast Asia – not only
geographically but also spiritually and culturally. The country’s overwhelming
Catholicism, the result of 350 years of Spanish rule, is its most obvious
enigma. Vestiges of the Spanish era include exuberant town fiestas (festivals)
and centuries-old stone churches. Malls, fast-food chains and widespread
spoken English betray the influence of Spain’s colonial successor, the
Americans. Yet, despite these outside influences, the country remains its own
unique entity. The people are, simply, Filipinos – and proud of it. Welcoming,
warm and relentlessly upbeat, it is they who captivate and ultimately ensnare
visitors.

Life in the Tropics

We've all had it happen: your trip to paradise is ruined by torrential monsoon
rain. Rather than let the weather defeat them, in the Philippines travellers can
embrace meteorological uncertainty and use it as an excuse to go with the
flow. This is a place to dispense with advance bookings and, when the going
gets rough (or wet), migrate to fairer climes. Domestic travel is cheap and fun,
and is best done spontaneously. Do your homework too – Palawan and the
western seaboard are pretty darned wet from July to September, so go east
during this time (unless there's a typhoon brewing).
Welcome to Banaue

Hemmed in on all sides by dramatic rice terraces, Banaue is directly

accessible from Manila and can sometimes get overwhelmed by visitors. It's
hard to blame them: the local mud-walled rice terraces are pleasingly different
from the stone-walled terraces in most of the Cordillera. World Heritage
listed, they're impressive not only for their chiselled beauty but because they
were introduced around 2000 years ago by the Chinese.
The Ifugao people, once headhunters, built the terraces and were as skilled at
carving wood as they were at carving terraces. Their carved bulol (sacred
wood figures) are a Philippine icon, albeit a misunderstood one: bulol are rice
guardians, not rice gods, as many would have you believe.
While Banaue remains the cultural and tourism centre of Ifugao culture, it’s
easy to leave the crowds behind by escaping to remote villages such as
Cambulo and Pula, which have their own incredible rice terraces.

Top Filipino dishes everyone should try

Filipino food has traditionally received a pretty bad rap on the global culinary
scene, but with many trend forecasters predicting Filipino cuisine the one to
watch, perceptions are slowly changing.
A fusion of Spanish, Chinese, Malaysian and indigenous cooking styles, the
food of this 7000-island archipelago really is like nothing else on earth. Here
are 11 classic food-and-drink experiences worth having – at least once.

A bowl of adobo

Adobo

Whether it’s chicken, beef, pork, seafood or vegetables, if it’s

cooked adobo you’d be hard-pressed to find a Filipino that doesn’t love
it. Adobosees meat and vegetables marinated in garlic, vinegar and soy sauce
before being cooked in oil and then simmered in the remaining marinade.
Served with mountains of white rice, it’s a hallmark Filipino dish. You’ll find
it on every local restaurant menu, and in food courts and market stalls
throughout the country. Sentro 1771 in Manila offers a flavoursome garlicky
beef and pork version.
Lechon

The Philippines is home to possibly one of the tastiest pig dishes in the world:
a whole pig stuffed with herbs and vegetables (each region has its own secret
filling), which is hand-turned on a spit over smoking coals until the skin
shatters like glass and the meat drips with flavour. A favourite for Filipino
celebrations, lechon can be purchased at takeout counters throughout the
islands or at local markets (try Manila’s Saturday Salcedo Community
Markets). No need to buy the whole pig – you can usually order a few hundred
grams. Many Filipinos say the bestlechon comes from Cebu, an hour’s flight
from Manila. Don’t be surprised to see wrapped pigs being collected at the
airport baggage carousels; restaurants fly lechon around the country to ensure
customers get to feast on their favourite pork dish.

Lechon, whole spit-roasted pig

Pansit

Possibly the most popular food for Filipinos (after firm favourite white rice;
tip: ‘unli rice’ stands for ‘unlimited rice’) is rice noodles! Stir-fried with a
mixture of meats and vegetables, and lashings of soy and oyster sauce, this
dish is a staple at any Filipino celebration and is eaten for breakfast, lunch or
dinner. The noodles do come in varying thicknesses but pansit bihon (thin
ones) are the best.

Sisig

Served on a sizzling hot plate, this pork dish is traditionally made by boiling a
pig’s head, then grilling or barbecuing it to add a smoky flavour, chopping the
meat into tiny pieces, and finally frying with onion, garlic and
spices. Sisig was made famous in Pampanga Province by late restaurateur
Lucia Cunanan, who has been credited with creating the modern Filipino
version. If you’re in the area, stop by restaurant Aling Lucing for a taste of the
original. Sisig is available around the country; many restaurants serve
variations using chicken, tuna, squid or even tofu instead of pork, or add items
such as raw egg or mayonnaise. Whichever way you order it, get ready for a
sizzling feast.

Sizzling sisig with raw egg

Sinigang

Sinigang is a sour-tasting soup made of a tamarind, tomato, garlic and onion

broth. Native vegetables including okra, eggplant and green finger chilli are
boiled up and meats (usually pork on the bone) are then added. Sinigang is the
epitome of Filipino comfort food; most Pinoys can’t get enough of its
signature sour taste. The dish is usually served with a side of patis (fish sauce)
and chilli, and of course some white rice.

Sinigang with a side of rice

Lumpia

Fresh or fried, this delicious spring roll is the perfect start to any meal, or can
be enjoyed as a tasty solo snack. Lumpia is made from minced meat (usually
pork), cooked with onions, garlic and finely chopped vegetables, all bundled
together in a wafer-thin wrapper. It’s often served with banana ketchup, a
sweet-and-sour sauce made from mashed bananas, sugar, vinegar and spices,
coloured red to resemble tomato ketchup. It sounds crazy, but it works.

Fried lumpia, the perfect starter

Balut

Balut is a much-loved traditional afternoon snack in the Philippines. You’ll

see streetside hawkers dish it out to the masses, but curious visitors will
require a stomach of steel to join in. Why? Balut might look like a regular
boiled egg, but when you crack one open, you’ll find an 18-day-old duck
embryo. Yep: a tiny semi-formed duck. Locals eat it by cracking the shell at
one end and peeling off the top, drinking the soup and then giving the
leftovers a good shake of salt before finishing them off. Fans say it tastes like
chicken, but you’ll have to try it yourself to find out.
Chicharon

A heart attack in a bowl, chicharon is deep-fried pork skin, and it is good, oh

so good. Chicharon is usually flavoured with salt and garlic, however you can
often buy a few varieties, such as chilli, which adds a nice kick to the crunch.
It’s the perfect accompaniment to an ice-cold San Miguel; the only downside
is having to talk yourself out of overindulging. This tasty snack is easily found
at 7-Elevens, market stalls and anywhere beverages are sold throughout the
Philippines.

Wash some chicharon down with a cold one

Halo-halo
The name of this multicoloured dessert means ‘mixed together’ in Tagalog,
and that is exactly what it is: a heap of sweet stuff mixed together to create
one of the world’s most surprising taste sensations. Halo-halo consists of a
plethora of ingredients – from sago to corn to boiled beans – layered over a
base of shaved ice and condensed milk in a tall glass. Topped with
purple ube (purple yam) ice cream, leche flan and sprinkles of sugar and
fruits, it’s an ‘anything goes’ dessert that will knock your socks off. Milky
Way Café (cafe.milkywayrestaurant.com) in Manila has been serving up halo-
halo since the 1960s and is still one of the best places to try it.

Multicoloured dessert halo-halo

Jollibee
It’s not actually a type of food, but this Filipino fast-food restaurant is more
popular than McDonald’s, so it deserves a mention. Jollibee offers a mash-up
of the world’s most popular fast foods in one place – pasta, burgers, fried
chicken, pancakes, rice – you name it and they’ve probably got it. Whether the
food is good is a matter of taste (the sweet spaghetti will give you a sugar high
for days) but it is a Filipino favourite. Just look out for the giant red, crazily
smiling bee and you’re in the right place.

Calamansi juice
The ultimate thirst-quencher, this citrus juice is available in cans, juice boxes
and bottles at every corner store in the Philippines. The freshly squeezed kind
is the best; extracted from the tiny calamansi fruit (about half the size of a
lime), the very tart juice is sweetened with sugar. You’ll often find calamansi
fruit accompanying meals; use it as you would a lemon or lime, and squeeze a
little on your food for added zest.
The best beaches of the Philippines

For serious beach bums, the Philippines is a less-discovered alternative to

Southeast Asian hotspots like Bali and southern Thailand.

But with more than 7000 islands, it can be tricky to pick your spot. Here are a
few areas to home in on in search of your own slice of paradise.

El Nido's Bacuit Bay consists of limestone cliffs sheltering sandy coves

El Nido
The dramatic limestone formations of the Bacuit Archipelago keep the
postcard vendors in business, but unless you're a serious rock climber you'll
spend more time on the beaches around this laid-back northern Palawan town.
The islands of the archipelago are blessed with dozens of beaches, the best of
which are visited on island-hopping excursions out of El Nido. Alas, these do
get crowded and cost a bit of money to get to.

Not to worry, DIY explorers have several options at their disposal within an
hour of town. A 20-minute tricycle ride south, the best sunsets in the area are
at Marimegmeg Beach, also known as Las Cabanas Beach, where you can
kick your feet into the sand and order suitably fruity cocktails at cool-kid
happy-hour hangout Beach Shack.

Forty-five minutes north of town by motorbike, Nacpan Beach is a divine 3km

slice of beige sand that's perfect for swimming. Development is limited to a
few rickety huts specialising in yummy seafood and shakes, and there is rustic
accommodation here too.

Another fine option is 7 Commandos Beach, which is on the mainland

southwest of El Nido but is accessible only by boat. The standard El Nido
island-hopping tours come here, but a better way to arrive is on your own by
sea kayak from El Nido or Corong Corong Beach, 5km south of El Nido.
Allow time to stop and snorkel on the way.

Beautiful beaches fringe Cebu's Malapascua Island

Cebu
This banana-shaped island has accessibility going for it – international flights
from Asian hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore fly right into the Visayas'
largest city, Cebu City. Near the airport on Mactan Island you'll find a variety
of high-end, family-oriented resorts. The beaches on Mactan are nothing
special, so hire a boat to take you out to islands in the Bohol Strait, where
ample quantities of white sand grace the numerous beaches.

If you have more time, travel three hours by car to the northern tip of the
island, where pump boats make the 10-minute trip to dreamy Malapascua
Island, home to blinding-white Bounty Beach and, for scuba divers, thresher
sharks. Alternatively, drive southwest to the diving town of Moalboal, which
offers the rare chance to swim just offshore with giant schools of sardines.

Apo Island is a magnet for divers with plenty of backpacker-friendly

accommodation
Southern Negros

If you want to sample several world-class beaches in one short trip, look no
further than southern Negros. Fly into Dumaguete, the regional capital of
Negros Oriental, and you are within an hour of Apo Island, a top dive site with
backpacker-friendly accommodation on an utterly isolated stretch of sand;
escapist paradise Tambobo Bay; and Siquijor Island. rung with bone-white
beaches and exceptional value accommodation. Further afield (four hours
away by bus), you'll feel like you've reached the end of the Earth at Sipalay's
Sugar Beach.

Boracay's White Beach is home to a party crowd

Boracay

The crown jewel of Philippine beaches has experienced a surge in popularity

as travel publications rush to add it to their world's-top-beaches lists. What
took them so long? Boracay's 5km signature White Beach has been dropping
jaws for decades. All that publicity has spurred development and
turned Boracay into a big-time party beach. Still, the island remains mellow
compared to regional luminaries like Kuta Beach and Ko Samui, and you can
escape the crowds without too much trouble. Kite surfers love it too.

Pagudpud Beach is hard to reach but worth the effort

Pagudpud

Easy to access it is not, but those with a sense of adventure are well advised to
travel to Pagudpud, a town on the northern tip of the Philippines' main island,
Luzon. The highway up here is the Philippines' answer to the Great Ocean
Road or the Pacific Coast Highway. It zigzags around dramatic headlands and
skirts seemingly endless beaches such as Blue Lagoon, where Luzon's whitest
sand and bluest water can be found in one place.
 Surfers flock to Siargao Island to take on the famous Cloud Nine break

Siargao

It's best known as the Philippines' top surf spot, but an all-day loop around the
island of Siargao brings you up close and personal with beaches equal to any
in the South Pacific. Famous right-breaking reef wave Cloud Nine is ground
zero for surfers, but to escape the crowds head offshore to any number of
uninhabited islets. Or drive up to Burgos near Siargao's northeastern tip,
where coconut palms back a three-kilometre crescent of powdered-sugary soft
sand, and perfect waves peel off in several directions in the bay.

Other good bets for beaches include Baler (Luzon), Panglao Island(Bohol),
Coron (Palawan) and Camiguin (off Mindanao). Or just check out a map of
the country, point to an island, and go. You'll inevitably find a lonely stretch
of sand that few tourists have trod on before – your own private patch of
paradise.
Religious Beliefs In The Philippines

The major religion in the Philippines is Roman Catholic Christianity, followed

by an Islam and other Christian minority. In the Philippines, all religions are
protected by the law, and no one religious belief is given priority over any
other. Below is an overview of the largest religions in the country.

Roman Catholic Christianity - 70%

Roman Catholicism is the largest religion in the Philippines. This religion was
first introduced through the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the
early 1500's. Magellan, whose original destination was Spice Island, arrived
on Cebu Island in Philippines due to a missed route. He then proceeded to
make Roman Catholicism a state religion by first converting the Chief of
Cebu, and several hundreds of his followers. Today, a large majority of the
population of the Philippines - around 70% - identifies as Roman Catholic.
Protestant Christianity - 17%
Protestant Christianity is the second largest religious group in the Philippines.
Evangelical Protestantism was introduced into the Philippines by American
missionaries after the Spanish-American War between the late 18th and early
19th Centuries. Some Protestant groups which are affiliated with the
Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), however were
established locally, without any foreign influence. This religion though similar
to other forms of Christianity, arose as a counter-religion to Roman
Catholicism. The main beliefs include spreading the message of Salvation
through scriptural teaching, faith in the finished work of the Cross, which is
the death and resurrection of Jesus, and, most importantly, a personal and
willing conversion which is known as being "born-again." Influence of this
sect on Filipino society has been predominantly in the area of education.
Protestant Churches have established several schools at different levels.

Islam - 5 to 10%

Islam is the third largest religion in the Philippines after Catholicism and
Christianity. The religion existed in the region for around a century before the
spread of Christianity. Islam first spread to Simunul Island in the Philippines
through foreign trade with countries such as India. Specifically, it was the
Islamic cleric-Karim ul' Makhdum who first introduced the religion to the
area. Subsequently, he established the first mosque on the same Island, which
is today, the oldest mosque in the country. Muslims, similar to Christians,
believe in a single supreme God, or Allah in Arabic, but not in Jesus as the
ultimate prophet and Messiah. They believe that Allah revealed his messages
through the Prophet Mohammed, the founding figure of Islam. There are five
principles which all Muslims generally adhere to. These principles include the
Shahada or declaration of faith, Salat or prayer, Zakat or alms-giving/charity,
Ramadan or ritual fast, and the Hajj or Pilgrimage. Islam has not had that
much of an influence on the general society in the country, since it is not the
dominant religion. However, one significant impact is in the area of Islamic
dietary laws. Halal provisions which previously were non-existent or very
scarce, are now gaining influence in the country. Influences are most felt in
the Southern part of the country which is home to the majority of Muslims.
Wearing of religious dress which historically was required and is still
required, is however a bit flexible today. Muslims now incorporate Western
styles into dressing, while still maintaining the standard which is modesty.
Iglesia ni Cristo (Philippine Church of Christ) - 2%
Unlike other religions in the Philippines which spread through external
influences, the Philippine Church of Christ originated from within the country
itself in the early 19th Century. The religion was founded by Felix Manalo
Ysagun, who claimed that this sect was the true religion of Christ, and all
other Christian groups were not. This Church believes in the power of
scripture and a supreme God in a fashion similar to other Christian
denominations, but rejects the doctrine of Trinitarianism which is common
among other groups. The sect ascribes instead to the doctrine of Unitarianism,
which holds that God is a singular entity, and not triple as described by
adherents of Trinitarianism. The religion is rigid, especially to Protestants and
Catholics, who are viewed by the Iglesias as apostates. Influence of the
Philippine Church has largely been political. To encourage solidarity and
unity in the religion, followers are required to vote only leaders endorsed by
the Ministers or Church authorities. Hence, freedom of thought and opinion
pertaining to political issues is absent in this religion. Any opposition from the
State or any other group is usually met with large protest rallies. This rigidity
has really made people, especially "outsiders" to the religion to question the
supposed Church and State separation which is constitutional.

Buddhists - 2%
The time Buddhism first spread into the Philippines is unknown for the most
part, although archaeological records point towards the 6th or 7th Century.
Through sea trade with the Srivijaya Empire of India which was
predominantly Buddhist, Vajrayana, a form of Buddhism became introduced
in the Philippines. The adherents of this religion are primarily Chinese,
Filipino-Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian or Middle-East groups residing in
the country. Buddhists do not believe in a creator God in the same fashion
Christians do. The main beliefs include suffering which is inherent in human
existence, impermanence of everything in the world, and the absence of a
permanent soul. Buddhism has had linguistic influences on Filipino culture as
the origin of some words can be traced to Sanskrit and Pali which are
Buddhist languages.

Other - 6.6%
Other minor religions in the country include Hinduism, Judaism, the Baha'i
Faith, Indigenous Beliefs, Other Christians, and Atheists.
Indigenous traditions predate the colonial religions of Islam and Christianity
in the Philippines. The most predominant views are that of animism,which is
the belief that even non-living entities such trees and plants have spirits.
Indigenous religions are characterized by worship of various deities, as
opposed to the monotheistic religions. With regards to influence, other
religions, even the predominant Roman Catholic, have adopted animism in
combination with their own beliefs. This blending is known as religious
syncretism.
Other Christian groups in the country include Jehovah's witnesses, Latter Day
Saints, Assemblies of God, Seventh-day Adventists, and numerous others.
These groups were started either locally, or introduced by international
Missionaries. Some beliefs are common to mainstream Christianity, but there
are also a host of differences. For instance, Jehovah's witnesses also reject
Trinitarianism, and the Latter day Saints believe in Salvation for the dead.
Influences of these religions are mainly not on the wider society, but adherents
of these religions. For instance, Jehovah's witnesses do not receive blood
transfusions no matter how critical their health is.
Atheists do not follow any form of religion, and therefore disbelieve the
existence of God or gods of any sort. They are constantly involved in
humanitarian activities, although not following any religion, as well as
scientific advocacy.

Religious Beliefs In The Philippines

Rank Religion Population (Percentage)

1 Roman Catholic 70.0

2 Protestants 17.0

3 Other 6.6

4 Muslims 5 to 10

5 Iglesia ni Cristo 2.0

6 Buddhists 2.0
San Agustin Church

The San Agustin Church was the only building left intact after the destruction
of Intramuros in WWII. Built between 1587 and 1606, it is the oldest church
in the Philippines. The massive facade conceals an ornate interior filled with
objects of great historical and cultural merit. Note the intricate trompe l’oeil
frescos on the vaulted ceiling. Be sure to check out the tropical cloisters as
well as the slightly shabby gardens out the back.

The present structure is actually the third to stand on the site and has
weathered seven major earthquakes, as well as the Battle of Manila. It’s an
active church and much in demand for weddings and other ceremonies.
You can access the church through the newly renovated San Agustin Museum,
a treasure house of antiquities that give the visitor tantalising glimpses of the
fabled riches of Old Manila. Check out the vaguely Chinese–looking
Immaculate Conception statue in ethereal ivory.
The church is closed to tourists during Mass, though you may be able to sneak
in.
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

Cebu's holiest church houses a revered Flemish statuette of the Christ child
(Santo Niño) that dates to Magellan's time. The church is no stranger to
hardship: established in 1565 (the first church in the Philippines), three earlier
structures were destroyed by fire, before the existing baroque structure was
built in 1737. Its facade and belfry were badly damaged by the 2013
earthquake but have been restored.

Perhaps the church owes its incendiary past to the perennial bonfire of candles
in its courtyard, stoked by an endless procession of pilgrims and other
worshippers. The object of their veneration is an image of the infant Jesus,
sequestered in a chapel to the left of the altar. It dates back to Magellan's time
and is said to be miraculous (which it probably had to be to survive all those
fires). Every year, the image is the centrepiece of Cebu's largest annual event,
the Sinulog Festival.
On Sundays and Fridays, the street outside the church is closed to vehicular
traffic, all-day outdoor masses are held and the basilica turns into a sea of
pilgrims, water sellers and replica Santo Niño salespeople.

Biggest Cities In The Philippines

Per the Philippine Statistic Authority, Metro Manila is home to almost 13

million residents, more than one-eighth of the entire island nation's population.
The nation also ranks among the fastest growing countries in terms of
population, with an annual growth rate of nearly 2%.
Manila
Manila is one of the most densely populated metropolises in the world,
housing a population of 12,877,253 as of 2015. The city is the capital city of
the Philippines, and it is the economic, administrative, and social center of the
nation. In contrast to other Asian countries, economic growth in the
Philippines has been mainly concentrated on a single urban center. Manila city
generates nearly half the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Approximately 94% of the population in Manila is Malay-Indonesian by
ethnicity with some European, Spanish, Chinese or American ancestry. The
rest of the population is Chinese. The Tagalog language is widely spoken in
the City while English is the official business and educational language. The
residents are employed in the city’s industries, such as textiles, food and
tobacco processing, chemical manufacturing and coconut oil processing.
Manila is also a vital seaport in the country. The Metropolitan is made up of
17 municipalities, which range from elegant business districts and affluent
neighborhoods to slums and shanty towns. The economic growth in Manila
has brought with it challenges such as overpopulation, drug use and crime,
pollution, and traffic congestion. Overcrowding in the city has caused other
problems such as inadequate health care, inadequate sanitation and a rise in
poverty. The municipal agencies in Manila struggle to offer public services to
the ever growing population.
Cebu

The city of Cebu registered a population of 2,849,213 as of 2015 statistics.

Cebu has been an attractive destination for rural to urban migration due to a
boom in investments and tourism. Cebu’s economy has been rapidly
increasing, driven mainly by the industry and service sector. A surge in
tourism has fueled construction of mega projects such as hotels, resorts, and
malls which create employment opportunities for residents.
The Cebuano language is the predominant language in the city, followed by
Tagalog and Hiligaynon. There are numerous churches across the city, with
the dominant one being Roman Catholic while most of the rest are Protestant
congregations. The city has not been immune to problems associated with
rapid urban growth. The city has been subject to flooding due to poor
drainage. Traffic congestion has been blamed on poor enforcement of traffic
laws and regulation. Pollution and proliferation of slums have also been
witnessed in the city.
Davao

Davao City had a population of 2,516,216 in 2015. The city is a trade,

educational, and tourism center of the Davao region. The city is divided into
11 districts for effective and efficient administration. The city has been subject
to an influx of rural immigrants. The ethnicity of Davao’s population is
diverse. Cebuanos and indigenous Davaoenos are the majority groups, while
Illongos, Aeta, and Lumad form the minority ethnicities. Most of the residents
are employed in the agricultural sector, because the Davao region is a major
producer of bananas, coffee, coconut, and pineapple in Asia. Cacao production
has been a growing trend in the region as well. Davao City has been
confronted with the issue of sprawling informal settlements in the
neighborhood. Traffic congestion and pollution continue to affect the livability
situation of the city.

Cagayan de Oro

The population in the city is 1,376,343 according to the figures from 2015.
The city contributes mainly to the economy of the Northern Mindanao Region.
The city’s economy relies on the service and industrial sectors. The city has
become increasingly attractive to global companies who want to set up base in
Asia. Factors such as a competitive business market, improved infrastructure
and a large pool of labor have increased the city’s economic attractiveness.
The Cebuano ethnicity is the biggest ethnic group, and the Cebuano language
is subsequently widely spoken. Cagayan de Oro has had its share of urban
problems in its quest for economic prosperity. Slums, shanty towns, pollution
and traffic congestion have been concerns in the city.
Future Growth of Philippine Urban Areas

Other major metro areas in the Philippines, and their respective populations,
include Angeles with its 1,132,933 metro residents, followed by Iloilo City-
Guimaras (946,146), Naga (799,955), Bacolod (791,019), Baguio-LISTT
(611,316), and Batangas City (550,725). The population of the Philippines is
expected to reach around 110.37 million by 2020. This population will be
concentrated in the urban centers. A new approach to urban planning in these
cities is needed to keep up with the increasing population.
 The skyline of Manila.

Ethnic Groups In The Philippines

The Tagalog people represent the largest ethnic group in the Philippines.

Dancers perform in Manila, the Philippines.

Tagalog

Much is remain unknown regarding the history of the Tagalogs prior to the
Spanish Colonization of the Philippine Islands in the 16th Century. However,
since the Filipinos are mostly people of Malay origin, it can be inferred that
the original Tagalogs were also of Malay descent. Due their concentration
mostly in riverine locations, Tagologs historically have been involved in
fishing, agriculture and sometimes craft. They are also known to engage in
trade with surrounding nations such as China, Japan, India, and others. In terms of
culture, the Taglog peoples lay much emphasis on respect and good behaviors
which is evident in their soft-spoken language. Family bonds are also at the
center of Tagolog life. However, Tagolog culture today has been influenced
by Western ideologies. For instance, the predominant religion is now Roman
Catholicism.

Cebuano

Cebuanos are Austronasian-speaking peoples that settled in the Filipino

province of Cebu, between the 10th and 16th Centuries. They can also be
found in Leyte, Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental provinces. Prior to
Spanish colonization, Cebuanos were mostly involved in fishing, but today
they are also involved in manufacturing, crafts, as well as other forms of food
production. Cebuanos also held various Indigenous beliefs but most are now
Christians due to Colonization. Regarding culture, Cebuanos are very artistic.
They are involved in dancing, singing, painting and other forms of crafts.
They also hold several beliefs regarding birth, death, and marriage, and place
emphases on respect, humility and honesty.

Ilocano

The Ilocanos historically are also of Malay/Austronesian descent that settled

in the Northern region of Luzon before the arrival of Spanish Colonial
Masters. Around the 17th Century there was an uprising of the Illocanos, as
well as among other ethnic groups, against Spanish oppression. Their major
activities include rice farming, salt production, and a significant amount of
fishing. Some cultural rites observed center around marriage, funerals, and
rites of passage. Emphasis among the Illocanos is on independence through
hard work, respect and tolerance for the feelings of others. They are also
primarily Roman Catholics, but some also practice religious syncretism.

Visayan (Bisaya)

These are people of Austronesian and Negrito ancestry that settled in the
Visayan Islands around 30,000 years ago. Today, they are concentrated in the
provinces of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Cebu. They are mainly
involved in the activities of farming and lumbering. Visayans are rarely
involved in foreign trade, but they trade crops such as tobacco and coconut
with other islands. Visayans place more importance on the present life than
after-life. This is reflected in their adventurous and comfort-seeking lifestyle.
The main religion among Visayans is also Roman Catholicism.

Hiligaynon

These are Austronesian language speakers who are a subdivision of the Visaya
ethnic group. They are mainly found in the Western Visaya region. Some of
their economic activities include rice and sugarcane farming, fishing, and
textile production. The Hiligaynons believe that every deed comes with
reward or punishment as the case may be. They have a very rich culture which
includes very significant festivals,. One of these is Dinagyang, which is a
celebration of the baby Jesus in the form of a statue. They are also involved in
trade activities with countries such as China. Hiligaynons are known as very
friendly people.

Bikol

Bikolanos are descendants of Southern Chinese immigrants. They mainly

occupy the Southern peninsula of Luzon. Agriculture is the mainstay of the
Bikolano economy, especially in such crops as banana, coconut, rice and corn.
Co-operation among family members is highly emphasized in various aspects,
including providing financial support to one's family. They are generally
conservative in nature, while laying emphasis on education. Bikolanos have a
host of cultural festivals, the most grand being the "Our Lady of Penafrancia"
festival. This festival involves the celebration of the statue of the Virgin Mary,
mother of Jesus.
Waray

Warays are also a subdivision of the Visayans that migrated to

the Philippines during the Iron age. They mostly inhabit the Islands of Leyte and
Samar, which are largely underdeveloped. The main economic activities of the
Waray people is farming and fishing, and the major cash crop is coconut.
They are also involved in wine production. Warays are deeply involved in
faith-healing rituals, which is the use of folk medicine, prayers or symbols to
effect healing of various ailments.

Chinese Filipino

These are Filipinos of Chinese ancestry who have arrived in the Philippines,
especially those coming by way of migration from China. The Chinese
Filipinos have not been very open to cultural assimilation. Hence, a variety of
customs and traditions which have disappeared in China are still being
practiced by Chinese Filipinos, some with variations. They observe several
customs pertaining to child-naming, marriage and death/funerals. The
financial strength of the Chinese Filipinos is evident in their dominance of
majority of the trade and manufacturing industries.

Other Groups

Other ethnic groups in the Philippines include the Kapampangan, Pangasinan,

Kalinga, Ifugao, and Kankaney. Some of these ethnicities are subcultures or
subdivisions of other groups. Hence, they share similar cultures with the
above groups. These groups mostly occupy various locations on the Luzon
Island. Some other populations come from overseas, bringing with them their
own cultures. These include Koreans, Japanese, Indonesians, and several
others.
Ethnic Groups In The Philippines
Rank Ethnic Group Share of Filipino Population

1 Tagalog 28.1%

2 Cebuano 13.1%

3 Ilocano/Ilokano 9.0%

4 Visayan/Bisaya 7.6%

5 Hiligaynon 7.5%

6 Bikol 6.0%

7 Waray 3.4%

8 Chinese Filipino 2.5%

Others 22.8%