The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is a tapestry of vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes and a history as turbulent as it is rich. Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, this nation dances to the rhythm of its diverse heritage, where echoes of Spanish colonialism mingle with indigenous traditions and the warmth of its people rivals the tropical sun.
From the emerald rice terraces of Banaue, carved by ancient hands, to the crystal clear waters of Palawan, where nature's artistry is on full display, the Philippines offers a symphony of experiences. In the capital, Manila, modern skyscrapers stand alongside centuries-old churches, each telling a different chapter of the nation's history. The spirit of *bayanihan* - the collective unity of the community - permeates the air, inviting all to explore a land where past and present collide to create a future that is uniquely Filipino.
Tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)
Tagalog 24.4%, Bisaya/Binisaya 11.4%, Cebuano 9.9%, Ilocano 8.8%, Hiligaynon/Ilonggo 8.4%, Bikol/Bicol 6.8%, Waray 4%, other local ethnicity 26.1%, other foreign ethnicity 0.1% (2010 est.)
Use academic, professional, or honorific titles and a person's surname until you are invited to use their first name.
Adobo — chicken and/or pork marinated or braised in a sauce of garlic, peppercorns, and soy sauce and then fried in oil; traditionally served over a bed of rice
Diversified, growing East Asian economy; major semiconductor, ship-building, and electronics exporter; significant remittances; COVID-19 hit consumption and investments hard; regional tensions with China; major geothermal energy user
Philippines