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This article is about the country in Southeast Asia. For the town in the Netherlands, see Philippine (Netherlands).
Republic of the Philippines
Republika ng Pilipinas
Motto: Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa[1]
("For God, People, Nature, and Country")
Anthem: Lupang Hinirang
("Chosen Land")
Location of the Philippines
CapitalManila
Largest cityQuezon City
Official languagesFilipino, English
Recognised regional languagesBikol, Cebuano, Chavacano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Kapampangan, Pangasinan, Tagalog, and Waray-Waray.[2]
National languageFilipino
Demonym(s)Filipino, Pinoy
GovernmentUnitary presidential constitutional republic
• President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Noli de Castro
Juan Ponce Enrile
Prospero C. Nograles
Reynato Puno
Independence 
from Spain
from United States
April 27, 1565
• Declared
June 12, 1898
March 24, 1934
• Attained
July 4, 1946
February 2, 1987
Area
• Total
300,000 km2 (120,000 sq mi)[3] (72nd)
• Water (%)
0.61%[3]
Population
• 2008 estimate
90.5 million[4] (12th)
• 2007 census
88,574,614 [5]
• Density
295/km2 (764.0/sq mi) (44th)
GDP (PPP)2008 estimate
• Total
$320.384 billion[6] (36th)
• Per capita
$3,546[6] (123rd)
GDP (nominal)2008 estimate
• Total
$168.580 billion[6] (47th)
• Per capita
$1,866[6] (121st)
Gini (2006)45.8[3]
Error: Invalid Gini value
HDI (2007/2008)Increase 0.771[7]
Error: Invalid HDI value (102nd)
CurrencyPeso (Filipino: peso ) (PHP)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
• Summer (DST)
UTC+0 (not observed)
Drives onright[8]
Calling code63
ISO 3166 codePH
Internet TLD.ph
  1. Spanish, and Arabic are recognized as auxiliary languages in the Philippine Constitution.
  2. Rankings above were taken from associated Wikipedia pages as of December, 2007, and may be based on data or data sources other than those appearing here.

The Philippines, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands[9] in the western Pacific Ocean.

The Philippines is the world's 12th most populous country, with a population of about 90 million people.[4][10] Its national economy is the 47th largest in the world, with an estimated 2008 gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$ 168.6 billion (nominal).[11] There are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide, about 11% of the population.

A former colony of Spain, and the United States, the Philippines is one of two predominant Roman Catholic countries in Asia, the other being East Timor. There are also a number of minority religious groups, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and other beliefs. Multiple ethnicities, and cultures are found throughout the islands. Ecologically, the Philippines is one of the most diverse countries in the world.

Etymology

Main article: Name of the Philippines

The name Philippines was derived from King Philip II of Spain in the 16th century. Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos used the name Las Islas Filipinas, in honor of the Prince of Asturias (Spain) during his expedition to the islands, originally referring to the islands of Leyte, and Samar.[12][13] Despite the presence of other names, the name Filipinas was chosen as the name of the archipelago.

The official name of the Philippines changed throughout the course of its history. During the Philippine Revolution, it was officially called República Filipina or the Philippine Republic. From the period of the Spanish-American War, and the Philippine-American War, until the Commonwealth period, American colonial authorities referred to the country as the Philippine Islands, a translation of the original Spanish name. It was during the American period that the name Philippines began to appear, a name that was adopted as its current official name.[3]

History

Main article: History of the Philippines

Early history

A pre-Hispanic indigenous Ifugao village.

Archeological discoveries show that humans existed in the Philippines around 40,000 years ago.[14] The Negritos, a pre-Mongoloid ethnic group that migrated from mainland Asia, settled in the islands about 30,000 years ago.

Another ethnic group known as the Malay people, a group of Malayo-Polynesian speaking people originated from the populations of Taiwanese aborigines, and settled in the Philippines approximately 6,000 years ago. They would populate the regions now known as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Pacific Islands, and Madagascar.[15]

The indigenous people of the Philippines, traded with other Asian countries during the Prehistoric period. Before the arrival of Islam, Animism syncretized with Hinduism, and Buddhism were the religions worshiped by various Philippine indigenous kingdoms.[16][17]

There was no unifying political state encompassing the entire Philippine archipelago. Instead, the region were ruled by competing thalassocracies ruled by datus, rajahs, and sultans, such as the Kingdom of Maynila, Namayan, Dynasty of Tondo, Madya-as Confederacy, the Rajahnates of Butuan, and Cebu, the sultanates of Maguindanao, and Sulu.[18][19][20][21] Some of these indigenous tribes were part of the Malayan empires of Srivijaya, Majapahit, and Brunei.[22][23]

Islam was brought to the Philippines by traders, and proselytizers from Malaysia, and Indonesia.[24] By the 13th century, Islam were established in the Sulu Archipelago, and reached Mindanao, the Visayas, and Luzon by 1565. Muslims established Islamic communities.

Colonial period

In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines, and claimed the islands for Spain.[25][25] Colonization began when Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi, arrived from Mexico in 1565, and formed the first European settlements in Cebu. In 1571, they established Manila as the capital of the Spanish East Indies.[26][27] The colony was governed as a territory of the Viceroyalty of New Spain from 1565 to 1821, and administered directly from Spain from 1821 to 1898.

A map found on board the Na SA de Covadonga, after it was taken by Commodore Anson in 1743, showing the route of the Manila-Acapulco galleon sailing through the Philippine Islands.

Spanish rule brought political unification to an archipelago that later became the Philippines, and introduced elements of western civilization such as the code of law, printing and the calendar[28]. The Philippines was ruled as a territory of New Spain from 1565 to 1821, before it was administered directly from Madrid. During that time new crops and livestock were introduced, and trade flourished. The Manila Galleon which linked Manila to Acapulco travelled once or twice a year, beginning in the late 16th century. The Spanish military fought off various indigenous revolts and several external colonial challenges, specially from the British, Chinese pirates, Dutch, and Portuguese. Roman Catholic missionaries converted most of the inhabitants to Christianity, and founded the first schools, universities and hospitals. In 1863 a Spanish decree introduced universal education, creating free public schooling in Spanish [29].

Between the 1730s and 1800s, the Philippines opened its forts to world trade. The economy increased, and many criollos, and mestizos became wealthy. The influx of Spanish settlers secularized churches, and government positions traditionally held by the criollos. The ideals of revolution also began to spread through the islands. Criollo insurgency resulted in the Novales, and the revolt in Cavite El Viejo in 1872 that would lead to the Philippine Revolution, founded by Andrés Bonifacio, and José Rizal.[30][31] [32][33]

File:Manuel Quezon inauguration.JPG
Former politician, Manuel L. Quezon in his inauguration as President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines during the American period.

The Spanish-American War began in Cuba in 1898, and reached the Philippines after the United States Army fought the Spanish Army during the Battle of Manila Bay. The country declared independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, and the following year, the Primera República Filipina or the First Philippine Republic were established in Malolos, Bulacan. Spain ceded the islands, together with Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the United States for $20 million dollars, during the Treaty of Paris held in France.

This would lead to the Philippine-American War in 1899 after the first Philippine Republic was rejected by the United States. Fighting would continue until Emilio Aguinaldo, was captured by American soldiers on March 23, 1901. The war would continue until 1913. The Philippines' status as a colony changed when it became a Commonwealth in 1935. Plans for independence over the next decade were interrupted by World War II when Japan invaded. Philippine, and United States troops defeated the Japanese in 1944. On July 4, 1946, the United States granted Philippine independence.[3]

Contemporary era

File:Edsa shrine.jpg
A statue of the Virgin Mary was built on the EDSA Shrine, after the People Power Revolution.

The Philippines faced political instability that plagued the country. Since 1946, remnants of the Hukbalahap rebel army continued to roam the rural regions, disgruntled after the government had rejected their contribution during World War II. Attempts at reconciliation were formulated by President Ramón Magsaysay. In the 1960s, the nationalistic policies were initiated by Diosdado Macapagal, that included recognition of the legacies of Aguinaldo and José P. Laurel.

The 1960s were a period of economic growth for the Philippines which developed to be one of the wealthiest in Asia. Ferdinand Marcos was elected president. Barred from seeking a third term, he declared Martial law on September 21, 1972, under the guise of political conflict, and resurgent Communist, and Islamic insurgencies, and governed by decree, along with his wife Imelda Marcos. Returning from exile in the United States, opposition leader Benigno Aquino, Jr., was assassinated at the Manila International Airport (also called the Ninoy Aquino International Airport) on August 21, 1983. In 1986, the People Power Revolution occurred. The people gathered, and protested in EDSA, upon the organization of the Archbishop of Manila founded by Priest Jaime Cardinal Sin. It was to oppose the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. After losing the election to Corazón Aquino, who became the first female president, and the first female President in Asia. Marcos, and his allies departed to Hawaii in exile.

The return of democracy, and government reforms after the events of 1986 were hampered by national debt, government corruption, coup attempts, a Communist insurgency, and an Islamic separatist organization. The economy improved during the administration of Fidel V. Ramos, who was elected in 1992.[34] However, the economic improvements were negated at the onset of the East Asian financial crisis in 1997. The 2001 EDSA Revolution led to the downfall of the Philippine president, Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took leadership in 2001 following the impeachment of the Estrada government.

Politics and government

Main articles: Politics of the Philippines, President of the Philippines, and Constitution of the Philippines
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the current President of the Philippines.
File:Malacanang palace view.jpg
The Malacañang Palace is the official residence of the President of the Philippines.

The Philippines has a presidential, unitary form of government (with some modification; there is one autonomous region largely free from the national government), where the President functions as both head of state, and head of government, and is commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The president is elected by popular vote to a single six year term, during which time she or he appoints, and presides over the cabinet.[2]

The bicameral Congress is composed of a Senate, serving as the upper house whose members are elected to a six year term, and a House of Representatives serving as the lower house, whose members are elected to a three year term, and are elected from both legislative districts, and through sectoral representation.[2]

The judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court, composed of a Chief Justice as its presiding officer, and fourteen associate justices, all appointed by the Philippine President from nominations submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council.[2]

There have been attempts since the Ramos administration to change the government to a federal, unicameral, or parliamentary government. [35]

Security and defense

Main articles: Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police
The BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11) is the current flagship, and largest warship of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Philippine security, and defense is handled by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which includes the Air Force, the Army, and the Navy (including the Marine Corps), and also by the Philippine National Police. In the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Moro National Liberation Front has also been active in keeping the peace along with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Rebel organizations, such as the New People's Army, and the Abu Sayyaf Group, has been roaming the provinces, however their presence have decreased in recent years due to successful security provided by the Philippine government.[36][37]

The Philippines has been an ally of the United States since World War II.[38] It has supported American policies during the Cold War, and has participated in the Korean, and Vietnam wars as a result of the country's involvement with SEATO, a group that includes Australia, France, New Zealand, Pakistan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.[39] After the start of the War on Terror, there has been additional support from the United States Armed Forces.[40] The country is currently working with the United States, through a visiting forces agreement, with the intention of ending the insurgency in the country.[41][42] The Philippines also has a military agreement with Australia.[43]

International relations

Main article: Foreign relations of the Philippines
The Philippines is a founding member of the United Nations.

The Philippines' international relations is focused on its ideals on democracy, peace, and trade with other nations, as well as the well-being of the 11 million Overseas Filipinos living outside the country. It has aligned itself with several nations around the world including its Southeast Asian, and Asia-Pacific neighbors, the United States, the Middle East, the Vatican, and other countries.[44]

As a founding, and active member of the United Nations, it has been elected several times into the Security Council, and is an active participant in the Human Rights Council as well as in peacekeeping missions, particularly in the East Timor.[45][46][47][48][49] Aside from the United Nations, the country is also a founding, and active member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) with the intention of strengthening relations with its Southeast Asian neighbors, and promoting economic, and cultural growth between member states.[50] It has hosted several summits, and is an active contributor on the direction, and policies of the bloc.[51]

The Philippines has participated in international politics with other countries. It has supported most of the policies with regards to foreign affairs.[44] As a Major non-NATO ally, the country supported the United States during the Cold War, and the War on Terror. It has committed itself in promoting democratic ideals, and values.[44] Japan is also treated as an ally due to the Official Development Assistance given to the people.[52] Relations with Spain, Europe, and Latin America remained positive due to shared history, culture, and traditions. Middle Eastern countries, where more than two million Overseas Filipinos are employed, has been optimistic. Recent foreign policy has been moslty about economic relations with its Southeast Asian and Asia-Pacific neighbors.[44]

The Philippines is a member of the East Asia Summit (EAS), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Latin Union, the Group of 24, and the Non-Aligned Movement.[2] It is also seeking to strengthen relations with Islamic countries by campaigning for observer status in the OIC.[53][54]

Administrative divisions

Main article: Administrative divisions of the Philippines
Provinces, and regions of the Philippines.

The Philippines is divided into three island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These are divided into 17 regions, 80 provinces, 120 cities, 1,511 municipalities, and 42,008 barangays.[55] In addition, the Section 2 of Republic Act No. 5446 asserts that the country has acquired islands from Sabah formerly (North Borneo).[56]

Region Designation Regional center
Ilocos Region Region I San Fernando, La Union
Cagayan Valley Region II Tuguegarao, Cagayan
Central Luzon Region III San Fernando, Pampanga
CALABARZON Region IV-A Calamba, Laguna
MIMAROPA Region IV-B Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
Bicol Region Region V Legazpi, Albay
Western Visayas Region VI Iloilo City
Central Visayas Region VII Cebu City
Eastern Visayas Region VIII Tacloban
Zamboanga Peninsula Region IX Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur
Northern Mindanao Region X Cagayan de Oro City
Davao Region Region XI Davao City
SOCCSKSARGEN Region XII Koronadal, South Cotabato
Caraga Region XIII Butuan
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ARMM Cotabato City
Cordillera Administrative Region CAR Baguio
National Capital Region NCR Manila

Geography

Main article: Geography of the Philippines
Mount Apo in Mindanao.
Chocolate Hills in Bohol.

The Philippines constitutes an archipelago of 7,107 islands[9] with a total land area of approximately 300,000 square kilometers (116,000 square miles). It is located between 116° 40', and 126° 34' E. longitude, and 4° 40', and 21° 10' N. latitude, and borders the Philippine Sea on the east, the South China Sea on the west, and the Celebes Sea on the south. The island of Borneo is located a few hundred kilometers southwest, and Taiwan directly located to the north. The Moluccas, and Sulawesi are located to the south-southwest, and Palau is located to the east of the islands.[2]

The Philippines is divided into three island groups: Luzon (Regions I to V, NCR and CAR), Visayas (VI to VIII), and Mindanao (IX to XIII and ARMM). The port of Manila, on Luzon, is the capital city, and the second largest city after Quezon City.[2]

Mayon Volcano in Luzon.

Most of the mountainous islands were covered in tropical rainforest, and are volcanic in origin. The highest mountain is Mount Apo located in Mindanao measuring at 2,954 meters (9,692 ft) above sea level. There are many active volcanos such as the Mayon Volcano, Mount Pinatubo, and Taal Volcano. The islands is also located within the typhoon belt of the Western Pacific, and approximately 19 typhoons strike per year.[57]

Located on the northwestern fringes of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippine Islands have experienced frequent seismic, and volcanic activities. Around 20 earthquakes are registered daily, though most are too weak to be felt. The last earthquake was the 1990 Luzon earthquake.[58]

The longest river is the Cagayan River in northern Luzon. Manila Bay is connected to Laguna de Bay by means of the Pasig River. Subic Bay, the Davao Gulf, and the Moro Gulf are some of the important bays. Transversing the San Juanico Strait is the San Juanico Bridge that connects the islands of Samar, and Leyte.[59]

Natural resources

Main article: Ecoregions in the Philippines
The Philippine Eagle is a bird of prey found in the rainforests of the islands.

The Philippines provides a high environment of natural resources in areas such as agriculture, nature, and minerals. It has fertile lands, diverse flora, and fauna, extensive coastlines, and rich mineral deposits.[60]

Endemic species include the tamaraw of Mindoro, and the tarsier of Bohol. The Philippines have a lack of predators, with the exception of snakes, such as pythons, cobras, and birds of prey, such as the national bird, known as the Philippine eagle.[61] Other native animals include the palm civet cat,[62] the Mouse deer, the Visayan warty pig,[63] and several species of bats.

Rainforests boasts an array of flora, including several types of orchids, and rafflesia.[64] The narra is considered as the most important type of hardwood while banyan trees or the balete.[65] The islands' major crops include rice, corn, sugarcane, coconut, abaca, and tobacco. Rice is the most important source of food along with corn. The coconut, mango, watermelon, and other native fruits are an important contributor to the nation's income.

Due to the volcanic nature of the islands, mineral deposits are abundant. This also allows the Philippines to become a powerhouse with regards to geothermal energy.[66][67]

The Philippine territorial waters measure as much as 1.67 million square kilometers, producing a unique and diverse marine life, an important part of the Coral Triangle. There are 2,400 fish species. Other marine products include corals, pearls, crabs, and seaweeds.[60][68] The rain forests offer prime habitat for more than 530 species of birds, some 800 species of orchids, and some 8,500 species of flowering plants.[69]

Climate

Main article: Climate of the Philippines
Limestone islands of El Nido in Palawan.

The Philippines has a tropical climate, and is usually hot, and humid. The average yearly temperature is around 26.5°C (79.7°F). There are three recognized seasons: "Tag-init" or "Tag-araw" (the hot season or summer from March to May), "Tag-ulan" (the rainy season from June to November), and "Tag-lamig" (the cold season from December to February). The southwest monsoon (from May to October) is known as the "Habagat", and the dry winds of the northeast monsoon (from November to April) as the "Amihan".[70] The coolest month is January, and the warmest is May. Both temperature, and humidity levels reach the maximum in April and May.[2] Manila, and most of the lowland areas are hot, and dusty from March to May.[71] Even at this period, the temperatures rarely rise above 37°C., sea-level temperatures rarely fall below 27°C. Annual rainfall measures as much as 5,000 millimeters in the mountainous east coast section, but less than 1,000 millimeters in some of the sheltered valleys. Sitting astride the typhoon belt, most of the islands experiences annual torrential rains, and thunderstorms from July to October.[72]

Economy

Main article: Economy of the Philippines
The skyline of Ortigas Center in the foreground with Makati City in the background on the left.

The Philippines is a newly industrialized country, with an economy anchored on agriculture but with substantial contributions from manufacturing, mining, remittances from overseas Filipinos, and service industries such as tourism, and business process outsourcing.[73][74] It is also listed in the roster of the "Next Eleven" economies.

The economy was largely anchored on the Manila-Acapulco galleon during the Spanish period, and bilateral trade with the United States during the American period. Pro-Filipino economic policies were first implemented during the tenure of Carlos P. Garcia with the "Filipino First" policy. By the 1960s, the economy was regarded as the second largest in Asia, next to Japan. However, the leadership of Ferdinand Marcos would prove disastrous, by transforming the market economy into a centrally planned economy. The country suffered severe economic recession, only to recover in the 1990s with a program of economic liberalization. Today, there is a mixed economy.[34]

File:Monument To Immortality.jpg
The Philippine Stock Exchange with the statue of former Philippine politician, Benigno S. Aquino, Jr..
Business district in Manila.

The Asian Financial Crisis affected the economy to an extent, resulting in a lingering decline of the value of the peso, and falls in the stock market, although the extent to which it was affected was not as severe as that of its Asian neighbors. This is largely due to the fiscal conservatism of the government partly as a result of decades of monitoring, and fiscal supervision from the International Monetary Fund, in comparison to the massive spending of its neighbors on the rapid acceleration of economic growth.[34] By 2004, the economy experienced six percent growth in gross domestic product, and 7.3% in 2007. The government aims to accelerate economy, and GDP growth by 2009.[75]

In a bid to further strengthen the economy, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo pledged to turn the country into a developed country by 2020. As part of this goal, she instituted five economic "super regions" to concentrate on the economic strengths of various regions, as well as the implementation of tax reforms, continued privatization of state assets, and the building-up of infrastructure in various areas of the nation.

The Philippine economy is heavily reliant on remittances as a source of foreign currency, surpassing foreign direct investment. China, and India have emerged as a major economic competitors, siphoning away investors who would otherwise have invested their businesses, particularly telecommunication companies. Regional development is also somewhat uneven, with Luzon, and Metro Manila in particular gaining most of the new economic growth at the expense of the other regions,[76] although the government has taken steps to distribute economic growth by promoting investment in other areas of the country.

The Philippines is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is also a member of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Colombo Plan, and the G-77, and other International organization.[77]

Daily income for 45% of the population of the Phillipines is less than US$ 2 a day. [78]

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of the Philippines, Filipino people, and Overseas Filipino
Population growth of the Philippines.

The Philippines is the world's 12th most populous nation, with a population of over 90 million as of 2008.[4][10] In 2007, 8% of Filipinos are living abroad as migrant laborers. An estimated figure of half of the population resides on the island of Luzon. Manila, the capital city, is the eleventh most populous metropolitan area in the world. Life expectancy is 71.23 years, with 73.6 years for females, and 69.8 years for males. Population growth rate between 1995 to 2000 was 3.21% but has decreased to an estimated 1.95% for the 2005 to 2010 period[79].

Ethnicity

Main article: Ethnic groups of the Philippines
Map of the dominant ethnicities of the Philippines by province.

Filipinos belong to several Asian ethnic groups, grouped within the Malay or Malayo-Polynesian speaking people, who speak Austronesian languages. They originated from a population of Taiwanese aborigines,[80] that migrated to the Philippines thousands of years ago from Taiwan, and brought with them knowledge of agriculture, and ocean-sailing technology. Various people of different races, and nationalities have intermarried with various indigenous ethnic groups. Their descendants are known as mestizos. The official population of all types of mixed blood individuals living in the country remain unknown.

Among the various indigenous ethnic groups are the Visayan, Tagalog, Ilocano, Moro, Kapampangan, Bicolano, Pangasinense, Igorot, Lumad, Mangyan, Ibanag, Badjao, Ivatan, and the Palawan tribes.[80] Negrito, Aeta, and the Ati, are considered the indigenous inhabitants of the islands, and are estimated to number around 300,000 people (0.3%).[80] Other ethnic groups include Chinese, Spanish, American, Arab, British, Europeans, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, South Asian, and other ethnic groups.

Religion

Main article: Religion in the Philippines
The Basilica Minore de San Sebastián is a Christian church that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Philippines is one of two predominant Roman Catholic countries in Asia, the other being East Timor. It is composed of several diocese, and archdiocese. More than 90% of the population are Christians. About 80% belong to the Roman Catholic Church while the remaining 10% belong to other Christian denominations, such as the Philippine Independent Church, Iglesia Ni Cristo, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventist, United Church of Christ, and the Orthodox Church.[81]

Religion in the Philippines
Religion Percent
Christianity
 
 90%
Islam
 
 5%
Buddhism
 
 2%
Hinduism
 
 1%
Others
 
 2%

Several Baroque churches are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the San Agustín Church in Manila, the Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Santa María) Church in Ilocos Sur, the Santo Tomás de Villanueva Church in Iloilo, and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu.

About 5% of the population are Muslim, most of whom live in parts of Mindanao, Palawan, and the Sulu Archipelago, an area known as Bangsamoro or the Moro region.[82][83] Some have migrated into different parts of the country. Most Muslim Filipinos practice Shafi'i, a form of Sunni Islam, while other tribal groups such as the Bajau, practice a form mixed with Animism.[81]

Superstition, and folk tradition are still worshipped by several indigenous groups, often syncretized with Christianity, and Islam, such as Shamanism, and Paganism.[81][83]

Religions such as Buddism, Bahá'í Faith, Hinduism, Judaism, other spiritual beliefs, and those with no religion form the remaining 5% of the population.[84]

Language

Main article: Languages of the Philippines
Native Languages (2000)[85]
Tagalog 22 million
Cebuano 20 million
Ilokano 7.7 million
Hiligaynon 7 million
Waray-Waray 3.1 million
Kapampangan 2.9 million
Chavacano/Creole 2.5 million

Over 180 native languages, and dialects are spoken in the Philippine. They are part of the Borneo-Philippines group of the Malayo-Polynesian languages, which is itself a branch of the Austronesian language family.[80]

According to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Filipino, and English are the official languages. Filipino is the de facto version of Tagalog, spoken mainly in Metro Manila, and other urban regions. Both Tagalog and English are used in government, education, print, broadcast media, and business. Major languages recognized in the constitution include Bicolano, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Kapampangan, Pangasinan, Tagalog, and Waray-Waray. Spanish, and Arabic are both recognized as auxiliary languages.[80]

Other languages such as Aklanon, Boholano, Chavacano, Zamboangueño, Cuyonon, Ifugao, Itbayat, Ivatan, Kalinga, Kamayo, Kankana-ey, Kinaray-a, Maguindanao, Maranao, Masbatenyo, Romblomanon, Surigaonon, Tausug, Yakan, and several Visayan languages are dominant in their respective provinces.[80]

Education

Main article: Education in the Philippines
File:UST Main Bldg Facade.jpg
The University of Santo Tomas, one of the Philippines' most notable universities.

Education in the Philippines is mostly Westernized, based on the American education system. In 2003, the Philippines had an average literacy rate of 93.4%[86][87] and about equal for males, and females.[3][88] Spending for education composes 2.5% of the GDP.[3] There were 42,152 elementary schools, 8,455 high schools, and a few thousand colleges, and universities registered in 2008.[89] Classes start in June, and end in March. The majority of colleges, and universities follow a semester calendar from June to October, and November to March. There are a number of foreign schools with study programs.[2] The general pattern of formal education follows six stages:

  • Preschool
  • Elementary school
  • High school
  • Post-secondary education
  • Graduation education
  • Adult education

The Department of Education (DepEd), formerly (DECS), covers elementary, secondary, and non-formal education; the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) administers the post-secondary, middle-level education training, and development; while the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) supervises the college as well as graduate academic programs, and degrees as well as regulate standards in higher education.[90]

Infrastructure

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in the Philippines
Jeepneys were originally made from U.S. military jeeps left over from World War II.

In spite of the mountainous terrain, approximately 14 percent of the 158,810 kilometers (98,110 miles) of roads in the Philippines are paved.[91] Buses, jeepneys, taxis, and motorcycles are available when getting around the major cities, and towns. In 2007, there are about 5.53 million registered motor vehicles, and an average annual registration rate of 4.55%.[92]

Train service is provided by the Strong Republic Transit System, which unified the three main railway networks that provide service of different areas of Metro Manila, and parts of Luzon, that includes the Manila Light Rail Transit System (LRT), the Manila Metro Rail Transit System (MRT), and the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

File:PAL 747&320.jpg
The Philippine Airlines is the first commercial airline in Asia.

Seaports can be found throughout the islands. The busiest seaports are Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga, which are parts of the 3,219 kilometer of waterways, and seaports.[3][91] Passenger ships, and other sea vessels such as Superferry, Negros Navigation, and Sulpicio Lines serves Manila, with links to various cities, and towns. In 2003, the 919-kilometer Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) was established, and this is an integrated set of highway segments, and ferry routes covering 17 cities.[93]

Rivers, such as the Pasig River, and Marikina River, have air-conditioned commuter ferries run by the Pasig River Ferry Service, connecting their numerous tributaries in Manila, Makati City, Mandaluyong City, Pasig City, and Marikina City.[94]

There are 262 airports in the country, 75 of which have runways.[91] The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main airport. Other important airports include the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and Francisco Bangoy International Airport. The Philippine Airlines, Asia's first commercial airline, and Cebu Pacific, the leading domestic airline, are the major airlines serving most domestic, and international destinations.

Communications

Main article: Communications in the Philippines

The Philippines has one of the most sophisticated cellular phone industry in the world, and one of the highest concentration of users.[95] The telecommunications company is dominated by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, which is also the largest company in the country.[95][96] Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, and Sun Cellular on the other hand, are three of its largest cellular service providers.

There is an estimated 41 million cellular phone users, the reason that the Philippines has been named as the "Texting Capital of the World",[97] and the ownership rate is increasing.[95] Text messaging have fostered a culture of quick greetings, and forwarded jokes among the Filipinos. Out of these growing number of avid texters, 5.5 million of them use their cellular phones as virtual wallets, making it a leader among developing nations in providing financial transactions over cellular networks.[97] In 2007, The nation sent an average of 1 billion SMS messages per day.[98]

Radio, television, and internet is used frequently. There are approximately 381 AM, and 628 FM stations, and 250 national, and 1,501 cable TV stations, as well as 14 million Internet users or 16% of the total population, being served by almost 100 Internet providers.[3][99]

Culture

Main articles: Culture of the Philippines, Literature of the Philippines, and Music of the Philippines
An Ifugao (Malayo-Polynesian) sculpture.

Philippine culture is a mixture of Eastern, and Western culture. The Hispanic influences are derived from that of Spain, and Mexico. These influences are most evident in literature, folk music, folk dance, language, food, art, and religion.[73] Spanish settlers introduced Iberian-Mexican customs, traditions, and cuisines. Philippine cuisine is a mixture of Asian, and European dishes.

Philippine tradition exhibits festivities known as Barrio fiestas (district festivals) to commemorate their patron saints. One of the most visible Hispanic legacies is the prevalence of Spanish surnames, and names among Filipinos. This peculiarity, unique among the people of Asia, came as a result of a colonial decree, the Clavería edict, for the systematic distribution of family names, and implementation of the Spanish naming system on the population. A Spanish name, and surname among the majority of Filipinos does not always denote Spanish ancestry.

Islamic instruments of gongs, and a drum that make up the Philippine kulintang ensemble, an example of pre-Hispanic musical tradition.

The majority of street names, towns, and provinces are in Spanish. Spanish architecture made a significant imprint in the Philippines. This can be seen in the country's churches, government buildings, and universities. Many Hispanic houses, and buildings are preserved, like the towns in Vigan, and among others. The kalesas, horse-driven carriages, were a mode of transportation during the Spanish period. They are still being used today.

The use of English language in the Philippines is contemporaneous, and is the United States' visible legacy. There is also an influence of American Pop cultural trends, such as the love of fast-food, film, and music. Many street corners exhibits fast-food outlets. Aside from the American commercial industries such as California Pizza Kitchen, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Burger King, KFC, Starbucks, TGI Fridays, and Shakey's Pizza, local fast-food chains have emerged, including Goldilocks, Jollibee, Greenwich Pizza (acquired by Jollibee in 1994),[100] and Chowking (acquired by Jollibee in 2000).[100] Modern day Filipinos also listen, and watch contemporary European, and American music, and film. However, Original Pilipino Music (also known as OPM), and local films are also appreciated.

Philippine culture has also received influence from various Indigenous culture, and other Cultures of Asia. This includes the Malayo-Polynesian, Islamic, Chinese, and other cultures.

Cuisine

Main article: Filipino cuisine
The Halo-halo is a dessert made of ice, milk, various fruits, and ice cream.

Philippine cuisine is Malayo-Polynesian in origin with a predominant Hispanic base, and has received varying degrees of influence from Chinese, American, and other Asian cuisine.

Filipinos traditionally eat three main meals a day. This include agahan (breakfast), tanghalían (lunch), and hapúnan (dinner), plus an afternoon snack called meriénda (another variant is minandál or minindál). Dishes range from a simple meal of seafoods, pork, vegetable, and rice, to paellas, and cocidos. Popular dishes include lechón, chorizo, tapa, adobo, kaldereta kare-kare, crispy pata, sinigang, pancit, and lumpia.

Today, Philippine cuisine continues to evolve in techniques, and styles of cooking dishes, in both traditional Filipino, and modern cuisines. Fast food is also popular. American chef, and television personality Anthony Bourdain has hailed Filipino pork cuisine, and named the country at the top of his "Hierarchy of Pork".[101]

Mythology and literature

Main articles: Philippine literature and Philippine mythology

Philippine literature, and mythology are literatures that focus on a collection of various topics of everyday life, nature, and spiritual beliefs. This include the paranormal stories about supernatural creatures, such as the Aswang (Vampire), the Diwata (Fairy), and Nature. The most recognized Philippine mythology includes the Ibong Adarna, Bernardo Carpio, Lam-Ang, and Urduja.

Francisco Balagtas is recognized as one of the Philippines most famous writers. His works include Florante at Laura (Florante and Laura). Other writers include José Rizal who have produced Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not), and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed), and Fernando María Guerrero who is known for his book of Hispanic literatures. Modern literature, such as Dekada '70, and Bayan Ko (My Country), have also received national recognition, that illustrates the Martial law period in the 1970s, and the Pre-colonial period. Contemporary literature has mostly been focused on humor, and everyday life, such as the works of Bob Ong.

Media

Main articles: Cinema of the Philippines, Television in the Philippines, Internet in the Philippines, Social networking in the Philippines, and Philippine drama

Philippine media is based on Filipino (a de facto version of Tagalog), and English. Other Philippine languages, including various Visayan languages are also used in the media. Radio is currently the most accessible type of media due to the remoteness of certain rural locations, and most local languages are broadcasted in this format.

The entertainment industry is vibrant with scandals, and issues among celebrities, which are written in most broadsheets, and tabloids.[102] Drama, and fantasy shows are anticipated in major television networks such as ABS-CBN, GMA Network, and TV5, so are Latin telenovelas, Asianovelas, and anime. Daytime television is dominated by game shows, variety shows, and talk shows such as Eat Bulaga, Game KNB?, and Wowowee. Philippine cinema is also appreciated, but have faced competition from American, and European films. Despite this, critically praised directors, and actors remain active, including Mike de Leon, Lino Brocka, Judy Ann Santos, Vilma Santos, and Nora Aunor (known for her role in Himala, the most critically acclaimed film in the nation).[103][104][105][106]

The Internet has gained popularity in recent years including Social networking, and MMORPGs, which are the most frequent internet activities, and has lead a Philippine-based company known as "Level Up! Games" to emerge in the Philippine industry.[107][108]

Sports and recreation

Main article: Sports in the Philippines
A child demonstrating a kicking ball game called sipa.
File:Purefoodsvsredbullgamefour.jpg
A professional basketball game being played between the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants, and Barako Bull Energy Boosters.

Various sports are played in the Philippines including basketball, boxing, volleyball, badminton, billiards, football (soccer), ten-pin bowling, and sipa.

Traditional Filipino sports are popular,[109][110] among the youth, primarily as children's games, such as luksung baka, patintero, piko, and tumbang preso. Sungka, while not as popular as it once was, is still viewed as a significant part of the traditional native Filipino games. Card games are popular during festivities, with some, including Pusoy, and Tong-its, being used as a form of illegal gambling. Majhong is played in some Filipino communities.

Basketball is played at both amateur, and professional level, and is considered to be the most popular sport in the Philippines.[111][112] In almost every corner of the cities, there is a basketball court as it is the favorite recreational activity by Filipinos.[113]

Basketball, boxing, billiards, football (soccer), horse racing, chess, and ten-pin bowling are the most watched sports.[114] Philippine sports have produced several sports heroes, such as Francisco Guilledo, Flash Elorde, and Manny Pacquiao in boxing,[113] Paulino Alcántara in football (soccer), Carlos Loyzaga, Robert Jaworski, and Ramon Fernandez in basketball, Efren Reyes in billiards,[115] Eugene Torre in chess,[116] and Rafael Nepomuceno in bowling.[117] Motocross, figure skating, cycling, and mountaineering have become popular.

See also

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