Philippine History

The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected President and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during WWII, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Philippines attained their independence. The 21-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a widespread popular rebellion forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts, which prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992 and his administration was marked by greater stability and progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998, but was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and widespread demonstrations led to his ouster. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term in May 2004. The Philippine Government faces threats from armed communist insurgencies and from Muslim separtists in the south.

Philippine Geography

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam.

Philippine Population

87,857,473 (July 2005 est.)

Philippine Religion

Roman Catholics 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddist and other 3%

Philippine Languages and Dialects - Click here for English - Tagalog Dictionary

Two official languages - Filipino (based on tagalog) and English; Eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, Pangasinense

Capital

Manila

Philippine Government Type

Republic

Philippine Currency - The latest Peso - Dollar Exchange Rate

Peso

Philippine Tourist Attraction - Travel Philippines

Baguio - Situated amid pine-covered hills, with its cool climate, it is the Philippines' summer capital . This city lies within Benguet Province and is about 45 minutes flight from Manila or six (6 hours) by land. It is a major tourist destination and the nearest thing to a mountain retreat this tropical, humid country possesses. The city market is one of the country's best, overflowing with handicrafts, strawberries and vegetables from the surrounding highlands.

Banaue - From Baguio, Banaue is about nine (9) hours away by bus nevertheless the traveller will have an astounding preview of the beautiful countryside. Surrounded by mountains and tribal villages, it is a hiker's paradise. The 2000-year old rice terraces around it provide a magnificent sight and have been called The Eighth Wonder of the World.

Bohol - The island province lies southeast of Cebu in Central Philippines and is approximately one hour and fifty minutes from Manila. Apart from its world-famous Chocolate Hills as its attraction, Bohol's beauty lies in its unpolluted waters which are rated among the best diving havens in the world and being the home of the world's rarest shells such as the "Gloria maris" and the Golden Cowrie. The islands of Panglao, Balicasag and Pamilacan are superb diving spots of the province. In Panglao Island, a popular destination is the Hinagdanan Cave where you will find underground springs. Bohol is also the home of the tarsier , the big-eyed insect-eating monkey whose size is smaller than a boy's fist. Scientists regard the tarsier as the oldest mammal now inhabiting the earth.

Boracay - A little over one hour flying time from Manila is the fabled island of Boracay. This island paradise is only 7 km long but attracts many visitors with its 32 magnificent powdery white sand beaches and majestic tropical palms. Located in the province of Aklan north of Panay Island, it has often been voted "one of the best beaches in the world." Boracay is an all year round destination. The holiday season starts early November and finishes around May. June to October season provides a pleasant alternative when resort and restaurant prices are lower and the island is at a more leisurely pace.

Cebu - It's an island, a province and a city. It is the Queen City of the South, a unique blend of tropical paradise and business haven. Cebu is the oldest and third-largest city of the Philippines and is about an hour flight from Manila. It basks in its enviable status as the most popular tourist and business destination in the Philippines. The island offers fine beaches and scuba diving and it is the Philippines' shipping crossroad located at the center of the archipelago. The colorful and festive pageantry of the Sinulog Festival in January is the city's biggest annual event.