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WELCOME TO THE HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINES
History of the Philippines.
On the eve of his execution by the Spanish colonialists in 1896, Jose Rizal, the famous filipino nationalist, called his homeland the "Pearl of the Orient Seas".
The Philippines is situated at a crossroads of the Pacific Ocean and the South China and Sulu Seas. Philippines, also referred to as the 'archipelago', has welcomed people from the East and West, creating a human mixture sustained by the enormous tropical resources.
Some 30,000 years ago the earliest inhabitants had arrived from the Asian mainland, perhaps over land bridges built during the ice ages. By the tenth century A.D. coastal villagers welcomed Chinese commerce and settlers, followed by Muslim traders from Borneo. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan claimed the land for Spain, whose imperial rule lasted until the United States of America gained possession after victories in the Spanish-American War in 1898 and the Philippine-American War from 1899 to 1901. United States authority, although interrupted by the Japanese occupation during World War II, led to independence for a republic founded on July 4, 1946.
There are 77 million Filipinos that inhabit about 700 of the nation's 7,100 islands. Cultural distinctions remain among the nation's more than 75 ethnic groups.
The Philippines was once a showcase of democrary until Ferdinand Marcos came into power: the country then saw political turmoil and the imposition of martial law; widespread unemployment expanded the gap between lower-class poor and a rich, favored elite. In 1986, the Filipinos replaced Marcos with the nation's first female president, Corazon Aquino.
Pearl of the Orient Seas
INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILIPPINES
WHEN MAGELLAN CAME upon the island of Homonhon in 1521, he claimed these islands in the name of King Philip II of Spain and named them Felipinas, the Philippines. Little did he know then the treasures of those yet unexplored isles, a bounty of verdant mountains rich with gold and ore, of emerald islands ringed with meandering beaches, of forest alive with wondrous flora and fauna, of fertile lands, spectacular sunsets and temperate climes which have bred a warm, smiling people who would be known the world over for their overwhelming hospitality.
Indeed, the early Filipinos were accustomed to welcoming visitors to their shores. Then the second wave of Sapnish conquistadores started converting and colonizing the islands, they found well-developed settlements conducting trade relations with the Chinese, the Arabs, and other Islamic seafaring merchants.
Recognizing the potential of these strategically located islands, the Spaniards established a colonial government in Manila in 1571 and from here, ruled the country and the galleon trade for nearly 333 years. Though peaceful by nature, the freedom loving Filipinos resisted, and staged asia's first nationalistic revolution in 1896. After several attempts, the Philippines declared her first independence on June 12, 1898.
This republic was short-lived, however-the Americans took over. They introduced, among others things American, the democratic process, public education and infactrusture. World War II interrupted the course of events, and the Japanese captured the Philippines. The Americans liberated the islands in 1945, and recognized Philippine independence on July 4, 1946.
The Philippines consists of three main island groupings: Luzon, which includes Mindoro and Palawan islands; the Visayan Islands; and Mindanao and the Sulu group.
THE PHILIPPINES
RIGHT IN THE HEART of Southeast Asia is the Philippines, a rambling chain of some 7,107 islands and islets. From north to south, this tropical archipelago stretches for more than 1,700 likometers towards the Equator. The South China Sea washes its western shores; a northern neighbor is Taiwan, as are HongKong and China; further north is Japan. Westward lies other southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. An Arm of the archipelago points southwest towards the isle of Borneo; and at its feet, the island chain that is Indonsia. To the east and south, the waters of the Pacific Ocean sweep its headlands, looking out towards Micronesia and Polynesia.
The Philippines is readily accessible from the travel capitals of the world. Travelling time to Manila from Hongkong is an hour and 50 minutes; Singapore, 3 hours and 10 minutes; Bangkok, 3 hour and 50 minutes; Tokyo, 4 hours and 15 minutes. Sydney, 10 hours and 20 minutes; London, 20 hours and 45 minutes; Paris, 21 hours and 15 minutes; Frankfurth, 19 hours and 40 minutes; San Francisco, 20 hours and 15 minutes; Los Angeles, 15 hours and 20 minutes; and New York, 25 hours and 20 minutes.
GETTING THERE Manila and Cebu are international gateway cities. Manila is served by more than 30 airlines which fly to different cities throughout the world. Philippine Airlines, the country's flag carrier, links Manila to 26 cities in 19 countries and plies the air routes of principal cities and towns all over the country. Aerolift has scheduled flights to Boracay in Aklan, Bagabag Airport in Banaue, and Busuanga in Palawan. Manila's air and sea ports bustle with comings and goings of major international carrier and cruise liners. Cebu City handles regular flights from Japan, Singapore and Australia, as well as charter flights from HongKong, the United States and other major travel markets.
ENTRY REGULATIONS
Except for stateless persons and those from countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations, all visitors with valid passports may enter the country without visas and may stay for 21 days provided they have tickets for onward journey. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports must have special permits. Visas and special special permits may be obtained from Philippines embassies and consulates.
HEALTH REGULATIONS
a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers coming from infected areas. Children under one year of age are subject to isolation when necessary.
CREDIT CARDS
International credit cards such as VISA, DINNERS CLUB, BANK AMERICARD, MASTERCHARGE AND AMERICAN EXPRESS are accepted inmajor establishments.
LAYOUT AND TOPOGRAPHY
The larger islands have rugged, mountainous interiors, mostly ranges running north to south. The highest sumit is Mt. Apo (2,954 meters) on Mindanao. Peaks emerge above hills and valleys which, in turn, rise from the narrow coastal plains, broader interior plains, and major valleys. In some places, especially on the Pacific shores, the mountains drop steeply to the sea. Many islands have extensive coral resfs offshore. The Philippines lies on the volatile Pacific "Ring of Fire," and most of the highest mountains are volcanic in origin. Strong earthquakes have occured periodically. Various stages of vulcanic stocks to extinct, dormant, and active peaks.
Many of the 7,107 islands are little more than rocks, reefs, or sandbanks. Some 4,600 are named and 1,000 are inhabited. Only 46 are larger than 100 square km, and these represent 98% of the total land area. Just two islands, Luzon and Mindanao, constitute two-thirds of the country, while 11 make up over 92%.
Administratively, the Philippines is divided into 73 provinces plus Metro Manila, which contains Quezon city, the designated capital, and Manila, the de facto capital. Most large cities and seven out of ten municipalities lie on coastal plains and are more than 120 km from the sea.
TOURS & SPECIAL INTEREST ACTIVITES
Exciting tour packages, from day trips to five-day programs, provide glimpses of the country's diverse attractions. Special interest activities include golfling, game fishing, water-skiing, diving, mountain climbing, trekking and safari trips. Fiesta and village tours, cultural and historical tours, and visits to farms and ancestral houses are special ways of descovering the Philippines. Information on tours may be obtained from travel agents, tour operators, or the Department of Tourism.
DOMESTIC TRANSPORT
Air-Philippine Airlines provides daily services to and from 42 local destinations. Pacific Airways has scheduled and chatered flights to major domestic destinations.
Sea-Interisland ships connect Manila to major ports. Ferry services connect the smaller islands. Departure schedules from the Port of Manila can found in the local newspapers.
Land-jeepneys and busses are inexpensive ways of getting around most places. In Manila, Love Buses ply certain key routes. Roofles double-decker buses run along Roxas Boulevard from Rizal Park and provide lovely views of the trip and Manila Bay. Metered taxis generally cruise for hire.
In Manila, the elevated Light Rail Transit (LRT) provides a fast, effecient rail system along a 1-5 km line from Baclaran in the South Caloocan City in the North. There are 15 stations spread 800 meters apart and situated at major intersection.
THE PHILIPPINE FLAG
The Philippine flag concists of a white equilateral triangle on the left of two broad horizontal bands of blue and red. The triangle contains the gold Sun of Freedom, with eight rays representing the eight provinces that first revolted against the Spanish colonists, and three gold stars depicting the main islands-Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. In times of peace, the blue band reperesenting high political purpose, is on top; In wartime, the red band, symbolizing courage dominates.
Filipinos have been described as Malays who have emerged from "350 years in a convent and 50 years in Hollywood." The social fabric is a fascinating fusion of East and West, of pleasure have created a milieu that is bedonist's dream: captivitating women and charming men, inexpensive beer and rum, superb seafood and fruit, and passionate music and dancing. Filipinos are the friendliest and most approachable people in Asia. Their famous hospitality is showered on friend and stranger alike, especially during fiestas. Communication is a simple matter, as English is widely spoken. The diversity of people and landscape makes this archipelago a great place to spend a few weeks or months wandering around. As you relax on the beach of one island, the green hills of its neighbor beckon.
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Republic of the Philippines
Despite social fragmentation and political corruption, a deep-felt commitment to democratic institution has survived. After the Philippine independence in July 4, 1946, President Manuel Roxas tackled the devastation left by World War II. After the war, landlords demanded back rents which pushed the tenant farmers to rebellion. President Ramon Magsaysay started rural reform which was defeated by the landlords.
During the reign of Ferdinand Marcos, inequities, corruption, and social injustice were widespread. Marcos had refurbished public works but failed to reconstruct the economy. There was the forming of left-wing student groups and guerrillas which was growing out of hand. This led Marcos to suspend the rights of the habeas corpus and freedom of press, speech and assembly. The nation's domestic economy and international debt payments faced collapse while the elite were getting richer. Aquino, Marcos' rival, led public protest for reform. The Filipino people were convinced by Aquino that there was hope for the poor economic situation in the Philippines. But Aquino was assassinated in 1983 which outraged the Filipino people. Public pressure compelled Marcos to hold an election in 1986. He claimed victory but was forced into exile by his people. Aquino's widow, Corazon Aquino was elected president of the Philippines: the first female president of the Philippines.
American Era
In 1898, when the United States bought the Philippines from Spain, Americans had to fight the Filipino rebels. The main purpose of the Americans was to prepare the Filipinos for independence when the people are ready. At this era, the Americans redistributed church-owned lands but most of the lands went to large landowners. There was effective aid provided by the Americans for better health care and sanitation. There was also the widespread use of the English language which brought better unity.
There were also access to the American manufactured goods that led the nation to neglect its own industrial development. The Filipinos focused on mining and exporting crops. The Philippine currency was stable. The building of roads was increased. Shipping access within the island enabled the landowners to take advantage of free-trade privileges. A U.S.-based economy had evolved.
In 1935 the Filipino people accepted a U.S. offer of sovereignty to follow a ten-year interim under a commonwealth status. The first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines was Manuel Quezon. In December 1941, Japan attacked the island of Luzon.
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 CONDUCT AND CUSTOMS
Filipinos are among the friendliest, most hospitable people in the world. The widespread understanding of English and familiarity with Western culture makes travel and communication far easier than in most Asian lands. But as in any country, an awareness of the local customs and mentality can great enhance your visit and help you avoid misunderstandings. Filipinos have a unique outlook on life, as well as their own ways of communicating, coexisting, and accomplishing things. The more foreigner conforms to these customs, the smoother and more enjoyable his stay will be.
FIRST IMPRESSION
Many visitors are surprised to be addressed openly by strangers in the street.The ubiquitous greeting" hey joe" ( also Hey man") derives from the welcome given to liberating U.S. troops in 1945.
TIME
Filipinos especiaaly country-dwellers, have a very relax attitude toward promtpness and punctuality. references to time may be vague at best-"by and by" and "in a little while are common phrases.
DIALOGUE AND DISCUSSION
As in all polite society, treat sensitive subjects such as sex and religion circumspectly until you know a Filipino well. In most cases, you'll gain little satisfaction in trying to have a friendly debate with a Filipino. You'll often be asked "What can you say about the Philippines? It's wise to stress the positive aspects and not lecture them. Don't show false symphaty, like asking how much someone earns, then gasping with horror. Filipinos have a good sense of humor, but don't like jokes relating to their personal life or family, or that embarrass tehm in front of others. Many new, brief acquitances made on the road in the Philippines may want to be your "pen-pal". The request is common and innocent, although after giving out your address don't be surprised to get letters from Filipinos asking for a gilfriend or husband, textbooks, medicine, money, sponorship, or advice. Give out your home address at your own risk.
CONFRONTATION
Avoid it! Filipinos are very proud and sensitive to criticism. whether or themselves or their country. Never criticize someone in public. If you must make a complaint, do it indirectly; it's the Filipino way. Always request, never demand. Well-mannered people control their emotions in public.
BODY LANGUAGE
Filipinos have a well-developed and commonly used body and sign language. In social situation, they extend their hand and stoop when passing in front of people. The eyebrow are raised in recognition and agreement. People point with pursed lips. When beckoning someone, gesture with the hand turned downward, never with a crooked forefinger, which is only used for dogs. It's also considered rude to point at somebody. Direct and prolonged eye contact makes them uncofortable, too.
 DISCOVERY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Philippines was named after Spain's King Phillip II. Ferdinand Magellan discovered the country, and the missionaries introduced Christianity and attempted to unify the many peoples and islands under a central government.
The prosperity of the Philippines depended on the exchange of New Spain's (now Mexico) silver for silk from China. Chinese entrepreneurs and Spanish officials were lured to Manila for the prospect of wealth. Intermarriages between Spaniards, and Chinese immigrants produced mestizos and helped produce a distinctive new culture.
In the 1700s, the empire of Spain crumbled. Open trade was available and led to the emergence of a local wealthy class. For its education, the wealthy class went to Europe where liberal philosophies taught them the idea of national identity.
In the 1860s, there was discontentment with the Spanish rule. Jose Rizal started a peaceful reform under colonial rule but was later executed. His death started a revolution under Andres Bonifacio. In 1898, United States won the war against Spain, and the Philippines declared its independence from Spain. Spain sold the islands to the United States. Emilio Aguinaldo was the first president of the Republic of the Philippines.
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