The Philippines is a vibrant country rich in culture, paradisiacal beaches, and numerous waterfalls. Here are some fascinating facts to get you excited about exploring this fascinating part of our world.
- The archipelago of the Philippines is made up of 7 thousand islands – the 11 largest represent about 90% of the total area of the country.
- The islands’ origins are volcanic and many of the country’s volcanoes, such as Pinatubo, are active. It is also integrated into the typhoon region of the western Pacific and is hit by an average of 19 typhoons a year.
- The Philippines was once a colony of the USA, and today English is one of the official languages. Before that, the country was a Spanish colony.
- The jeepneys are old war vehicles used in World War II. Subsequently, they were transformed into vehicles for transporting civilians, and today they make up the main form of transport within the country’s cities.
- Until a few years ago, the Philippines was considered to be “the sick of Asia”, due to its poor social and economic performance. Fortunately, significant improvements have been made in the country, leaving the reputation of “sick” for the past.
- The most widely spoken languages are Filipino and English. The English language is largely an American legacy. The Philippines was an American possession until the year 1,898 when it declared its independence.
- They don’t use knives to eat. During colonization, Spaniards did not give knives to Filipinos because they thought they could use them as a weapon.
- The Filipino gives more value to their family and culture. One of the symbol that represents Family orientation, Joy and humor, Flexibility, adaptability, creativity, Faith and religiosity of Philippines is Bahay Kubo or Nipa Hut. “Bahay Kubo” literally means “Cubed House.” Nipa Hut is another name for it. Nipa Huts or Bahay Kubo is a symbol of rural life in the Philippines. It is significant for them because it allows them to reflect on the culture that their forefathers passed down to them.
- Everything is sold in sachets (there is even washing powder sache).
- The favorite sport is basketball, with basketball hoops spread throughout all cities.
- Every hotel, mall and market has security at the door.
- The handle of the broom did not keep up with the average height of the population, the handle is still super short.
- They have a karaoke craze.
- All visitors over the age of 10 are treated by Mister and Madame or Mom.
- To get around with taxis you don’t need the hotel’s address, just give the name they already know where it is.
- The country is the only country on the continent to have a Christian majority: it is estimated that about 90% of its 103.3 million inhabitants are adherents to Catholicism.
John Gentry
John Gentry is a lifelong adventure travel enthusiast and international manager, Philanthropist, and solder. Spent 2011-2015 developing an international team in HsinChu, Taiwan. Early on he spent the better part of the 90's working with the US Army in Germany, Iraq and Kuwait. For kicks, he studied in Alaska 2008-2010 international history for a greater understanding in his adventure travels. He has had some great experiences, and successes traveling around the world documenting his travels with his family via ExploreTraveler.