Fun Facts about Philippines
The Philippines is renowned for its vast number of lovely beaches and delicious fruits.
The archipelago is situated in Southeast Asia and was christened in honour of King Philip II of Spain.
Presented here are ten fascinating details about the Philippines.
The Philippines consists of 7,641 islands, which ranks it among the largest archipelagos globally.
However, the majority of international maps do not provide names for almost 5,000 of these islands.
The Philippines earned the tag of "text capital of the earth" because of the significant number of text messages sent across the country.
The Philippines is the only Asian country where Christianity is the majority religion.
Although many Southeast Asian countries widely practice Buddhism, the majority of the Filipino population, specifically 86 percent, belongs to the Roman Catholic faith.
The Philippines has emerged as a top travel destination, attracting more than 8.2 million tourists annually.
Tourists are attracted to the picturesque islands of the Philippines and draw themselves to its vibrant urban culture, tasty food, and exotic fruits.
However, there are several lesser-known facts that tourists may need to be made aware of.
Administration
The Filipino populace exercises their right to vote to select their president.
The president holds the highest position in the government and has authority over the armed forces. They serve a term of six years.
The economy depends on the sectors of agriculture, light industry, and services.
The nation cultivates bananas, rice, coconuts, corn, fish, mangos, pineapples, sugarcane, pigs, and beef.
History Facts about Philippines
In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan first arrived in the Philippines.
The name of the country, "Philippines," comes from Philip II, the 16th-century Spanish ruler who colonised this region.
The United States seized the Philippines in 1898 as a result of the Spanish-American War.
The Philippines achieved self-governance in 1935, however, the achievement of independence was halted by the outbreak of World War II and the invasion by Japanese forces.
In 1944–45, the U.S. forces freed the islands, and in 1946, the Republic of the Philippines was declared, with a government modelled after that of the United States.
Ferdinand Marcos was elected president in 1965. In 1972, he imposed martial law, which remained in effect until 1981.
In 1986, Marcos was removed from power after a 20-year rule.
Corazon Aquino became president and implemented a phase of democratic governance in the nation.
Here are some unique facts about the Philippines:
1. The Philippines is a collection of more than 7600 islands, forming an archipelago.
The Philippines is comprised of 7641 islands that cover its geographical length.
In 2017, a noteworthy discovery was made: a total of 534 islands were identified and included, bringing the overall count to 7641.
Among these islands, a mere 2000 are populated.
The discovery of the new islands has generated significant debate due to their composition of substantial rocks and sandbars, rendering them unsuitable for human habitation.
A significant number of them cannot be located on world maps.
According to the locals, even with a rough estimate, it would take a minimum of 21 years for an adventure hunter to travel to all of these islands.
2. Karaoke is a widely practiced activity that is popular throughout the whole country.
Karaoke is considered an event for the community that is essential to the daily lives of the native people.
Karaoke machines are available in even the most remote and rural areas of the country.
While a Japanese musician created the first karaoke machine, Roberto del Rosario, a Filipino inventor, officially patented it in 1975.
Since then, the karaoke sing-along tradition has become integral to the Filipino lifestyle.
3. A landmass characterised by an abundance of volcanoes and an absence of settlements.
Camiguin measures a mere 14 miles in length and 8.5 miles in dimension, yet it stands as the sole island on Earth that boasts a greater number of volcanoes than inhabited areas.
Also, it has the highest number of volcanoes per square mile compared to any other island on the planet.
Rest assured, the volcanoes have remained inactive since the 1950s, so there is no reason to stay clear of them.
On the contrary, the destination is known for its geothermal hot springs, pristine beaches, and friendly residents, which attract a large number of tourists.
There are more volcanoes on the island of Camiguin than there are municipalities in the Philippine archipelago.
Just five settlements and seven volcanoes make up the area. The 1950s saw the last eruption of any of the volcanoes.
4. Approximately 400 million texts are sent daily.
The Filipino population is highly sociable and consistently endeavours to maintain connections with significant individuals in their lives.
As a result of this behaviour, the total number of text messages sent in the country each year has increased dramatically to an astonishing 142 billion.
Indeed, the cumulative number of messages exchanged by individuals daily reaches approximately 400 million.
They have a strong affinity for engaging in conversation with one another!
5. The location boasts the world's most extensive underground river.
The Puerta Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located deep beneath St. Paul's Mountain Range, located on the island of Palawan.
Millions of years ago, a structure was formed that extends 24 kilometres below the mountain range.
The underground river, which holds the record for being the longest accessible one, has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is acknowledged as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature.
To access some sections of the cave system, you can enter the cave at the location where the river meets the sea.
6. Over 175 languages are spoken in the nation.
At least 171 of the at least 175 languages spoken in the Philippines are recognised as "living" languages.
However, you will have no trouble being understood, as the country is the fifth largest English-speaking nation in the world, with over 52 million citizens speaking English.
In addition to Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, and Bicolano, there are four tribal dialects for which no surviving speakers are known.
7. The Philippines is home to the third-most Catholic people in the world.
Philippine Catholicism ranks third globally, immediately following the Catholic populations of Brazil and Mexico.
Approximately 80% of the populace adheres to the Roman Catholic faith, which has become a fundamental part of the everyday existence of everyone.
In this respect, individuals in the Philippines are prohibited from breaking and conducting gay weddings. Abortions themselves are deemed illegal.
8. The Philippines Basketball Association is the second-oldest basketball organisation.
It is notable that the Philippines Basketball Association, a professional basketball competition, was established after the National Basketball Association of North America (NBA) and is the second-oldest basketball organisation worldwide.
People in the Philippines are so passionate about basketball that improvised basketball hoop structures can be found in the most remote and uncommon rural regions.
The Philippines is the proud holder of the esteemed Guinness World Record for the most lengthy basketball match in history.
Indeed, a remarkable charity basketball tournament was conducted in March 2014, spanning an amazing 120 hours, 1 minute, and 7 seconds.
In the Philippines, basketball is a national treasure.
It is believed that the passionate affair started in the early twentieth century, during American colonial rule, when it initially started in public schools as a women-only activity.
It has become common in contemporary society, extending from improved basketball courts on street corners to specialised sports facilities.
The Philippine professional league is one of the oldest on the globe and the first of its kind in Asia; it is second only to the NBA in age.
9. Five of the world's largest shopping malls are located in the Philippines.
People in the Philippines have verified proof that they enjoy purchasing and visiting malls.
A single visit to this remarkable country will enlighten you to the point that the Filipino people enjoy spending time in retail malls.
Indeed, three of the ten largest shopping malls on the globe are located there:
- SM Megamall,
- SM North Edsa, and
- SM Mall of Asia.
The largest shopping centre is SM North Edsa, which spans a remarkable 498,000 square metres.
In proper perspective, that magnitude surpasses the Vatican City.
The supermall is located in Quezon City, specifically in Manilla.
Be sure to visit the sky garden, simulated river, and cinema complex, even if you do not consider yourself to be a self-proclaimed shopaholic.
10. Jeepneys are culturally emblematic of the Philippines.
The United States departed from World War II with thousands of surplus Jeeps.
Ingenious Filipinos repurposed these materials into transit vehicles with a maximum capacity of twenty passengers.
They are readily identifiable, typically manifested in vivid hues featuring emblazoned slogans.
In an effort to alleviate urban congestion, jeepneys are progressively being replaced with environmentally preferable alternatives.
Nonetheless, there are still many people traversing the thoroughfares, giving you sufficient time to board a historically significant artefact.
An approximate daily volume of more than 55,000 jeepneys is reported to be operating in the capital city of Manila.
Through their ingenuity and transformation of these military jeepneys, the Filipino people have effectively filled the jeepneys with the status of an emblematic representation of Philippine culture.
11. Filipino citizens are among the most polite in the entire world.
Filipinos are affable, humorous individuals who enjoy having a good time.
When combined with a positive cultural environment and regard for elders, this contributes to its status as one of the most joyful nations globally.
Each visitor in the Philippines is addressed as "ma'am" or "sir," and children refer to their elder brothers and sisters as "ates" and "kuyas," respectively.
The Filipino people consistently demonstrate a high regard for courtesy and deference in various circumstances.
It is uncommon to encounter a single individual responding angrily and directly "no" to a request for help.
Different lines are established for the elderly, expectant women, and the disabled at a variety of establishments, including banks, taxi stations, and more.
By adhering to these regulations, every citizen contributes to the preservation of peace and harmony within the nation.
12. Spain governed the Philippines for more than three hundred years.
Ferdinand Magellan explored the Pacific Ocean in 1521.
Upon his arrival in the Philippines, he laid claim to the islands for Spain.
However, it wasn't until 1565 that Spain established a significant presence in the Philippines: Miguel Lopez de Legazpi led an expedition there and constructed a fort in Cebu.
The arrival of the Spaniards on Luzon happened in 1571.
The capital of the Philippines, Intramuros (later renamed Manila), was constructed in this location.
The Philippines are named after King Philip II of Spain (1556–1588), and the Filipinos were converted to Catholicism by his monks who accompanied the Spanish invaders.
The Spanish ruled until the British captured Manila in 1762.
After two years of occupation, the city was returned to the Spanish under the terms of the Treaty of Paris.
In 1898, after a conflict, Spain relinquished its sovereignty to the United States.
13. The world's second-largest archipelago
Comprising 7,107 islands spread over the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and Luzon Strait, the Philippines is the second-largest archipelago globally.
With over 25,000 islands spread over Southeast Asia, the Malay Archipelago is the biggest in the world, situated between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
14. The Biggest Volcanic Eruption in the Past 50 Years Happened Here
In the last 50 years, the Philippines also witnessed the biggest volcanic explosion on Earth!
The worst event in recorded history was the Mount Pinatubo explosion on June 15, 1991.
A tonne of volcanic ash fell into the Indian Ocean during the eruption.
Making deposits of fresh volcanic deposits, the hot lava raced down the mountain to the deep valleys.
The eruption of this volcano required the evacuation of more than 20,000 people, and the clouds of gas it emitted cooled the earth by 0.5 degrees Celsius.
This tragedy resulted in the homelessness of 8,000 locals.
It is therefore undoubtedly one of the worst incidents in national history.
15. Monkey-eating eagles are the national bird.
Very improperly, the Philippine Eagle is frequently referred to as the eagle that eats monkeys.
It doesn't eat monkeys, but pigs, snakes, and bats make up its very small prey.
It is easy to see how it manages this with its wing span of about two metres.
It is also thought to be one of the rarest and strongest birds on Earth, and killing one carries a heavy price of 12 years in prison.
16. Philippine Christmas. begins in September
The Philippine people celebrate Christmas as a holiday season that begins as early as September, not just as a day!
Since Christmas is the longest holiday in the Philippines, people excitedly start decorating and buying in September. People swarm in the shopping centres and bazaars.
One significant ritual from many of their religious traditions is the nine consecutive nights of night mass that accompany Christmas Eve!
Christmas, then, would be the ideal time to visit the Philippines if you enjoy the festival.
17. Actually, Manila Is composed of 16 Smaller Cities
The National Capital Region (NCR) or Metropolitan Manila, is the capital of the Philippines.
Travelling to and staying in Metropolitan Manila is one of the hippest and most happening cities.
Few people are aware that, although being the Philippines' capital, Manila is actually composed of sixteen smaller cities!
There are sixteen cities and one municipality with four districts in it.
Metropolitan Manila, for all its modest size, is the nation's most crowded city.
18. A Filipino Businessman Created the Yo-Yo
Not many people are aware that, with its roots dating back to 440 BC, the yo-yo toy is the second oldest toy.
Studies conducted recently indicate that Pedro Edralin Flores, a Filipino merchant, was the one who patented the toy. In Filipino, yoyo means "come back."
19. A Sizeable Section of the People Travel Abroad in Search of Employment
The Philippines has 110 million people living there at the moment.
As per recent surveys, 11% of Filipinos leave their country to pursue better living conditions abroad.
Remarkably, after the population of Chinese Americans, Filipinos make up the second-largest Asian American group in the US.
20. Cordillera is a listed World Heritage Site.
Within the Philippines, the Administrative Region of Cordillera is the least populous.
More than 2000 years ago, this area created its rice terraces.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has chosen them as a World Heritage Site.
21. Ferdinand Magellan Discovers the Philippines
Spanish-sponsored Portuguese adventurer Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippine Islands.
Seeking for Spain, he discovered the islands and claimed the Philippines' islands in his name.
Thus, the name of the archipelago of the islands came from King Philip II of Spain.
22. The Philippines Exports The Most Buko Fruit
The fruit known as Buko is mostly explored in the Philippines.
It is a type of coconut. The nation is said to export 19.5 million tonnes of this coconut annually.
23. The Philippines Offers the Greatest Clam Variety on Earth
There are the most different species of clams in the world found in the Philippines.
World records for huge clam species number eight. Seven of the eight total are located in the Philippines.
24. The Philippines is the country with the largest supply of qualified nurses.
It is not only the biggest exporter of coconuts in the world but also the biggest supplier of nurses.
One-quarter of all foreign nurses employed abroad are Filipino nationals.
25. World-Class Boxer Manny Pacquiao Is idolised Right here
Filipinos have a strong interest in boxing.
This has turned boxing into a national favourite sport.
Unknown to many is the fact that Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion, is a Filipino.
The nation's love for Manny, often known as "PacMan," is so great that the crime rate in Metro Manila's streets goes to zero whenever he fights!
Conclusion
Beautiful beaches and wonderful fruits make the Philippines famous.
The Southeast Asian archipelago was named after King Philip II of Spain.
Ferdinand Magellan reached the Philippines in 1521. "Philippines" comes from Philip II, the 16th-century Spanish ruler who colonised the area.
In 1946, the Republic of the Philippines was declared an independent country. Ferdinand Marcos became president in 1965.
The Philippines has 7,641 islands, making it one of the largest archipelagos.
The Philippines is the only Asian nation that is primarily Christian.
Many Southeast Asian countries practice Buddhism, yet 86% of Filipinos are Roman Catholic.
Filipinos elect their president. Their term is six years.
The economy relies on agriculture, light industries, and services.
The country grows bananas, rice, coconuts, corn, fish, mangos, pineapples, sugarcane, pig, and beef.