History and Culture

HISTORY
The first European settlers were led by a Portuguese named Ferdinand Magellan and although Portuguese, he was actually representing Charles 1st of Spain after taking Spanish nationality. The arrival in the Philippines was one of the discoveries of the expedition which was formed to find a route to the Spice Islands , known now as Indonesia. This trip was followed by more Spanish expeditions to the Philippines. Ferdinand Magellan has until this day, a cross named after him in Cebu. The expedition that brought Magellan to the Philippines is believed to be the first European expedition to circumnavigate the world although Magellan didn't survive the trip being killed in Cebu before the journey was completed.
It is widely believed that Magellan was the instrumental force in popularising the Catholic faith in the Philippines which now dominates, by far, the religions practised in the Philippines. Although he was largely unsuccessful in converting the peoples of the Southern Islands whom to this day are highly populated with people of the Muslim faith.
Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan on Cebu by the local chief Lapu Lapu and his followers ( There is a statue to Lapu Lapu standing in Mactan near to the area where the battle was thought to have taken place.
Having become a Spanish colony in the 16th Century, it was the turn of the Americans to govern the islands in 1898 until 1935 when the Philippines were allowed to govern themselves for the next 10 years preparing themselves for independence .The first Filipino President was Manuel Quezon (an area of Manila is named after him).
World War II
Occupied by the Japanese in 1942 during the 2nd world war, many bloody and historic battles on land and sea ensued, with the American and Filipino troops fighting side by side.
The Philippine people proved themselves to be fierce and brave fighters, especially after the Americans were forced by the Japanese to leave. They returned some time later to free the Philippine people from the occupation, by General MacArthur and his troops. The landing of which is celebrated at MacArthur Park , Leyte, where there are huge lifelike statues of the General and some of his men , as though they were walking up the beach.

On July 4th 1946, the Philippines became independent. After a 21 year reign as President, Ferdinand Marcus was forced from office by a popular peoples rebellion, and Corazon Aquino was elected as President, who was then superseded by Fidel Ramos after several attempted coups in 1992
It was around this time in 1992, that the U.S.A closed its last remaining military base.
Joseph Estrada was the next premier, but was replaced by President Gloria Malapaga- Arroyo in January 2001. She was then re – elected for a six year term.
Benigno S. Aquino III is the present day President.
CULTURE
Philippine culture is very diverse, derived mainly from Malaysian and Indonesian roots. Despite their strong ties to those countries, the Filipinos generated their own individual culture, even before the first Europeans landed on the Islands.
There are over 100 dialects throughout the Philippines 7000 islands , and each one retains its own aspects of the Philippine culture, supplemented by influences from U.S.A, China , India , and Arabia. However Filipino culture remains uniquely Filipino.
The most common Dialect is known as Tagalog which has borrowed quite a number of Spanish words from the days when Spain was a ruling entity in the Islands.
Religion is a very important part of the Philippine culture, and to emphasise this point many fiestas and festivals are held throughout the Philippines during the year , celebrating the patron Saint of that town or city . Colourful street parades,, fireworks, church services , and lots of dancing and music make a real spectacle for the tourist to witness.

SPORTS
Another aspect of Philippine culture is the national sport and pastimes of Basketball , Cockfighting , Boxing, Chess , Snooker and Pool are all sports and pastimes where the Philippines can boast many world champions.
As with Basketball, the Philippines is influenced even to this present day by American culture and ways of doing business. The US Dollar being the second currency to the Philippine Pesos.
The Southern Islands are influenced to a substantial degree by the Muslim faith as opposed to most of the Philippines, which is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic, and have their own cultural differences because of this.
The family is still a very important part of the culture and reminds many westerners of the ‘old fashioned’ values that seem to have disappeared to some extent in the countries where they travel from. The value the Filipinos put on family life is borne out by the fact that many Filipinos will move abroad to work for better salaries and prospects in order to send money home to help their families back in the homeland.
Another aspect of the Philippine culture that many tourists come across and find confusing is the fact that Filipinos when eating use a fork and SPOON as opposed to knife and fork . Of course , in the provinces, and in the privacy of their own home, they will eat with the hands . Rice is the main constituent of most dishes and a spoon is more practical.

MUSIC
If you visit the Philippines you will surely witness how important music and dancing is to the Philippine culture. It seems like everyone sings ( or tries) or plays music.
Everywhere in the Philippines there is live music to watch , listen to and even take part in if you so wish.
The Philippine people love to share the stage with any willing performers. I am testament to that having sang with a number of bands on Manila’s Baywalk and other venues.
Many Philippine singers and artistes find plenty of demand for their talents abroad.
If you want to find out more about the Philippine history and culture , there are many museums, churches galleries and culture venues around the Philippines especially in its capital city of Manila.
The Walled City Intramuros is a must for tourists visiting Manila.
As well as the nightlife and beaches , take some time out to discover the varied and interesting history and culture of the Philippine people. It will enrich your experience of this fascinating part of South East Asia.