Brief History about Philippines

Philippines is an archipelago comprised of over 7,107 islands. The islands are divided into three geographical islands: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Luzon is the largest of the Philippine island, with 55% of the country’s population residing there. It is home to the Cordillera, Sierra Madre, and Caraballo mountain ranges, volcanoes such as Mayon, Taal, and Pinatubo and the country’s largest lake, Laguna de Bay.Luzon is where you will find the capital, Manila. Metro Manila is the seat of government and the premier international gateway. Embracing the capital of Manila and several cities and municipalities, it is the heart of the country’s social, economic and cultural life. Manila is the home of worldclass Philippine hotels.

The Visayas, is the middle cluster of islands are characterized by natural and cultural diversity. The beaches of Boracay are regarded as some of the world’s best. In Boracay you will find most of the exotic Philippine hotels and resorts. Cebu is the cradle of Christianity and Bohol has one of the world’s most intriguing geological formations.

Mindanao is the southernmost group of islands and the second largest, is the seat of Muslim culture and homeland of colorful ethnic tribes. Davao is geographically the largest city in the world, while Mt. Apo is the country’s highest peak. Zamboanga along with the Sulu Archipelago is fabled for its seafaring communities.

Philippines is known as a diverse and inexpensive destination with inexpensive food, hotels and transportation. The Philippines attractions are as many as they are diverse, with each island offering something different, something special to the most discerning visitor. White sand beaches, lush green forest, majestic mountain peaks, age-old structure, modern cities, rustic country-sides.
From North to South wide array of activities awaits every visitors. Whatever your interest are our island have it and in most of it's destinations philippine hotels are also present.


History

Situated on the crossroads of Asia, on the eastern rim of the China Sea, the Philippines has hosted voyagers, migrants and traders since the dawn of history. Early trade with China and Japan can be traced on the archaeological relics left behind by traders in the banks of major hubs of the country.
The West discovery of the Philippines in 1521 facilitated the growth of Christianity and emergence of new culture. However, Spanish colonization did not actually began until 1565 when voyager Miguel Lopez de Legaspi established a Spanish base in the town of Manila, the Philippines' Capital.
In 1898, the Philippines won independence after 327 years under Spanish rule, but found themselves controlled by the Americans from 1900-1942 and the Japanese from 1942-1945. The Americans brought over their educational and legal systems and introduced their style of government. With the end of the Japanese occupation in 1946, the Philippines regained democracy as a Republic. True democracy was fully achieved by the Filipinos after the "People Power Revolution" in 1986 which led to the downfall of the reigning dictators.

The rich history and culture of the Filipino people, the dramatic landscapes and thriving cities will fascinate the visitor.


The People

The Filipino is basically of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish and Arab blood. The Philippines has a population of 76.5 million, and it is hard to distinguish accurately the lines between stocks. From a long history of Western colonial rule, interspersed with the visits of merchants and traders, evolved a people of a unique blend of east and west, both in appearance and culture.

The Filipino character is actually a little bit of all the cultures put together. The bayanihan or spirit of kinship and camaraderie that Filipinos are famous for is said to be taken from Malay forefathers. The close family relations are said to have been inherited from the Chinese. The piousness comes, from the Spaniards who introduced Christianity in the 16th century. Hospitality is a common denominator in the Filipino character and this is what distinguishes the Filipino. Filipinos are probably one of the few, if not the only, English-proficient Oriental people today. Pilipino is the official national language, with English considered as the country's unofficial one.

The Filipinos are divided geo-graphically and culturally into regions, and each regional group is recognizable by distinct traits and dialects-the sturdy and frugal Ilocanos of the north, the industrious Tagalog's of the central plains, the carefree Visayans from the central islands and the colorful tribes-men and religious Moslems of Mindanao. Tribal communities can be found scattered across the archipelago. All in all the Philippines has 111 dialects spoken, owing to the subdivisions of these basic regional and regional groups.

Some 80 percent of the population is Catholic, Spain's lasting legacy. About 15 percent is Moslem and these people can be found basically in Mindanao. The rest of the population is made up mostly of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhists.


Events and Attractions

Dozens of colourful festivals are celebrated in the Philippines each year. Filipinos put a lot of effort into having fun so festivals are joyous, exuberant affairs. A prime example can be seen on New Year's Day, which is celebrated with a lot of energy and zeal.

Also in January is the Black Nazarene Procession, a procession of a life-size statue of Jesus through the streets of Quiapo. A sort of Asian Mardi Gras takes place over three-days during Ati-Atihan, in the third week in January. Good Friday sees festivals throughout the country.

Flores de Mayo comes in May to honour the Virgin Mary. June 12 is Independence Day which is celebrated with parades and fireworks. September features the festival of Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia in Naga City and Carmarines Sur. In October comes the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival in Zamboanga City and in November All Saints' Day is celebrated nationwide.


Weather

The Philippines features three distinct seasons: the rainy season (June to September), cool and dry (October to February), and hot and mainly dry (March to May). Typhoons occasionally occur from June to September. Lightweight cottons and linens are worn throughout most of the year, with warmer clothes useful on cooler evenings. Rainwear or umbrellas are advisable for the rainy season.


Visas

Visitors must hold a valid passport. They can enter the country without visas and stay up to 21 days provided they have tickets for onward journey.

Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports must have special permits. Visas may be obtained from Philippine embassies or consular offices abroad.