Mixed culture: Influence by many countries and different cultures, the Philippines has developed a society and culture of mixed origins. Countries with the greatest influence to the Philippines include the United States, Spain, Malays and Chinese among others. Because of US influence, we become the third largest English-speaking country in the whole Asia. On the other hand, the impact of the more than 300 years of occupation of Spain in the country is still seen on the names of many streets, cities and buildings. Chinese influences are very evident on our food and the way we do business.
Rich language: The Philippines has a very rich language. The Filipino language is one of the only few languages (if there is any other language) in the world where you can state explicitly the “intention” of the doer of the action in the verb. The English sentence, “Mario killed Juan.” can be translated in Filipino in many forms depending on the intention of the doer, in this case, Mario. It can be translated into “Pinatay ni Mario si Juan.”, if Mario intentionally killed Juan. If not, the right translation should be, “Napatay ni Mario si Juan.” In addition, Filipino is one of the most respectful languages in the world with the words, “po” and “opo” always included in sentences.
Hospitality: Filipinos are considered as one of the most hospitable people in the world. One is always welcome in the house of a Filipino family. Filipino families would certainly accept and give help to any needy stranger asking for help. We are known for our kindness and generosity to others.
Close family ties: Filipino households are known to have very close family ties. This is one of the main reasons why we do not have much houses for old people, unlike other countries. Most Filipino households comprise of the main family (mother, father and their children), grandparents and even some other relatives.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Metro Manila: the centre
Metro Manila is the centre of life of the Philippines. Life is also very diverse here. In Metro Manila, you can see the richest businessmen and also the poorest slums in the country.
As expected, it is the most populous area in the Philippines. Since the top universities in the country are located in Metro Manila, students from the provinces come here to continue their college education. Also, many families from provinces migrate here to seek for employment and better opportunities.
Manila – It is the capital of the country. It is where the Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines, is located. The Supreme Court, the Philippine Post Office, the Philippine Museum, and Luneta Park can also be found here. Many of the streets and places in Manila, especially in Sampaloc, are named based from the “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”, the novels of Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero. Intramuros is also one of the main attractions in Manila. It is a mini-replica of how life goes hundreds of years ago, especially during the occupation of Spain in the country. The houses and structure in Intramuros are very well-preserved.
Makati – It is the central business district (CBD) of the Philippines. The largest multinational companies, banks, retail and consumer companies are headquartered. The high rise buildings in Makati are already attractions by themselves. This place is very different from the other places in Metro Manila. It is considered as one of the most affluent and progressive cities, not only in Metro Manila, but in the whole country. The current Mayor, Mr. Jejomar Binay, is applauded for its job well done.
Quezon City – It is one of the largest cities in Metro Manila. It is where the national university and also considered as the most prestigious university in the country—the University of the Philippines—is located. Many government agencies, like the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Government Social Insurance System (GSIS), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) are headquartered in Quezon City.
As expected, it is the most populous area in the Philippines. Since the top universities in the country are located in Metro Manila, students from the provinces come here to continue their college education. Also, many families from provinces migrate here to seek for employment and better opportunities.
Manila – It is the capital of the country. It is where the Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines, is located. The Supreme Court, the Philippine Post Office, the Philippine Museum, and Luneta Park can also be found here. Many of the streets and places in Manila, especially in Sampaloc, are named based from the “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”, the novels of Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero. Intramuros is also one of the main attractions in Manila. It is a mini-replica of how life goes hundreds of years ago, especially during the occupation of Spain in the country. The houses and structure in Intramuros are very well-preserved.
Makati – It is the central business district (CBD) of the Philippines. The largest multinational companies, banks, retail and consumer companies are headquartered. The high rise buildings in Makati are already attractions by themselves. This place is very different from the other places in Metro Manila. It is considered as one of the most affluent and progressive cities, not only in Metro Manila, but in the whole country. The current Mayor, Mr. Jejomar Binay, is applauded for its job well done.
Quezon City – It is one of the largest cities in Metro Manila. It is where the national university and also considered as the most prestigious university in the country—the University of the Philippines—is located. Many government agencies, like the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Government Social Insurance System (GSIS), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) are headquartered in Quezon City.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Philippine Archipelago
The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands in the Pacific Ocean. The name of the country--Philippines--was given by the Spaniards who conquered the country for over 300 years. It is named after King Philip II of Spain in the 16th century.
The country is divided into three island groups--Luzon in the north, Visayas in the middle, and Mindanao in the southern part.
The Philippines is rich in natural resources. It has scenic mountains and volcanoes, beautiful waterfalls, white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and forests rich with wild plants and animals.
Some of the world-known tourist attractions of the Philippines include the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the Pagsanjan Falls, Boracay beaches, Puerto Galera, Mount Apo, El Nido in Palawan, Tubbataha Reefs in the Sulu Sea and many more. The Philippines is really a must-see paradise.
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