Philippines: More than Just an Archipelago
As early as our elementary days it was already mentioned to us that Philippines is an archipelago. It comprises over 7,600 islands making it the world’s second largest archipelago. With 36,289 kilometers (22,540 miles) of coastline, the islands are surrounded by the Philippine, South China, Celebes, and Sulu Seas as well as the Luzon straight.
Like so, Filipino culture is so diverse. Having colonized by several countries in the past, Filipino culture has been influenced by both the East and the West. It is basically the binding of foreign influences and indigenous civilizations, forming one unique culture.
Roman Catholicism, a religion that majority of the Filipinos practice, came from the Spaniards in the early 1500s. The Americans were the ones who stimulated the educational system in the country and the second official language used by Filipinos also came from them. Some cuisines are incorporated from Chinese, Arabs, and Malay traders.
One thing I can say that is only found in the Philippines is the use of jeepneys as public transportation. Dubbed as “Hari ng Kalsada” (King of the Road), it is the most popular means of public transportation in the country.
It is made originally from U.S. military jeeps leftover after the second World War. Decorated with colorful paints oftentimes a portrait or names of the family of the driver or operator. It is cheap and you won’t have a hard time finding one because around in almost every road in the Philippines.
Tourists and vacation spots is where I’m confident that Filipinos will never be left out. From beaches, mountains, historical places, or even places that offers extreme activities if your a thrill seeker type of person.
Siargao, the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, boasts waves almost all year-round, similar to surfing hotspots like Oahu, Hawaii. This waves is not only the best waves in the Philippines but is also included in the top 10 waves in the World.
If you are looking for a “sea of clouds”, the summit of Mount Pulag in Benguet Ifugao offers one. It is often times referred to by the natives as “playground of the gods” because in Luzon, it is the closest in heaven mountaineers can get.
In terms of food, Philippines surely has a lot to offer. As Filipinos, experimenting is already inclined in our nature. And food is no exemption.
Balut which is a boiled duck egg with a half-formed chick inside, is one of the most spellbinding and traditional Philippine dish. It is fit for those “Pinoy ka kung”, saying that you’re a true Filipino if you’ve eaten one. It may not be as appetizing as it looks like, but the saltiness adds to its delightful flavor.
Adobo might be our national dish, if there is. Chicken and/or pork stewed in soy sauce, vinegar, crushed garlic, bay leaf, and black peppercorns. This is said to date back long before Magellan’s arrival. This has always been my favorite dish.
“The country’s got it all: paradise like beaches, a variety of yummy traditional foods, but the best of all, the Filipinos!”
–Nomadic Boys
Indeed, Filipinos are very welcoming and warmhearted. And it doesn't stop with just that. We’ve always managed to look through the “silver lining”, as what Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray referred to, of everything.
That’s why no matter how many typhoons visit the country each year, we managed to get back up. No matter how hot the weather is, we still manage to smile. And I think what makes Philippines hot is the warmth of the hospitality and love of all the Filipinos.
The Philippines has so much more to offer than a stretch of water containing many islands. It is very beautiful, but not all of it is shown. Not all of it is recognized. Just like how only some of the thousands of its islands is inhabited.
This country is unique. It has something that makes you want to come back. So a lot of us may travel to other countries both for work or leisure, most of us might get fond of celebrities foreign to ourselves. But Philippines will always have a soft spot in our hearts.
References:
Bartholomew, J. (2017, January 3). 63 Interesting Philippines Facts. URL: https://www.factretriever.com/philippines-facts
The Fact File. 50 Facts About The Philippines That You Should Know. (2017, November 16). URL: https://thefactfile.org/philippines-facts/
Nomadic Boys. 10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES. (2017, June 11). URL: https://nomadicboys.com/interesting-facts-about-the-philippines/
Google travel guide. URL: https://www.google.com/destination?q=tourist%20spots%20in%20the%20philippines&sa=X&rlz=1C1GGRV_enPH831PH831&site=search&output=search&dest_mid=%2Fm%2F05v8c&tcfs
