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About the Philippines
Overview
The Philippines, an island nation rich in nature, diverse in culture, and full of new delights, is composed of three main islands: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The country consists of over 7,000 islands, with the major islands further divided into several administrative regions.
The Philippines is a country filled with various attractions, activities, and fascinating events. Its majestic mountains and volcanoes tell great legends, while ancient cities share stories of long history. The warm tropical climate and beautiful coastlines welcome travelers all year round.
Additionally, the Philippines is the third-largest English-speaking country in the world, offering comfortable accommodations, top-notch restaurants, modern shopping centers, and seamless communication services. Through organized exhibition and event planning companies and professional travel agencies, you can experience world-class tourism infrastructure and services.
Basic Information about the Philippines
| What kind of country is the Philippines? | |
| Capital | Manila |
| Land Area | 299,000 square kilometers |
| Population | 84.61 million |
| People | Most Filipinos are composed of Malays, Chinese, and a mix of other ethnicities, with over 100 ethnic groups living throughout the Philippines. |
| Language | In addition to Filipino and English, over 100 other languages and 87 dialects are spoken. |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism is predominant, with other religions including Protestantism, Islam, and Buddhism. |
| Government | Democratic Republic |
| Currency | Philippine Peso |
| Geography | The Philippines is an archipelago located between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam, north of Sabah, and Borneo. The country is about 1,900 kilometers long and 1,110 kilometers wide. |
| Climate | It is hot and dry from March to May, rainy from June to October, and cool from November to February. The average annual temperature is about 78°F (approximately 26°C) with high humidity. |
| Environment | The Philippines boasts a highly diverse ecosystem with about 12,000 species of plants and 1,100 species of birds. The coastline covers about 18% of the area, with coastal ecosystems stretching approximately 20,000 kilometers. |
| Time | Greenwich Mean Time +8 hours |
History
Before the Spanish expedition led by explorer Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines in 1521, Indian-Malay and Chinese traders had already settled in the region. The Spanish expedition named the archipelago Filipinas after King Philip II of Spain at the time.
The Spanish conquerors were the first to introduce Christianity to the Philippines. Because Manila and Cebu were strategically important trading ports, Spain aimed to make these areas the center of commerce and administration. The Philippine administration was initially established in Cebu and later moved to Manila in 1571. Spanish colonial rule lasted about 333 years (16th to 19th century), deeply influencing Philippine society, culture, and religion.
During World War II, after experiencing Japanese occupation and liberation, the Philippines' complete independence from the United States was officially recognized on July 4, 1946.
Pre-Spanish Conquest Era (~1571)
- Malay people migrated in ancient times, while the indigenous Negrito people lived in mountainous areas.
- In the late 15th to early 16th century, Arab traders and missionaries migrated from Indonesia, spreading Islam.
- Around 1565, an Islamic kingdom was formed in the Manila area, with small territorial states governed by Sultans or Rajahs.
- Society at the time was organized into clan-based communities called Barangays, with about 5 million people living in them.
Spanish Colonial Era (1571~1898)
- Spanish colonial rule began when Magellan discovered the Philippines in 1521.
- Spain established Manila as the capital and ruled for about 330 years.
- In the 1860s, national consciousness rose, leading to active resistance movements against Spain, and the secret society 'Katipunan' was formed in 1892.
- On June 12, 1898, General Emilio F. Aguinaldo declared independence and became the first president.
American Colonial Era (1898~1946)
- In 1898, the United States won the war against Spain and took control of the Philippines.
- The U.S. introduced educational systems, language, and administrative structures, promoting modernization in the Philippines.
- In 1935, the Philippines established a self-governing body (Philippine Commonwealth), with Manuel L. Quezon as the first president.
- On July 4, 1946, the Philippines was recognized as fully independent from the United States.
Japanese Occupation (1942~1945)
- During World War II, Japanese forces occupied the Philippines and established a puppet government.
- In February 1945, Japan's defeat led to the liberation of the Philippines, and independence was restored in 1946.
Philippine Republic Era (1946~Present)
- In 1946, the First Republic was established with Manuel A. Roxas as the first president.
- Subsequent key presidents:
- 1948 ~ 1953: Elpidio R. Quirino
- 1953 ~ 1957: Ramon F. Magsaysay
- 1957 ~ 1961: Carlos P. Garcia
- 1965 ~ 1986: Ferdinand E. Marcos
- 1986 ~ 1992: Corazon C. Aquino
- 1992 ~ 1998: Fidel V. Ramos
- 1998 ~ 2001: Joseph E. Estrada
- 2001 ~ : Gloria M. Arroyo
Third Largest English-Speaking Country in the World
The Philippines is the third-largest English-speaking country in the world, following the United States and the United Kingdom. The official languages are Filipino (Tagalog) and English, and English is widely used in education, administration, business, broadcasting, and most other fields. Additionally, regional languages such as Cebuano, Ilocano, and Visayan exist in various localities.
Bacolod: The Best Place to Live in the Philippines in 2012
Bacolod was selected as the 'Best Place to Live in the Philippines' in 2012, receiving high marks in stability (25%), culture and environment (25%), healthcare (20%), education (10%), and infrastructure (20%). True to its slogan, 'Life’s Good in Bacolod,' the city is known for its clean and relaxed environment.
The Spanish conquerors were the first to introduce Christianity to the Philippines. Because Manila and Cebu were strategically important trading ports, Spain aimed to make these areas the center of commerce and administration. The Philippine administration was initially established in Cebu and later moved to Manila in 1571. Spanish colonial rule lasted about 333 years (16th to 19th century), deeply influencing Philippine society, culture, and religion.
During World War II, after experiencing Japanese occupation and liberation, the Philippines' complete independence from the United States was officially recognized on July 4, 1946.
About Bacolod
Bacolod is the central city of Negros Island in the central Philippines and is part of Negros Occidental administratively. It is the fourth largest city in the Philippines and the capital of Negros Island.
Reasons to Live Here
Bacolod is known as the 'City of Smiles' for its friendly and peaceful atmosphere. The city is clean and well-organized, with a relatively low cost of living, making it convenient for foreigners. Additionally, with less traffic congestion and a low crime rate, it is considered one of the safest cities in the Philippines.
Economy and Industry
Once a major sugar production hub in the Philippines, Bacolod has now grown into an economic center with well-developed agriculture and commerce. The city is well-equipped with large shopping malls, restaurants, hospitals, and schools, making it very suitable for family stays.
Educational Environment
Bacolod has various educational institutions, with a particular emphasis on English education. Its safe and pleasant environment attracts many students for study abroad or short-term language courses.
Convenient Living Conditions
The city center is packed with parks, shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes, and transportation is convenient, making it easy to reach major facilities. Hospitals, pharmacies, massage shops, and other essential facilities for daily life are also nearby.
Bacolod
Bacolod
Bacolod
Bacolod
Bacolod
Bacolod
Main Attractions
- University of St. La Salle - A prestigious university located in the city center
- Bacolod Airport - About 30 minutes from the city center
- SM Mall - The largest shopping mall in Bacolod
- Robinsons Mall - Ideal for family shopping
- 888 Mall - A traditional market-style shopping mall where you can feel the local atmosphere
- City Hospitals - Several general hospitals are located near the city center
Recommended Restaurants
- Chicken House - A specialty restaurant for Bacolod's famous Grilled Chicken Inasal
- Manokan Country - A popular outdoor dining area among locals in Bacolod
- 21 Restaurant - Offers traditional Filipino dishes and Western menu
- Mario's - Famous as a family restaurant
- Suri - Japanese restaurant
- Kaisei - A local restaurant with reasonable prices
Transportation - Jeepney Routes
The jeepney is Bacolod's representative public transportation. It provides easy access from dormitories to major shopping malls like SM Mall and Robinsons Mall, making it a very convenient transportation option for students.