Top 10 Amazing Facts about Philippines (You Probably Dont Know)
by B Kishwar
Updated Mar 29, 2023
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Amazing Philippines Facts
The Philippines is a country located in Southeast Asia, consisting of over 7,000 islands in the Western Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by the South China Sea to the west, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the south. The capital city is Manila and the official languages are Filipino and English. The Philippines is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and diverse population. It has a population of over 109 million people and is the 12th most populous country in the world. The country has a mixed economy with a large service sector, agriculture, and manufacturing industries.
The Philippines has a long and complex history, with influences from various cultures such as the Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American. It was under Spanish colonial rule for over 300 years, from 1521 to 1898, and then became a territory of the United States until 1946 when it gained its independence. The country is home to many natural wonders, such as the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Mayon Volcano in Albay, and the Underground River in Palawan. It is also famous for its beaches, including Boracay Island, Siargao Island, and El Nido in Palawan.
The Philippines is a predominantly Christian country, with Roman Catholicism being the largest religion. However, there are also significant populations of Muslims and indigenous groups that practise their own religions. The country celebrates many festivals and holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and Independence Day. The Philippines is also known for its vibrant music and dance culture, including the traditional Tinikling dance, which involves dancing between bamboo poles. Overall, the Philippines is a diverse and fascinating country with a unique culture and history, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Top 10 Amazing Facts about Philippines
The Philippines has emerged as one of the world's top travel destinations, attracting over 8.2 million tourists annually. Visitors are drawn to the country's stunning islands, bustling cities, delectable cuisine, and exotic fruits. Despite their love for the Philippines, many tourists remain unaware of some interesting facts about this unique destination. Here are some of the top facts that may surprise you!
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Amazing Facts About Philippines
1
The Philippines is an Archipelago of over 7600 Islands
2
Karaoke Is a Popular National Activity
3
About 400 Million Text Messages are Exchanged Daily
4
Philippines has the 3rd Largest Catholic Population
5
The Second Oldest Basketball Association is the Philippines Basketball Association
6
Philippines has 5 of the Largest Shopping Malls in the World
7
Jeepneys are a Popular Vehicle
8
The People of the Philippines are some of the Most Polite in the World
9
The Largest Volcanic Eruption in the Last 50 Years Occurred Here
10
Christmas in the Philippines Starts in September
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The Philippines is an Archipelago of over 7600 Islands
The Philippines is an archipelago composed of over 7,600 islands, making it the second-largest archipelago in the world, after Indonesia. These islands are spread over an area of 300,000 square kilometres and are grouped into three main island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The largest island is Luzon, which is home to the capital city of Manila and other major cities. The archipelago is known for its stunning natural beauty, with many of its islands boasting white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque landscapes. The country's geography has also influenced its climate, with tropical weather prevailing throughout most of the year.
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Karaoke Is a Popular National Activity
Karaoke is a beloved national pastime in the Philippines, with karaoke bars found in almost every corner of the country. Filipinos take their karaoke seriously and can be found singing their hearts out any time of the day or night. It is not uncommon to hear karaoke music blaring from homes, cars, and even tricycles. The popularity of karaoke has also led to the rise of many famous Filipino singers, including Charice Pempengco, Lea Salonga, and Arnel Pineda. In fact, the country has produced many talented musicians and singers who have gained international fame. The Philippines even has its own version of American Idol, called Philippine Idol, which aired in 2006. With karaoke being a staple in Filipino culture, visitors to the country can expect to have many opportunities to join in on the fun and sing their favorite songs.
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About 400 Million Text Messages are Exchanged Daily
The Philippines is known for its high usage of mobile phones and the internet. In fact, the country has the highest number of text messages sent per day in the world, with an average of about 400 million messages exchanged daily. This is partly due to the popularity of texting and the low cost of mobile phone usage in the country. Filipinos also have a strong culture of social media usage, with platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter being widely used by both young and old. The country is also one of the top users of mobile data in the world, with a large percentage of the population accessing the internet through their smartphones.
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Philippines has the 3rd Largest Catholic Population
The Philippines has a predominantly Christian population, with Roman Catholicism being the largest religion in the country. In fact, the Philippines has the third-largest Catholic population in the world, after Brazil and Mexico. Approximately 80% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic, with the rest being mostly Protestant, Muslim, or members of indigenous religions. The country's Catholic roots date back to the Spanish colonial era, which lasted for over 300 years. Today, the Philippines is known for its many religious festivals and celebrations, such as the Feast of the Black Nazarene and the Sinulog Festival, which attract millions of devotees from all over the country. Religion plays a significant role in the daily lives of Filipinos, with many attending church services regularly and observing various religious customs and traditions.
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The Second Oldest Basketball Association is the Philippines Basketball Association
Basketball is a popular sport in the Philippines, and the country is home to the second oldest basketball association in the world - the Philippines Basketball Association (PBA). Founded in 1975, the PBA has been organizing professional basketball games in the country for over four decades. The league has produced many talented players, including some who have gone on to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the United States. The popularity of basketball in the Philippines is evident in the fact that many streets in the country have basketball hoops and makeshift courts, and people of all ages and genders enjoy playing the sport.
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Philippines has 5 of the Largest Shopping Malls in the World
The Philippines is a shopper's paradise, with some of the largest and most extravagant shopping malls in the world. In fact, the country is home to five of the world's ten largest shopping malls, including the SM Megamall, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM Mall of Asia, SM City North EDSA, and SM Aura Premier. These malls offer a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including cinemas, amusement parks, ice skating rinks, and even indoor surfing. The SM Mall of Asia, in particular, is a major tourist attraction, with over 200,000 visitors per day. The malls are not just for shopping, but also serve as community centres, providing spaces for events, concerts, and gatherings. The malls are a reflection of the Philippines' growing economy and rising consumerism, as more and more Filipinos are able to afford luxury goods and experiences.
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Jeepneys are a Popular Vehicle
Jeepneys are a popular mode of transportation in the Philippines, and they have become an icon of Filipino culture. They are a type of minibus that was originally made from converted US military jeeps left over from World War II. The first jeepney was built in 1945, and since then, they have become a common sight on the streets of the Philippines. Jeepneys are decorated in vibrant colours and designs, with each one having its own unique style. They are often crowded, with passengers sitting close together, but they are also an affordable way to get around the country. Jeepneys have even been featured in popular culture, with songs and movies dedicated to them.
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The People of the Philippines are some of the Most Polite in the World
The People of the Philippines are some of the Most Polite in the World:
Filipinos are known for their warm and hospitable nature, making them some of the most polite people in the world. They are respectful to both locals and foreigners alike, and they always greet people with a smile. In fact, the Philippines is known as the "Land of Smiles." They have a strong sense of family values, and they prioritise the well-being of their loved ones above everything else. Filipinos are also known for their love of food and their willingness to share it with others. They often invite guests to their homes to enjoy a meal or celebrate a special occasion. Overall, the people of the Philippines are friendly, welcoming, and always ready to help those in need. Their hospitality is a major reason why many tourists fall in love with the country and return again and again.
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The Largest Volcanic Eruption in the Last 50 Years Occurred Here
The Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to volcanic activity. In 1991, Mount Pinatubo erupted, producing the largest volcanic eruption in the world in the last 50 years. The eruption released about 20 million tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, resulting in global cooling of about 1 degree Fahrenheit. It also led to the displacement of over 200,000 people and caused widespread damage to the surrounding areas. Today, Mount Pinatubo is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors to its stunning crater lake and breathtaking scenery.
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Christmas in the Philippines Starts in September
In the Philippines, Christmas is a major holiday and is celebrated for several months, starting as early as September. This extended celebration is known as the "ber" months, with September 1st marking the unofficial start of the Christmas season. During this time, the streets are decorated with colourful lights, parols (star-shaped lanterns), and Christmas trees. It is also common for Filipinos to attend Simbang Gabi, a series of nine dawn masses leading up to Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, families gather for Noche Buena, a traditional feast that often includes lechon (roasted pig), ham, and various Filipino delicacies. The holiday season in the Philippines is a time of joy and togetherness, filled with festive music, food, and traditions.
What is Philippines Famous For?
The Philippines is famous for many things, including:
- Stunning Natural Landscapes: The Philippines is home to breathtaking natural landscapes, including white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, towering mountains, and lush forests. Some of the most famous natural wonders include the Chocolate Hills, Mayon Volcano, and Palawan's Underground River.
- Diverse Culture: The Philippines has a rich cultural heritage, which is a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and American influences. The country's traditional clothing, food, music, and dance reflect this diverse heritage.
- Festivals and Celebrations: The Philippines is known for its lively festivals and celebrations, including the Ati-Atihan Festival, Sinulog Festival, and the famous MassKara Festival.
- Food: Filipino cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors, with influences from Chinese, Malay, and Spanish cuisines. Some famous Filipino dishes include adobo, lechon, pancit, and halo-halo.
- Friendly People: Filipinos are known for their warmth and hospitality, making it easy for visitors to feel at home in the country.
- English Proficiency: The Philippines is one of the largest English-speaking countries in the world, making it easy for tourists and foreigners to communicate with the locals.
- Scuba Diving: The Philippines is a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts, with over 7,000 islands offering a wide variety of dive sites.
- Shopping: The country is home to numerous shopping malls, including the world's third-largest mall, the SM Mall of Asia in Manila.
Overall, the Philippines is a fascinating country with a lot to offer. Whether you're looking to explore its natural wonders, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, or simply relax on its stunning beaches, the Philippines is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Top 10 Amazing Facts about Philippines - FAQs
There are over 7,600 islands in the Philippines
The main island groups in the Philippines are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The largest island in the Philippines is Luzon.
The Philippines has a tropical climate, with tropical weather prevailing throughout most of the year.
The Philippines is known for its stunning natural beauty, with many of its islands boasting white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque landscapes.