1 HANDOUT: THE PHILIPPINES

• Official Name: Republic of the Philippines (Republika ng Pilipinas)

• Nickname/Sobriquet: Pearl of the Orient/ Pearl of the Orient Seas
• Anthem: Lupang Hinirang
• National Costume: Barong Tagalog for men and Baro at Saya (also known as
Filipiniana) for women
• Capital: Manila City
• Time Zone: GMT +8 hours
• Flag Carrier: Philippine Airlines
• Motto: Maka-Diyos, Maka-tao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa (For God, People,
Nature and Country)

Languages and Dialects:

• Two (2) official languages in the Philippines: Filipino and English
• Eight (8) major dialects spoken by majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog,
Cebuano,Ilocano,Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Kapampangan, and
Pangasinense with more than 120 others.
• The Philippines is considered one of the largest English-speaking countries in the world.

Currency
• The Philippine Peso (Sign: ₱; code: PHP) is the country’s official currency.
• 100 centavos or sentimos make up one (1) peso.
• Foreign currency may be exchanged at hotels, large department stores, banks, and
authorized money-changing shops. Most large stores, restaurants, hotels, and resorts
accept major credit cards. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not
accepted.
• The best currency to take when in the Philippines is the local peso.

People and Religion:

• The Filipinos are basically of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish,
and Arab blood. From a long history of Western colonial rule, diversified with the visits of
merchants and traders, evolved a people of a distinct blend of east and west, both in
appearance and culture. The Filipino character is a mixture of all the cultures
combined.
• The Bayanihan, or spirit of kinship and camaraderie that Filipinos are known for, is said
to have come from Malay forefathers.
• The strong family ties are said to have been from the Chinese.
• The religiousness comes from the Spaniards, who introduced Christianity in the 16th
century. Hospitality is a common Filipino character, making them distinguished.
• The Filipinos are divided geographically and culturally into regions. Each regional group
is recognizable by distinct traits and dialects - the Ilocanos of the north are known to be
sturdy and frugal, the central plains’ Tagalogs are known to be industrious, the Visayans
from the central islands are carefree, and the Moslems of Mindanao are religious and
colorful tribespeople.
• The Filipinos have embraced two (2) of the world’s great religion: Islam and Christianity.
Islam was introduced during the 14th century, shortly after expanding Arab
commercial ventures in Southeast Asia. Today
• Christianity was introduced as early as the 16th century with the arrival of Ferdinand
Magellan in 1521.
• Protestantism was introduced in 1899 by the first Presbyterian and Methodist missionaries
who arrived with the American soldiers.
• Two (2) Filipino independent churches were organized at the turn of the century and
 are prominent today. These are the Aglipay (Philippine Independent Church) and the
Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ), founded in 1902 and 1914.

Geographical Characteristics
• The Philippines, an archipelago in southeastern Asia between the South China Sea and
the Pacific Ocean, comprises 7,641 islands (as of July 2022).
• The country is divided into three (3) main island groups: Luzon (the largest, northernmost
island), Visayas (including the major islands Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar,
and Masbate), and Mindanao (the second-largest island in the Philippines, found at the
southern end of the archipelago).
• The highest point in the Philippines is Mount Apo in Mindanao, spanning 2,954 meters
above sea level, and the lowest point is the Galathea Depth in the Philippine Trench,
which is 10,540 meters below sea level.

Philippine Climate:
• January to May: dry season.
• November to February is cool
• March to May is hot and dry.
• June to October is rainy, with the months between July and September characterized
by typhoons. The average temperature is 78 F/25 C; the average humidity is 77%.
• Some parts of the country, such as Cebu, Leyte, and Davao, are warm and
comfortable in all seasons and can be visited throughout the year
• .

Biodiversity
• The Philippines is inhabited by more than 200 mammal species, including monkeys,
squirrels, lemurs, mice, pangolins, chevrotains, mongooses, civet cats, and red and
brown deer, among others.
• Hundreds of species of birds live in the Philippines, either for all or part of the year,
including peacocks, pheasants, doves, parrots, kingfishers, sunbirds, tailorbirds,
weaverbirds, and hornbills. Examples of animals in the Philippines are the binturong,
tamaraw, and Philippine eagle.
• The binturong or Asian bear cat, native to the island of Palawan, is a large, nocturnal
mammal with distinctive cat-like facial features and a prehensile tail, with fur and feet
like a bear, which has adopted the nickname ‘bearcat.’
• The tamaraw is a small water buffalo found only in Mindoro . The Philippine Eagle,
formerly called the “Monkey-eating Eagle,” is the country's national bird. The tamaraw
and Philippine eagle are endangered species under the government’s protection.

Landforms
• Islands and beaches – An island is a land surrounded by water that may be flat or
mountainous.

• A beach is an area of sand or small stones near the ocean or another area of water.
Some of the best islands and beaches can be found in the Philippines. It was
awarded Asia’s leading beach destination in the World Travel Awards 2020, having
also taken home the award in 2013, 2016, and 2018.

• Mountains, mountain ranges, and hills

o Mountains
• There are numerous mountains found anywhere in the Philippines that
vary in size. The highest mountain in the country is Mt. Apo in Davao. It
 is approximately 2,954 meters high.
• The second highest mountain is Mt. Dulang- Dulang in Bukidnon, which
is 2,938 meters high.
• The third highest is Mt. Pulag, between Nueva Viscaya and Ifugao,
which is 2,922 meters high. Many of these mountains are massed
together, forming mountain ranges.
o Mountain ranges
• The Cordilleras sometimes referred to as “The Highlands,” is the largest
in the country. It is located in North Luzon, bordered in the northeast
by the Cagayan valley and Ilocos Region in the southwest.
• The Caraballo Mountain range is located in the central part of Luzon
between the Cordillera Central and Sierra Madre mountain ranges.
• The Sierra Madre, which spans from Cagayan to Quezon, is found in
the northeastern part of Luzon. It is parallel to the Cordillera in the
eastern part of Ilocos.
o Hills
• Chocolate Hills in Bohol is the country’s most popular group of hills.
• Tagbilaran City also boasts of a similar group of hills called Elly Hills.

o Volcanoes
• One of the country’s most impressive and active volcanoes is the
Mayon Volcano in Albay. It is 2,429 meters high.
• The smallest volcano in the country is Taal Volcano in Batangas.
• Other active volcanoes are Hibok-hibok in Camiguin, Didicas on
Babuyan Island, Bulusan in Sorsogon, and Kanlaon in Negros.

o Caves
• Spelunking (the practice of exploring caves, derived from the Latin
term spēlunca, which means cave) a great activity all year round
except when it rains.
• More than 3,000 caves are recorded in the Philippines, and several are
still yet to be discovered, assessed, surveyed, and classified.
• The Calbiga Caves in Samar Island Natural Park is the largest cave
system in the Philippines and the second largest in Asia.
• Other known caves in the Philippines are Hinagdanan Cave in
Panglao, Bohol, Callao Cave in Peñablanca, Cagayan, and Tabon
Caves in Quezon, Palawan.

Bodies of Water
o Oceans and seas
• The oceans are the greatest bodies of water. The earth has one (1)
global ocean divided into different geographic regions: the Pacific,
Atlantic, Indian, and Arctic Oceans. The Pacific Ocean bounds the
Philippines in the east.
• Seas are large bodies of water, usually salty but sometimes fresh. The
South China Sea bounds the Philippines in the west and the Sulu and
the Celebes Seas in the south. Other seas in the Philippine territory
include the Bohol Sea, Camotes Sea, Samar Sea, Sibuyan Sea, Sulu
Sea, and the Visayan Sea.
o Rivers
• Located in the Cagayan Valley, the Rio Grande de Cagayan is the
country’s longest and largest river, approximately 505 kilometers in
 length. It passes through the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino,
Isabela, and Cagayan.
• Other notable rivers in the Philippines include the Agusan River,
Marikina River, Pasig River, Mindanao River, and Agno River.

o Gulfs – A gulf is an inlet of a lake or ocean bounded by land. Famous

gulfs in the country are the Leyte Gulf and Lingayen Gulf. A large gulf
northwest of Luzon, the Lingayen gulf extends 56 kilometers. It is
surrounded by the provinces of Pangasinan and La Union and is
situated between the Zambales Mountains and the Cordillera
Central. Leyte Gulf is located in the Eastern Visayas region. The bay is
part of the Philippine Sea of the Pacific Ocean and is bounded by
two (2) islands; Samar in the north and Leyte in the west.

o Lakes – These are large areas of water surrounded by land and not
connected to the ocean except by rivers or streams. Most lakes in the
Philippines are connected to volcanic and tectonic activities, and
some smaller lakes fill the crates of dormant or extinct volcanoes. Taal
Lake in Batangas is a freshwater volcanic crater lake, and it occupies
the Taal Volcano. It is also the third largest lake in the Philippines. Its
basin was declared a national park on July 22, 1967. Other examples
of lakes in the Philippines are Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, Barracuda
Lake in Coron, Palawan, and Lake Danao in Ormoc.

o Waterfalls – This is where water flows from the edge of a steep, high
cliff in hills or mountains, falling into a pool below. Pagsanjan Falls is
one of the most popular tourist spots in Laguna, located in the town
of Cavinti, and one of the most recognizable waterfalls in the country.
Pagsanjan is surrounded by rock boulders and lush vegetation, with
mountains in the distance. There are other well-known waterfalls in
the Philippines, such as Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del
Norte, and Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu.

1.2 PRE-COLONIAL, COLONIZATION ERA AND THE MODERN TIME

• Pre-colonial
➢ Before the arrival of European explorers, the Philippines was home to various
indigenous communities. These communities had rich cultures, distinct
languages, and unique forms of governance.
➢ Each community had its own governance systems and social structures.
➢ Anito worship and animism were prevalent, with indigenous communities
revering nature and ancestral spirits.
➢ Spiritual leaders played key roles in maintaining harmony between humans
and the spiritual world.
➢ The people engaged in trade, agriculture, and fishing.
➢ They had advanced social structures and belief systems, and their societies
were often organized into barangays (villages).
➢ The early Filipinos were skilled in various crafts, such as weaving, metalwork, and
boat-building.
➢ Pre-colonial Philippines was recognized as one of the most progressive
societies, marked by agricultural innovation and empowerment.
 ➢ Pre-colonial Philippines had a rich culture and prosperous society before
Spanish colonization. Women held equal status to men, owning property and
inheriting land.
➢ Filipinos had strong trade relations with foreign groups like Chinese, Arabs, and
Indians. Their honesty impressed trading partners.
➢ There were highlander (Igorot in the North) and lowlander (Lumad in mainland
Mindanao) indigenous ethnic groups and languages, who coexisted
peacefully.
➢ Professions like mining, seafaring, textiles showed their self-sufficiency and skills.
Islamic traders brought Islam as early as the 14th century.

• Colonization
➢ Spanish Colonization (1521-1898):
o Spanning over 300 years, it introduced Catholicism, the Spanish
language, and cultural fusion, shaping a unique Filipino identity.
o Ferdinand Magellan's arrival in 1521 marked the commencement of
Spanish influence.
o The Philippines became a crucial node in the Spanish Galleon Trade,
connecting Asia to the Americas, with Manila as the bustling trading
hub.
o Catholicism, Spanish language, and governance structures left an
indelible mark.
o The economy was agriculture-based, leading to resentment due to
resource exploitation.
o Growing Filipino nationalism culminated in the Philippine Revolution in
1896.

➢ British Occupation (1762-1764):

o Brief British occupation during the Seven Years' War, ending with the
Treaty of Paris in 1764.

➢ American Colonization (1898-1946):

o The Philippines transitioned to U.S. control, witnessing democratic
ideals, English influence, and infrastructural advancements.
o U.S. acquisition of the Philippines in 1898 post the Spanish-American
War.
o A period of resistance against American rule, resulting in colonization.
o Introduction of English, democratic ideals, and modern infrastructure.
o A shift from agriculture to industry and services occurred,
accompanied by a surge in nationalism.
o U.S. control post-Spanish-American War led to improvements in
infrastructure and education.

➢ Japanese Occupation (1942-1945):

o The Philippines under Japanese occupation, bringing challenges and
hardships.

➢ Post-Independence (1946 Onwards):

o Gaining independence from the U.S. on July 4, 1946.
o Efforts to rebuild the nation and establish democratic institutions.
o Including the declaration of martial law under Ferdinand Marcos and
 the People Power Revolution in 1986.

• The Modern Time

➢ Post-Independence Period (1946-1972):
o Full sovereignty achieved on July 4, 1946, after WWII marking a new
chapter.
o The post-war years focused on rebuilding infrastructure, the economy,
and government institutions after the war's destruction.
o Efforts were made to establish democratic processes and stabilize
politics after years of colonialism.
➢ Martial Law and Marcos Era (1972-1986):
o President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972, citing the
need for order and reform.
o Marcos era characterized by authoritarian rule, economic
development, and political suppression.
o In 1986, widespread protests and the People Power Revolution ousted
Marcos, restoring democracy.
➢ Post-Marcos Democratic Period (1986 onwards):
o Transition to a democratic form of government post-Marcos.
o Subsequent administrations implemented economic reforms, fostering
periods of economic growth.
o Philippines faced political challenges, including corruption and
occasional social unrest.
➢ Natural Disasters and Resilience:
o Philippines, in a typhoon-prone region, faces natural disasters.
Earthquakes and volcanic activities are common.
o Filipinos show remarkable resilience in the face of calamities, with
communities uniting for recovery.
➢ Contemporary Society and Globalization:
o Known for diverse cultural heritage, with ethnic groups preserving
traditions.
o Tourism plays a significant role, attracting visitors with cultural richness
and natural wonders.
o Philippines faces challenges like political instability and socioeconomic
issues, countered by resilience.
o The nation returned to democratic governance after Marcos's fall.
Subsequent presidents faced instability.
o Market reforms spurred some economic growth, especially in sectors like
business process outsourcing
o Poverty, inequality, political corruption persist as ongoing challenges.
Environmental issues and natural disasters also affect the nation.
o The contemporary Philippines actively engages globally through trade,
overseas workers, and international diplomacy.
➢ Current Challenges and Opportunities:
o Philippines experiences economic growth, driven by sectors like BPO
and remittances.
o Persistent challenges include poverty, inequality, and political
corruption.
o Global pandemic poses new challenges, impacting public health and
economy.
1.3 Philippine Beliefs and Folktales
a. Philippine Beliefs
Ancestor Veneration:
• Honoring deceased ancestors through rituals, offerings, consultation for
guidance.
• Filipinos uphold the belief in ancestral spirits, with rituals and altars during
special occasions.
• Animism - Belief that natural objects, animals, plants have spirits. Reverence
for nature spirits like diwatas, engkantos.
• Shamanism - Babaylans and other spiritual leaders mediate between
material and spirit worlds.

Superstitions:
• Objects like amulets and talismans are believed to possess protective or
magical properties.
• Superstitions tied to specific numbers and colors, influencing beliefs about
luck.
• Examples of Philippine superstations:
o Pagpag: Bad luck after a wake; "pagpag" involves shaking off
negative energy before going home.
o Takip Silim: Twilight brings bad luck; associated with the presence of
supernatural beings.
o Sukob: Siblings marrying in the same year brings bad fortune to the
families.
o Pamahiin sa Buntis: Pregnant women avoid sharp objects, wakes, and
lunar eclipses to prevent birth defects.
o Paglilipat ng Pinto: Ritual when moving to a new house for a smooth
transition and avoiding bad luck.
o Lunas or Amulets: Carrying amulets ("anting-anting") for protection
from harm or bad luck.
o Basbas sa Bahay: House blessing by a priest ("basbas") to drive away
evil spirits.
o Bawal Ang Magkasing-Tagpo ng Kumot: Sleeping with beddings of
the same pattern can cause nightmares or bad luck.
o Sa Simula ng Buwan Bawal ang Pagtanim: Planting during the new
moon is considered bad luck for crop growth.
o Pagsusukob: Rituals during a death involving covering mirrors and
stopping clocks to avoid trapping the spirit.

Healing Practices:
o Traditional healing involves the use of herbs and plants, especially in
rural areas.
o Seeking healing through individuals with spiritual or supernatural
powers.

Engkanto and Elemental Spirits:

o Belief in supernatural beings residing in nature, like forests and
mountains.
o Female spirits associated with nature, appeased through rituals and
offerings.
 Hispanic Influences:
o Blending of Catholicism with pre-Hispanic beliefs. Veneration of icons
like Santo Niño.
o Veneration of saints and religious icons intertwined with indigenous
beliefs.
o Christmas tradition reflecting a mix of Catholic practices and cultural
expressions.
o Practices like horoscope reading and tawas crystal ball gazing
adopted from Spanish influence.
o Afterlife beliefs shaped by blend of Catholic doctrine and indigenous
worship of ancestors.

Astrology and Divination:

o Albularyo: Traditional healers practicing divination and astrology for
insights.
o Tawas: Crystal ball gazing as a form of seeking guidance.
o Magic and Sorcery - Belief in anting-antings (charms/amulets), faith
healers, sorcerers like the Mangkukulam.

Mythical Creatures and Folklore:

o Aswang, Tikbalang, Kapre: Belief in creatures like shape-shifters, half-
horse beings, and tree-dwelling giants.

Spiritual Rituals and Celebrations:

o Feast of the Dead: All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day involve rituals and
prayers at graves.
o Funerary practices like offering food to the dead, stopping clocks
upon death.
o Feast of the Dead - All Saints Day and All Souls Day marked by visiting
ancestral graves, offerings.
o Use of indigenous, herbal medicine, rituals for healing aligned with
spiritual beliefs

b. Philippine Folktales
Examples
Classic Fable:
• The Monkey and the Turtle
o A trickster tale featuring a clever monkey and a good-natured turtle,
teaching the consequences of deceit.
o A tale of trust, cleverness, and consequences as the monkey and turtle
exchange hearts, imparting moral lessons about deceit.
o Explains why monkeys don't swim.

Folk Character:
• Juan Tamad (Lazy John)"
o A popular character in Philippine folklore, Juan Tamad is known for his
laziness and humorous exploits. The tales often feature Juan Tamad
finding clever ways to accomplish tasks without exerting much effort.

Epic Folktale:
 • The Legend of Biuag and Malana
o An epic adventure featuring the hero Biuag and his love interest
Malana, weaving mythical elements and the triumph of good over
evil.

Heartwarming Tale:
• "The Legend of Alitaptap (Firefly)
o Alitaptap sacrifices its light to restore a blind man's eyesight,
emphasizing selflessness and kindness.

Mythical Creatures:
• The Tikbalang and the Tikbalang Princess
o Explores the love story between a Tikbalang and a Tikbalang Princess,
delving into themes of acceptance and transformation.

Cultural Symbol:
• The Legend of Sarimanok
o The mythical bird Sarimanok represents good fortune and prosperity
in this legend.

Cooperation Tale:
• The Matsing at Ang Pagong (The Monkey and the Turtle)"
o Monkey and Turtle collaborate, teaching lessons about cooperation
and resourcefulness in planting banana and coconut trees.

Heroic Legend:
• The Legend of Bernardo Carpio: Bernardo Carpio's legend symbolizes the
struggle for freedom and justice as he is trapped between two mountains.
• The Prince and the Mangkukulam: A prince defeats a witch using
intelligence and the help of animals.
• The Wooden Slippers: Explains why Filipinos wear wooden slippers through a
battle between the ocean and the land.
• The Flower and the Hummingbird: A friendship tale about a flower
protecting a hummingbird.
• The Enchanted Singing Shell: Explains the mysterious singing from sea shells.
• The Legend of Mount Mayon: A tale of a beautiful maiden turning into the
iconic volcano, teaching about the consequences of pride.
• The Legend of the Pineapple: A humorous pourquoi tale about a boastful
pineapple receiving its spiky crown as punishment.

1.4 Theories and myths on the Origin of the Philippines

Theories
Migration Theory:
• Ancestors originated from and migrated incrementally from mainland Asia
based on archaeological evidence.
• Archaeological findings from Taiwan, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia
support migration, with tools and burial sites indicating settlement.

Land Bridge Theory:

• Ancient land bridges connected the Philippines to the Asian mainland
during the ice age.
 • Lower sea levels may have facilitated migration via land bridges, such as
the connection between Palawan and Borneo.

Out of Sundaland Theory:

• Migration originated from the ancient landmass of Sundaland, now
submerged in the Java Sea.
• Rising sea levels forced migration from Sundaland to Taiwan, the
Philippines, and other regions, backed by genetic and linguistic evidence.

Out-of-Taiwan Theory:
• Austronesian-speaking people migrated from Taiwan, bringing language
and maritime skills.
• Austronesian language spread, showcasing boat-building expertise and
seafaring cultures in the Philippines.
Linguistic and Archaeological Evidence:
• Linguistic studies and archaeological findings trace migration patterns and
cultural exchanges.
• Studying linguistic roots and material artifacts to understand ancient Filipino
communities' movement and interaction.

Barangay State Formation:

• Early societies organized into barangays, forming small states known as
"barangay states."
• Political and social structures centered around barangays, influencing
governance, trade, and societal organization.

Javanese-Philippine Linkage:
• Cultural and trade connections between the Philippines and Java,
Indonesia.
• Shared cultural elements, linguistic similarities, and trade practices between
Java and the Philippines.

Peopling of the Philippines Theories:

• Anthropological and genetic studies explore migration patterns and genetic
diversity.
• Genetic studies analyzing DNA to infer migration patterns and relationships
among early Filipino populations.

Theories on Island Hopping:

• Propose that early inhabitants reached the Philippines through island-
hopping, using land bridges or watercraft.
• Examination of geological features and ancient seafaring technologies to
understand migration routes.

Myths
Creation Myths:
• The story of Malakas and Maganda - The first man and woman emerged from
a bamboo plant and became the ancestors of the Filipino people.
• Bilaan myth of Kaptan - Deity Magbabaya formed the earth, while Kaptan
populated it with the ancestors of the Filipino people.
 • Tagalog myth of Bathala - Supreme deity Bathala created the first man and
woman after the universe was formed.

Origin Myths:
• The ten Bornean datus - Ten datus from Borneo settled in the Philippines and
became the progenitors of the Filipino people.
• The golden age myth - Ancient Filipinos could fly, lived in abundance, and
possessed great knowledge until this was lost due to angering gods/demons

References:
National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (2020). Philippine Creation Myths. Cultural Heritage Series. [Online Book].
Retrieved from [URL]
Borlaza, G. (2022, August 5). Philippines. Britannica. Retrieved August 1,
2022, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Philippines
Cambridge English Dictionary. (n.d.). Beach. In Cambridge English Dictionary. Retrieved August 1, 2022, from
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/beach
Cambridge English Dictionary. (n.d.). Lake. In Cambridge English Dictionary. Retrieved August 1, 2022, from
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/lake
Cave landforms. (n.d.). World Landforms. http://worldlandforms.com/landforms/cave/
Collins English Dictionary. (n.d.). Waterfall. In Collins English Dictionary. Retrieved August 1, 2022, from
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/waterfall
Dela Cruz, J. (2020, November 15). The most remarkable mountains in the Philippines. Phmillennia. Retrieved August 1,
2022, from https://phmillennia.com/most-remarkable-mountains-in-the-philippines/
Department of Tourism (DOT). (n.d.). Discover more fun! Department of Tourism Philippines. Retrieved August 1, 2022,
from https://philippines.travel/
Department of Tourism (DOT). (n.d.). About the Philippines. DOT
Corporate Site. https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/about-the-philippines/#general-info
Department of Tourism (DOT). (n.d.). Mission and Vision. DOT
Corporate Site. https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/mission-and-vision/