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| Introduction : Philippine history, many argue, did not begin with the coming of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Rather, it began in the 13th century when 10 datus from Borneo, each with a hundred of his kinsmen, landed in what is now known as Panay Island in the Visayas. Yet it was Magellan, and succeeding expeditions from Spain, who put the Philippine archipelago on the map of the world. The intrepid Magellan was dubbed the rediscover of the Philippines after he landed in Homonhon Islet, near Samar, on March 17, 1521. He was later killed in Mactan Island of Cebu in a clash with native warriors led by a chieftain named Lapu-Lapu. The Philippines was a prize catch for Spain which at that time was locked in a fierce struggle for world colonization with Portugal. The archipelago, named Felipinas for Spain's Philip II, was composed of 7,107 islands and islets spanning 1854 kilometers from north to south. The Philippines, also a window to the New World, stretched from China to the north and the Indonesian archipelago to the south. The northern most tip of the country, Y'ami of the Batanes Island group, is 241 kilometers south of Taiwan while the southernmost tip, Sibutu of the Tawi-Tawi group of islands, is just 14.4 kilometers north of Borneo The Philippines, in fact, is at a most strategic location, making it a natural hub for commerce. Manila and Cebu are premiere centers of trade in the region. To the east is the vast Pacific Ocean and beyond it, the new World. To the west are the kingdoms Indo China including Cambodia and Thailand while southwest is Malaysia. There are three major geographical groups in the country, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The northern portion of the archipelago is composed of the largest island, Luzon. The Visayan region is made up of about 6,000 islands including Panay, Leyte, Samar, Cebu and Bohol. Mindanao is the second largest island and encompasses about 400 smaller islands. Spanish colonizers succeeded in introducing Christianity in Luzon and Visayas but were unsuccessful in Mindanao, where Moslems stayed off Spanish efforts. Spain's rule lasted from the 16th to the 19th century but was marked with a series of revolts. When three Filipino priests were executed for nationalist activities, a group of reformist formed the Propaganda Movement that would later pave the way for the Philippine Revolution. A young doctor-writer named Jose Rizal was arrested and later executed by Spanish officials for his scathing criticisms of Spanish rule in the Philippines through two novels. Rizal, who was just 30 when he was executed, would later be recognized by historians as Asia's first nationalist. His contemporaries include Gandhi and Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The Philippine Revolution on August 29, 1896 started launched and was led first by Andres Bonifacio and then later by Emilio Aguinaldo. Philippine independence was officially proclaimed on June 12, 1898 at the balcony of Aguinaldo's home in Cavite. Political independence from US rule was officially proclaimed on 1946. But as Spanish rule ended, so would American domination start. Unknown to Aguinaldo and the Filipinos, Spain ceded the archipelago to the US for $20 million. Thus, when American and Filipino forces laid siege on Intramuros, little did the Filipinos know that they would have new enemies. Intramuros surrendered but Filipinos were prevented by Americans from entering. This sowed the seeds of distrust that would eventually culminate in the Filipino-American War. A new fight for independence was waged and this would last six years. The war ended in 1905 and the period of fighting was followed by decades of progress. In 1935, a Commonwealth government was established complete with a Constitution. World War II broke out in 1941. Japan annexed the Philippines after a heroic battle with Filipino-American forces making a stand in Bataan and Corregidor. With the surrender, Filipinos took to the hills and waged a guerrilla war for four years. In 1945, US forces liberated the Philippines. On July 4, 1946, the US flag was lowered for the last time as the Philippines was finally granted independence. 7,107 Islands : The Philippines is an archipelago blessed with a wealth of natural resources, a rich history and unique culture. The Philippines attractions are as many as they are diverse, with each island offering something different, something special to the most discerning visitor. White sand beaches, lush green forest, majesty mountain peaks, age-old structure, modern cities, rustic country-sides. The list goes on and on. The country is most popular for its beaches and deep waters teeming with a plethora of marine life. The Philippine waters have attracted a growing numbers of scuba divers all eager to discover the underwater treasures of the country. Most of the resorts are well-equipped with modern diving equipment and have their staff professional diving instructors and guides. Facilities for water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, hobie cat sailing, island hopping, and other water sports are also available. Those who prefer to keep their feet dry can still view the magical coral world through glass-bottomed boats. The Philippines is not only for sun, sea and sand lovers. The numerous attractions present a wide array of activities to choose from whether you are in the north or the south. For the nature lover, there is a mountain climbing, birdwatching, cave exploration, and even photo safaris. History and culture buffs may learn more about the Philippines and its people when visiting the museums centuries-old structures, monuments, and churches spread across the country. And for a taste of rural Philippine life, a tour of the farms in the provinces is highly recommended. Golfers have also found their place in the sun here in the Philippines. The country boasts of challenging golf courses, some of which were designed by world-class course architects in the likes of Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Gary Player. Whatever your interests are, our islands have it. People : The Filipino is basically of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish and Arab blood. The Philippines has a population of 76.5 million, and it is hard to distinguish accurately the lines between stocks. From a long history of Western colonial rule, interspersed with the visits of merchants and traders, evolved a people of a unique blend of east and west, both in appearance and culture. The Filipino character is actually a little bit of all the cultures put together. The bayanihan or spirit of kinship and camaraderie that Filipinos are famous for is said to be taken from Malay forefathers. The close family relations are said to have been inherited from the Chinese. The piousness comes, from the Spaniards who introduced Christianity in the 16th century. Hospitality is a common denominator in the Filipino character and this is what distinguishes the Filipino. Filipinos are probably one of the few, if not the only, English-proficient Oriental people today. Pilipino is the official national language, with English considered as the country's unofficial one. The Filipinos are divided geo-graphically and culturally into regions, and each regional group is recognizable by distinct traits and dialects-the sturdy and frugal Ilocanos of the north, the industrious Tagalog's of the central plains, the carefree Visayans from the central islands and the colorful tribes-men and religious Moslems of Mindanao. Tribal communities can be found scattered across the archipelago. All in all the Philippines has 111 dialects spoken, owing to the subdivisions of these basic regional and regional groups. Some 80 percent of the population is Catholic, Spain's lasting legacy. About 15 percent is Moslem and these people can be found basically in Mindanao. The rest of the population is made up mostly of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhists. Visitors must hold a valid passport. Except for the stateless persons and those from countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations, all visitors may enter the country without visas and may stay up to 21 days provided they have tickets for onward journey. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports must have special permits. Visas may be obtained from Philippine embassies or consular offices abroad. Visitors must hold a valid passport. Except for the stateless persons and those from countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations, all visitors may enter the country without visas and may stay up to 21 days provided they have tickets for onward journey. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports must have special permits. Visas may be obtained from Philippine embassies or consular offices abroad. Health Document : A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for those coming from infected areas. Children less than one year old are exempted but may be subject to isolation when necessary. Visitors must check with their travel agents before departure as regulations may change without notice. Thing to See and Do : The Philippines offers a variety of places to visit and activities to do that would perk up and make every tourist's stay truly enjoyable and memorable. Dining : Anywhere in the Philippines is an experience travelers can never forget because it is one of the greatest pleasures of the Filipino people. The exotic dishes spread on the Filipino table are a blend of Oriental, Spanish and local culinary dishes. There are also a number of restaurants which specializes in different cuisine suitable to the distinguishing taste buds of any travelers. Shopping : Whether a traveler is looking for places to shop, the Philippines is a shopper's happy hunting ground, not just for designer goods with familiar names and signature logos that can be found in the fashion capitals of New York, London and Paris, but more especially for handmade goods, skillfully crafted by local townsfolk and natural beauties such as the South Sea pearls. Diving : In the Philippines, is simply the best in the world. The beauty and variety of the country's coral reefs and underwater topography are among the best that diving enthusiasts can explore and undercover. Fishing has also become a popular sport for adventure anglers in the country. A photo safari tour in the Philippines provides a novel adventure and the opportunity to visit a game refuge center to observe wildlife and capture this on film. Other activities that interest a number of adventurers are the spelunking expeditions, mountain trekking and bird watching. Golf in the country is also an activity one can not do without. Holiday :
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