According to programingplease.com, the Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands, the northernmost group of the Malay Archipelago. The first Europeans to arrive on these islands were those of the expedition of Fernando de Magallanes, in 1521.
It has in its geography very mountainous areas and deep underwater trenches. It is the only Asian country with Hispanic influence. The official languages are English and Filipino, although a minority of the population also speaks Spanish and other Malay dialects. Its name is in honor of King Felipe II of Spain.
In 1898, the United States, through a self- attack (the terrorist attack against the ship Maine), managed to interfere in the wars of independence of Cuba. Thus, by defeating Spain, it was left with its three main colonies: Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Cuba was liberated in 1902 (although in fact it remained a colony of the United States until the victory of the Cuban Revolution, in 1959), Puerto Rico remained a colony until today, and the Philippines began a war of independence against the United States, which in a few years cost the lives of one sixth of the total population of the country (that is, the US Marines killed 1.5 million Filipino civilian men, women and children). Only half a century later, in 1946, the Philippines freed itself from the American yoke and was able to establish a democratic republic.
Crafts
Among the Philippine handicrafts, carved statues and religious icons stand out, as well as shell products and banana and pineapple fiber fabrics. In Manila bamboo, wicker and carved wood furniture are also made
Traditions
On June 12, Independence Day is celebrated. Holy Week is celebrated with special veneration in the Philippines, the bloody processions held in the capital are especially noteworthy.
Artistic inventory
The oldest monument left by the Spanish in Manila is the Magellan’s Cross. Other monuments of interest are the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, as well as the Fort of San Pedro, the Casa Gorordo Museum and Colón Street, as well as the monument in honor of the Lapu-Lapu indigenous chief.
Heritage
The church of San Agustín
This 16th century church has survived quite a few of the city’s tragedies. In 1973 it was decided to completely recontract it but the original style was respected. The monastery is currently the most interesting museum in the city.
Manila House
A few steps from the church stands this house of Spanish origin, dating from the 19th century. It works as a museum and there you can see the vestiges of the conquest and the life of the Spanish in Manila.
Fort Santiago
It owes its name to Santiago Matamoros. This fort was fundamental in the Spanish defense of the Philippines and it always remained at the disposal of history and what it brought: successive attacks in the country. During the Second World War itfunctioned as a place of detention and torture. It was only in 1950 that it became a Public Park in honor of freedom.
Bastions of San Francisco and San Miguel
Also essential for the defense of the city, these bastions were left as scars from the fight against pirates. An also fun postcard to take dozens of photos.
Sanctuary of José Rizal
This gentleman is one of the heroes of the Philippines. He was nothing more and nothing less than their deliverer. Still he ended up executed. The Sanctuary of José Rizal offers to carry out the path of the national hero from what was his cell to the place where he was executed.
Luneta Park Park
This park is another of the places destined to the memory of the liberator José Rizal. At the entrance you will see a huge statue in his honor. The park has very beautiful gardens with a great protagonist: Chinese and Japanese flora.
Quiapo Market
This market is located in the neighborhood also called Quiapo. Here Chinese culture is noticed in every corner. Its tents offer all kinds of articles. If something is certain, it is that you will get what you want to take as a souvenir. Even so – and because you will surely be delighted with your walk through the market – it is recommended to be attentive and not accept food or drinks offered by vendors. There are cases of robberies that were carried out by giving travelers drugs to drink.
Malacañang Palace
In the neighborhood of San Miguel is the Presidential Palace of Malacañang that narrates at a glance some of the most shocking events of the nation.
Metropolitan museum
The collection of this museum is undoubtedly one of the most complete in the world. For the most part you can see works of art from the first settlers of Manila.
National Museum
Unlike the Metropolitano, the National Museum tells and displays more details of life in Manila but from the period of the Spanish conquest onwards.
Roxas Boulevard
This is the main artery of the city, the Luxury Boulevard. There you will find all kinds of bars and restaurants to enjoy the sunset and night in Manila. It is close to the bay so you will not miss the opportunity to observe the beautiful view of the boats arriving at the port from a terrace.
Parañaque Market
Here you can taste some typical Philippine food and get closer to the culture of this town. The gastronomic offer in Manila is varied and there is no shortage of international restaurants, of course, for that you will have to change neighborhood because the suburb where this market is located is distinctly Filipino.
Makati City
This site is another of the emblems of the city. It is famous because it is a bar full of intellectuals, especially of Spanish origin. It is the small corner of foreigners who decided to stay in this country.
