The Republic of the Philippines (Filipino: Republika ng Pilipinas), or the Philippines (Filipino: Pilipinas), is a nation in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital. It lies 1,210 km (750 mi) away from mainland Asia and consists of 7,107 islands called the Philippine Archipelago. It is also part of the Malay Archipelago. It is, with East Timor, one of the two predominantly Catholic nations in Southeast Asia and one of the most westernized, a unique blend of East and West. Spain and the United States have held the Philippine Islands as a colony for most of the last four centuries. While still predominantly an agricultural nation, the Philippines today is a premier destination for outsourcing, an exporter of electronics and agricultural products, and is a major source of exported labor. Remittances from overseas Filipinos form a significant portion of the country's gross national product.
The country's name originated with Ruy López de Villalobos naming both the islands of Samar and Leyte, Las Islas Filipinas after King Philip II of Spain during his failed expedition in 1543. The archipelago was known under various names such as Spanish East Indies, New Castille (Nueva Castilla), and the St. Lazarus Islands (Islas de San Lázaro). Ultimately, the name Filipinas came to refer to the entire archipelago.
The Philippines has faced some degree of economic and political instability after 1946. The restive Hukbalahaps, guerillas who fought against the Japanese during World War II, turned communistic in ideology. They organized clandestinely, mounted anti-government campaigns of sedition and open hostilities against government forces, and conducted terroristic activities, including kidnappings, massacres, assassinations, rapes and extortion. They threatened the countryside, and subsequently the capital, Quezon City, and Manila in the '50's. The Huk threat was eventually broken with the surrender of Luis Taruc, the Huk Supremo, to a young reporter named Benigno Aquino Jr. (later elected as Senator), and Secretary of defence Ramón Magsaysay, who would eventually become president. The late '60's and early '70's saw the rise of student activism, and anti-American demonstrations. Furthermore, a Constitutional Convention composed of elected delegates drafted a new constitution to replace the 1935 Constitution in a referendum. This period was marred by civil unrest and exposés on corruption until the declaration of martial law on September 21, 1972. The new constitution was subsequently enforced through somewhat questionable means, as challenges were made in the Supreme Court on the propriety of its ratification. This eventually culminated in the resignation of Chief Justice Roberto Concepción. The situation appeared to ebb until the later years when the authoritarian regime of President Ferdinand E. Marcos became marred with unmitigated, pervasive corruption and despotism, at which time public outcry and dissidence resurged to new highs.
In 1986, Marcos, his family and some cronies left the Philippines and went to exile to Hawaii, as Corazon Aquino, widow of assassinated Sen. Benigno Aquino, assumed the reins of government in the aftermath of a hotly-contested "snap elections". While some cite a return to democracy and governmental reform in the Post-Marcos era, systemic government corruption, continuing civil unrest and the activity of Communist insurgency and Muslim separatist movements continue to hamper economic productivity in the country. The current presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been marred by severe graft and corruption, coup attempts, secessionist movements, economic quagmires, and an electoral crisis.
The Philippines constitutes an archipelago of 7,107 islands with a total land area of approximately 300,000 km². It is bordered on the east by the Philippine Sea, on the west by the South China Sea, and on the south by the Celebes Sea. The island of Borneo lies a few hundred kilometres to the southwest and Taiwan directly north. The Moluccas and Celebes are farther south, and on the eastern side of the Philippine Sea is Palau.
The islands are commonly divided into three major groups: Luzon (Regions I to V, NCR & CAR), Visayas (VI to VIII), and Mindanao (IX to XIII & ARMM). The busy port of Manila, on Luzon, is the country's capital and second-largest city after Quezon City.
The local climate is hot, humid, and tropical. The average yearly temperature is around 26.5°C. There are three recognized seasons: Tag-init or Tag-araw (the hot season or summer from March to May), Tag-ulan (the rainy season from June to November), and Taglamig (the cold season from December to February). The southwest monsoon (May-October) is known as the "Habagat" and the dry winds of the northeast monsoon (November-April) as the "Amihan"
The Customs and Traditions of the Philippines are strongly influenced by the culture of Spain, Mexico and the Roman Catholic religion. Each year, Filipinos from around the country hold major festivities known as Barrio Fiesta which commemorate the patron saints of the town, villages and regional districts. The festival season is celebrated with church ceremonies, street parades in honour of the patron saints, fireworks, beauty and dance contests for generations of old and new, and cockfighting tournaments.
Jeepneys, renovated relics of WWII are ubiquitous and the standard mode of transportaion in urban and rural areas. Catholic churches are jampacked on Sundays. Tricycles are also frequently seen. In Metromanila and Cebu, airport-size malls are a favorite hangout for Filipinos. Filipinos are huge fans of Basketball. There are many Spanish Catholic festivals (fiestas). In rural areas, carabaos are found everywhere. Rice is the staple. Most Filipinos have Spanish names.
Things you should know when travelling to Philippines
You are advised against all travel to the Sulu archipelago, Zamboanga peninsula, and areas in west and southwest Mindanao. You are advised against all travel to the other areas of Mindanao unless you have critical or compelling business or family reasons.
Attacks continue to occur in Manila, the region of Mindanao, and other areas where insurgent groups are active. Bombs have exploded in shopping malls, on public transportation, at airports and port facilities, in places of worship, and in other public areas. Further explosions are possible anywhere in the country.
Canadians should be alert to the danger of kidnapping in the Philippines. Although government action has reduced the frequency, there remain reports of planned kidnap-for-ransom of business people. A Canadian citizen was kidnapped in the Philippines in 2003. Kidnappings have occurred throughout the country, including in Manila and several resort areas, and deaths have resulted in some cases. Canadians should be cautious when travelling to, and around, coastal areas and island resorts.
Crime continues to be a serious concern, especially in Manila. Avoid displays of affluence such as jewellery. Do not carry large sums of money, and keep valuables in safekeeping facilities. Criminal gangs are active in Manila, including the Makati central business district, and have drugged and robbed unsuspecting tourists. Visitors should not accept offers of food, drink, or transportation from strangers, and should not leave food or drinks unattended, particularly in bars. Bystanders have been hit by stray gunfire in armed robberies and subsequent pursuit of the perpetrators. Avoid disturbances, rallies and demonstrations.
Canadians should exercise caution when using public transportation, including buses and the light rail system, due to safety and security concerns. Incidents of taxi drivers using threats to extort money from passengers have been reported. Visitors should arrange to be met at airports, use hotel transportation, or use the taxi booking services in arrival halls. Use officially marked taxis only and do not share them with strangers. Ferry incidents are not uncommon in the Philippines due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Caution and common sense should be exercised when using marine transportation in the Philippines - do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.
Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships in Southeast Asia occur. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the Commercial Crime Services division of the International Chamber of Commerce.
