Philippines: travel information Tourist office Department of Tourism DOT Building, TM Kalaw Street, Teodoro F. Valencia Circle, Ermita Manila, Philippines 1000 Tel: 0063 -2 –…
Tag: Philippines
The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, has a history shaped by indigenous cultures, Spanish colonization, Japanese occupation, and the challenges of post-war independence. The archipelago was inhabited by various Austronesian-speaking groups before the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization. The Spanish period saw the spread of Christianity, the establishment of a galleon trade route, and a fusion of indigenous and Hispanic influences. The Philippines became a focal point of the Spanish-American War, leading to American colonization in 1898. The Japanese occupation during World War II, marked by the Battle of Manila, inflicted significant damage. The post-war period brought independence in 1946, with Manila as the capital. The Philippines has experienced political turbulence, including the Marcos dictatorship from 1965 to 1986, marked by martial law and human rights abuses. The nation transitioned to democracy, with Corazon Aquino becoming the first female president. The economy, traditionally based on agriculture, has diversified into services and industries, particularly business process outsourcing. The Philippines is actively engaged in regional organizations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and has been a key player in international diplomacy. The nation’s cultural identity is a rich tapestry of indigenous traditions, Hispanic influences, and vibrant festivals like Sinulog and Ati-Atihan. As the Philippines addresses contemporary challenges, including natural disasters, poverty, and territorial disputes, the nation’s historical resilience, cultural vibrancy, and contributions to global diaspora communities shape its trajectory in the 21st century. See itypeauto for Philippines Arts and Literature.
Philippines in 2000s
In the presidential elections on May 10, 2004, which was accompanied by violent clashes and irregularities, Macapagal-Arroyo was just able to prevail against the actor…