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 The
Philippines which is often called the "Pearl of the
Orient Seas" is found in the Malay archipelago in
Southeast Asia. Philippine in which is rich in natural
resources comprises 7,107 islands that is called the
Philippines archipelago. The total land area is
approximately 300,000 square kilometers or 116,000
square miles. The capital is Manila. Philippine is
located in the heart of Southeast Asia. It stands in the
crossroads of the developed western world and the
Orient. It has three main islands Luzon, Visayas and
Mindanao.
Philippines is very accessible to the different capitals
of the world. Taiwan, China and Hong Kong are northern
neighbors and further north is Japan. In the west side
are the Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore,
Malaysia and Thailand. An arm of the archipelago reaches
out towards Borneo and at its feet stands the chain of
Indonesian islands. To the east and south, the waters of
the Pacific Ocean sweep its headlands, looking out
towards Micronesia and Polynesia. Its unique location
has made the Philippines the commercial, cultural and
intellectual hub of Asia from the dawn of history.
The country was named by Ruy López de Villalobos "Las
Islas Filipinas" after King Philip II of Spain during
his failed expedition in 1543. The name Filipinas was
referring to the entire archipelago. The Pearl of the
Orient Seas has over a hundred ethnic groups and a
mixture of foreign influences which have molded a unique
Filipino culture.
Philippines was a colony of Spain for more than 300 years
until it Spain give it up to the US in 1898 when Spain
was defeated in the Spanish-American War. In the world
war II, Philippines was occupied by Japan. After the
Japanese were defeated in 1945, the Philippines achieved
independence from the United States on July 4, 1946. The
country faced economic and political instability. The
rule of Ferdinand Marcos for 21 years ended when people
revolt against that forced him to exile. That event was
the 1986 EDSA Revolution "People Power" and it was a
bloodless revolution. In 2001, Another EDSA Revolution
and that was called "People Power II" to remove Joseph
Estrada as President of the Republic of the Philippines.
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Vice President succeeded as
the President. Up to now Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is
still the President of the Philippines but was accused
of corruption and election fraud.
The Philippines is renowned because of its historical
background. For centuries, Philippines is already been
active in trading and in fact it is the trading center
since pre-colonial period. Philippines is also known for
it's struggle to freedom. It is a place where many
battles and political revolution takes place for
centuries. But right now it is the cultural meeting place
for the East and West Countries.
The country is also known for it's enchanting natural
beauty where tourist want see. It's world-class white
sand beach resorts, the best diving spots in the world,
scenic wildlife attractions, beautiful volcanoes and
mountains and legendary astounding architectural and
historical structures are among the features of our
country that we are proud of. Philippine has hundred of
attractive tourist destinations, making the country as
top travel destination for nature lovers, honeymooners
and adventure seekers from all around the world.
Philippine is also known as the inexpensive tourist
destination in the world. Hotels, food and
transportation are affordable and inexpensive. Philippine
is a paradise in that is found in the heart of Southeast
Asia. Filipinos are fun-loving, warmth and charming
people. "Pearl of the Orient Seas" was the title given
by Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero, to his homeland. A
modern hero, Benigno Aquino Jr., paid tribute to his
courageous fellowmen by saying, " The Filipino is worth
dying for". |
