Islam was brought to the Philippines by traders and proselytizers from Malaysia and Indonesia. The Islamization of the Philippines is due to the strength of then-Muslim India. By the 13th century, Islam was established in the Sulu Archipelago and spread from there to Mindanao; it had reached the Manila area by 1565. Muslim converts established Islamic communities and states ruled by rajas or sultans. However, no Islamic state exercised sovereignty over much of the archipelago, and the indigenous maritime and agricultural societies ruled by datus or apos remained autonomous.

When Ferdinand Magellan landed 1521 on the island of Homahon, he took possession on behalf of King Philipps II and named it Felipinas – the Philippines. At this time, he knew a little about the wealth of these still unexplored fantastic islands. He also had no idea of the spectacular sunsets and the moderate climate which brought such a warm hearted and friendly people, who should be known later all over the world because of its friendly hospitality. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived, they found well developed settlements. Prior to this Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese. The Spaniards recognized the potential of these strategically well positioned islands and they established 1571 in Manila a colonial government, from where they controlled the country and the trade. Spain’s colonization brought the construction of Intamuros in 1571, a “Walled City” comprised of European buildings and churches, replicated in different parts of the archipelago. In 1898, after 350 years and 300 rebellions, the Filipinos, with leaders like Jose Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo, succeeded in winning their independence.

CULTURE OF THE PHILIPPINES

The culture of the Philippines comprises a blend of traditional Filipino and Spanish Catholic traditions, with influences from America and other parts of Asia. The Filipinos are family oriented and often religious with an appreciation for art, fashion, music and food.

Filipinos are also hospitable people who love to have a good time. This often includes getting together to sing, dance, and eat. The annual calendar is packed with festivals, many of which combine costumes and rituals from the nation’s pre-Christian past with the Catholic beliefs and ideology of present day.

LANGUAGES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Filipino and English are the official languages of The Philippines. Filipino is also the national language of the country. Twenty-one languages are spoken regionally. These include Aklanon, Basian, Bikol, Cebuano, Chavacano, Hiligaynon, Ibanag, Ilocano, Ilonggo, Ivatan, Maranao, Tagalog, Kapampangan, Kinaray-a, Waray, Maguindanao, Pangasinan, Sambal, Surigaonon, Tausug, and Yakan. Chinese (various types), Arabic, Japanese, Spanish, Malay, Tamil, and Korean are some of the foreign languages spoken by the various immigrant populations of the Philippines.