Archive for the ‘About the Philippines’ Category

The Philippines has many languages. The Philippines has a total of 171 native languages that are still spoken and used in the country. Such a small country but has so many dialects/languages.

Filipinos, refer to languages as dialects.

Believe it or not, Spanish was the original official language of the Philippines. Because for such a long time the Philippines was invaded by the Spaniards. And learning Spanish is mandatory at schools and universities during that time.

But after the independence of the Philippines, the national language of the Philippines has become Filipino or popularly known as Tagalog.

English, is also widely used in the Philippines. Since it’s a mandatory subject at schools and universities, up to now.

There are 13 indigenous languages in the Philippines with at least 1 million native speakers. They are:

1. Tagalog which is mainly spoken and used nationwide.
2. Cebuano, used in the Visayas area particularly in Cebu.
3. Ilokano, used in the Ilocos region (Ilocos Norte, Ilocus Sur, Abra etc.)
4. Hilgaynon, used and spoken in the western part of Visayas.
5. Waray-Waray, used and spoken in the provinces of Samar.
6. Kapampangan (Pampango), used and spoken in Pampanga located in Luzon.
7. Bikol (Bicolano), used and spoken in the provinces of Bicol.
8. Albay Bikol (Albay Bicolano), used and spoken in Albay, a province in Bicol.
9. Pangasinan, used and spoken in the Pangasinan area. It’s also known as “Pangalatok” to it’s native people.
10. Maranao, used and spoken in the provinces of Lanao (Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, etc.)
11. Maguindano, used and spoken in different parts of Mindanao.
12. Kinaray-a, used and spoken in Antique.
13. Tausug, used and spoken in Sulu.

There’s evidently a huge amount of dialectal variation among the languages of the Philippines. A good example of this variation are between Tagalog and Kapampangan. Because they are known to have very moderate dialectal variation.

But if you’re a tourist or someone who wants to settle and live in the Philippines, the best dialect to study and learn is Tagalog. Because it’s mainly spoken nationwide and is the national language of the Philippines. It’s easy to learn too, which is a plus.

This very expensive Palace in the Philippines, which is of course made of coconut materials from the exterior into the interior of it, was somehow wasted for its prime purpose why it was created, that is this palace was made originally for the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1981 which the Pope himself decline to stay in it due to he was burden by his own conscience through the poverty he has seen in the Philippines at that time. However, the Coconut Palace was somehow serves as a guesthouse for a handful of personalities who visit the Philippines during the early times, like the Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, the Hollywood actress Brooke Shields and George Hamilton, as well as the Amazing race team.

But that was then because now the Coconut Palace is just a mere Museum in the heart of Metro Manila Philippines between the Folk Arts Theatre and Sofitel Philippine Plaza at the Cultural Center of the Philippines or at Eduardo A. Makabenta Street.

This palace was originally a project of former first lady Imelda Marcos for Pope John Paul II but the Pope has not acknowledged its worth, which of course disappoint Imelda Marcos and the Philippines then. However, it was justified in the public that Imelda Marcos has already this luxurious project in mind long before the Pope plan to visit the Philippines. The Coconut Palace was originally conceptualized and created, as their justification says, to promote the wonders of the coconut to be the “tree of life”. Every bit of the coconut tree can be useful or can be use for house infrastructure. For the coconut materials of the Palace from coconut’s roots to its flowers and fruits has craftily engineered to make it a coconut palace itself. Yes, with a $10 million in budget, surely you can make a very beautiful palace out of coconut materials. What a luxurious project is not it?

The Coconut Palace has seven suites which were named after the different regions in the Philippines. And each suite has in display the handicrafts of a specific region in the Philippines. Moreover, the palace has hundred and one coconut shell chandeliers and forty thousand tiny inlaid coconut shells. Its roof was shaped in a traditional salakot shape hat, of course to represent Filipinos. The shape of the entire palace as well as its courts is pentagon –like shape. I do not know it is pentagon in size, whereas a coconut fruit is not pentagon in size.

Although, it is now a museum, still anyone who can afford to lodge at its beautiful suites can be accommodated to check-in to it. The Coconut Palace can also be a best reception venue for weddings or rather a venue for garden-like wedding. It is perfect venue! Yes, it can be rent for this purpose. You can contact the Coconut Palace customer service for reservations.

Furthermore, The Coconut Palace is alternatively known as the Tahanang Pilipino or the Filipino Home. However, today it is widely known as The Coconut Palace. You can take a peak of it for free at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The current national Philippine flag today is just a mere derivative flag from the Philippine flags that precedes it. Long before it was wave on General Emilio Aguinaldo’s balcony on 1898, its predecessors already made a mark to some Filipinos who love their countries.

The very first Flag of the Philippines that has been created is said to be the flag of Andres Bonifacio. It is the flag of their Secret Society named Katipunan, which has an acronym of three Ks or KKK. These three Ks stands for Kataas-taasang Kagalang-galang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or in English word Highest and Most Honorable Society of the Sons of the Nation.

This very first Philippine flag is in full red color with the three Ks on white color on the center of the red flag. You can google the image of this flag to see for yourself what it looks like. This KKK flag was made by Andres Bonifacio’s wife Gregoria De Jesus and Benita Rodriguez.

This Flag of the Philippines have variations that is some put the three Ks in a horizontal position, some in triangular form and some one large K only.

Another distinct variation of this flag is the flag of General Mariano Llanera. His version is of black background with one K on the left side and a skull above a two cross bones on the right.

This first Philippine flag has gone many revisions, variations and versions until it reach the present day flag of the Philippines.

There are variations with the three Ks but with an image of a sun above them but with red as background; there is a version with a white triangle lying down horizontally on the left corner or an equilateral triangle and within this white triangle are the three Ks spread on the three corners of the triangle, while on its center is the image of a rising sun behind a mountain, this version was said to be created by General Pio del Pilar; some version of the Philippine flag is the one called the Sun of Liberty of the Naic Assembly whose only image on the red flag is the image of a sun with a face on it without the three Ks.

Another variation is the Magdalo flag. This flag has only an image of the sun on the center which one letter K at the center of the sun. The letter K here is written on the ancient Filipino alphabet.

However, on the Battle of Tirad Pass and Pasong Balite, General Gregorio Del Pilar introduce a new flag with a striking resemblance of a Cuban flag. But this flag of General Gregorio Del Pilar was not at all sensationalized by Filipinos because of it resemblance to a Cuban flag.

But on 1898, while on exile at Hong Kong, Emilio Aguinaldo made another banner flag. This time the flag have a freemasonry triangle symbol with three stars on the corners and a sun with a face or a mythical sun on the center, Which according to him, the eight rays of the sun represents the eight provinces that revolted against the Spanish ruling, namely Manila Philippines, Pampanga Philippines, Cavite Philippines, Bulacan Philippines, Nueva Ecija Philippines, Bataan Philippines, Laguna Philippines, and Batangas Philippines. While the three stars represents: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

And this flag was wave at General Emilio Aguinaldo’s balcony, and also this flag of the Philippines was revised by former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon by removing the face on the sun. Thus revised version has now become the current flag of the Philippines. It is now the accepted Philippine flag.

This a continued article from “Flights to Philippines Part 1”, in that we discuss flights to particular Philippine destinations, if one is planning to have a Philippine vacation and Philippine travels and if one is coming from Manila Philippines. In that article we have discuss flights to Philippines most tourist destination, namely, Boracay Beach Island Resort Philippines, Baguio City Philippines, and the cultural Vigan City Philippines. In it also we discuss bus travel if one prefers it in their Philippine travels. And now for a continuation of our discussions, let’s begin with top number four most visited tourist Philippine vacation destination.

The second most tourist visited Beach resort in the Philippines following Boracay Philippines is the Pagudpud Beach Island Resort at Ilocos Norte Philippines. Some tourist loves to visit this Island Beach because according to them, Pagudpud is a resemblance of Hawaii or it is like Hawaii due to its long shores and secludedness.

Therefore, if you happen to be at Manila Philippines or Metro Manila Philippines, if you prefer flights to Philippines’ Pagudpud, chances are you will buy a ticket for Laog city Philippines. As I know so far, this is still the well means to get To Pagudpud if you prefer flight travel. This is quite similar if you want to go to Vigan City Philippines. You can ride the Philippine Airlines (PAL) or Cebu Pacific Airline that travels to Laog City. You could check their flight package at their respective websites.

However, if you prefer bus ride or land transportation, you can ride at this terminal if you happen to be at Manila Philippines. Go to Partas Bus Company which is located at Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City in the Philippines which caters travels to Laog City. It is approximated to have 10 hours of travel. Then, if you are already at Laog city, you could ride another bus going to Pagudpud.

Another favorite tourist Philippine vacation destination is Palawan Philippines. If you are from Manila Philippines and wanted or prefer to buy an air ticket going to Palawan Philippines, you could ride the Philippine Airlines or Air Philippines that will took you directly into the heart capital of Palawan Philippines which is Puerto Princesa city, which is only a one hour and five minutes trip. However, if you wanted to go directly to a specific location at Palawan, like El Nido, Cuyo Palawan, Busuanga, or your desired specific destinations at Palawan Philippines, there are flights you can choose to ride depending which location in Palawan you would like to visit. Examples of these alternative flights to different locations in Palawan are the Asian Spirit Airlines, SEAIR Lines, Pacific Air Lines, and the Soriano Airlines. You can inquire about their flight package in their respective websites or hotlines.

However, there is also transportation by sea going to Palawan from Manila Philippines. But it is a twenty hours trip. If you prefer this, you could buy a ticket at WG&A Shipping Company.

There is no by land transportation means going to Palawan if you happen to be at Manila Philippines because Palawan Philippines is an island far away from Metro Manila Philippines.

Is the Philippines worthy to invest all your sweats and to be a pampering nest and comforting place which you can call home? This depends upon your own criteria of living conditions, if living in the Philippines is the best options or choice, then go for it! Filipinos who live in the Philippines will welcome you with warm open arms with their war hospitality and will greet you “Welcome home, kababayan ko”

That is really will put a smile not only on your face but only in your heart and could say within yourself “I am home at last”.

One of the advantages living in the Philippines is its democratic government, which is you are free to do what you wanted to do, what you wanted to say and where you want to go. However, you should also be careful because the government Philippines have is not purely democratic in its essence that it is anarchical, rather the Philippines is also Republic. Have you heard the term labeled to the Philippines? That is, “The Republic of the Philippines”. It is funny; I know you already knew this which I am talking about, for of all the Philippines presidents upheld democracy except only to former President Ferdinand Marcos who ruins the democratic-republic- like government Philippines have then.

You could enjoy all the beautiful White sand beaches and awesome resorts and breath-taking natural and manmade sceneries of the Philippines. Like Boracay Beach Island Resort located at Boracay Philippines, the Pagudpud Beach Island Resort located at Ilocos Norte Philippines, Samal Island Garden Resort, and other beautiful beaches and resorts in the Philippines.

Not only beautiful and awesome beaches and natural breathtaking sceneries you will enjoy if you live in the Philippines, but also you could have an access to Philippines’ premier universities – the University of the Philippines (UP), the University of Sto. Thomas (UST), the Far Eastern University (FEU), the Polytechnic University, Angeles University Foundation (AUF), etc. These universities have premium education equal to the internationally well known respected schools and universities in the world, most especially the University of the Philippines. That would be another great advantage living in the Philippines or if you or one live in the Philippines.

In terms of business investment in the Philippines, one could also have a favorable advantage if one invests in the Philippines especially at Davao City Philippines. For Davao city Philippines is indeed a proven investment ground which you seeds of investment will grow abundantly and flourish as you projected and expected. And you will not lose your ground at Davao city Philippines because it is a typhoon free zone and have multi-cultural society and community where you could exploit any products and service to your own advantage. Is that satisfying to hear that tinkles your ears? Yeah, you could throw your bread on the water of Davao city Philippines and it will return to you with additional bread as you expected to be.

There are many options you can choose if you want to live in the Philippines, that is you could stay near your favorite Philippine resort beach or stay at the business and investment friendly place in the Philippines like Davao city Philippines or stay near Philippines’ premier learning centers like the University of the Philippines.

What is like to study in the Philippines? We know it is not like in Harvard or other well known schools and universities in the world that has an excellent and exceptional teaching method and facilities. However, if you like to study in the Philippines, there are handful known and respected university in the Philippines recognized by the world today. One of the Universities of the Philippines which are respected and well known is the University of the Philippines or UP.

University of the Philippines is the Philippines’ premier university that offers quality higher education. According to it, most of the 30 % of its faculties have doctorate degrees in their respective fields and 42 % has master’s degrees, thus, making it really the best University in the Philippines.

Actually, the University of the Philippines is the only university in the Philippines that has been noted and included at the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) whose membership is made thru casting votes. Therefore, it means the University of the Philippines has a win a vote to become a member of APRU.

Moreover, University of the Philippines is also the only Philippine university that has been included in the ASEAN-European University Network or ASEA UNINET, as well as one of the two universities in the Philippines in the ASEAN University Network or AUN. Wow that is really makes studying in the Philippines excellent and elevates into the ranking of the most respected universities and school in the world.

University of the Philippines have seven branches within the Philippine archipelago, namely, UP Manila, which is located of course at Manila Philippines; UP Diliman, which is located at Diliman Quezon City Philippines within Metro Manila Philippines; UP Visayas, which is located at Visayan region of the Philippines which comprises UP Cebu, UP Iloilo, UP Tacloban and UP Miag-ao; UP Los Banos, which is located at Los Banos Laguna Philippines ,which is recognized as the Agricultural Center of Asia; UP Mindanao, which is located at Mindanao Philippines of course; UP Baguio, which is located at Baguio Philippines, which is said to be the youngest constituents of UP; and UP Open University, which is a distance learning education system or it offers distance education to those who cannot afford to do the natural mode of studying.

Among these branches of University of the Philippines, UP Diliman is said to be the flagship campus among its branches or constituents and the seat of administration. Moreover, UP Diliman has an extension learning program at Pampanga Philippines which is located at Clark Special Economic Zone, Pampanga.

Not only in Pampanga Philippines UP Diliman has Extension Learning Program, but it has also at Olongapo city Philippines, which is located at Olongapo city Zambales Philippines.

The University of the Philippines is of course also known for its controversial Oblation Statue- the nude man, which its fraternities mimic it annually and make an “oblation run”.

Welcome to the Philippines

If you have not yet come into the Philippines and wanting to visit this beautiful archipelago, then let me show what you can expect to this country if you decided to pay a visit.

When you buy an airline ticket to the Philippines, your flight will be directly into two major airport destinations in the Philippines, namely, the NAIA airport or Ninoy Aquino International Airport which is located at Manila Philippines, and the Mactan International Airport which is in Cebu Philippines. Manila Philippines is located at the Luzon part of the country. The Luzon part is actually the Northern area of the Philipp

ines, while Cebu Philippines is located at the Visayas region of the country. The Visayas region is actually the middle southern area of the Philippines. However, there is this Southern area which is called Mindanao region. In this region, Islam is the predominant religion and the so-called Abu Sayaff group resides, as well as the MNLF group which the Philippine government was struggling against of, as it was reported daily in the news.

However, that is not the reason you should visit Philippines unless you are an international reporter that needed scoop of the current Philippines events. For Philippines are not all a haven for foreigner kidnappers and you being a foreigner is a prey. But it’s all about Filipino hospitality and witnessing the beauty of the archipelago.

The famous white sand Boracay beach which is a major tourist destination is located at Panay Island. Panay Island is located at the Visayas region, particularly at the Western part of Visayas. You could check in details about the Boracay island in travel guide brochure when you visit the Philippines, as well as you could Google it on the internet and check it up about it in full details.

Another interesting tourist destination in the Philippines is the Rizal Park or Luneta Park where a memorial statue is erected there to remember the heroic deeds of Philippines’ national hero Doctor Jose Rizal. Rizal Park is located at Roxas Boulevard, Manila Philippines.

Moreover, within Manila there is also another similar tourist spot dedicated to a Filipino patriot like Doctor Jose Rizal, the Quezon Memorial Circle. The Quezon Memorial Circle is located at Quezon City Philippines. This Quezon Memorial Circle is a park like the Rizal Park is dedicated in memory of the late president of the Philippines, former late president Manuel Quezon, thus comes the name Quezon. In this park is a memorial statue erected in the similitude of President Manuel Quezon, just like to Jose Rizal. This park has an underground chamber where the Quezon City Museum and the Quezon City Philippines Art Gallery are located. Quezon City is in the northern part of Manila.

By the way, Manila is the Major capital of the Philippines. It is where major urban living in the country mostly resides.

Speaking of Urban living, the southern part of Manila has this in full circle – the Makati city. For Makati city is the financial capital of Metro Manila. But not only is it Manila rather the country itself. In it you will find a lot of commercial establishments and high-rise buildings where major multinational companies and foreign embassies in the country are located, as well as some local banks.