History
The Philippines consisting of over 7100 islands and isles is the third largest English speaking country in the world. Comprising of a rich history that combines Asian, Western European and American influences with the traditional local cultures, the Filipinos prior to Spanish Colonization in 1521 had a very rich culture and had trading roots with the Chinese, Japanese and other South Asian countries at the time including their own ancient language and witing called "alibata". Alibata is the ancient writing of the islands inhabitants, and although today it is no longer used as part of the country's educational system it is still studied and provides a good example of the culture of the Philippines in ancient times. The Spanish colonization brought about the construction of European influenced architecture in buildings and churches throughout the archipelago with Intramuros built in 1571 as a prime example.
In the period of Spanish rule of over 350 years with over 300 rebellions, in 1898 the Filipinos succeeded in winning their Independence from Spain with the help of leaders like Joe Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo and Andres Bonifacio. Following the separation from Spain's rule in 1898 the Philippines became first and only colony of the United States of America who gave the Philippines a new culture to embrace for the next few decades. At the time of World War II the Filipinos fought alongside the Americans to delay the Japanese advance which ultimately saved Australia but not the Philippine Islands from occupation. The Filipinos then waged a guerilla war with the Japanese until it's liberation from occupation in 1945. The Philippines then regained its independence in 1946.
In general the Filipinos are a peace and freedom loving people that have engaged in two peaceful and bloodless revolutions against what were deemed by the public as corrupt governments. Being a vibrant democracy, the Philippines supports this by having a free media with consists of dozens of national newspapers including 12 English speaking papers, 7 national television stations, over 2000 radio broadcast stations and hundreds of cable and syndicated TV stations. All these in addition to the general freedom that the people of the Philippines enjoy as perhaps the most open democracy in Asia.
Filipinos are commonly known as fun-loving people and this is their nature. Fiestas are celebrated everyday throughout the islands and all guest local or foreign are always welcome into their homes. That is the essence of what the typical Filipino is.
