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The '''Republic of the Philippines''' ([[Filipino language|Filipino]]: ''Republika ng Pilipinas''), or '''the Philippines''' ([[Filipino language|Filipino]]: ''Pilipinas''), is a nation in [[Southeast Asia]] with [[Manila]] as its capital. It lies 1,210 km (750 mi) away from mainland [[Asia]] and consists of 7,107 islands that form part of the [[Malay Archipelago]].
<!-- Infobox Philippines -->{{Infobox Country |
native_name = Republika ng Pilipinas<br>Republic of the Philippines |
common_name = the Philippines |
image_flag = Philippines flag large.png |
image_coat = Philippine coat-of-arms.png | national_motto = Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa ([[Filipino language|Filipino]]: For the Love of God, People, Nature, and Country)'' |
image_map = LocationPhilippines.png |
national_anthem = ''[[Lupang Hinirang]](Land of the Morning)'' |
official_languages = [[Filipino language|Filipino]] ([[Tagalog language|Tagalog]]), [[English language|English]] <sup>1<sup> |
|
capital = [[Manila]]|latd=14|latm=35|latNS=N|longd=121|longm=0|longEW=E
|
largest_city = [[Quezon City]] (population)<br>[[Davao City]] (area)|
government_type = [[Democratic]] [[Unitary state|Unitary Republic]] |
leader_titles = [[President of the Philippines|President]]<br>[[Vice President of the Philippines|Vice President]] |
leader_names = [[Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo]]<br>[[Noli de Castro]] |
area = 300,000 |
area_rank = 71st|
area_magnitude = 1 E11|
percent_water = 0.6% |
population_estimate = 87,857,473 |
population_estimate_year = July 2005 |
population_estimate_rank = 12th |
population_census = 76,498,735 |
population_census_year = 2000 |
population_density = 276 |
population_density_rank = 27th |
GDP_PPP_year = 2005 |
GDP_PPP = $409,445 million |
GDP_PPP_rank = 25th |
GDP_PPP_per_capita = $4,770 |
GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 107th |
sovereignty_type = [[Independence]] |
established_events = - Declared<br> - Recognized<br><br>'''[[Constitution of the Philippines|Constitutions]]'''<br> - First Republic<br> - Commonwealth and<br> Third Republic<br> - Second Republic<br> - New Republic<br> - Current<br> |
established_dates = From [[Spain]] and [[United States|U.S.]]<br> [[June 12]], [[1898]]<br>[[July 4]], [[1946]]<br><br><br>[[January 21]], [[1899]]<br>[[May 14]], [[1935]]<br><br>[[1943]]-[[1945]]<br>[[January 17]], [[1973]]<br>[[March 25]], [[1986]]|
currency = [[Philippine Peso|Philippine peso]] (''piso'') |
currency_code = PHP |
time_zone = [[UTC]] +8 |
utc_offset = +8 |
time_zone_DST = |
utc_offset_DST = |
cctld = [[.ph]] |
calling_code = 63 |
patron_saint = Immaculate Conception |
footnotes= <sup>1</sup> Under the Constitution of 1987, the national language is [[Filipino language|Filipino]] while the official languages are [[Filipino language|Filipino]] and [[English language|English]].
The regional languages [[Cebuano language|Cebuano]], [[Ilokano language|Ilokano]], [[Hiligaynon language|Hiligaynon]], [[Bikol language|Bikol]], [[Waray-Waray language|Waray-Waray]], [[Kapampangan language|Kapampangan]], [[Pangasinan language|Pangasinan]], [[Kinaray-a language|Kinaray-a]], [[Maranao language|Maranao]], [[Maguindanao language|Maguindanao]], [[Tausug language|Tausug]] are the auxiliary official languages in their respective regions. [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and [[Arabic language|Arabic]] have no official status, but are spoken by many Filipinos}}
It is, with [[East Timor]], one of the two predominantly [[Catholicism|Catholic]] nations in Southeast Asia and one of the most westernized, a unique blend of East and West. [[Spain]] and the [[United States]] have held the Philippine Islands as a colony for most of the last four centuries. While still predominantly an agricultural nation, the Philippines today is a player in [[business process outsourcing in the Philippines|outsourcing]], an exporter of electronics and agricultural products, and is a major source of exported labor. Remittances from overseas Filipinos forms a significant portion of the country's [[Gross National Product]].
The country's name originated with [[Ruy López de Villalobos]] naming both the islands of [[Samar province|Samar]] and [[Leyte province|Leyte]], ''[[Islas de Filipinas|Las Islas Felipinas]]'' after [[Philip II of Spain|King Philip II of Spain]] during his failed expedition in [[1543]]. The archipelago was known under various names such as Spanish East Indies, New Castille (Nueva Castilla), Western Islands (Islas del Poniente), the St. Lazarus Islands (Islas de San Lázaro) and others. Ultimately, Filipinas came to refer to the entire archipelago.
==History==
{{main|History of the Philippines}}
The Philippines has been inhabited for thousands of years. It is theorized that aborigines collectively known as [[Negritos]] or [[Aeta]]s crossed prehistoric land and ice bridges. Later, waves of Austronesian-speaking migrants - the ancestors of today's maintsream ethnic Filipinos - crossed from [[North China and South China|Southern China]] via [[Taiwan]]. [[Ethnic Chinese]] merchants arrived in the [[8th century]]. Powerful [[Buddhist]] and [[Hindu]] empires rose in [[Southeast Asia]]. Essentially, the islands were autonomous.
[[Ferdinand Magellan]] first set foot in the archipelago in [[1521]]. On [[April 27]], [[1565]], the Spanish [[conquistador]], [[Miguel López de Legazpi]] and 500 armed soldiers came to [[Cebu]] and established the first Spanish settlement on the islands.
[[Augustinian]] and [[Franciscan]] friars, marched with the soldiers from island to island finding thousands of native villages and peoples. The Spaniards soon established churches and forts, while searching for [[gold]] and [[spices]]. [[Roman Catholicism]] was introduced and adopted by the majority. Sporadic rebellions occurred from tribal groups in the highlands of north Luzon and coastal regions. [[Muslim]] belligerents maintained resistance in the southern islands of Mindanao, a trend that rages on today. The Spanish military had to fight off the Chinese pirates, the Japanese and [[Portugal|Portuguese]], [[Netherlands|Dutch]] and [[British East India Company|British]] forces.
The Philippines was ruled from [[New Spain]]-([[Mexico]]), and a burgeoning [[Manila Galleon]] or Manila-[[Acapulco]] galleon trade began in the late [[16th century]].
In [[1781]], Governor [[José Basco y Vargas]] established the Economic Society of Friends of the Country. Philippines was administered directly from Spain. Developments in and out of the country and the opening up of the [[Suez Canal]] in [[1869]], which helped cut travel time to Spain, brought new ideas to the Philippines. This prompted the rise of the ''ilustrados'', or the enlightened Filipino upper middle class. Many young Filipinos were thus able to study in Europe.
Enlightened by the ''[[Dr. José Rizal#Legacy|Propaganda Movement]]'' to the injustices of the Spanish colonial government and the frailocracy, they originally clamored for adequate representation to the [[Spanish Cortes]] and later for independence. [[José Rizal]], the most celebrated intellectual, was executed in [[1896]] for [[treason]] as Rizal was implicated in the outbreak of the Revolution. The [[Katipunan]] was founded by [[Andrés Bonifacio]] as its Supremo or leader. It was a secret society for the sole purpose of overthrowing Spanish rule in the Philippines. However, the society was discovered by Fr. Mariano Gil who broke his vow of confession and reported to the Spanish authorities the confession of a parishioner who was a sister of a Katipunero. The [[Philippine Revolution]] broke out. The Katipunan being divided into two groups, Magdiwang led by [[Andrés Bonifacio]], and Magdalo led by [[Emilio Aguinaldo]]. The revolution ended in a truce with the Pact of Biak na Bato, where the revolutionaries capitulated and agreed to exile themselves in Hong-Kong.
The [[United States]] and Spain became involved in the [[Spanish-American war]] in 1898. [[Emilio Aguinaldo]] was then lured back to the Philippines with a supposed promise of independence similar to Cuba, which was fighting a war of independence. Thus, on [[June 12]], [[1898]], with victory seemingly attainable, [[Emilio Aguinaldo]], leader of the revolutionaries, declared the independence of the Philippines in Kawit, [[Cavite]]. However, the Battle for Manila between Spain and the United States turned out to be a farce, which sought to exclude the Filipinos from the eventual occupation of Manila. Spain and the United States ignored the Filipino representative, Felipe Agoncillo, during their negotiations in the [[Treaty of Paris (1898)|Treaty of Paris]]. Spain was forced by Paris officials to hand over Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico to the United States in exchange for US$20,000,000.00, which the United States later claim to be a gift. The first Philippine Republic rebelled against the US occupation and this resulted in the [[Philippine-American War]] ([[1899]]-[[1913]]). It came under U.S. control and in [[1935]], its status was upgraded to that of a U.S. [[Commonwealth]]. Independence for the Philippines was finally granted on [[July 4]], [[1946]], after the [[Japan|Japanese invasion]] and occupation of the islands during [[World War II]].
The Philippines has faced some degree of economic and political instability after 1946. The restive Hukbalahaps, guerillas who fought against the Japanese during World War II, threatened the countryside, and consequently the capital, Quezon City, and Manila in the '50's after their representative was cheated in the elections and ousted from Congress. The Huk threat was eventually solved with the surrender of Luis Taruc, the Huk Supremo, to [[Benigno Aquino Jr.]] (later elected as Senator), and Secretary of Defense [[Ramón Magsaysay]], who would eventually become president. The late '60's and early '70's saw the rise of student activism, and anti-American demonstrations. Furthermore, a Constitutional Convention composed of elected delegates drafted a new constitution to replace the 1935 Constitution in a referendum. This period was marred by civil unrest and exposés on corruption until the declaration of martial law on September 21, 1972. The new constitution was subsequently enforced through somewhat questionable means, as challenges were made in the Supreme Court on the propriety of its ratification. This eventually caused the resignation of Chief Justice Roberto Concepción. The situation appeared to calm down until the later years when the authoritarian regime of President [[Ferdinand E. Marcos]] was marred with corruption, and despotism.
In [[1986]], Marcos, his family and some allies left the Philippines and exiled to Hawaii, as [[Corazon Aquino]], widow of assassinated Sen. Benigno Aquino, assumed the reins of government in the aftermath of a hotly-contested "snap elections". While some cite a return to democracy and governmental reform in the Post-Marcos era, systemic government corruption, continuing civil unrest and the activity of Communist insurgency and [[Muslim]] separatist movements continue to hamper economic productivity in the country. The country has seen two Presidential crises during this time, the most recent being the [[2005 Philippine electoral crisis]].
== Politics and foreign relations ==
{{main|Politics of the Philippines}}
The government is loosely patterned after the [[U.S. government]]. It is organized as a [[Republic|representative republic]], where the [[President of the Philippines|President]] functions as [[head of state]], the [[head of government]], and the [[commander-in-chief]] of the [[Military of the Philippines|armed forces]]. The president is elected by popular vote to a term of 6 years, during which he or she appoints and presides over the [[cabinet]]. The bicameral [[legislature]], the [[Congress of the Philippines|Congress]], consists of the [[Senate of the Philippines|Senate]] and the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|House of Representatives]]; members of both are elected by popular vote. There are 24 senators serving 6 years in the Senate while the House of Representatives consists of no more than 250 congressmen each serving 3-year terms. The judiciary branch of the government is headed by the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines|Supreme Court]], which has a [[Chief Justice]] as its head and 14 Associate Justices, all appointed by the president.
The Philippines is a founding and active member of the [[United Nations]] (UN) since its inception on [[October 24]], [[1945]] and a founding and prominent member of the [[Association of Southeast Asian Nations]] (ASEAN), an active player in the [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation]] (APEC), the [[Latin Union]] and a member of the [[Group of 24]]. The Philippines is a major non-NATO ally of the [[United States]], but also a member of the [[Non-Aligned Movement]].
The Philippines is currently in a dispute with the [[Republic of China]] (Taiwan), the [[People's Republic of China]], [[Vietnam]] and [[Malaysia]] over the [[oil]]- and [[natural gas]]-rich [[Spratly Islands]] and [[Scarborough Shoal]], and with [[Malaysia]] over [[Sabah]]. The Sultan of [[Sulu]], who received Sabah as a gift in 1703 after having helped the Sultan of [[Brunei]] defeat a rebellion, has given the Philippine Government power to reclaim his lost territory. To this day, the [[Sultan of Sulu]]'s family still receives "rental" payments for Sabah from the Malaysian Government.
{{see also3|Foreign relations of the Philippines | President of the Philippines | Constitution of the Philippines}}
== Provinces and regions ==
:''Main articles: ''[[Provinces of the Philippines]], [[Regions of the Philippines]]''
[[Image:Ph regions and provinces.png|250px|thumb|right|Provinces and regions of the Philippines]]
The Philippines is divided into a hierarchy of local government units (LGUs) with the [[Provinces of the Philippines|province]] as the primary unit. There are 79 provinces in the country. Provinces are further subdivided into [[Cities of the Philippines|cities]] and [[Philippine municipality|municipalities]], which are in turn composed of [[barangay]]s. The barangay is the smallest local government unit.
All provinces are grouped into 17 [[Regions of the Philippines|regions]] for administrative convenience. Most government offices establish regional offices to serve the constituent provinces. The regions themselves do not possess a separate local government, with the exception of the [[Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao|Muslim Mindanao]] and [[Cordillera Administrative Region|Cordillera]] regions, which are autonomous.
Go to the articles on the [[Regions of the Philippines|regions]] and [[Provinces of the Philippines|provinces]] to see a larger map showing the locations of the regions and provinces.
'''Regions'''
* [[Ilocos Region]] (Region I)
* [[Cagayan Valley]] (Region II)
* [[Central Luzon]] (Region III)
* [[CALABARZON]] (Region IV-A) '''¹''' '''²'''
* [[MIMAROPA]] (Region IV-B) '''¹''' '''²'''
* [[Bicol Region]] (Region V)
* [[Western Visayas]] (Region VI)
* [[Central Visayas]] (Region VII)
* [[Eastern Visayas]] (Region VIII)
* [[Zamboanga Peninsula]] (Region IX)
* [[Northern Mindanao]] (Region X)
* [[Davao Region]] (Region XI)
* [[SOCCSKSARGEN]] (Region XII) '''¹'''
* [[Caraga]] (Region XIII)
* [[Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao]] (ARMM)
* [[Cordillera Administrative Region]] (CAR)
* [[Metro Manila|National Capital Region]] (NCR) (''Metro Manila'')
'''¹''' Names are capitalized because they are [[acronym]]s, containing the names of the constituent provinces or cities (see [[Acronyms in the Philippines]]).<br>
'''²''' These regions formed the former [[Southern Tagalog]] region, or Region IV.
== Geography ==
{{main|Geography of the Philippines}}
[[Image:Ph physical map.png|250px|thumb|right|The geography of the Philippines]]
The Philippines constitutes an [[archipelago]] of 7,107 islands with a total land area of approximately 300,000 km². It lies between 116° 40' and 126° 34' E. longitude, and 4° 40' and 21° 10' N. latitude. It is bordered on the east by the [[Philippine Sea]], on the west by the [[South China Sea]], and on the south by the [[Celebes Sea]]. The island of [[Borneo]] lies a few hundred kilometers to the southwest and [[Taiwan]] directly north. The [[Moluccas]] and [[Celebes]] are farther south, and on the eastern side of the [[Philippine Sea]] is [[Palau]].
The islands are commonly divided into three major groups: [[Luzon]] (Regions I to V + NCR & CAR), [[Visayas]] (VI to VIII), and [[Mindanao]] (IX to XIII + ARMM). The busy port of [[Manila]], on [[Luzon]], is the country's [[capital]] and second-largest [[city]] after [[Quezon City]].
The local [[climate]] is hot, humid, and tropical. The average yearly temperature is around 26.5° Celsius. There are three recognized seasons: ''Tag-init'' or ''Tag-araw'' (the hot season or summer from March to May), ''Tag-ulan'' (the rainy season from June to November), and ''Taglamig'' (the cold season from December to February). The southwest monsoon (May-October) is known as the "[[Habagat]]" and the dry winds of the northeast monsoon (November-April) as the "[[Amihan]]".
Most of the mountainous islands used to be covered in tropical [[rainforest]]s and are volcanic in origin. The highest point is [[Mount Apo]] on Mindanao at 2,954 m. Many [[volcano]]es in the country, such as [[Mayon Volcano]], [[Mount Pinatubo]] and [[Taal Volcano]], are active. The country is also astride the [[typhoon]] belt of the Western Pacific and is struck by about 19 typhoons per year.
Lying on the northwestern fringes of the [[Pacific Ring of Fire]], the Philippines experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activities. Some 20 earthquakes are registered daily in the Philippines, though they are too weak to be felt.
{{see also|Ecoregions of the Philippines}}
== Economy ==
{{main|Economy of the Philippines}}
In [[1998]] the economy — a mixture of [[agriculture]], light industry, and supporting services — deteriorated as a result of spillover from the [[Asian financial crisis]] and poor weather conditions. Growth fell to 0.6% in 1998 from 5% in [[1997]], but recovered to about 3% in [[1999]] and 4% in [[2000]]. The government has promised to continue its economic reforms to help match the pace of development in the newly industrialised countries of [[East Asia]]. Heavy debt (public debt at 77% of GDP), is hampering efforts to improve the economic situation. Budget allocation for servicing of debt is higher than the budget for the Department of Education and for the military combined.
The strategy includes improving [[infrastructure]], overhauling the [[tax]] system to bolster government revenues, furthering deregulation and [[privatisation]] of the economy, and increasing trade integration with the region. Prospects for the future depend heavily on the economic performance of the two major trading partners, the [[United States]] and [[Japan]], and a more accountable administration and consistent government policies.
The Philippines is a member of the [[Asian Development Bank]].
== Demographics ==
''{{main|Demographics of the Philippines}}
The Philippines is the world's twelfth most populous country, with a population of 86,241,697 as of [[2005]]. Roughly two-thirds are residing in the island of Luzon. Manila, the capital, is the eleventh most populous metropolitan area in the world. The educational system is very efficient and based on United States curriculum. The literacy rate is 95.9%, with 95.8% for females and 96% for males. The sex ratio is roughly equal. Population growth per year is about 1.92% with 26.3 births per 1000 . Life expectancy is 69.29 years with 72.28 years for females and 66.44 years for males. In the 100 years since the 1903 Census, the population has grown by a factor of eleven. The country suffers from overpopulation due to a high birth rate.
The people of the Philippines are collectively known as [[Filipino people|Filipinos]]. Colloquially, Filipinos may refer to themselves as [[Pinoy]] (feminine: ''Pinay'').
The vast majority of the population are descended from Austronesian-speaking migrants who arrived in the archipelago in successive waves over a thousand years ago. There are 13 major native groups in the country, namely the Tagalogs, Cebuanos, and the Ilocanos, but also the Ilonggos, Bicolanos, Pampangos, Pangasinenses, Karay-as, Warays, Maranaos, Maguindanaos, Tausugs, etc. who together make up some 95% of the population. The [[Negritos]] or [[Aeta]]s, also known as the aboriginal inhabitants of the Philippines, were largely displaced by the invading Austronesian-speaking migrants, and today number less than 30,000 people (0.03%). The [[Mestizo#The Philippines|Mestizos]], those of any mixed native/foreign ancestry, constituted approximately 2%.
The largest minority of [[Nationality|foreign nationality groups]] in the country are the [[Han Chinese|ethnic Chinese]], who alone constitute 1.5% of the population. They are mostly [[business|business people]]. Other foreign nationality groups living in the Philippines - making up the remaining 1.5% - include [[North American]]s, Europeans, [[Spanish people|Spaniards]], [[Latin Americans]], [[Arabs]], [[South Asia]]ns, and other [[Asian|ethnic Asian immigrants]].
Because of the vast number of native ethno-linguistic groups, the Philippines is said to be one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Asia. In recent decades, the government has worked to make the country more culturally homogeneous. However, there has been notable resistance among the various ethno-linguistic groups to preserve their unique cultural and linguistic identities, which are a source of immense pride for many people within the Republic of the Philippines; many are against what are perceived as attempts by certain Filipino nationalists to erradicate cultural diversity in place of a homogenous, Tagalog-dominated "nationalistic" Filipino identity. A recent manifestation of this can be seen in the complaints of many from the provinces that "Imperial Manila" dominates, oppresses, and exploits the people and resources of the rest of the country.
===Languages===
More than 170 languages are spoken and almost all of them belong to the [[Malayo-Polynesian languages|Western Malayo-Polynesian language]] group of the [[Austronesian languages|Austronesian language family]]. According to the 1987 Constitution, Tagalog-based [[Filipino language|Filipino]] and [[English language|English]] are the official languages.
There are 12 native regional languages and are the auxilary languages of their respective regions, each with over one million speakers: [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]], [[Cebuano language|Cebuano]], [[Ilokano language|Ilokano]], [[Hiligaynon language|Hiligaynon]], [[Waray-Waray language|Waray-Waray]], [[Bikol language|Bikol]], [[Kapampangan language|Kapampangan]], [[Pangasinan language|Pangasinan]], [[Kinaray-a language|Kinaray-a]], [[Maranao language|Maranao]], [[Maguindanao language|Maguindanao]], and [[Tausug language|Tausug]].
Other major foreign languages spoken include [[Spanish Language|Spanish]], [[Min Nan|Hokkien]], [[Cantonese language|Cantonese]], and [[Arabic language|Arabic]].
{{see details|Languages of the Philippines}}
===Religion===
95% of all Filipinos are Christians. 83% belong to the [[Roman Catholic Church]].The other 12% belonging to various [[Protestant]] denominations. There are two native churches, the [[Philippine Independent Church]], founded by [[Gregorio Aglipay]] and the [[Iglesia ni Cristo]], founded by [[Felix Manalo]].
The Roman Catholic church exerts considerable influence in the both governmental and non-governmental affairs, although there is a constitutional provision for the [[separation of Church and State]]. The Philippines currently has two [[cardinal (Catholicism)|cardinals]], [[Ricardo Cardinal Vidal]] and [[Jose Cardinal Sanchez]]. The late [[Jaime Cardinal Sin]] was a leading spiritual leader in the country and was an active participant in [[EDSA Revolution|People Power I]] and [[People Power II]]. He died on [[June 21]], [[2005]]. Cardinal Vidal is the archbishop of Cebu. Cardinal Sanchez is the former Prefect of Congregation of the Clergy, Roman Curia. Gaudencio Rosales serves as the archbishop of Manila. The most famous cathedral is the huge [[Manila Cathedral]].
The various Protestant denominations are linked with North American churches and there is a significant presence of American missionaries.
Many rural people believe in ghosts, ''anting-antings''(lucky charms), mythical creatures, and certain superstitions.
Five percent of all Filipinos are Muslim. The form of Islam as practiced by most lowland Muslim Filipinos is in the most part normative Islam, although the practices of some [[Mindanao]]an hilltribe Muslims reflect a fusion with [[Animism]]; the pre-Islamic and pre-Christian spirituality of Filipinos.
Various cults and sects also exist in the archipelago, one example of which are the [[Rizalista]]s.
{{see also|Religion in the Philippines}}
== Culture ==
{{main|Culture of the Philippines}}
''Related article: [[Philippine Society]]''
[[Jeepney]]s, renovated relics of [[WWII]], are ubiquitous and are the standard mode of transportaion in urban and rural areas. Catholic churches are jampacked on Sundays. [[Tricycles]] are also frequently seen. In [[Metro Manila]] and Cebu, airport-size malls are a favorite hangout for Filipinos. Filipinos are huge fans of basketball. There are many Spanish Catholic festivals (fiestas). In rural areas, carabaos are found everywhere. Rice is the staple.
The broad foundation of the culture comes from regional indigenous groups such as the Tagalos, Ilokanos, Visayans, Bikolanos, and other indigenous Austronesian-speaking groups of the country. The Hispanic influences in the culture of the Philippines are largely derived from the [[culture of Mexico]] and the [[culture of Spain]] and are the result of over three hundred years of colonial rule. Hispanic influences are most visible in the form of customs and practices related to the Catholic church, especially in religious festivals.
A significant minority in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago are influenced by [[Islam|Islamic]] traditions and culture. Since the 20th century, [[United States of America|American]] culture has influenced and shaped the Philippine cultural settings.
<!-- transferrred to main culture article
Certain indigenous groups such as the Negritos, Mangyans, and Manobos who are living in remote areas of [[Luzon]], the [[Visayas]], and [[Mindanao]] have largely retained the pre-Hispanic beliefs of their ancestors. Having been somewhat isolated from mainstream society, their cultures differ greatly than that of the majority of Filipinos.
-->
Filipinos honor national heroes whose works and deeds contributed to the shaping of Filipino nationalism. [[José Rizal]] is the most celebrated ''ilustrado'', a visionary whose writings created a national identity and awareness. His novels [[Noli me Tangere]] and [[El Filibusterismo]], required readings for Filipino students, provide vignettes of colonial life under the Spanish and give a sense of Filipino identity and historical continuity. [[Andrés Bonifacio]] founded the pro-independence [[Katipunan]] movement which was instrumental in ending Spanish rule. He is the subject of disputes if he, not Rizal, should be the national hero. [[Benigno Aquino|Ninoy Aquino]] is highly revered as the martyr of the [[People Power]] revolution.
Notable and revered athletes include boxing champions [[Flash Elorde]], [[Manuel Pacquiao]], billiards champions [[Efren Reyes ]] and [[Francisco Bustamante]], chess champion [[Eugene Torre]], among many others. [[National Basketball Association|Professional Basketball]] players are idolized.
==Related topics==
:''Main article: [[List of Philippine-related topics]]''
* [[Communications in the Philippines]]
* [[Filipino Cuisine]]
* [[Holidays in the Philippines]]
* [[List of Philippine companies]]
* [[Military of the Philippines]]
* [[Military history of the Philippines]]
* [[Philippine landmarks]]
* [[Transportation in the Philippines]]
==External links==
{{commonscat|Philippines}}
{{wikinewscat|Philippines}}
;'''Official'''
* [http://www.gov.ph Official website of the Philippine Government] - Gateway to governmental sites
* [http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph Supreme Court]
* [http://www.dfa.gov.ph/ Department of Foreign Affairs]
* [http://www.vogel.consul.cc/ Consulate for the Philippines to Switzerland]
* [http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph Department of Tourism]
* [http://www.dti.gov.ph Department of Trade and Industry]
; '''Other'''
*{{wikitravel}}
*{{wikicities|philippines|Philippines}}
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1262783.stm Country Profile: Philippines ] — [[BBC]]'s Country Profile on The Philippines
*[http://www.lasislasfilipinas.info Las Islas Filipinas] - Philippine Travel and Destination
{{Southeast_Asia}}
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[[Category:ASEAN member states]]
[[Category:Former Spanish colonies]]
[[Category:Philippines| ]]
[[Category:Southeast Asian countries]]
[[Category:First republics in Asia]]
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