When you ask Filipinos “What is the Philippines known for?” and you’ll only get either of two things. They wouldn’t know where to end, or begin.

In addition to sun-kissed beaches and idyllic provincial getaways, the Philippines is known for its diversity. Due to its archipelagic geography, it offers a wide variety of sights and experiences.

Are you curious to learn more? Before booking that trip https://emperornote.com, let us show you what makes the Philippines so unique.

Broad basics & interesting Philippine facts

1. Philippine islands and dreamy bodies of water make up the Philippine archipelago

In light of the fact that we mentioned it in the intro, we might as well start there. There are many islands in the Philippines, which is an archipelago. What is the exact number? As of 2017, there were 7,641. Climate change, however, and the rising tides of the world may mean that number isn’t permanent.

However, it’s safe to say that the Philippines is home to more than 7,000 islands spread across glittering waters. Let’s answer the first question that might pop into your head if you need a geography refresher.

In what part of the world is the Philippines located? It is located in Southeast Asia right within the Pacific Ring of Fire, also known as the Circum-Pacific belt! All Philippine islands run along “a path along the Pacific Ocean” lined with active volcanoes. 

There are also breathtaking sunsets and sunrises in the Philippines, in addition to tropical weather. How come? Due to its proximity to the equator (right above it! ), the sun is more concentrated in these areas, causing tank-top temperatures and incredible light shows.

2. The country has three main island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

When planning a trip to any of the country’s regions, you would benefit from knowing the country’s main island groups. Remember: the Philippines is known for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (pronounced min-da-now). In the Philippines, there are only three major island groups, so remembering them isn’t too difficult.

As a visual reference, think of it as Luzon at the top of the archipelago, Visayas in the middle, and Mindanao at the bottom.

Philippines has 38 provinces on Luzon, 16 on Visayas, and 27 on Mindanao. For your next trip and the next ones after that, you have 81 great Philippine provinces to choose from!

3. Its capital, Manila, never sleeps

Most locals have a love-hate relationship with Manila, the Philippine capital. There is both a curse and a blessing in its unending thrum. The Philippines is famous for being one of those cities that never sleeps!

There are central business districts (CBDs), tourist sights, and even university districts in Manila. From its swanky neighbourhoods and entertainment districts to its slums, it’s so populous that many consider it too dense.

There is no doubt that Manila looks better these days. Currently, the local government is working to restore the city’s former splendor. Manila will never bore you.

4. We have ties to Malays, Spanish, Japanese, and Americans

In Philippine history, you will find that our culture is deeply influenced by other cultures. The Filipino language alone reveals our similarities with Malays. As for masarap and mesarap, they are the same as Malaysian and Indonesian selamat.

Approximately 333 years were spent colonizing the Philippines by Spaniards. To honor Spain’s then-ruling monarch, King Philipp II, the country was named “Philippines.”

In history, the Philippines has also been occupied by the Japanese and the Americans, which is why the Philippines is also known for being very Western (for an Asian country).

Our rajahs (tribal kings) and datus (noblemen) established trade with foreign merchants long before the Spanish arrived. Chinese and Muslims were among them. Filipino Chinese and Muslim Filipino communities can be found all over the country today.

Many Filipinos come from lineages that are so mixed that people say they don’t look Filipino. Perhaps this is part of the Philippines’ diversity! This may also be part of the Philippines’ diversity!