The Philippines which is often called the "Pearl of the Orient Seas" is found in the Malay archipelago in Southeast Asia. Philippine in which is rich in natural resources comprises 7,107 islands that is called the Philippines archipelago. The total land area is approximately 300,000 square kilometers or 116,000 square miles. The capital is Manila. Philippine is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. It stands in the crossroads of the developed western world and the Orient. It has three main islands Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Philippines is very accessible to the different capitals of the world. Taiwan, China and Hong Kong are northern neighbors and further north is Japan. In the west side are the Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. An arm of the archipelago reaches out towards Borneo and at its feet stands the chain of Indonesian islands. To the east and south, the waters of the Pacific Ocean sweep its headlands, looking out towards Micronesia and Polynesia. Its unique location has made the Philippines the commercial, cultural and intellectual hub of Asia from the dawn of history.
The country was named by Ruy López de Villalobos "Las Islas Filipinas" after King Philip II of Spain during his failed expedition in 1543. The name Filipinas was referring to the entire archipelago. The Pearl of the Orient Seas has over a hundred ethnic groups and a mixture of foreign influences which have molded a unique Filipino culture.
Philippines was a colony of Spain for more than 300 years until it Spain give it up to the US in 1898 when Spain was defeated in the Spanish-American War. In the world war II, Philippines was occupied by Japan. After the Japanese were defeated in 1945, the Philippines achieved independence from the United States on July 4, 1946. The country faced economic and political instability. The rule of Ferdinand Marcos for 21 years ended when people revolt against that forced him to exile. That event was the 1986 EDSA Revolution "People Power" and it was a bloodless revolution. In 2001, Another EDSA Revolution and that was called "People Power II" to remove Joseph Estrada as President of the Republic of the Philippines. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Vice President succeeded as the President. Up to now Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is still the President of the Philippines but was accused of corruption and election fraud.
The Philippines is renowned because of its historical background. For centuries, Philippines is already been active in trading and in fact it is the trading center since pre-colonial period. Philippines is also known for it's struggle to freedom. It is a place where many battles and political revolution takes place for centuries. But right now it is the cultural meeting place for the East and West Countries.
The country is also known for it's enchanting natural beauty where tourist want see. It's world-class white sand beach resorts, the best diving spots in the world, scenic wildlife attractions, beautiful volcanoes and mountains and legendary astounding architectural and historical structures are among the features of our country that we are proud of. Philippine has hundred of attractive tourist destinations, making the country as top travel destination for nature lovers, honeymooners and adventure seekers from all around the world. Philippine is also known as the inexpensive tourist destination in the world. Hotels, food and transportation are affordable and inexpensive. Philippine is a paradise in that is found in the heart of Southeast Asia. |
Asia Travel 
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