Philippines
Brief History
Interesting Facts About the Philippines
The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian nation in Asia. There are over 50 major icons of Mary and the Holy Child linked to stories of miracles. In fact several have been recognised by the Vatican. The unique Chocolate Hills on Bohol Island are considered, by some, to be the "8th Wonder of the World". There are no such formations found anywhere else in the world. The highly decorative and loud form of transport, known as the Jeepney , has unofficially become the national symbol and icon of the philippines. Important Links To The PhilippinesPhilippines Tourism |
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The Philippines is a country located in the west Pacific Ocean some 800km (497miles) off the South-East Asian coast. It is made up of over 7,100 islands, with the largest being Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Leyte, Mindore, Bohol, Cebu and Masbate.
For centuries the islands of the Philippines were occupied by people of Malay origins. They lived quite simply in villages along the banks and mouth of the rivers. It wasn't until the Chinese, Indian, Arab and Indonsesian traders arrived around 900AD that the islanders were exposed to the outside world. The foreign traders would exchange pottery, textiles and tools for pearls, coral and gold which was in abundance. It didn't take long for traders to begin to settle on the islands bringing with them their own cultural and religious influences. For many centuries Islam swept through the Sulu Archipelago. In 1494 and half a world away, the Philippines would become unknowingly part of Spain, through the Treaty of Tordesillas. Click for more 
In the 16th century, hunters hid in trees and used a long piece of rope with a rock attached at the end as a weapon, similar to the yo-yo. Adding to the popular belief that the yo-yo originated in the Philipinnes. Unfortunately the yo-yo originated from China.