20 Facts You Need To Know About The Philippines

Welcome back to one of my favorite sections of this blog: the one about the country facts, where together today we’re going to learn about the beautiful and welcoming country of the Philippines. Pristine islands, unique food and funny people, but that’s not all!

Here are 20 facts about The Pearl of the Orient Seas!

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1. 7,600 islands and counting

Divided into three main island groups, the Philippines boasts more than 7,600 islands, of which only 2,000 are actually inhabited.

I wonder how long it will take to visit them all? Two years? More?

One thing’s for sure, once you’ve visited one of them, I’m pretty sure you’ll want to come back. I personally still daydream of Coron‘s postcard perfect scenery!

2. The importance of Christianity

So important that the Philippines is the only country in Asia where Christianity is the main religion, ranking 6th in the world.

Of course, although surprising to some, especially coming from an Asian country, it can, in reality, be easily explained by the following fact from this list.

3. A Spanish colonization of over 300 years

And more precisely from 1565 to 1898, supposedly to gain easier access to the riches of Asia (spices, silk…) but also to spread their religion and gain influence over this part of the world.

And while such extensive colonization has had a profound impact on the country, apart from the fact that the Philippines was named after King Philip II and the Christianity, the islands have succeeded in keeping many traditions and their own identity.

4. 100 languages

With 100 languages, well, actually more like 120, but who’s counting…, chances are, you’ll sometimes get confused when traveling from one region to another, as you’ll hear different dialects spoken.

And when I asked two friends, both from different regions to teach me a few words of Cebuano and Ilocano, I was, let’s just say lost, but apparently I wasn’t the only one, as even they told me that communication between friends from different areas can often be difficult, and even incomprehensible.

A piece of advice I’ve taken with me: it’s better to learn Tagalog if you want to learn a language and make yourself understood everywhere as it’s the one dialect that pretty much all Filipinos speak and understand.

5. Filipinos are very good at English

Even better than some native English speakers, I’m not kidding! That’s why you’ll have no trouble traveling around the country even if you’re not too keen on learning a few local words, since Filipino and English are in fact the two official languages of the Philippines!

6. Christmas is huge in the Philippines

Remember the “Christmas capital of the Philippines“? Well, not only does they have a city renowned for this holiday, but if you thought you were one of the most festive people during Christmas, think again as the country likes to start celebrating from September!

Making for a 100-day festive season filled with decorations and fun all over the country! Still think Christmas is a big deal at home? Wait until you’ve experienced it the Filipino way!

7. True singing fans

Here you are, happily going back to your hostel after a hearty dinner or a drink in one of the local bars when you start to hear your neighbors next door, singing rhythmic, catchy songs at the top of their lungs on their karaoke machine.

I honestly wanted to crash the party as they seemed to be having so much fun and because I’m not one to turn down a karaoke night.

But what I learned later was that karaoke is actually more than a hobby for them, some even calling it a national pastime and something truly ingrained in Filipino culture.

And what can I say? They’re actually pretty good at it!

8. The longest massage chain

Sometimes there are really quirky world records and this one’s not different, altough I wouldn’t mind being the one getting the massage.

And with 1,600 people, the Philippines holds the record for the longest massage chain in the world!

For more funny, weird, interesting records, check out the list here!

9. A bizarre snack

I’ll spare you the photo, you can Google it if you really want to see what the snack looks like. But basically, this delicacy, often enjoyed as a snack, and known as Balut is a fertilized duck embryo that’s been incubated for between 2-3 weeks.

And you don’t have to go to the Philippines if you really want to try it, as you’ll also find it in Vietnam or Cambodia, for example.

I’ve tried a lot of weird dishes, but I must confess I haven’t had the guts to try this one yet. I’d much rather eat some Adobo or Lechon!

10. The iconic tricycle

You’re probably familiar with the tuk tuk in Thailand and other parts of Asia, but in the Philippines they have their own iconic mode of transport: the tricyle! Made up of a motorbike and a sidecar, it’s the most popular means of transport.

Bear in mind that the ride can be quite bumpy, especially in more rural areas, but that’s also what makes it more fun, and the drivers are always so friendly that it’s the best way to learn more about the country and discover a few hidden gems.

You can also opt for a Jeepney, which is sort of the Filipino version of the local bus: cheap, efficient and sometimes very colorful.

11. A major exporter of nurses to the USA

As in any country, people in search of better living standards tend to move abroad, and that’s exactly how the Philippines has become a major exporter of nurses. Looking for better benefits and greater recognition, Filipino nurses are said to represent 4% of the nursing workforce in the USA.

But, this, in turn is starting to create an important and real shortage of nurses in the Philippines…

12. Forget McDonald’s

McDonald’s may be one of the world’s most famous fast-food chains, so much so that it can even be found on the most remote islands, but in the Philippines, Jollibee is actually more beloved than the American giant.

And Jollibee has a special place in Filipino’s hearts. It’s more than a fast-food chain, it’s a trip down memory lane, a comfort food away from home and somewhat of a culinary symbol.

So, next time you’re in the country, maybe try the popular Jollibee!

13. Manila and Metro Manila confusion

Because they aren’t actually the same thing and that’s where the confusion begins! In fact, Manila is just one city in Metro Manila, which is composed of 15 other cities and one municipality.

Oh, and of course, Metro Manila is also the National Capital Region, but we say Manila when we talk of the capital city. All clear now or has your brain already exploded?

There’s also the city of Caloocan, which is divided between North and South. Better brush up on your geography before coming to the region, just saying!

14. A one of a kind flavored ketchup

I can’t believe I missed out on this strange ketchup flavor: banana ketchup. Or maybe I’ve already tasted it without realizing it, which is possible since the taste is apparently not very different from tomato ketchup, only sweeter.

15. Wang Wang

Or the sound that sirens make, and referring to some smartass putting fake sirens on their cars to make them look like police cars in order to get ahead of everyone in traffic.

It’s even become a popular slang word for people who jump the queue or abuse their powers.

So popular that it also often appears in political campaign messages promising to fight corruption.

16. A colorful festival dedicated to a fruit

Held in the Province of Camiguin every year in the third week of October, the Lanzones Festival celebrates the abundant harvest of the fruit of the same name.

Colorful parades, street dances and other cultural events are on the program. A unique and fragrant experience!

Plus, its peel is apparently a great mosquito repellent, much appreciated in humid countries!

17. Arnis: national martial art

South Korea has Taekwondo, Japan Kyudo and the Philippines Arnis (also known as Kali or Eskrima).

The origins of this martial art can be traced back to the country earliest indigenous people, who used this fighting method to defend themselves against attackers, whether bare handed or with sticks or bladed weapons.

Although Arnis occupies an important cultural place in the country, it wasn’t until 2009 that it was declared as the national martial art.

18. The Halo-halo

No, this isn’t another way to say hello, but rather a delicious dessert that’s very popular in the Philippines, and for good reason as it’s the perfect treat to beat the heat and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Translating roughly to “mix-mix”, it’s made up with shaved ice, evaporated milk, sugar, agar jellies, leche flan, sometimes ube halaya (purple yam) and other toppings. There are in fact many variations, but if you absolutely must try a dessert, I’d say you can’t go wrong with halo-halo.

Found all over the country, it’s also the perfect symbol of the cultural diversity, since this dessert comes from influences such as Japan, Spain, China…

19. One of the 17 megadiverse countries

So what is a megadiverse country, and how does one qualify? Well, there are two criteria for entering the small world of megadiverse countries:

• have at least 5,000 endemic plants
• have a marine ecosystem within the borders

And although it’s one of the smallest countries on the list, with its 7,000 islands, it’s still home to two-thirds of the Earth’s biodiversity.

20. Vulnerable to natural disasters due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire

If you’ve ever visited the Philippines or searched for the best time to go, you’ve probably noticed that the country is prone to typhoons, but that’s not all. Due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire (tectonic belt), the Philippines also has a higher risk of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Just a nice thing to know, so as not to be too scared too much if you ever feel an earthquake during your visit!

And that’s a wrap on this edition of fun facts! Learned something new? Know any other fun facts? Let me know in the comments!

Planning a trip to the Philippines soon? Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy a stress-free vacation!