The Filipino is basically of Malay stock with
a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish,
and Arab blood. The Philippines has a
population of 76.5 million as of May 2000,
and it is hard to distinguish accurately the
lines between stocks. From a long history of
Western colonial rule, interspersed with the
visits of merchants and traders, evolved a
people of a unique blend of east and west,
both in appearance and culture.
The Filipino character is actually a little bit of
all the cultures put together. The bayanihan or
spirit of kinship and camaraderie that
Filipinos are famous for is said to be taken
from Malay forefathers. The close family
relations are said to have been inherited from
the Chinese. The piousness comes from the
Spaniards who introduced Christianity in the
16th century. Hospitality is a common
denominator in the Filipino character and this
is what distinguishes the Filipino. Filipinos
are probably one of the few, if not the only,
English-proficient Oriental people today.
Pilipino is the official national language, with
English considered as the country's unofficial
one.
Predominantly Christian.
Catholics - 82.9%
Protestants - 5.4%
Islam - 4.6%
Philippine Independent Church - 2.6%
Iglesia ni Cristo - 2.3%
Historically, the Filipinos have embraced two of the great religions of the world - Islam and Christianity. Islam was introduced during the 14th century shortly after the expansion of
Arab commercial ventures in Southeast Asia. Today, it is limited to the southern region of the country.
Christianity was introduced as early as the 16th century with the coming of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
Protestantism was introduced by the first Presbyterian and Methodist missionaries who arrived with the American soldiers in 1899.
Two Filipino independent churches were organized at the turn of the century and are prominent today. These are the Aglipay (Philippine Independent Church) and the Iglesia Ni
Kristo (Church of Christ) founded in 1902 and 1914, respectively. Recently the Aglipay signed a covenant with the Anglican Church. The Iglesia ni Kristo has expanded its
membership considerably. Its churches, with their unique towering architecture, are landmarks in almost all important towns, provincial capitals, and major cities.
MANILA CATHEDRAL
Plaza Roma, Intramuros, Manila
The seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Manila is presently the 6th cathedral to rise on the site since 1581. Previous structures were destroyed by typhoons, earthquakes, fire, and
the last war. It was rebuilt on the second half of the 1950s through the efforts of Architect Fernando Ocampo and Archbishop Rufino J. Santos. The cathedral incorporated the stone
carvings and rosette windows celebrating the Christianization of the Philippines. Light up with its clerestory. Mosaic artwork decorate three of its side chapels.
SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH
Gen. Luna cor. Real Street, Intramuros, Manila
The oldest stone church in Metro Manila dates back to 1571. An intricately carved door opens to the church. Of great interest are the Baroque pulpit, molave choir stalls, and an 18th
century pipe organ. Like an impregnable fortress, San Agustin has withstood the ravages of time wrought by both nature and by man.
SAN SEBASTIAN CHURCH
Plaza del Carmen, Quiapo, Manila
This small jewel-box church is the first all-steel church in the Philippines and in Asia; and the second in the world. Design for the church was finished in 1883 and was prefabricated in
Belgium. The completely knocked-down church was shipped backed to the Philippines in 6 ships. It weighed close to 50,000 tons while its stained-glass windows which are intact
until now were, according to Father Ceniza, done in France.
OUR LADY OF PEACE AND GOOD VOYAGE
Antilopo, Rizal
Antipolo is known to be the home of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. History says that this miraculous icon has traveled back and forth between Manila and Acapulco eight
times and on several occasions was credited with saving her galleon from destruction by warning the people about an impending disaster.
BACLAYON CHURCH
Baclayon town, Bohol
Located 6 kilometers from the city proper. The church is the oldest stone church in the country, built by the Jesuits in 1595.
DAUIS CHURCH
Dauis town, Bohol
Located 3 kilometers from the city proper. This is one of Bohol’s beautiful churches, which has retained its Spanish architecture although it has a semi-modern façade.
LOBOC CHURCH
Loboc town
Located 24 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. The second oldest church in Bohol, built in 1608, with a three-storey convent.
LOON CHURCH
Loon town
Located 25 kilometers from the city proper. The crowning glory of the Recollect churches in Bohol.
MARIBOJOC CHURCH
Maribojoc town
Located 14 kilometers from the city proper. This parish was founded in 1768, built in 1798, and fully constructed after 18 years.
PAOAY CHURCH
Laoag, Ilocos Norte
This fortress-like church is probably the most popular in this area. Styled in “earthquake Baroque”, its walls are strongly fortified by sturdy posts.
BASILICA MINORE DEL STO. NIÑO
Cebu City
Shrine of the oldest religious relic in the Philippines, the statue of the Child Jesus. A token of friendship by Magellan to Queen Juana in 1521, the Santo Niño de Cebu has survived
fires and other catastrophes throughout the years.
MIAG-AO CHURCH
Iloilo
Located 40 km. southwest of Iloilo City; built in 1768, native façade; a unique explosion of botanical motif reminiscent of Aztec Art. It was declared a national landmark in 1973 and
is listed in the UNESCO world heritage list.
SAN JOAQUIN
Iloilo
This is the only church in the Philippines with bas-reliefs of historic battles set in Tetuan, Morocco, between the Spanish Christians and the Moroccan Moors.
VALLADOLID CHURCH
Valladolid, Negros Occidental
The size of the church and the convent, which was built by the Recollect missionaries in 1851, support some views that the church authorities during those days were the most
powerful in running the affairs of the government all throughout the country.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PEACE
La Carlota City, Negros Occidental
In the heart of downtown La Carlota, this century-old church is a living witness to the devotion of the predominantly Catholic La Carlotenos. The church has the distinction of one of
the very few churches of romanesque architectural design in the province.
BAGUIO CATHEDRAL
Baguio City
Rising above the city skyline are the pinkish hues of the Baguio Cathedral. The cathedral is but one of religious landmarks which dot the city. There is the Bell Temple, north of the
city the Maryhurst Seminary with its brilliant gardens, and Lourdes Grotto with its 252 steps to heaven.
SHRINE OF THE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE MANAOAG
Pangasinan
The shrine of Nuestra Senora of "Apo Baket" is situated atop the hill. The shrine is known all over the Philippines. Devotees frequent the church especially on Saturdays and
Sundays.
CHURCH OF ST. JAMES
Pangasinan
The church was built by the Augustinians in Bolinao in 1609. It houses wooden "santos," nowadays a rarity, with the toll of time and the elements blurring their finely sculptured
features. The antique size altar is flanked by two grinning, tongue-protruding aztec visages presumably of Mexican influence and brought over by the galleons trade.
ST. MARTIN DE TOURS
Taal, Batangas
Once the biggest church in all Southeast Asia, it was designed by a Spanish architect-priest and built in the mid-1800s. Taal also possesses a number of other sacred shrines, including
the Wells of Santa Lucia, the water of which is reputed to have miraculous healing powers.
SANTUARIO OF OUR LADY OF CAYSASAY
Taal, Batangas
The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary who is said to be miraculously disappearing from any site where it is brought and appearing at the sanctuary.
BORASOAIN CHURCH
Malolos, Bulacan
The seat of the Revolutionary Congress where the First Filipino Constitution was drafted and ratified.
DARAGA CATHOLIC CHURCH
Albay
Built in 1773 by Franciscan missionaries. This is highly prized by art enthusiasts because of its rich baroque architecture. Its very huge structure is considered above-standard. At
closer look, it contains archeological relics such as “santos” and religious seals carved articulately on volcanic rocks. These relics are considered priceless and collector’s items.
About The Philippines
The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history
combining Asian, European, and American influences. Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521,
The Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese. Spain's
colonization brought about the construction of Intramuros in 1571, a "Walled City" comprised
of European buildings and churches, replicated in different parts of the archipelago. In 1898,
after 350 years and 300 rebellions, the Filipinos, with leaders like Jose Rizal and Emilio
Aguinaldo, succeeded in winning their independence. In 1898, the Philippines became the first
and only colony of the United States. Following the Philippine-American War, the United States
brought widespread education to the islands. Filipinos fought alongside Americans during World
War II, particularly at the famous battle of Bataan and Corregidor which delayed Japanese
advance and saved Australia.
CLIMATE
March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy, November to February is cool. Average
temperatures: 78°F / 25°C to 90°F / 32°C; humidity is 77%. POPULATION There are a total
of 76.5 million Filipinos as of the latest national census in May, 2000. Population growth is
estimated at 2.36 percent annually. Luzon, the largest island group, accounts for more than half
of the entire population. LANGUAGES Two official languages --- Filipino and English. Filipino
which is based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is also widely used and is the
medium of instruction in higher education. Eight (8) major dialects spoken by majority of the
Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and
Pangasinense.
PEOPLE
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