Asia or Pacific?
The
Philippines'
7,100 island (more or less, depending on the tide) archipelago is
thought to
have been inhabited by humans for more than 40,000 years. There
are different theories as to the inhabitants' origins.
Physically, culturally,
and linguistically, Filipinos share similarities with both Asian
and Pacific
Island peoples.
Overseas influence
Chinese traders
had an early influence on the native Filipinos, although
there was also the introduction of Islam
into the southern Philippines
about 700 years ago from neighbouring Borneo.
Then in 1521 the
Spanish explorer Magellan landed in the Philippines. Spanish colonisation
followed, and although Magellan himself was beheaded by a Muslim named
Kapu-Lapu
in Mindanao, the Spanish occupation remained
for 300 years.
America takes over
Inspired by
national hero Jose Rizal among others, The Philippines attempted
to overthrow
colonial rule in 1896. However, in, 1898 as part of its settlement of
the Spanish- American
war, Spain sold
the Philippines to the United States
for $20 million. The
Philippine- American war followed, resulting in American control of the
Philippines.
America held
power for four decades, during which time the American school system
(in
English) and political system was installed - and those establishments
essentially remain to this
day.
Japan invades
The Second World
War hit the Philippines
hard. Japan's
invasion decimated the American troops stationed
there, and Filipinos suffered under
occupation. Liberation was hard won with fierce conflict throughout the
many
islands.
Up to a
million Filipinos are thought to have been killed during the Japanese
occupation.
Independence
Finally in 1948
the
Philippines
was given autonomy as a republic, although remained a strategic
stronghold for the
American military throughout the cold war.
In 1972, Filipino
president Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law and years of corruption
and
political supression began under the Marcos regime.
An amazing coup
In 1986, three
years after the public assassination of Marcos' main political rival
Ninoy
Aquino hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in Manila, The
Philippines' capital city,
demanding Marcos step down.
Marcos
brought in
troops, tanks, and artillery, but as the crisis reached its peak, the
majority of the armed forces withdrew their support of the president,
and Marcos' reign was over.
Ninoy Aquino's widow, Corazon
Aquino, was sworn in as the new president as the Marcoses were
evacuated by US helicopter.
Ferdinand Marcos'
wife, Imelda, became instantly notorious for her collection of 2,700
pairs of
shoes, discovered after the Marcoses had fled.
A long recovery
From once being
one of the most prosperous nations in South East
Asia,
The Philippines emerged from the Marcos regime plagued by corruption,
debt, poverty, and political violence including terrorism, and 2009's
tragic Maguindanao Massacre.
However, Filipinos
are resilient to say the least.
Now the Philippines' greatest export is its
people: with a strong educational infrastructure, Filipinos excel in
areas such
as medicine, nursing and caregiving, architecture, IT, hospitality and
entertainment.
Link
to "Food From The Philippines."
However, Filipinos
are resilient to say the least.