Philippines

The Republic of the Philippines (Filipino: Republika ng Pilipinas), or the Philippines (Filipino: Pilipinas), is a nation in Southeast Asia. It lies 1,210 km (750 mi) away from mainland Asia and consists of 7,107 islands that form part of the Malay Archipelago.

Culture

The broad foundation of Philippine culture comes from regional indigenous groups such as Ilokanos, Negritos, Visayans, and others whose people speak Austronesian languages. Philippine culture in general has had its largest influence from Spain. A significant minority of Filipinos in Mindanao are influenced by Islamic traditions and culture. Since the the 20th century, American culture has been a great influence on Philippine culture. Chinese culture has also influenced Filipinos in some ways.

Related Topics:
Spain - Islam - American

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Certain indigenous groups such as the Negritos, Mangyans, and Manobos living in remote areas of Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao have largely retained the pre-Hispanic beliefs of their ancestors. Having been isolated from mainstream society, their cultures differ greatly than that of the majority of Filipinos.

Related Topics:
Luzon - Visayas - Mindanao

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As a colony of Spain and Mexico, the culture exhibits Hispanic customs and traditions. In terms of nationalistic organization, politics and government, the Philippines' character more closely resembles the countries of Latin America than its Asian neighbours. There have been at least ten attempted coup d'état in the past ten years, of which two have been successful. The Roman Catholic Church plays a significant role in both population issues and government.

Related Topics:
Hispanic - Nationalistic organization - Politics - Government - Latin America - Coup d'état - Roman Catholic Church

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Intermingling with other foreign cultures in the last 107 years, including the United States of America and neighbouring Asian countries have changed the cultural settings and character of most people. More recent contributions that have changed the mentality and practices among most urban Filipinos are the result of pop culture from the USA, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan,South Korea and China.

Related Topics:
Foreign - United States of America - Asian - Urban - Pop culture - USA - Japan - Hong Kong - Taiwan - South Korea - China

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Among the national heroes includes a native chief - Lapu-Lapu and the prodigy, José Rizal who is proficient in 22 languages and was crucial in arousing a national identity and awareness and campaigning for reforms and adequate legal representation for native Filipinos. His celebrated novels gave an vignette of colonial life under the Spanish. Other significant figures where Carlos P. Romulo, the first Asian Secretary-General for the United Nations, boxing champions Flash Elorde , Francisco Pancho Villa, Navarette and Manuel Pacquiao, billiards champions Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante, chess champion Eugene Torre and others.

Related Topics:
Lapu-Lapu - José Rizal - Carlos P. Romulo - United Nations - Flash Elorde - Francisco Pancho Villa - Navarette - Manuel Pacquiao - Efren Reyes - Francisco Bustamante - Eugene Torre

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