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Filipino History
The early Filipino Malay ancestors brought with them their culture--food and drinks, community life, government and laws, language and literature, religion, customs and traditions and arts and sciences. They left their cultures to their descendants, as the Filipino Malayan inheritance.
In the course of the centuries, long before the Spaniards colonized the Philippines in the 16th century; the native Filipinos came in contact (by commerce) with Hindus from India, the Chinese and the Arabs whose civilizations were much older and more advanced than those of Spain and other Western countries. As a result of these early contacts with these great Asian people, the Filipino native culture and way of life (Malayan Heritage) were enriched.
The cultural influences of both India and Arabia came indirectly to Philippine shores through Malaysia, while the Chinese cultural influence came direct from China.
In subsequent years, the Filipinos intermarried, not only with the Indians, Chinese and Arabians, but also with the Spaniards, the Americans, the Japanese, the British, the French, the Germans, and other peoples of the world. Today, it may be said that the bloods of the East and the West meet and blend in Filipino veins.
It must be noted that during the first two and a half centuries (1565-1828) Spain ruled the country through Mexico. The viceroy of Mexico governed the country in the name of the Spanish king. During this period the famous Manila-Acapulco trade existed. And many Mexicans--colonial officials, missionaries, soldiers, and traders--came to the Philippines. They introduced plants and animals, industries, songs and dances, customs and traditions into the country. Moreover, many of them married Filipino women. So it came to pass that Filipino acquired a Mexican heritage.
After 333 years of Spanish rule, the Americans conquered the country and like Spain, America imposed her culture upon the people. During four decades of U.S. rule (1898-1935), the people acquired the American heritage which included democracy, popular education, the English language and Protestant Christianity.
Beneath the veneer of Hispanic, Mexican and American heritage, the people, in heart and in spirit, are Asians. they are Asian in race and in geography with an indestructible Asian heritage.
The warmth and natural hospitality of the nation's 66,000,000 Filipinos today, is known throughout the world. The 11 cultural, linguistic and racial groups endow the Filipino people with varying customs and traditions. In spite of their diversity, Filipinos have basically two dominant traits: a love of family and a strong religious faith.
Filipino People
The Philippines were greatly influenced by the centuries of rule by theSpanish.
And even more influenced by the half century rule of the United States, but still are quite different than anyone in the region. Their Southeast Asian moorings have held through the occupations of the western imperialists and have produced a unique brand of people. The Filipinos are a mix of all sorts of races from primitive Austronesians to an Asian influence and a western influence. They are definitely unique.
Filipino Character
It may be said that the Filipinos are intelligent, with retentive memory, quick perception, and talents for art and science. They also are gentle, friend]y, and cheerful people, noted for their courtesy and hospitality.
Filipino Dance
Honored as the Philippine national dance, Tinikling, is a favorite in the Visayan Islands of Leyte. The dance imitates the movement of the Tinikling birds as they walk between grass stems, run over tree branches or dodge bamboo traps set by rice farmers. Dancers imitate the Tinikling birds legendary grace and speed by skillfully maneuvering between large bamboo poles.
Filipino Endangered Species
More than 3,500 species of plants and animals will disappear. Many of them are only found in the Philippines, will disappear all ways. Some threatened animals are: Tarsiers, the large Philippine Eagle, the Philippine cockatoo, flying lemurs, flower peckers and the Philippine crocodile.
Jose Rizal
Jose Rizal the national hero of the Philippines, was born on June 19,1861 in
the town of Calabama,Laguna. He was one of the 11 children that Franscisco Mercado
Rizal who was born in Binan,Laguna and Teodora Alonzo y Quintos who was born in
Meisec Sta. Cruz, Manila gave birth to. At age 3,he learned his alphabet then by age5, he learned to read and write.He traveled around the world including: Europe, America and Asia. Jose Rizal was an author whose works had both nationalistic and revolutionary themes. He wrote about the arrogance of those that were in power in his home country and won the hatred from the Spanish but the love and respect from the Filipino people. Jose Rizal was a big player in the Philippine Revoluton which started on August 26, 1896. He was againt captured by his enemies and while in his jail cell he was able to write “ Ultimo Adios” which became a masterpiece. The novel expressed the hero’s great love of the country and also of the Filipino people. He was convicted of rebellion, sedition and forming illegal association. In December of 1896 Jose Rizal was executed in Bagumbayan Field.
Filipino Items
Like all the countries in the world, all have a national bird,tree,animal,dish,fruit,
leaf,house,dance,hero,anthem,and sport.Here are some national items of the
Philippines:
-national hero: Jose Rizal
-national fish: Milk fish
-national dance: Tinikling
-national house: Tipa hut
-national animal: Carabao
-national bird: Philippine Eagle
-national tree: Narra
-national dish: Lechon
-national leaf: Anahaw
-national flower: Sampagita | 
