Philippines

The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. In the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of 7,641 islands, with a total area of 300,000 square kilometers, which are broadly categorized in three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Philippines is bounded by the South China Sea to the west, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the south. It shares maritime borders with Taiwan to the north, Japan to the northeast, Palau to the east and southeast, Indonesia to the south, Malaysia to the southwest, Vietnam to the west, and China to the northwest. It is the world's twelfth-most-populous country, with diverse ethnicities and cultures. Manila is the country's capital, and its most populated city is Quezon City. Both are within Metro Manila.
philippines

Some of the key events about Philippines

  • 1521
    The first circumnavigation of the globe was completed, with the expedition reaching the Philippines
  • 1521
    The first circumnavigation expedition led to Spanish colonization of the Philippines
  • 1565
    The first permanent Spanish settlement in the Philippines was established in Cebu
  • 1762
    British forces occupied Manila during the Seven Years' War
  • 1863
    The first railway in Southeast Asia opened in the Philippines
  • 1872
    Three Filipino priests were executed, sparking nationalist sentiments
  • 1896
    The Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule began
  • 1898
    The Philippines declared independence from Spain
  • 1899
    The Philippine-American War started, resulting in significant casualties
  • 1935
    The Commonwealth of the Philippines was established, granting more autonomy to the country
  • 1942
    Japan invaded and occupied the Philippines during World War II
  • 1946
    The Philippines gained full independence from the United States
  • 1965
    Martial law was declared, leading to human rights abuses and economic decline
  • 1983
    A prominent opposition leader was assassinated, triggering widespread protests
  • 1986
    The People Power Revolution peacefully overthrew the authoritarian regime
  • 1991
    Mount Pinatubo erupted, causing widespread destruction and economic losses
  • 1992
    The U.S. military bases in the Philippines were closed, marking a new era of sovereignty
  • 2010
    The Philippines held its first automated national elections
  • 2013
    Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) devastated parts of the Philippines, causing thousands of deaths
  • 2015
    The Philippines hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Philippines Latest news

Elderly Widow's Pension Drained by Son's Dubious Business Venture

Elderly Widow's Pension Drained by Son's Dubious Business Venture

A 76-year-old widow has given £70,000 of her pension to fund her son's questionable business in the Philippines. A psychotherapist advises on setting financial boundaries to protect her future.

Society, Economics • October 2 2024, 04:07 AM  •  579 views
Political Drama Unfolds on Laura Kuenssberg's BBC Show

Political Drama Unfolds on Laura Kuenssberg's BBC Show

Recent BBC political show features tense interviews with key figures, including Rosie Duffield's resignation fallout and a face-off between Conservative ministers. Labour's strategy and opposition commentary add to the political intrigue.

Society, Politics • September 29 2024, 07:46 PM  •  973 views
Florida Ex-Candidate Charged for Alleged Hit Squad Threat Against Rival

Florida Ex-Candidate Charged for Alleged Hit Squad Threat Against Rival

Former Florida congressional hopeful arrested in Philippines, charged with threatening to hire assassins to eliminate political opponent. Faces up to 5 years in prison if convicted.

Society, Politics • September 28 2024, 07:37 PM  •  1034 views
Wealthy Britons Flee as Labour Government Sparks Tax Concerns

Wealthy Britons Flee as Labour Government Sparks Tax Concerns

High-earning professionals are leaving the UK due to tax burdens and quality of life issues. Three case studies reveal motivations behind the exodus and concerns about future Labour policies.

Economics, Politics • September 27 2024, 08:00 AM  •  348 views
China Conducts First Public ICBM Test in Pacific, Raising Strategic Concerns

China Conducts First Public ICBM Test in Pacific, Raising Strategic Concerns

China successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, marking a significant display of military capability. The test, described as routine, raises concerns about regional tensions and nuclear proliferation.

Politics, Science • September 25 2024, 05:33 AM  •  149 views
Last Pearl Harbor Attacker Dies at 106: Masamitsu Yoshioka's Legacy

Last Pearl Harbor Attacker Dies at 106: Masamitsu Yoshioka's Legacy

Masamitsu Yoshioka, the final survivor of Japan's Pearl Harbor attack, has passed away at 106. His life spanned from Imperial Navy service to post-war silence, finally breaking his silence in old age.

September 25 2024, 05:09 AM  •  65 views
Los Angeles Reports First Local Dengue Outbreak, Raising Climate Concerns

Los Angeles Reports First Local Dengue Outbreak, Raising Climate Concerns

Los Angeles experiences its first locally transmitted dengue outbreak, with experts warning of potential undetected cases. The incident highlights the global spread of dengue, linked to climate change and expanding mosquito habitats.

Society, Science • September 24 2024, 02:11 PM  •  167 views
Global Witness: 200 Environmental Defenders Killed in 2023, Colombia Tops List

Global Witness: 200 Environmental Defenders Killed in 2023, Colombia Tops List

A new report reveals nearly 200 environmental activists were murdered globally in 2023, with Colombia accounting for 40% of deaths. Latin America remains the deadliest region for defenders.

Society, Politics • September 10 2024, 03:14 PM  •  375 views
Televangelist Apollo Quiboloy Arrested After Months-Long Manhunt

Televangelist Apollo Quiboloy Arrested After Months-Long Manhunt

Self-proclaimed "owner of the universe" Apollo Quiboloy has been apprehended in the Philippines. The televangelist, wanted for sexual abuse and human trafficking, was caught after an extensive police operation.

Society, Politics, Culture • September 8 2024, 03:51 PM  •  251 views
Pope Francis Urges Peace in Asia-Pacific, Warns of Arms Race

Pope Francis Urges Peace in Asia-Pacific, Warns of Arms Race

During his extensive Asia-Pacific tour, Pope Francis calls for regional peace and cautions against rearmament. The pontiff's 12-day journey tests his health while addressing geopolitical tensions and local conflicts.

Society, Politics • September 8 2024, 02:50 PM  •  167 views
Tropical Storm Yagi Claims 11 Lives in Philippines, Prompts Mass Evacuations

Tropical Storm Yagi Claims 11 Lives in Philippines, Prompts Mass Evacuations

Tropical Storm Yagi has caused widespread devastation in the Philippines, resulting in 11 fatalities and prompting mass evacuations. The storm has triggered floods, landslides, and travel disruptions across the northern regions.

Society • September 2 2024, 10:14 AM  •  108 views
US Condemns China's Actions in South China Sea Clash with Philippines

US Condemns China's Actions in South China Sea Clash with Philippines

Recent maritime incident between China and Philippines near Sabina Shoal sparks US condemnation. Both nations accuse each other of ramming vessels, escalating tensions in the disputed South China Sea region.

Politics • September 1 2024, 04:07 PM  •  42 views
UK Chancellor Considers Wealth Tax Amid Union Pressure

UK Chancellor Considers Wealth Tax Amid Union Pressure

Rachel Reeves opens door to wealth tax as unions call for action. Duchess of Sussex reveals strategy for promoting clothing brands. Various updates on politics, sports, and current events.

Business, Economics, Politics • August 28 2024, 04:57 PM  •  114 views