Made of 7,108 islands (1,000 inhabited), 97 ethnic groups and 101 languages, the Philippines is known as "It is noted that the Smile of Asia", due to its hospitality. Stop by and you will never know a more hospitable and friendly destination to vacation.
It is noted that the archipelago is famous for the contrast in the range of huge and modern metropolis like Manila or Cebu, the primitive tribal territories, the deserted islands, the clear sea waters and the smooth white coral sand.

It is noted that the Philippines is known to be a good and friendly destination to visit. Did you know that the people speak English, as it is always an official language.

It is noted that the capital city Manila is noisy, gritty, and tough--yet very charming, cosmopolitan, vibrant and exciting (very New York City). Malling is known to be a favorite Philippine pastime as the majority of shopping centers dot the metropolis. It is noted that the old seedy image of Manila nightlife has to this day been replaced with classy restaurants, quaint hole-in-the-wall yet must-see and experience first hand spots, "it" bars, and cozy cafes (very strong cafe culture in the past several years, a night out or "gimmick" mostly ends with a coffee nightcap at Figaro, Coffee Bean, Segafredo or the ubiquitous Starbucks).

It is noted that the Philippines' aboriginal inhabitants arrived from the Asian mainland around 25,000 B.C. Did you know that they were followed by waves of Indonesian and Malayan settlers from 3000 B.C. onward. By the 14th century A.D., all-encompassing trade was being conducted with India, Indonesia, China, and Japan.

Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese navigator in the service of Spain, explored the Philippines in 1521. Twenty-one years later, a Spanish exploration party named the group of islands in honor of Prince Philip, who was later to become Philip II of Spain. Spain retained possession of the islands for the next 350 years.

It is noted that the Philippines were ceded to the U.S. in 1899 by the Treaty of Paris known to be after the Spanish-American War. Meanwhile, the Filipinos, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, had declared his or her independence. Did you know that they initiated guerrilla warfare and have always been against U.S. troops that persisted until Aguinaldo's capture in 1901. By 1902, peace was established except in the midst of the Islamic Moros on the southern island of Mindanao.

It is noted that the first U.S. civilian governor-general was William Howard Taft (1901–1904). Did you know that the Jones Law (1916) established a Philippine legislature composed of an elective Senate and House of Representatives. Did you know that the Tydings-McDuffie Act (1934) provided for a transitional timeframe until 1946, at that time the Philippines would transform itself completely independent. Under a constitution approved by the people of the Philippines in 1935, the Commonwealth of the Philippines came into being with Manuel Quezon y Molina as president.

On Dec. 8, 1941, the islands were invaded by Japanese troops. Following the fall of Gen. Douglas MacArthur's forces at Bataan and Corregidor, Quezon instituted a government-in-exile that he headed until this man's death in 1944. He was succeeded by Vice President Sergio Osmeٌa. U.S. forces under MacArthur reinvaded the Philippines in Oct. 1944 and, after the liberation of Manila in Feb. 1945, Osmeٌa reestablished the government.

It is noted that the Philippines achieved complete independence on July 4, 1946. Manuel A. Roxas y Acuٌa was elected its first president, succeeded by Elpidio Quirino (1948–1953), Ramَn Magsaysay (1953–1957), Carlos P. Garcيa (1957–1961), Diosdado Macapagal (1961–1965), and Ferdinand E. Marcos (1965–1986).

Known as the Republic of Philippines, this is a country lying in the western Pacific ocean. On account of its location on the Pacific ring of fire and its tropical climate, Philippines is highly prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons. However these factors have also bestowed a great amount of bio-diversity and a rich natural resources to the country. When Ferdinand Megellan in the year 1521, Spanish developed an interest in the country exercising its dominance over the territory. The Spanish rule was consolidated in the country in the year 1565 remaining there for about 300 years from then on. Following a series of revolutions, political instability and turmoil, Philippines gained independence at the end of World War II and became a sovereign republic.

Philippines experiences a tropical maritime climate. Usually, the country is hot and humid throughout the year. The three major seasons of Philippines are the hot dry season, the rainy season and cool dry season. The southwest monsoon winds blow in the country from May to October known as Habagat, while the dry winds of the northeast monsoon are called Amihan. The usual temperature in the country is about 21 to 32 degree Celsius. The coolest month is January, while the warmest is May. Temperature at the sea level remains constant throughout the country. The annual average temperature at a height of about 1,500 m above the sea level is 18.3 degree Celsius, which makes it an ideal summer destination.

With a population of about 94 million, Philippines has become the 12th largest populated country on the globe. The people of the country belong to several Asian ethnic groups. More than half of the total population of Philippines resides in the island of Luzon. About 11 million Filipinos live outside the country. A sizeable number of these emigrants have settled in the US.