Philippine History, Culture, and Geography Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards reviewing key historical events, entities, dates, and concepts in Philippine history, geography, and culture.

Archipelago Formation

The geological process by which the Philippine archipelago was formed by volcanic eruptions about 50 million years ago.

Earliest Inhabitants

The earliest settlers who arrived in the Philippine archipelago from the Asian mainland about 30,000 years ago.

10th Century A.D. Commerce

The era when coastal villagers in the Philippines welcomed Chinese commerce and settlers, followed by Muslim traders from Borneo.

Spread of Islam

The gradual spread of Islam from Borneo into the central and northern islands, which was interrupted by the arrival of the Spanish Christians.

Ferdinand Magellan

A Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain who claimed the Philippine islands in the name of Spain in 1521.

Las Felipinas

The name given to the Philippine islands by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 in honor of King Philip II of Spain.

King Philip II of Spain

The Spanish monarch (1556-1598) after whom the Philippines was named.

1830s Cultural Penetration

The period when Spanish culture and thought had penetrated into Filipino culture to the point that the Filipino people began thinking about liberation from Spain.

Pact of Biak-na-Bato

The agreement resulting from negotiations between Filipinos and Spain in December of 1897.

Philippine National Flag

The flag designed by Emilio Aguinaldo and his compatriots while in Hong Kong.

Spanish Colonial Period

The period lasting for over 300 years during which the Philippines was a colony of Spain, during which the Spanish government developed Filipino agriculture to self-sufficiency.