Philippine Culture and Tourism Geography

Vocabulary flashcards covering geography, history, regions, landmarks, food, culture, and biodiversity of the Philippines based on the lecture slides.

The Pearl of the Orient Seas

An alternative title for the Philippines, a Southeast Asian archipelago consisting of over 7,641 islands, 82 provinces, and 18 regions.

Luzon

The largest archipelagic division of the Philippines and home to the national capital, Manila.

Archipelagic Divisions of the Philippines

The three primary island groupings of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Ruy López de Villalobos

The Spanish explorer who named the archipelago Las Islas Filipinas in 1543 in honor of then-Prince Philip.

Las Islas Filipinas

The original Spanish name given to the Philippine archipelago in 1543 by Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos to honor Prince Philip.

King Philip II of Spain

The Spanish monarch after whom the Philippines was named.

Flag of the Philippines

The national emblem of the Philippines; according to the 1898 Proclamation of Philippine Independence, its three stars originally represented Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay.

Official Languages of the Philippines

Filipino and English.

Climate and Travel Seasons

The tropical maritime climate of the Philippines with hot, humid, and rainy weather, divided into a Dry season (December to May, best for travel) and a Wet season (June to November, typhoon season).

Adobo

A classic Philippine vinegar and soy sauce-based stew.

Kare-kare

A Philippine peanut stew made with oxtail and vegetables.

Sinigang

A traditional Philippine tamarind sour soup.

Lechon

Roasted pig, served as the centerpiece of celebrations in the Philippines.

Palawan

A natural attraction site containing El Nido, Coron, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Puerto Princesa Underground River.

Banaue Rice Terraces

2,000-year-old agricultural terraces carved into the mountains by the Ifugao.

Mayon Volcano

A perfectly shaped active volcano located in Albay.

Taal Volcano

A small but active volcano located within a lake inside a volcano.

Tubbataha Reefs

A marine site known for world-class diving and rich marine life.

Boracay

A famous destination island known for its white sand, clear waters, and lively beach scene.

Kadayawan

A festival held in Davao in celebration of Indigenous heritage.

Panagbenga

A flower festival celebrated in Baguio.

Sinulog

A dance festival in Cebu honoring the Santo Niño.

Masskara

A festival in Bacolod featuring colorful masks and joyful street dancing.

Megadiverse Country

A biological designation describing the Philippines as one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries, boasting over 52,000 species with half found nowhere else.

Coral Triangle

A rich marine region encompassing the Philippines, housing diverse sea life from whale sharks to dugongs.