Untitled Flashcards Set

• Official Name: Republic of the Philippines (Republika ng Pilipinas)

• Nickname/Sobriquet: Pearl of the Orient/ Pearl of the Orient Seas

• Anthem: Lupang Hinirang

• National Costume: Barong Tagalog for men and Baro at Saya (Filipiniana) for women

• Capital: Manila City

• Time Zone: GMT +8 hours

• Flag Carrier: Philippine Airlines

• Motto: Maka-Diyos, Maka-tao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa (For God, People, Nature, and Country)

Languages and Dialects

• Official Languages: Filipino and English

• National Language: Filipino (based on Tagalog)

• Major Dialects: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon/Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Kapampangan, and Pangasinense

• Language Use: Filipino is used for communication among ethnic groups; English is widely used in higher education

Currency

• Official Currency: Philippine Peso (₱, PHP)

• Conversion: 100 centavos or sentimos = 1 peso

• Exchange & Payment: Foreign currency exchange at hotels, banks, and money changers; major credit cards accepted

People and Religion

• Ethnic Background: Malay stock with Chinese, American, Spanish, and Arab influences

• Filipino Traits: Bayanihan (kinship and camaraderie), hospitality, strong family ties, and religiousness

• Religions: Islam (introduced in the 14th century) and Christianity (introduced in 1521)

• Christianity Sects: Catholicism, Protestantism (since 1899), Aglipay (Philippine Independent Church - 1902), and Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ - 1914)

Geographical Characteristics

• Number of Islands: 7,641 (as of July 2022)

• Three Main Island Groups: Luzon (largest, northernmost), Visayas (Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, Masbate), Mindanao (second largest, southernmost)

• Highest Point: Mount Apo, Mindanao (2,954m above sea level)

• Lowest Point: Galathea Depth, Philippine Trench (10,540m below sea level)

Philippine Climate

• Tropical Climate: Warm weather year-round

• Seasons:

  • Dry Season (January-May)

  • Cool Season (November-February)

  • Hot and Dry (March-May)

  • Rainy Season (June-October, typhoons from July-September)

• Average Temperature: 25°C (78°F)

• Average Humidity: 77%

Biodiversity

• Flora: Orchids, ferns, flowering plants

• Fauna: 200+ mammal species (monkeys, squirrels, pangolins, chevrotains, civet cats, etc.)

• Birds: Peacocks, doves, parrots, kingfishers, hornbills

• Endangered Species: Philippine Eagle (national bird), Tamaraw (Mindoro water buffalo)

Landforms

• Islands & Beaches: The Philippines is an archipelago; top destinations include Boracay, Siargao, and Palawan

• Mountains & Ranges: Mt. Apo (highest), Cordillera (largest range), Sierra Madre (northeast Luzon)

• Volcanoes: Mayon Volcano (most active), Taal Volcano (smallest)

• Caves: Over 3,000 recorded caves; notable ones include Calbiga Caves (largest in PH), Hinagdanan Cave, Callao Cave

Bodies of Water

• Oceans & Seas: Bounded by the Pacific Ocean (east), South China Sea (west), Sulu & Celebes Seas (south)

• Rivers: Rio Grande de Cagayan (longest, 505 km), Agusan River, Pasig River

• Gulfs: Lingayen Gulf, Leyte Gulf

• Lakes: Taal Lake (third largest, crater lake), Lake Sebu, Lake Danao

• Waterfalls: Pagsanjan Falls, Maria Cristina Falls, Kawasan Falls

Tourism and Economy

• Tourism Impact: Contributes to conservation when managed well

• Economic Opportunities: Hospitality, manufacturing, sustainable development

• Department of Tourism (DOT): Government agency promoting tourism for economic growth and employment