10 fun and interesting Philippines facts

1. The Philippine national flag is unique

The Philippine national flag is unique in that it is the only flag in the world that is flown differently depending on the country's state of peace or war. During times of peace, the blue side of the flag is displayed facing upwards, while during times of war, the red side is displayed instead. The flag is composed of two horizontal bands of equal size, with the blue band on top and the red band on the bottom. The white triangle on the left side of the flag contains a yellow sun with eight primary rays, and three five-pointed stars. The flag is a symbol of the country's independence and resilience.

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2. The A Brief History

In 1543, Spanish explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos named the country now known as the Philippines in honor of King Philip II of Spain. This was a fitting tribute to the Spanish monarch, as the islands had been under Spanish rule since 1521. The name "Philippines" has since become synonymous with the archipelago, and is now used to refer to the entire nation.

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3. The Birthplace of the Printing Press

In 1539, the Philippines made history when North America's first printing press was operated in Mexico City. This groundbreaking event marked the beginning of a new era of communication, allowing for the spread of knowledge and ideas to be shared more quickly and efficiently than ever before. The Philippines was at the forefront of this revolution, and the impact of this technology can still be seen today.

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4. Philippines celebrates independence with proclamation

In 1946, the Philippines became the first country in Southeast Asia to gain independence after World War II, marking a major milestone in the nation's history. This momentous event was celebrated with a proclamation of independence from the United States of America, which had previously held the Philippines as a colony since 1898. The independence of the Philippines was a major step forward for the nation, and it has since become a major player in the region, with a population of over 100 million people and a thriving economy.

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5. 171 Languages Still Active in the Philippines

The Philippines is a country of incredible linguistic diversity, boasting a total of 175 languages and dialects. Of these, 171 are still actively used by its people, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. This is due to the country's long history of immigration and colonization, which has resulted in a wide variety of languages being spoken in the Philippines today.

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6. "Oldest US Univ.: UST Manila, Philippines"

Founded in 1611, the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines is the oldest university in the United States, predating Harvard University by a full 25 years. Located in the capital city of Manila, the university has a long and storied history, having been established by the Spanish colonial government in the early 17th century. It has since grown to become one of the most prestigious universities in the country, offering a wide range of courses and programs in the fields of medicine, law, engineering, and the humanities.

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7. The A Beautiful Country With a Rich Culture and History

The Philippines is situated in the "Ring of Fire", an area of the Pacific Ocean where seismic activity is particularly high. This region is home to over 200 volcanoes, of which only a few are currently active. The most notable of these are Mount Mayon, Taal Volcano, and Mount Pinatubo, all of which have erupted in recent years. The Philippines is also prone to earthquakes, with the most recent major quake occurring in April 2019. Despite the potential danger posed by these natural phenomena, the Philippines is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history.

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8. The Capital City of the Philippines, Manila, Is Named After a Plant

The capital city of the Philippines, Manila, is named after the "nilad" plant, a species of indigo that grows in the area. This plant has been a part of the city's history since the 16th century, when Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi first arrived in the area and named it after the plant. The nilad is a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage, and is still found growing in the city today.

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9. 1.4 billion text messages sent out daily in the Philippines

In the early 2000's, the Philippines earned the title of "test capital of the world" due to its high volume of text messages sent out every day. By 2012, the country had become the number one texting nation in the world, with an astonishing 1.4 billion text messages sent out daily. Initially, this service was free, but it has since become a paid service.

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10. The Home to the Rice Terraces

The Philippines is home to one of the most incredible natural wonders of the world - the Rice Terraces of Northern Luzon. These terraces, which have been carved into the mountainside, are a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the indigenous people of the region. The terraces are believed to have been constructed over 2,000 years ago, and are still in use today. They are an incredible feat of engineering, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The terraces are a beautiful sight to behold, and are a reminder of the Philippines' rich cultural heritage.