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The Philippines is a truly remarkable nation. Despite its relatively small size, this country of nearly 100 million people has left an indelible mark on history, from establishing Asia's first democracy to standing alongside the US in the fight against Japan during World War II. Even amidst ongoing challenges—such as frequent natural disasters and territorial disputes with a global superpower—the Philippines and its resilient people remain steadfast. Here are some intriguing facts about one of the world’s most underappreciated destinations.
10. Manny Pacquiao Reduces Crime Rates
Who isn’t familiar with Manny? The celebrated boxer and the Philippines’ beloved icon has such a profound influence on his fellow citizens that he has single-handedly reduced crime rates. Whenever Pacman steps into the ring, the entire nation comes to a standstill. People gather around their TVs at home or in public spaces where the government provides free live broadcasts. Even criminals join the audience, resulting in drastically reduced or sometimes zero criminal activity during his matches.
Even insurgents have been known to pause their activities to watch his fights. In a rare show of unity, Muslim rebels and government soldiers came together to watch Manny’s bout against Shane Mosley in 2011. His victories spark nationwide celebrations, such as when his win over Brandon Rios brought a much-needed morale boost to Filipinos recovering from Typhoon Haiyan.
9. Freemasons Took On The Spanish Empire
This is one conspiracy the Freemasons openly acknowledge, as many Filipino members played key roles in the late 18th-century revolt against Spain. Ironically, it was the Spanish who brought Freemasonry to the Philippines in 1856, followed by other European groups. Initially, these lodges excluded locals, but in 1889, an all-Filipino lodge was established in Madrid. Overseas Filipinos, seeking education or refuge, joined Freemasonry for its principles of justice, liberty, and equality.
The secrecy and interconnectedness of the lodges enabled Filipino members to exchange and propagate their progressive ideas. Many returned to the Philippines, establishing lodges across the country, which unsettled Spanish authorities and the friars, who demanded absolute loyalty to the church. Those suspected of being Freemasons faced ruthless persecution.
Despite the risks of torture and death, members continued to advocate for a democratic and equitable society. Two distinct ideologies emerged within the lodges—one, led by Dr. Jose Rizal, promoted peaceful reforms and reconciliation with Spain, while the other, led by Andres Bonifacio, called for armed revolution. Both groups operated in secrecy, adhering to Freemasonry’s rituals. When it became evident that Spain would not enact peaceful reforms, Bonifacio and his Katipunan launched an open rebellion. Rizal, who initially hesitated but eventually supported the revolution, was executed by Spanish authorities, further fueling the revolutionaries' resolve.
8. A Perilous Environment For Journalists
Despite being one of the most democratic nations, the Philippines is also one of the most hazardous for journalists. According to the 2013 report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the country ranked third on the Impunity Index, which measures unsolved journalist murders relative to population. With a score of 0.580, reflecting 55 journalist deaths in a population of 94 million, the Philippines trailed only Iraq and Somalia. This is particularly alarming given that the country is not embroiled in civil war like Somalia nor plagued by insurgency to the extent of Iraq.
Even more disheartening is the ongoing trend of journalists being killed with little consequence. In 2013, authorities recorded three journalist murders, though the actual number may be higher. Adding to the tragedy, justice remains elusive for the families of journalists slain in the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre, one of the deadliest attacks on media professionals in history.
7. A Bloody Holy Week
As a largely Catholic nation, the Philippines observes Holy Week with deep devotion. Beyond traditional Masses, some Filipinos blend Catholic practices with local traditions. One striking example is the penitensiya, or act of seeking forgiveness. In a gruesome display of faith, penitents whip their backs until they bleed, symbolizing the suffering Jesus endured on his way to crucifixion.
For those seeking even greater penance, crucifixion is an option. Remarkably, individuals voluntarily undergo crucifixion, with some repeating the act annually. Holy Week has evolved into a tourist draw, even receiving government support. While shocking to outsiders, the ritual is entirely voluntary, with some foreigners even participating in the whipping and crucifixion ceremonies.
6. A Joyful Nation
Have you ever wondered how Filipinos manage to smile and joke despite facing natural disasters, government corruption, and extreme poverty? It’s deeply rooted in their national mindset. Much like the French concept of joie de vivre, which celebrates the joy of living, Filipinos embrace the bahala na attitude, encouraging them to live life fully without stressing over the present, as it is fleeting.
This mindset also reflects a hopeful outlook on the future. Whether they’re ill, unemployed, or simply unlucky, Filipinos believe their situation will eventually improve. This resilience is evident in the wake of major disasters like Typhoon Haiyan, where survivors played basketball among the wreckage. Such enduring optimism has earned Filipinos a place among the world’s happiest people.
5. Early Chinese and Filipinos Were Close Allies
The current territorial dispute between China and the Philippines resembles a modern-day David versus Goliath battle, except David lacks a slingshot while Goliath boasts an arsenal of tanks and missiles. The Philippines can only hope for divine intervention—or assistance from America.
Yet, this tense situation overshadows the historical friendship between the Chinese and Filipinos. The earliest documented interaction dates back to 982 AD—nearly 500 years before Magellan’s arrival—when Filipino merchants docked in Canton, China, to trade their goods. Following this encounter, Chinese traders sailed to the islands, engaging in commerce and intermarrying with locals. They also introduced their language and shared knowledge in crafting items like gunpowder and jewelry.
Chinese influence remains deeply ingrained in Filipino culture today, from the casual use of Chinese words to the widespread enjoyment of Chinese cuisine. The question now is whether the Philippines and China can rekindle their former friendship.
4. The Philippine Flag
The Philippine flag is one of the most distinctive in the world, with a unique feature that indicates the nation’s state of war or peace. When the flag is flown with red on top, it signifies that the country is at war. Conversely, if blue is displayed on top, it means the nation is at peace.
The design of the modern Philippine flag was conceived in 1897 by General Emilio Aguinaldo, the leader of the revolution against Spain and the first president of the Philippine Republic. While in self-imposed exile in Hong Kong after signing a truce with Spain, Aguinaldo presented the design to Marcela Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Delfina De Natividad, the niece of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Together, they sewed the flag, which was first raised on May 28, 1898, when Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines to continue the fight against Spanish rule.
Initially, the flag’s sun featured a face, but this was removed in later versions. The red and blue colors are rich in symbolism. Some historians believe the colors were inspired by the Cuban flag, as Cubans were also rebelling against Spain, while others argue they honored the Americans, who aided in ending Spanish domination.
3. The World’s Longest Christmas Celebration
Christmas is one of the most cherished celebrations in the Philippines, alongside Holy Week. The festive season typically kicks off in September and stretches until January, earning it the title of the world’s longest Christmas celebration. During this period, homes and public spaces are adorned with decorations, and Christmas carols fill the air.
The Christmas season is packed with various religious traditions observed with deep devotion. One unique practice is the Simbang Gabi, or Night Mass, where Filipino Catholics attend nine consecutive masses leading up to Christmas Eve. Completing all nine is believed to grant a wish. On Christmas Eve, families gather for Noche Buena, a grand feast reminiscent of Thanksgiving, featuring an array of traditional dishes.
The Christmas festivities officially conclude with the Feast of the Three Kings on the first Sunday of January. For those who feel the season is too short, there’s no need to worry—festivals are abundant in the Philippines, with another religious celebration starting just days after Christmas ends.
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2. A Foiled Invasion Plan Against Malaysia
Having endured over 300 years of Spanish colonization and more than 40 years of American rule, the Philippines has often been the target of foreign invasions. Ironically, this nation, which has historically defended itself from external threats, once nearly launched an invasion of its own against Malaysia.
In the 1960s, President Ferdinand Marcos—later infamous for declaring martial law and ruling as a dictator—authorized Operation Merdeka to reclaim Sabah (North Borneo) from Malaysia. This resource-rich region had long been a point of dispute between the two nations, and Marcos believed it was time for the Philippines to reclaim it. He recruited Muslims from the southern Philippines, training them as commandos on Corregidor Island near Manila.
The operation fell apart when the recruits, unpaid and unwilling to fight fellow Muslims, mutinied. To cover up the failed mission, government operatives executed all but one of the 150 recruits, who escaped and exposed the story to the media. The revelation strained Philippines-Malaysia relations and fueled a major rebellion among Muslim insurgents in the south.
1. The People Power Revolution
By the 1980s, Filipinos had grown weary of President Ferdinand Marcos’s actions—and understandably so. He declared martial law, declared himself dictator for life, allowed his allies to drain the nation’s wealth, and ordered the killing of those he deemed threats. To make matters worse, his wife Imelda shamelessly displayed their stolen riches, a stark contrast to the poverty endured by millions as the country crumbled around them.
This long-simmering anger erupted into the People Power Revolution, which began on February 22, 1986, and concluded three days later with Marcos and his family fleeing the country. Over a million Filipinos from all backgrounds gathered near the presidential palace, demanding Marcos’s removal and protecting defectors from his regime. In a miraculous turn, soldiers sent to suppress the revolt refused to fire and instead joined the protesters. Realizing his time was up, Marcos and his family fled to exile in Hawaii, sparking global celebrations. This revolution inspired oppressed people worldwide to launch their own uprisings.
