History of Philippines in brief

The rich history of the Philippines has given the country its diverse culture and unique character. Located right at the Asian crossroads, the Philippines has been traversed by a great number of voyagers, wanderers, migrants and traders as far back as the early 13thcentury . Hints of the prehistoric trade between the neighboring Japan and China are evident through the archaeological relics and artifacts dug out from the banks of the country’s major hubs. Western civilization began with the discovery of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, while the Spanish Colonization began in 1565. After 327 years of imprisonment in the claws of the Spaniards came the Americans and then the Japanese. This constant transfer of powers has led to the diversity of culture and norms in the country. This history of Philippines continues as the country regained its democracy and full independence by the end of the Second World War, although true democracy was only justly achieved after the historic “People Power Revolution” of 1986, which overthrew the reigning dictator.

With its long history of colonization, the Philippines and its peoples have become a racial and cultural mixture. With its Asian, Mexican, European and American cultural heritages, the country proves to be a unique and diversified combination of world cultures. The Filipino people are known for their friendliness, warm hospitality, free spirit, religiosity, artistry and most of all, ability to adapt to ay culture and environment – a trait that helps the millions of Filipino migrant workers assimilate to different countries around the world.

Many local sociologists describe the history of Philippines as being in constant rewriting, as there is yet to be a complete version written from a completely Filipino perspective – untainted by the impartiality of its colonizer-historians. Whatever its past, the Philippines is surely a very charismatic country, gifted with unrivaled landscapes, thriving cities, and a unique hospitality that would impress, amaze, electrify, and charm any visitor that would set foot on its lands.