Hello Madlang People! Mabuhay!

Kumusta kayo?

You may be wondering what are these words? What language is that? From which country do you think these words from?

You guess it right! These are Filipino words!

Hello Madlang People! Mabuhay! is a slang term by the popular TV show ‘It’s Showtime’ which means “Hello to all the people! Welcome!”

Kumusta kayo? means “How are you?”

So, this is the Philippines – a land of 7,641 enchanting islands, each offering a unique adventure waiting to be discovered.

But what if I told you that beyond the stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, there’s a world of captivating secrets and delightful surprises hidden beneath the surface?

The Philippines is a place where every island has a story, and every fact is a gem waiting to be uncovered.

Are you ready to be amazed as we unveil 30 fascinating fun facts that will not only pique your curiosity but also leave you with a deep appreciation for this remarkable nation?

So, let’s dive in!

1) Philippines has 7641 islands – making it one of the largest archipelagos globally. Surprisingly, more than 5,000 of these islands remain unnamed on most international maps, waiting to be discovered. Sounds amazing, right? Just imagine huge number of islands right there!

2) There are over 170 dialects in the Philippines! One of the most remarkable features of the Philippines is its linguistic diversity. While the official language is Filipino, based on Tagalog, there are over 170 dialects spoken throughout the archipelago, reflecting the nation’s vibrant cultural mosaic.

3) The Philippines is the only Asian nation that is predominantly Christian. More than 86% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic and religion is still a big influence in the country.

4) The largest and most expensive pearl in the world was found in the Philippines! It was being found in Palawan, weighing a staggering 75 pounds and valued at an astonishing $100 million.

5) Filipinos celebrate Christmas longer than you think! The Philippines takes Christmas celebrations to the next level, beginning in September and lasting until January during the “Feast of the Three Kings.” The festive atmosphere includes decorations and numerous parties.

6) The Philippines has ‘best singers,’ ‘loves music most’ among 90 toured countries. Filipinos are so good at singing! Karaoke is their beloved pastime, showcasing their vocal talents at gatherings, turning any occasion into a singing festivity.

7) The Philippines has earned its title as the “text capital of the world,” with social media and texting being the primary means of communication.

8) Philippines got some delicious and unique delicacies that you should try! Filipinos are known for their creativity in the kitchen, whipping up unique dishes enjoyed by many across the globe. They have adobo, sinigang, bibingka, puto bumbong, sisig, lechon, menudo, caldereta, and more! You have to try them especially when you visit Philippines!

9) Tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates can only be found in the Philippines. It is known for its enormous eyes relative to its body size, aiding in night vision.

10) Most of people in the Philippines speak English! With a strong emphasis on English education, the Philippines ranks as the fifth-largest English-speaking country globally, making communication with locals a breeze for English speakers.

11) Filipinos ranked as the highest selfie-takers in the world! Filipinos have earned the title of the world’s most enthusiastic selfie-takers, embracing the art of self-expression through photography.

12) Fertilised duck embryo is the famous street snack. Filipinos enjoy eating this, they call it as ‘balut’. 

13) The Philippines has unique transportation modes, such as tricycles, jeep, and kalesas.

14) The Philippines is known as the largest supplier of nurses to the world, with over 25% of all nurses in the United States being of Filipino descent.

15) Jeepney as the usual public transportation! It is distinctive and colorful public transportation vehicles, is ubiquitous in the Philippines, providing a unique way to explore its cities.

16) Philippines is the only country where the flag is flown upside down to indicate the state of war.

17) Filipino is the official language in the Philippines. It became the main language of the Philippines in 2987 under the constitution replacing ‘Pilipino’.

18) Most of the people in the Philippines are superstitious. A significant portion of Filipinos holds strong superstitious beliefs, influencing various aspects of daily life and traditions, from avoiding unlucky numbers to seeking the guidance of faith healers.

19) Boxing is one of the popular sports in the Philippines. Manny Pacquiao, one of the world’s greatest professional boxers, hails from the Philippines. Interestingly, crime rates in Manila reportedly drop to zero during his matches.

20) Philippines is one of the largest island countries in the world! It offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences.

21) The Philippines is the second largest producer of coconut products in the world. Locally known as buko, coconut is a top export product of the Philippines. Each year, the country ships around 19.50 million tons or more of coconut fruit.

22) Filipinos are known for being polite, addressing each other with “ma’am” or “sir.” Respect for elders is deeply ingrained, reflected in terms like “ate” and “kuya” and use of “po” and “opo.”

23) “Filipino time” refers to the cultural phenomenon of Filipinos often arriving late for appointments or events, reflecting their laid-back, relaxed attitude towards time.

24) Two of the world’s largest shopping malls are located in the Philippines, offering an incredible shopping and leisure experience. One is SM Megamall, located in Mandaluyong city, with a total floor area of over 5.5 million square feet. Another is SM Shopping center of Asia (MOA) is a rambling shopping center in Pasay City, with more than 4.4 million square feet of retail space. 

25) The Philippines founded Asia’s first basketball league, the Philippines Basketball Association, in 1975, making basketball a beloved sport in the country.

26) Jollibee is the top fast food chain the Philippines taking over McDonald’s! Jollibee was the leading limited-service restaurant in the Philippines in terms of sales in 2021. In that year, the restaurant chain generated sales of approximately 2.53 billion U.S. dollars. Its closest competitor, McDonald’s, had total sales of about 786 million U.S. dollars in that year.

27) The Philippines has the largest underground river. Many people visit the Philippines because of its cultural history of famous water bodies. In fact, this nation is home to the largest underground river. It is located in Puerta Princesa Subterranean River National Park. There are many famous landmarks in the Philippines that will amaze you.

28) Filipinos can’t eat without rice! For almost 99% of the Philippine population, no meal is complete without rice, highlighting its central role in Filipino cuisine.

29) Filipinos usually have 3 to 4 meals daily! 

30) There are three main island groups in the Philippines: Luzon, Mindanao, and Visayas. Luzon, the most populous, is home to the capital city, Manila.

There are still a number of interesting facts that have not been mentioned here. Feel free to visit the Philippines to experience and discover them! The Philippines offers exciting cultures, traditions, places, islands, delicious cuisines, and wonderful people. It is a nation filled with fascinating people and cultures.

When you plan your visit, consider exploring Luzon and Visayas, especially Cebu, Manila, Palawan, Boracay, and Baguio – these are excellent places to start if it’s your first time in the country.

The Philippines is a major tourist attraction known for its stunning beaches, picturesque islands, a wide range of outdoor activities, and a wealth of indoor offerings. A trip to this Asian paradise will also provide you with the opportunity to uncover more hidden facts about the Philippines, insights that only the locals can share.

Top Universities in the Philippines

1. University of the Philippines Diliman

UP was ranked highest among schools from the Philippines at 404th place (QS World University Rankings 2024).

The University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman) is a prestigious public research university located in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. As the flagship campus of the University of the Philippines System, UP Diliman is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, social responsibility, and national development.

2. Ateneo de Manila University

Ateneo de Manila University came in at second place at 563 (QS World University Rankings 2024), improving its standing from the previous year when it placed within the 651-700 range.
Ateneo de Manila University, commonly known as Ateneo, is a prestigious private research university located in Manila, Philippines. Established in 1859, Ateneo has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and social involvement.

3. De La Salle University

De La Salle University is ranked 3rd in the Philippines, placing in the 681-690 bracket (QS World University Rankings 2024).
De La Salle University (DLSU) is a private research university located in Manila, Philippines. It was founded in 1911 by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a Catholic religious congregation also known as the De La Salle Brothers.

4. University of Santo Tomas

University of Santo Tomas is ranked 4th in the Philippines, placing in the 801-850 bracket (QS World University Rankings 2024).
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is one of the oldest universities in Asia, founded in 1611. Located in Manila, Philippines, UST offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its rigorous academic standards, commitment to holistic education, and renowned faculty members.