1
Widely considered the national dish of the Philippines—meat braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices. Featured as the country’s signature dish in modern Filipino food guides.
adobo
Crispy deep‑fried spring rolls filled with minced pork, carrots, and seasonings; always present at Filipino celebrations.
lumpiang shanghai
A Visayan specialty of marinated grilled chicken, basted with annatto oil for its signature flavor and color. It consistently ranks as one of the top Filipino dishes.
Chicken Inasal
A comforting sour pork soup made with tamarind, vegetables, and spices—one of the most iconic Filipino comfort foods.
Sinigang na baboy
A hearty beef shank and bone marrow soup slow‑cooked until flavorful, often enjoyed in cooler climates like Tagaytay.
Bulalo
is by far the most popular sport in the Philippines and is deeply embedded in Filipino culture.
basketball
A close second, remains a national favorite—greatly influenced by Filipino champions who’ve excelled on the world stage.
Boxing
has surged in popularity, with massive fanbases across school leagues and professional teams. Tossing the ball in the air and using a net between teams.
Volleyball
continues to grow, ranking among the country’s top sports due to increasing grassroots participation and kicking of the ball.
Football
is widely played recreationally and competitively, making it one of the top 5 most popular sports, uses a shuttlecock.
Badminton
These 2,000‑year‑old fields carved by Indigenous Ifugao communities are often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Banaue Rice Terraces
A UNESCO site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature, this subterranean river flows beneath dramatic limestone caves.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
A natural cluster of over 100 limestone islands featuring caves, beaches, and diverse marine life.
Hundred Islands National Park (Pangasinan)
A multi‑tiered turquoise waterfall famous for canyoneering and lush rainforest surroundings.
Kawasan Falls (Cebu)
A crystal‑clear deep blue river known for its mysterious depth, mythical folklore, and unreal color gradient.
Hinatuan Enchanted River (Surigao del Sur)
First Female Filipino Revolutionary Leader. A fearless warrior who continued the Ilocos revolt after the death of her husband Diego Silang. She led battles against Spanish forces and became a symbol of women’s leadership, bravery, and nationalism.
Gabriela Silang
The “Brains of the Revolution”.A brilliant political philosopher and chief adviser to President Aguinaldo. Paralyzed by polio, yet instrumental in crafting policies that shaped the revolutionary government. Called the “Sublime Paralytic” for his intellect and integrity.
Apolinario Mabini
Leader of the Propaganda Movement.A writer, journalist, and reformist known by the pen name Plaridel. He edited La Solidaridad, pushing for government reforms, representation, and equality through powerful anti‑colonial writings.
Marcelo H. del Pilar
First Female President of the Philippines. She restored democracy after the Marcos dictatorship through the 1986 People Power Revolution. Her presidency ushered in constitutional reforms and reestablished democratic institutions, marking a turning point in modern Philippine political history.
Corazon C. Aquino
Longest‑Serving President. President for 20 years, known for his declaration of Martial Law (1972), which reshaped Philippine political and social life. His administration remains one of the most influential—and controversial—in Philippine history.
Ferdinand E. Marcos
Convicted of Plunder (2007). The Sandiganbayan convicted for plunder involving jueteng payoffs and government funds; he was later pardoned.
Joseph “Erap” Estrada
Plunder Case (Later Acquitted). was arrested in 2012 for alleged misuse of PCSO funds; the Supreme Court later acquitted her.
(Included because it was a major corruption case, though she was ultimately cleared.)
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Pork Barrel Scam Mastermind. Not an elected official but central to the major PDAF scam involving several lawmakers misusing public funds.
(The case involved senators, but guilt varies per individual; I cannot label them corrupt unless convicted.)
Janet Napoles
ICC Investigation for Crimes Against Humanity. Not a corruption case, but a major international legal case involving abuse-of-power allegations—he was arrested in 2025 as part of an ICC warrant execution.
Rodrigo Duterte
described the flood‑control scheme as a systemic operation involving lawmakers, DPWH officials, and contractors, but he did not identify a single mastermind, and refused to name specific individuals.
Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo