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A uniquely Filipino mode of transportation, born from WWII surplus and transformed into colorful public utility vehicles—one of the strongest symbols of Filipino creativity and everyday life.
Jeepney
The traditional Filipino formal wear, known for its translucent fabric and intricate embroidery, symbolizing elegance and cultural pride.
Barong Tagalog
A staple Filipino bread roll enjoyed daily across the country; a comforting icon of Filipino breakfast culture.
Pandesal
An essential entertainment tradition deeply embedded in Filipino social life, celebrated in homes, barangays, and gatherings.
Karaoke / Videoke
Global musical theater icon and the first Asian to win a Tony Award. Known for her roles in Miss Saigon, and as the singing voice of Disney’s Mulan and Jasmine.
Lea Salonga
“The Superstar” of Philippine cinema—an actress and singer whose performances shaped generations and earned her recognition as a National Artist.
Nora Aunor
Legendary folk musician whose global hit “Anak” became an anthem for Filipino identity and resonated worldwide.
Freddie Aguilar
One of the country’s biggest entertainment icons/actor, recognized for his impact in film, television, and Philippine pop culture.
Piolo Pascual
Miss Universe 2018 and cultural ambassador celebrated for showcasing Filipino artistry, heritage, and identity on the world stage.
Catriona Gray
A pioneering Filipino hairstylist and beauty industry figure celebrated for promoting Filipino creativity and livelihood programs.
Ricky Reyes
A polymath, novelist, physician, and reformist whose works Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo exposed Spanish abuses and ignited nationalism. His execution on December 30, 1896 transformed him into the foremost symbol of peaceful reform and Filipino identity.
Dr. José Rizal – National Hero
Founder of the Katipunan, the secret revolutionary society that launched the 1896 Revolution against Spain. A self‑educated patriot inspired by liberal writings, he mobilized Filipinos toward armed resistance and is honored yearly in a national holiday.
Andres Bonifacio
Leader of the Revolution, first president of the First Philippine Republic (Malolos Republic), and the figure who declared Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. He was the youngest president at 28 and the longest‑lived at 94.
Emilio Aguinaldo
First President of the Commonwealth; Father of the National Language. Regarded as one of the greatest Filipino statesmen, Quezon championed social justice, land reform, women’s suffrage, military reorganization, and the establishment of the national language. He led the Commonwealth government in exile during WWII.
Manuel L. Quezon
First Defender of Filipino Freedom. The chieftain of Mactan who resisted Spanish colonizers and defeated Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Admiral in oral tradition and widely regarded as the first Filipino hero for defending local sovereignty.
Lapu-Lapu
stands as the financial heart of the Philippines, hosting the headquarters of banks, multinational corporations, and the Philippine Stock Exchange. Its strong corporate presence, luxury real estate, and business-friendly environment cement its status as the second-highest grossing city. It also has the highest per-capita GDP, making it the wealthiest city per resident.
Makati City — ₱239 Billion
remains the undisputed economic giant of the Philippines. Its massive land area, dense population, booming property sector, and strong business tax collection make it the country’s most economically dominant city. It is home to government offices, major universities, tech hubs, and medical centers—creating a diversified economic engine that keeps its asset base the highest nationwide.
Quezon City — ₱443 Billion
thrives as a modern business hub, and several eco-friendly commercial zones. Its green policies, efficient governance, and vibrant business parks have propelled it into the top economic performers.
Pasig City — ₱80 Billion
is the economic heart of Mindanao, known for clean governance, stable investment policies, agriculture, real estate expansion, and booming export industries. It is consistently the top-performing city outside Luzon in asset-based rankings.
Davao City — ₱49 Billion
Called the Queen City of the South, ranks among the country’s most important commercial hubs. It leads in BPO operations, international port activity, tourism, and IT services, making it the Visayas’ top economic center.
Cebu City — ₱46 Billion
Mosquitoes were discovered in _____ for the first time ever—marking a dramatic ecological shift. Iceland had been one of the last mosquito-free regions on Earth.
Iceland
Biggest ______ collision ever detected. Astronomers recorded the largest ________ merger yet observed, revealing massive gravitational‑wave activity and challenging models of its growth.
black hole
Two-Year-Long _ _ _ Prevention Injection Approved
Yeztugo (lenacapavir), a twice‑yearly _ _ _ PrEP injection, achieved near‑100% prevention efficacy—one of the greatest public‑health breakthroughs of the decade.
HIV
proposed that the Earth revolves around the Sun, not the other way around. This discovery shattered centuries of belief in an Earth‑centered universe and marked the beginning of the Scientific Revolution.
Nicolaus Copernicus
Fleming discovered the world’s first true antibiotic, saving hundreds of millions of lives. This revolutionized medicine and opened the antibiotic era.
Penicillin