Philippine History
He is widely recognized as the Philippine national hero and is the author of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
Jose Rizal
Often considered the unofficial national dish, it features meat simmered in a marinade of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black peppercorns.
Adobo
The Philippine archipelago is geographically divided into these three main island groups.
Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
First airing in 1979, this is the longest-running noontime variety show in the Philippines.
Eat Bulaga!
Derived from Spanish, this is the standard Filipino greeting that means "How are you?"
Kumusta
This Portuguese explorer reached the Philippines for Spain in 1521 but met his end at the Battle of Mactan.
Ferdinand Magellan
This iconic, mouth-puckering sour soup is typically flavored with tamarind (sampaloc).
Sinigang
Located in Albay, this highly active volcano is famous worldwide for its "perfect cone" shape.
Mount Mayon (or Mayon Volcano)
This world-renowned Filipino boxer is the only fighter in history to win major world titles in eight different weight classes.
Manny Pacquiao
These two short words are added to sentences in Tagalog as a sign of deep respect for elders.
"po" and "opo"
The historic 1986 bloodless revolution that toppled the Marcos dictatorship is known by this name.
EDSA People Power Revolution
A staple at grand fiestas, this dish is a whole pig roasted slowly over charcoal until the skin is perfectly crispy.
Lechon
These lush formations in Ifugao were carved into the mountains by indigenous ancestors over 2,000 years ago.
Banaue Rice Terraces
This iconic, smiling red insect is the mascot for the largest fast-food chain in the Philippines.
Jollibee
Rooted in pre-colonial spirituality, this common phrase essentially means "leave it up to God" or "come what may."
"Bahala na"
After her husband Diego was assassinated, this fierce Ilocano heroine took over the leadership of his rebel forces against the Spanish.
Gabriela Silang
This popular street food is a fertilized, developing duck embryo that is boiled and eaten straight from the shell.
Balut
Spread across Bohol, these geological formations turn a distinct brown during the dry season, earning them their sweet name.
Chocolate Hills
In 1969, she made history by becoming the first Filipina to win the Miss Universe title.
Gloria Diaz
This term refers to the unique Filipino spirit of communal unity and cooperation, famously symbolized by neighbors moving a whole nipa hut.
Bayanihan
Established by Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565, this is the oldest city in the Philippines.
Cebu City
Translating to "mix-mix," this ultimate summer dessert features shaved ice, evaporated milk, sweet beans, sago, and ube ice cream.
Halo-halo
Voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, this massive underground river system is located in this province.
Palawan
This traditional folk dance involves dancers skillfully stepping in and out of clapping bamboo poles.
Tinikling
You yell out this Spanish-derived word when you want the jeepney driver to pull over so you can get off.
"Para"