We, Filipinos are known for innumerable traits that make us distinct and unique

from the rest of the world. Perhaps our most valuable asset is our people. Our hospitality is
well-known among Filipinos. We value new relationships and cherish the ones we already
have. Respect is imperative to us. We have a long-standing practice of pagmamano and
adding the words po and opo to our sentence, which is a manner of honoring our parents
and elders through words and gestures. We place a premium on hard effort and dedication.
We are tenacious individuals. We can't be dragged down by any storm. No earthquake will
be able to separate us. We face life's adversities with a smile on our faces and optimism as
our armor. Aside from our people, our country can also take pride and are also
acknowledged for its pristine beaches, astonishing destinations, rich culture, and amazing
delicacies. However, the Philippines is more than the verdant hills and mountains, lush
forestry, exotic animals, and rolling waves. And this essay will help you in getting to know
more about the Pearl of the Orient Seas also known as the Philippines.
First, the islands were dubbed "the Philippines" after King Philip II of Spain. Second,
the Republic of the Philippines is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean near the equator that
comprises roughly 7,640 islands, making it one of the largest archipelagos in the world.
However, most international maps do not name over 5,000 of the islands. The Philippines
is separated into three main areas: Luzon which is the largest, northernmost island, the
Visayas that comprises the major islands Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, and
Masbate, and Mindanao, the second-biggest island in the archipelago. This chain of islands
has some of the most breathtaking views in the world. The perfect cone-shaped Mayon
Volcano in Albay, the crystal-clear waters of Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan, the man-made
stairway to heaven of Banaue Rice Terraces, the route to another dimension through
Palawan's Underground River, the powder-white sand of Boracay in Aklan, and the bumpy
Mt. Pinatubo trek in Sta. Juliana, these are just a few of the highlights. Third, in 2009, about
1.39 billion SMS messages were being sent in the Philippines daily. The country was one of
the earliest adopters of text messaging, gaining the moniker text capital of the world.
Fourth, the Philippines is the only Asian nation that is predominantly Christian. While
many of its Southeast Asian neighbors practice Buddhism, the Philippines has an 86
percent Roman Catholic population. Another 2% belong to one of more than a hundred
Protestant denominations. The Muslim minority accounts for 4% of the population, with
the Christian majority, concentrated on the southern islands of Mindanao, Sulu, and
Palawan. The other 2%, who live in remote mountainous locations, adhere to non-Western
tribal values and traditions. Although quantitatively insignificant, the Chinese minority has
had a cultural influence in infusing Filipino Catholicism with many of the principles and
practices of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Fifth, the Philippines is the home to
three of the world's top ten retail malls namely: SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, and SM Mall
of Asia. Sixth, the jeepney, a colorfully painted bus with roots dating back to World War II
and the US military's jeeps, is an iconic symbol of the Philippines. However, as pollution
concerns develop, the traditional jeepney may be phased out in favor of more fuel-efficient
electric cars. Seventh, the Philippines is one of the world's top coconut growers, having
produced 19.5 million tons of fruit in 2010. There are also mangosteens, papayas, and
bananas that can be found here. Eighth, a Filipino diver discovered the world's largest pearl
in the Palawan Sea. The pearl, which weighs 75 pounds, is worth $100 million. Ninth, with a
population of almost 108 million people, this Southeast Asian country is the world's 13th
most populous country. Tenth, the Philippines Basketball Association was Asia's first
basketball league, established in 1975. Many Filipinos, in addition to being tremendous
basketball fanatics, are also big boxing aficionados. Lastly, the Philippines is the world's
leading supplier of nurses. Many citizens seek work abroad, partly as a result of the
country's restricted job options.
With our pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, the Philippines is an easy
country to fall in love with. And, just as a journey here will almost likely make you fall in
love with everything you see on the islands, it will almost certainly make you fall in love
with everyone you meet here. With all that additional information about the Philippines, as
Filipinos, we need to realize that now is the time to work together and be one of those who
advocate for the conservation of our natural resources and the preservation of our
country's beauty and world-class status. Let us all do our part to preserve and safeguard
our environment. Preserve our culture and customs, which serve as a reminder of our
history. Conserve our fauna and flora, particularly the species of plants and animals that
are exclusively found in the Philippines. Always remember that we are among the most
fortunate people on the planet, which is why we must respect our motherland lest we live
in regret.