The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences. Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese. Spain's colonization brought about the construction of Intamuros in 1571, a "Walled City" comprised of European buildings and churches, replicated in different parts of the archipelago. In 1898, after 350 years and 300 rebellions, the Filipinos, with leaders like Jose Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo, succeeded in winning their independence.

In 1898, the Philippines became the first and only colony of the United States. Following the Philippine-American War, the United States brought widespread education to the islands. Filipinos fought alongside Americans during World War II, particularly at the famous battle of Bataan and Corregidor which delayed Japanese advance and saved Australia. They then waged a guerilla war against the Japanese from 1941 to 1945. The Philippines regained its independence in 1946.

Filipinos are a freedom-loving people, having waged two peaceful, bloodless revolutions against what were perceived as corrupt regimes. The Philippines is a vibrant democracy, as evidenced by 12 English national newspapers, 7 national television stations, hundreds of cable TV stations, and 2,000 radio stations.

Filipinos are a fun-loving people. Throughout the islands, there are fiestas celebrated everyday and foreign guests are always welcome to their homes.

The Philippines is a diverse culture—a mixing of native and foreign influences. Over 60 different ethic groups are scattered throughout the country. With this range of backgrounds, a variety of languages and dialects exist (over 80 total). The national language is Pilipino (based on Tagalog), with many speaking other languages such as Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Llocano. English does remain the language for business. Christianity is widely practiced—the only Asian country that practices Christian faiths. However, many Muslims also call the Philippines home.

Cuisine is also varied due to the diverse culture mix. You can find gastronomy with Chinese and Spanish flair. Barbecue is popular, so are dishes served with rice and vegetables cooked in vinegar and garlic. Tropical fruit is abundant and you will find in the cuisine and in desserts, along with crème caramel.

Philippine education is patterned after the American system, with English as the medium of instruction. Schools are classified into public (government) or private (non-government). The general pattern of formal education follows four stages: Pre-primary level (nursery and kindergarten) offered in most private schools; six years of primary education, followed by four years of secondary education. College education usually takes four, sometimes five and in some cases as in medical and law schools, as long as eight years. Graduate schooling is an additional two or more years.

There are 162 private and public colleges and universities, such as the University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University. The Asian Institute of Management, a graduate school of business, offers high-quality manage ment education specifically designed to meet Asian needs.

Metro Manila has a high literacy rate of 96 percent with student population of 2,351,944.

Classes in Philippine schools start in June and end in March. Colleges and universities follow the semestral calendar from June-October and November-March. There are a number of foreign schools with study programs similar to those of the mother country.

Filipino food has been influenced by Spanish and Chinese cuisine.

Rice is the staple food and eaten with most meals. Noodle dishes are also very popular.

Filipino cuisine is unusual as meat (pork and poultry) and seafood may be combined in a single dish. Recipes often use ingredients such as coconut milk, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, tamarind and vinegar. Desserts include rice cakes, leche flan and sweets dishes made from fresh fruit (guavas, mangoes, papayas and pineapples). Ice cream is used in desserts or eaten on its own. Fruit juices are available and green lemons are used to make drinks. Beer and rum are produced locally.