"Famous Filipinos Around The World"

Famous Filipino Personalities

Some Of Few Filipinos That Are World Reknowned & There Are Lot More That Have Not Been Discovered Yet.....

But Filipinos Are Very Talented In Many Fields That We Can Show The World We've Got What It Takes To Be On Top!!!

" PROUD TO BE FILIPINO "

"Society"

MY DEAR BROTHERS & SISTERS,
Our extensive Filipino culture which gives us divine thoughts of the well-being of all and teaches the principles like ‘Cosmopolitanism’ is the only Sanaatan thought present in the world, since long back. ‘Sanaatan’ does not mean orthodox or old, but it means the principles which were present long back, are still present and will remain forever (beyond the limitations of time and place). The thoughts of the saints from our culture are certainly eternal and a guide to all.

Today, only because of this, the whole world is clearly seen getting attracted towards The Filipino Spiritual Thought.We all are aware that you all respect our Filipino culture which is a pride to the whole world. Even though you are physically away from your motherland, it is doubtless that you are attached to your compatriots in the Philippines through the thoughts, ethics and culture.

Every human being has three kinds of needs- Physical, mental and intellectual. Parents, school education, money, materialistic pleasures may satisfy the physical needs to some extent, but only the literature of The Saints can give wise thoughts to the mind and fine emotions to the heart. Along with the materialistic progress, the ideological, intellectual and cultural progress of the individual and the society is also equally important, as the material progress of any nation alone cannot make her citizens happy, content and satisfied eternally.

Only the thoughts of The Saints prove to be a guide for the overall development of the society. Our institution is active through various projects like Free Residential Enlightenment Camps, Weekly Contemplation Classes, organising exhibitions on ‘Aatmadnyaan’, the series of paintings based on the spiritual thoughts and delivering sermons at different places.Today, our youth is seen running behind money and materialistic pleasures through different sources.

Their selfish and the lusty attitude leads to mental stress, devaluation in moral values & principles and apathy towards Lord- Nation- Religion. Corruption, violence and debauchery is growing rapidly. They, reaching the peak of material success on one side, are devaluating over the moral front on the other side. Let us try to rescue our youth from the vicious circle of immoral thoughts by giving them mental stability, purity, peace, satisfaction and true, eternal happiness through Swadharma in the form of duties and responsibilities.

"A Filipina,The Woman Of Your Dreams"

Filipina , The One

Island of the PhilippinesFacts: The Philippines is 3rd largest english speaken country in the world.
The Philippines, in southeastern Asia, consists of 7,107 islands lying between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean The Philippines, is 300.000 square kilometers ( 115,831 square miles) The Spanish colony was named the Philippines, after Philip of Spain (King Philip II).

Philippines is land of friendly people and smile on every face. Filipino girls other name "filipina" or "Pinay" is a magic woman in magic country.

Win The Heart Of A Beautiful Filipina.

There are so many ways how to win the heart of a girl. One of the most common moves is to give her gifts, such as flowers, chocolates , cute stuff toys, food, greeting cards, etc. You can take her out for a dinner, lunch, even breakfast! These are just so many ways in my mind that I could think of, but my personal favorite is how to win the heart of a "Pinay" (nickname for Filipino Girls). Courting a Filipina isn't as easy as you can see others are doing. There's a saying that when you court a Filipina, you court her family as well. Lucky for you if she doesn't have a large family because if she did, you will be tiring yourself with all the tasks you needed to do before you win her heart or win her family's heart, but it's all going to be worth it because it is all done by you to win her heart. Filipinas are family-oriented, that it is important for them that their parents or their brothers & sisters agree on you. Even uncles, aunties & grandparents butt-in as well. It is most important for the family that you court her in the house. This leaves you to visiting her in their house and remember to bring something for her family as well. Fresh fruits is the most common and I say the best gift to bring for them, it is not just delicious but it means you care for the family's health. By just doing this, you'll earn a lot of plus points!

You should spend time hanging out with her and her family. Either inside the house or going out somewhere. Being with them always makes them know more about you also. They will become comfortable with you around and probably earn their trust on you. They might challenge you to a game her dad likes, make you help plant on her mom's backyard, or even make you drive the whole family to just anywhere they like. If you'll be able to pass these things and see you as the right man for their girl, they will be in favor of you. Fortunately, the family will be advising or push their girl to like you the way they like you. Just remember that Filipinas love to be showered with attention from their partners. Respect is always important too. Understanding her and making her important people important for you is also a must. You should always remember that "Pinays" just like any other girls in the world, They needed your unconditional "LOVE"

You’ve found yourself the girl of your dreams, and guess what she’s a Filipina. You decided to visit her for the first time. On the second thought, you don’t know what to do when you get there. How to act, what to bring as gifts for her, where to stay, what things you should do when you’re there, simply all the things a foreigner should expect with her Filipina girlfriend.

You’re confused because you’ve been hearing about Filipinas as “gold-diggers”; they’re only out for what they can get. This is a common misconception, about the Pinays in general. You might even be surprised to find out that many of these young ladies are very shy to ask a man for money. In fact they would if opportunity arose, but still they want to work hard for it. You will also be surprised that Filipinas who you will be in relationship with is more than likely to want to protect you from wasting all your money, they will avoid you from the things that are expensive, poor value & quality, and also of course to other Filipinas who’s just after your money. A good Pinay will always protect her investment which is of course you.

First of all, you wanted to impress your girl. In their eyes they’re convinced that you’re rich, why? Because Philippines are a third world country, and anyone who is from a foreign country such as UK or US is considered as rich. You have to be a Filipino kind of broke before they consider you broke. So before you ride the plane to Philippines, there are things you need to prepare aside from the proper documents such as passports etc. First, a gift for her, maybe a branded perfume. Then you must expect that she will introduce you to her family, especially if you guys have talked about marriage. You then need to prepare a gift for her nanay (Mom) and tatay (Dad). Small items from your country to be given to her siblings. You might want to bring extra gifts too incase grandparents are there too hehe. Bring imported chocolates, they would be glad when they receive pasalubongs (gifts from other places).

Meeting your lady for the first time can be a bit awkward for her. She will be shy most of the times but expect that she would do her best to make your trip worthwhile. Filipinas are charming, loving, attentive and very helpful. They are aware that since it’s your first time in the Philippines, she will want to look after you and take care of your needs, she is also aware that you took the time to travel and see her in an exclusive basis. She is of course flattered by your visit that she wants to make your stay as comfortable and as enjoyable as it could be. And of course the long wait has arrived; honestly you’re going to be expecting sex! However, expect that you might not get it immediately or within the first couple of days. If you get lucky, I advice you to think carefully about family planning. Since Filipinas are not that conscious about birth controls, you should do the first act by using a condom. You wouldn’t want to embarrass her or yourself with her family, getting her pregnant before you are married.

Visiting a Filipina in an exclusive basis is very important; expect to be out with her most of the times. Pinays feel proud to have you walking with her, it’s quite chic in the Philippines to have a foreign boyfriend, so don’t be surprised if you get a few stares from other people. Expect that if you treat a Filipina as your “princess” there is no boundary for what she will do for you. And that is why you should not stare at other Filipinas while in her company. This is actually considered to be rude, and may cause your lady to show strange kind of behavior known as “tampo”. Pinays can be quite stubborn when you displease her, they don’t want a guy to come all the way in the Philippines and just start looking at another local. After all, they can get someone who does that right at home. Yes, some Filipinos “Pinoys” are known for having mistresses, one of the reasons why young Pinays are attracted to the idea of a foreign husband that they are absolutely convinced that foreign men won’t cheat on their wives, or at least the majority don’t do it.

The important thing to remember is that Filipinas can be the most accommodating woman in the world, treating you like a man should be treated comes natural to them. In return, they expect you to trust them. Second is fidelity, they don’t want you to commit infidelities and third is Honesty. Pinays expect you to be honest with them in a practical way. They expect you to provide for them and take care of them. Simply, a Pinay expects to be treated as the only woman in your life.

"Asian Beauty"

"Don't Underestimate...
The Charm Of An Asian Woman"



1. In Asia, it is more acceptable for an old guy (Westerner) to walk around with a young girl (in her late teens, early twenties). No, it is not more acceptable. It's just more ignored or overlooked by the locals, due to the Asian culture of avoiding embarrassing realities or skirting conflict if possible. Most Asian cultures, and certainly the Filipino culture, are not any more accepting of prostitution in their religion. Any "acceptance" is at the cultural level, among the lower classes and economically impoverished sectors of Asian society. They simply "accept" sex tourists, especially the older, uglier, and fatter ones, due to their desire and often greed for the punter's money. And yes, they do see him as a punter, not as a handsome man, man of the world, white teacher, or good hearted man.

2. There are more "available women" in Asia. No, in all likelihood there is just a slightly higher number of women compared to men, in sync with most of the world, due to women's tendency to live longer...and to to drive men to their graves earlier LOL. There may appear to be more available women, given that Western men have more money due to the exchange rate. However, consider that the women surrounding them are often bargirls, hookers, gold diggers, and most are a combination of damaged good, divorcees, abused women, and prostitutes. Not exactly the type of "available women" most men consider desirable by Western standards.

3. Asian women are better due to their "traditional values". This one is a real joke, given how obviously contradictory the average Westerner propagating it is. One the one hand, he spews his hatred of filipina women as fat cows with no sense of femininity, while on the other hand he moans about greedy Filipina bargirls who lie about their love, playing the "girlfriend", all in order to steal his money. Did it ever occur to the Westerner seeking his "traditional Asian wife", that this would mean supporting her, given her lack of meaningful earning power (she's uneducated, only has skills in prostitution (the bargirls) or domestic skills (the bargirls and non-bargirls), young, and inexperienced in professional work), and dealing with an uneducated person relative to the average Westerner?

Did it ever occur that when you push away that overly competitive filipina girl, you are also pushing away the person who is "truly" your equal (something many men seem to hate in a woman, why?), able to have meaningful intellectual talks with, and able to support herself? Conversely, when you marry or date a "traditional" girl, has it occurred that most filipinas seem to always end up with the poor ones? Unless you actually are attractive and relatively young (i.e. under 40), with some reasonable amount of social skills, the odds are unlikely you'll end up with an educated Asian woman. If you do, she will likely be more Westernized and less traditional too.

There is a natural trade off between a Western girl and a "traditional Asian woman". With one comes having to deal with an equal with full freedom to leave or stay based on her judgement of you as a person, a boyfriend, a lover, and a human being (just like the way guys evaluate their girlfriends, bargirls, hookers, and lovers). On the other hand, you gain sexual, emotional, and domestic complicity at the cost of financial support and a marriage that may border on institutionalized prostitution.

"To All Filipinos"

My Fellow Filipinos,

When I was small, the Philippine peso was P2 to the $dollar . The president was Diosdado Macapagal . Life was simple. Life was easy. My father was a farmer. My mother kept a small sari-sari store where our neighbors bought sang-perang asin, sang-perang bagoong, sang-perang suka, sang-perang toyo at pahinging isang butil na bawang. Our backyard had kamatis, kalabasa, talong, ampalaya, upo, batao, and okra. Our silong had chicken. We had a pig, dog & cat. And of course, we lived on the farm. During rainy season, my father caught frogs at night which my mother made into batute (stuffed frog), or just plain fried. During the day, he caught hito and dalag from his rice paddies, which he would usually inihaw. During dry season, we relied on the chickens, vegetables, bangus, tuyo, and tinapa. Every now and then, there was pork and beef from the town market. Life was so peaceful , so quiet, no electricity, no TV. Just the radio for Tia Dely, Roman Rapido, Tawag ng Tanghalan and Tang-tarang-tang. And who can forget Leila Benitez on Darigold Jamboree? On weekends, I played with my neighbours (who were all my cousins). Tumbang-preso, taguan, piko, luksong lubid, patintero, at iba pa. I don't know about you, but I miss those days.
These days, we face the TV, Internet, e-mail, newspaper, magazine,grocery catalog, or drive around. The peso is a staggering and incredible P40 to the $dollar. Most people can't have fun anymore. Life has become a battle. We live to work. Work to live. Life is not easy. I was in Saudi Arabia in 1983. It was lonely, difficult, & scary . It didn't matter if you were a man or a woman. You were a target for rape. The salary was cheap & the vacation far between. If the boss didn't want you to go on holiday, you didn't. They had your passport. Oh, and the agency charged you almost 4months of your salary (which, if you had to borrow on a "20% per month arrangement" meant your first year's pay was all gone before you even earned it). The Philippines used to be one of the most important countries in Asia . Before & during my college days, many students from neighboring Asian countries like Malaysia , Indonesia , Japan and China went to the Philippines to get their diplomas. Like Thailand , they went to study agricultures in UP Los Banos and earned their bachelors in the Phils and now we imports rice from them. It's opposite now. Philippines used to be the exporter of any agriculture products but now it's different. We imports because not much land (farms) they can cultivate due to private sectors who focused on developing houses, buildings, supermarkets, mall and others. What happened now? What's the government doing? Checking their own pocket, their own personal interest and pork barrels. Wow!

Until 1972,like President Macapagal, President Marcos was one of the most admired presidents of the world. The Peso had kept its value of P7 to the $dollar until I finished college . Today, the Philippines is famous as the "housemaid" capital of the world. It ranks very high as the "cheapest labor" capital of the world, too. We have maids in Hong Kong , laborers in Saudi Arabia , dancers in Japan ,migrants and TNTs in Australia and the US , and all sorts of other "tricky" jobs in other parts of the globe. Quo Vadis, Pinoy? Is that a wonder or a worry? Are you proud to be a Filipino, or does it even matter anymore? When you see the Filipino flag and hear the Pambansang Awit, do you feel a sense of pride or a sense of defeat & uncertainty? If only things could change for the better....... Hang on for this is a job for Superman. Or whom do you call? Ghostbusters. Joke. Right?

This is one of our problems.

We say "I love the Philippines ... I am proud to be a Filipino."

When I send you a joke, you send it to everyone in your address book even if it kills the Internet. But when I send you a note on how to save our country & ask you to forward it, what do you do?

You chuck it in the bin.

I want to help the maids in Hong Kong .. I want to help the laborers in Saudi Arabia ... I want to help the dancers in Japan ... I want to help the TNTs in America and Australia ...

I want to save the people of the Philippines ... But I cannot do it alone. I need your help and everyone else's.

So please forward this e-mail to your friends. If you say you love the Philippines , prove it. And if you don't agree with me, say something anyway. Indifference is a crime on its own .

Juan Delacruz

"The Portrait that is the Filipina"

A True Filipina

The Filipina of today is a life-size, full-length oil painting on canvas. She is a tableau that can be hung and appreciated, with pride or prejudice, depending on who the audience is. She is a multi-dimensional portrait. The background, shaped by the epochs in which she slowly evolved, greatly influences the main element, which is a mixture of diverse yet solid colors.

To fully understand the whole painting that is the Filipina, we need to scrutinize both the background and the main element. The background shows us a dynamic picture of the Filipina of yesteryears. She was a babaylan or katalonan (chief priestess) during the pre-Hispanic period, an active participant of the revolution, a committed member of the suffrage movement in the 19th century, and now a strong force in every sector of the society.

She has always enjoyed equality with men, and has always sought and received education. That is, until the coming of the Spaniards that underlined man’s superiority and the woman’s limited capacity², thus forcing the Filipina to take a supporting role in society.

She was typecast as meek and submissive, but was she ever really? Even the world-fabled Maria Clara showed glimpses of an inner strength and a resilient spirit — qualities that always came to the fore whenever circumstances would pit the Filipina against social and personal turmoil. She got through the dark ages of her past — her repression and the rape of her soul and spirit by the colonizers — stronger than ever.

She took an active part in building the nation, and in becoming what she is today.
The main element of the portrait, on the other hand, is the modern Filipina — her evolved self. Having recaptured her original role in the society, that is, her man’s equal, she is busier than ever, charting not just her own destiny but that of the whole nation.

She has become the country’s chief executive and a commissioned officer in the armed forces. She now holds major seats in the government, chairs executive meetings in offices, launches civic activities, moulds the young, and lords over her internal and external struggles, among others. She has braved foreign cultures in foreign lands, and is braving them still.

The modern Filipina is multi-faceted. Gifted with an open, compassionate heart, she is loyal and unselfish. She values love and friendship, adores her family, and does not mind putting her loved ones’ needs ahead of her own.

Blessed with a good mind, she loves learning and enjoys getting the kind of education she deserves. Social issues and intellectual debates are as much a staple for her as are talks about movies, social events, and shopping and beauty products. She can enjoy the company of logic and common sense, and get cozy with introspection. She can do anything she sets her mind on and can excel in her own field. She is the sail and rudder of her own ship; she knows what she wants, and does her best to achieve it.

She knows and speaks her mind and asserts her views, although at times — when she sees fit — she is willing to hold her tongue to give the platform to her husband.
Endowed with a compassionate soul, hers are the hands that reach out to friends and loved ones in need. Her shoulders, strong yet comfortable, are always ready to caress wounded spirits.

She may be quick to tears, but as she pours her heart out, an inner strength surges to the surface, and a new resolve comes over her. She has the resilience of the bamboo that allows her to thrive even in the harshest of conditions. She may bend and sway with the direction of the wind during stormy weathers, and she may cry rivers when her existence is jolted by life’s earthquakes, but she never gives up; she strives not to fall.

Bestowed with a happy spirit and shiny disposition in life, she smiles a warm smile, and laughs an infectious kind of laughter. She deals with life with the necessary amount of seriousness, and licks her wounds with good humor.

Being human, she too commits mistakes. She also stumbles and errs. But her weaknesses do not warrant removal of her portrait from the world gallery of respectable and strong women.

It should continue to hang there; it is the spotlight that has been focused on the tiny blemish on her portrait for so long that should be finally properly angled so that the viewers may, hopefully, learn to admire the masterpiece that the Filipina really is.;

"the Philippine History"

"Philippine History"

Early History -The Negritos are believed to have migrated to the Philippines some 30,000 years ago from Borneo, Sumatra, and Malaya. The Malayans followed in successive waves. These people belonged to a primitive epoch of Malayan culture, which has apparently survived to this day among certain groups such as the Igorots. The Malayan tribes that came later had more highly developed material cultures.

In the 14th cent. Arab traders from Malay and Borneo introduced Islam into the southern islands and extended their influence as far north as Luzon. The first Europeans to visit (1521) the Philippines were those in the Spanish expedition around the world led by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Other Spanish expeditions followed, including one from New Spain (Mexico) under López de Villalobos, who in 1542 named the islands for the infante Philip, later Philip II.
Spanish Control - The conquest of the Filipinos by Spain did not begin in earnest until 1564, when another expedition from New Spain, commanded by Miguel López de Legaspi, arrived. Spanish leadership was soon established over many small independent communities that previously had known no central rule. By 1571, when López de Legaspi established the Spanish city of Manila on the site of a Moro town he had conquered the year before, the Spanish foothold in the Philippines was secure, despite the opposition of the Portuguese, who were eager to maintain their monopoly on the trade of East Asia.

Manila repulsed the attack of the Chinese pirate Limahong in 1574. For centuries before the Spanish arrived the Chinese had traded with the Filipinos, but evidently none had settled permanently in the islands until after the conquest. Chinese trade and labor were of great importance in the early development of the Spanish colony, but the Chinese came to be feared and hated because of their increasing numbers, and in 1603 the Spanish murdered thousands of them (later, there were lesser massacres of the Chinese).

The Spanish governor, made a viceroy in 1589, ruled with the advice of the powerful royal audiencia. There were frequent uprisings by the Filipinos, who resented the encomienda system. By the end of the 16th cent. Manila had become a leading commercial center of East Asia, carrying on a flourishing trade with China, India, and the East Indies. The Philippines supplied some wealth (including gold) to Spain, and the richly laden galleons plying between the islands and New Spain were often attacked by English freebooters. There was also trouble from other quarters, and the period from 1600 to 1663 was marked by continual wars with the Dutch, who were laying the foundations of their rich empire in the East Indies, and with Moro pirates.

One of the most difficult problems the Spanish faced was the subjugation of the Moros. Intermittent campaigns were conducted against them but without conclusive results until the middle of the 19th cent. As the power of the Spanish Empire waned, the Jesuit orders became more influential in the Philippines and acquired great amounts of property.

Revolution, War, and U.S. Control - It was the opposition to the power of the clergy that in large measure brought about the rising sentiment for independence. Spanish injustices, bigotry, and economic oppressions fed the movement, which was greatly inspired by the brilliant writings of José Rizal. In 1896 revolution began in the province of Cavite, and after the execution of Rizal that December, it spread throughout the major islands. The Filipino leader, Emilio Aguinaldo, achieved considerable success before a peace was patched up with Spain. The peace was short-lived, however, for neither side honored its agreements, and a new revolution was brewing when the Spanish-American War broke out in 1898.

After the U.S. naval victory in Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, Commodore George Dewey supplied Aguinaldo with arms and urged him to rally the Filipinos against the Spanish. By the time U.S. land forces had arrived, the Filipinos had taken the entire island of Luzon, except for the old walled city of Manila, which they were besieging. The Filipinos had also declared their independence and established a republic under the first democratic constitution ever known in Asia. Their dreams of independence were crushed when the Philippines were transferred from Spain to the United States in the Treaty of Paris (1898), which closed the Spanish-American War.

In Feb., 1899, Aguinaldo led a new revolt, this time against U.S. rule. Defeated on the battlefield, the Filipinos turned to guerrilla warfare, and their subjugation became a mammoth project for the United States—one that cost far more money and took far more lives than the Spanish-American War. The insurrection was effectively ended with the capture (1901) of Aguinaldo by Gen. Frederick Funston, but the question of Philippine independence remained a burning issue in the politics of both the United States and the islands. The matter was complicated by the growing economic ties between the two countries. Although comparatively little American capital was invested in island industries, U.S. trade bulked larger and larger until the Philippines became almost entirely dependent upon the American market. Free trade, established by an act of 1909, was expanded in 1913.

When the Democrats came into power in 1913, measures were taken to effect a smooth transition to self-rule. The Philippine assembly already had a popularly elected lower house, and the Jones Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1916, provided for a popularly elected upper house as well, with power to approve all appointments made by the governor-general. It also gave the islands their first definite pledge of independence, although no specific date was set.

When the Republicans regained power in 1921, the trend toward bringing Filipinos into the government was reversed. Gen. Leonard Wood, who was appointed governor-general, largely supplanted Filipino activities with a semimilitary rule. However, the advent of the Great Depression in the United States in the 1930s and the first aggressive moves by Japan in Asia (1931) shifted U.S. sentiment sharply toward the granting of immediate independence to the Philippines.

The Commonwealth - The Hare-Hawes Cutting Act, passed by Congress in 1932, provided for complete independence of the islands in 1945 after 10 years of self-government under U.S. supervision. The bill had been drawn up with the aid of a commission from the Philippines, but Manuel L. Quezon, the leader of the dominant Nationalist party, opposed it, partially because of its threat of American tariffs against Philippine products but principally because of the provisions leaving naval bases in U.S. hands. Under his influence, the Philippine legislature rejected the bill. The Tydings-McDuffie Independence Act (1934) closely resembled the Hare-Hawes Cutting Act, but struck the provisions for American bases and carried a promise of further study to correct “imperfections or inequalities.”

The Philippine legislature ratified the bill; a constitution, approved by President Roosevelt (Mar., 1935) was accepted by the Philippine people in a plebiscite (May); and Quezon was elected the first president (Sept.). When Quezon was inaugurated on Nov. 15, 1935, the Commonwealth of the Philippines was formally established. Quezon was reelected in Nov., 1941. To develop defensive forces against possible aggression, Gen. Douglas MacArthur was brought to the islands as military adviser in 1935, and the following year he became field marshal of the Commonwealth army.

World War II - War came suddenly to the Philippines on Dec. 8 (Dec. 7, U.S. time), 1941, when Japan attacked without warning. Japanese troops invaded the islands in many places and launched a pincer drive on Manila. MacArthur’s scattered defending forces (about 80,000 troops, four fifths of them Filipinos) were forced to withdraw to Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor Island, where they entrenched and tried to hold until the arrival of reinforcements, meanwhile guarding the entrance to Manila Bay and denying that important harbor to the Japanese. But no reinforcements were forthcoming. The Japanese occupied Manila on Jan. 2, 1942. MacArthur was ordered out by President Roosevelt and left for Australia on Mar. 11; Lt. Gen. Jonathan Wainwright assumed command.

The besieged U.S.-Filipino army on Bataan finally crumbled on Apr. 9, 1942. Wainwright fought on from Corregidor with a garrison of about 11,000 men; he was overwhelmed on May 6, 1942. After his capitulation, the Japanese forced the surrender of all remaining defending units in the islands by threatening to use the captured Bataan and Corregidor troops as hostages. Many individual soldiers refused to surrender, however, and guerrilla resistance, organized and coordinated by U.S. and Philippine army officers, continued throughout the Japanese occupation.

Japan’s efforts to win Filipino loyalty found expression in the establishment (Oct. 14, 1943) of a “Philippine Republic,” with José P. Laurel, former supreme court justice, as president.

But the people suffered greatly from Japanese brutality, and the puppet government gained little support. Meanwhile, President Quezon, who had escaped with other high officials before the country fell, set up a government-in-exile in Washington. When he died (Aug., 1944), Vice President Sergio Osmeña became president. Osmeña returned to the Philippines with the first liberation forces, which surprised the Japanese by landing (Oct. 20, 1944) at Leyte, in the heart of the islands, after months of U.S. air strikes against Mindanao. The Philippine government was established at Tacloban, Leyte, on Oct. 23.

The landing was followed (Oct. 23–26) by the greatest naval engagement in history, called variously the battle of Leyte Gulf and the second battle of the Philippine Sea. A great U.S. victory, it effectively destroyed the Japanese fleet and opened the way for the recovery of all the islands. Luzon was invaded (Jan., 1945), and Manila was taken in February. On July 5, 1945, MacArthur announced “All the Philippines are now liberated.” The Japanese had suffered over 425,000 dead in the Philippines.

The Philippine congress met on June 9, 1945, for the first time since its election in 1941. It faced enormous problems. The land was devastated by war, the economy destroyed, the country torn by political warfare and guerrilla violence. Osmeña’s leadership was challenged (Jan., 1946) when one wing (now the Liberal party) of the Nationalist party nominated for president Manuel Roxas, who defeated Osmeña in April.

The Republic of the Philippines - Manuel Roxas became the first president of the Republic of the Philippines when independence was granted, as scheduled, on July 4, 1946. In Mar., 1947, the Philippines and the United States signed a military assistance pact (since renewed) and the Philippines gave the United States a 99-year lease on designated military, naval, and air bases (a later agreement reduced the period to 25 years beginning 1967). The sudden death of President Roxas in Apr., 1948, elevated the vice president, Elpidio Quirino, to the presidency, and in a bitterly contested election in Nov., 1949, Quirino defeated José Laurel to win a four-year term of his own.

The enormous task of reconstructing the war-torn country was complicated by the activities in central Luzon of the Communist-dominated Hukbalahap guerrillas (Huks), who resorted to terror and violence in their efforts to achieve land reform and gain political power. They were finally brought under control (1954) after a vigorous attack launched by the minister of national defense, Ramón Magsaysay. By that time Magsaysay was president of the country, having defeated Quirino in Nov., 1953. He had promised sweeping economic changes, and he did make progress in land reform, opening new settlements outside crowded Luzon island. His death in an airplane crash in Mar., 1957, was a serious blow to national morale. Vice President Carlos P. García succeeded him and won a full term as president in the elections of Nov., 1957.
In foreign affairs, the Philippines maintained a firm anti-Communist policy and joined the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization in 1954. There were difficulties with the United States over American military installations in the islands, and, despite formal recognition (1956) of full Philippine sovereignty over these bases, tensions increased until some of the bases were dismantled (1959) and the 99-year lease period was reduced. The United States rejected Philippine financial claims and proposed trade revisions.

Philippine opposition to García on issues of government corruption and anti-Americanism led, in June, 1959, to the union of the Liberal and Progressive parties, led by Vice President Diosdado Macapagal, the Liberal party leader, who succeeded García as president in the 1961 elections. Macapagal’s administration was marked by efforts to combat the mounting inflation that had plagued the republic since its birth; by attempted alliances with neighboring countries; and by a territorial dispute with Britain over North Borneo (later Sabah), which Macapagal claimed had been leased and not sold to the British North Borneo Company in 1878.

Marcos and After - Ferdinand E. Marcos, who succeeded to the presidency after defeating Macapagal in the 1965 elections, inherited the territorial dispute over Sabah; in 1968 he approved a congressional bill annexing Sabah to the Philippines. Malaysia suspended diplomatic relations (Sabah had joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963), and the matter was referred to the United Nations. (The Philippines dropped its claim to Sabah in 1978.) The Philippines became one of the founding countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1967. The continuing need for land reform fostered a new Huk uprising in central Luzon, accompanied by mounting assassinations and acts of terror, and in 1969, Marcos began a major military campaign to subdue them. Civil war also threatened on Mindanao, where groups of Moros opposed Christian settlement. In Nov., 1969, Marcos won an unprecedented reelection, easily defeating Sergio Osmeña, Jr., but the election was accompanied by violence and charges of fraud, and Marcos’s second term began with increasing civil disorder.

In Jan., 1970, some 2,000 demonstrators tried to storm Malacañang Palace, the presidential residence; riots erupted against the U.S. embassy. When Pope Paul VI visited Manila in Nov., 1970, an attempt was made on his life. In 1971, at a Liberal party rally, hand grenades were thrown at the speakers’ platform, and several people were killed. President Marcos declared martial law in Sept., 1972, charging that a Communist rebellion threatened. The 1935 constitution was replaced (1973) by a new one that provided the president with direct powers. A plebiscite (July, 1973) gave Marcos the right to remain in office beyond the expiration (Dec., 1973) of his term. Meanwhile the fighting on Mindanao had spread to the Sulu Archipelago. By 1973 some 3,000 people had been killed and hundreds of villages burned. Throughout the 1970s poverty and governmental corruption increased, and Imelda Marcos, Ferdinand’s wife, became more influential.

Martial law remained in force until 1981, when Marcos was reelected, amid accusations of electoral fraud. On Aug. 21, 1983, opposition leader Benigno Aquino was assassinated at Manila airport, which incited a new, more powerful wave of anti-Marcos dissent. After the Feb., 1986, presidential election, both Marcos and his opponent, Corazon Aquino (the widow of Benigno), declared themselves the winner, and charges of massive fraud and violence were leveled against the Marcos faction. Marcos’s domestic and international support eroded, and he fled the country on Feb. 25, 1986, eventually obtaining asylum in the United States.

Aquino’s government faced mounting problems, including coup attempts, significant economic difficulties, and pressure to rid the Philippines of the U.S. military presence (the last U.S. bases were evacuated in 1992). In 1990, in response to the demands of the Moros, a partially autonomous Muslim region was created in the far south. In 1992, Aquino declined to run for reelection and was succeeded by her former army chief of staff Fidel Ramos. He immediately launched an economic revitalization plan premised on three policies: government deregulation, increased private investment, and political solutions to the continuing insurgencies within the country. His political program was somewhat successful, opening dialogues with the Marxist and Muslim guerillas. However, Muslim discontent with partial rule persisted, and unrest and violence continued throughout the 1990s. In 1999, Marxist rebels and Muslim separatists formed an alliance to fight the government.

Several natural disasters, including the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo on Luzon and a succession of severe typhoons, slowed the country’s economic progress. However, the Philippines escaped much of the economic turmoil seen in other East Asian nations in 1997 and 1998, in part by following a slower pace of development imposed by the International Monetary Fund. Joseph Marcelo Estrada, a former movie actor, was elected president in 1998, pledging to help the poor and develop the country’s agricultural sector. In 1999 he announced plans to amend the constitution in order to remove protectionist provisions and attract more foreign investment.

Late in 2000, Estrada’s presidency was buffeted by charges that he accepted millions of dollars in payoffs from illegal gambling operations. Although his support among the poor Filipino majority remained strong, many political, business, and church leaders called for him to resign. In Nov., 2000, Estrada was impeached by the house of representatives on charges of graft, but the senate, controlled by Estrada’s allies, provoked a crisis (Jan., 2001) when it rejected examining the president’s bank records. As demonstrations against Estrada mounted and members of his cabinet resigned, the supreme court stripped him of the presidency, and Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn in as Estrada’s successor.

Macapagal-Arroyo was elected president in her own right in May, 2004, but the balloting was marred by violence and irregularities as well as a tedious vote-counting process that was completed six weeks after the election.

The Filipina Beauty

The Filipina is renowned for her beauty, her caring disposition and having strong family values. These attributes make a Filipina Wife a desirable choice for many single men.

So what is a Filipina?

The original inhabitants of the archipelago known as the Philippines are of Malay origin. For centuries Chinese, Indian and Middle Eastern traders visited the Philippines often leaving more than just a cultural influence.

The Philippines was under Spanish control for 400 years and the Filipina has adopted many of the Latina characteristics and have a unique beauty all their own.

The Philippines is not considered part of the Latin world today but has been strongly influenced by its Latin past. Discovered by Portuguese explorer Magellan on his historic circumnavigation of the world the Philippines was named after King Philip of Spain who was funding the expedition.

It has been said that the Filipinos were not encouraged to learn Spanish due to a change in colonial policy. Despite this the preferred everyday counting system is Spanish and the currency is the Peso.

The National Filipino language is very rich in Spanish words and while the language does not grammatically incorporate gender they have adopted many gender endings. They will use Filipino for male and Filipina for female.

In Central and southern Philippines a handsome man is guapo and a pretty girl is guapa. Further South around Zamboanga in Mindanao there is an area where the people speak a language very close to Spanish called Ciabacano.

Filipino cuisine is also richly influenced by both Spanish and South America (the Philippines was actually administered from Mexico). Dishes such as Paella, Apretida, Aroscaldo, Menudo and Calderita are considered Filipino.

In traditional Filipino music and dance there is unmistakably a Spanish sound and it is considered an integral part of their cultural heritage. The traditional dress style is also Spanish but as in most Latin American countries the younger generation prefer the American fashions.

The Filipino have also adopted much of the Latin values and attitudes. Perhaps the biggest legacy is Catholicism which is embraced by vast majority of the Filipinos.

At the turn of last century control of the Philippines past to American hands and it has often been said that the Philippines spent 400 years in a Convent and then 40 years in Hollywood.

English was quickly adopted as a second language and most people you will encounter will have a good command of the language so basic communication is seldom a problem. Most Filipino people admire and aspire to Western culture, in particular American.

The Philippines is outwardly one of the most Western countries in Asia yet I have heard it said that if you scratch the surface of a Filipino you will find an Asian. The Philippines still shares many cultural traditions and values with its neighbours.

The cuisine is a blend of Malay and Chinese with strong Spanish influences. American fast food is also extremely popular. American fashion rules but there is always a subtle hint of Latina in the way they dress.

American music rules but again old Latin influences are often found in home grown music. Any new Western music featuring Latin sounds is guaranteed to be popular in the Philippines

The Filipina is a product of all these influences both genetic and cultural. Their amazing beauty is a result of the infusion of many different ethnic influences coming together to produce the beautiful hybrid we call a Filipina

How to know if she is the Right Girl for You

Even if your relationship works well, you have to think if she is the right girl for you, the one with whom you want to spend all your life. How do you if she is the right one? Here are some things that might help you.

It is great to have a long term relationship even if this is very difficult to sustain. It supposes a lot of sacrifices from both partners. Maybe you have met a wonderful girl a long time ago and you still have a relationship with her because you were able to make all the sacrifices and changes that needed, to make this work. But have you ever wondered if she is the right girl for you? Many couples after years of relationship break up because they find out that they are not compatible. Worst, sometimes couples that are married get divorce because they are not suitable with each other and didn't realize this earlier. So, if you are in a relationship right now stop for a second and analyze your relationship, your girlfriend and see if this is what you really want and if she is the right girl for you, until it's not too late. Even if your relationship works well, you have to think if she is the right girl for you, the one with whom you want to spend all your life. How do you if she is the right one? Here are some things that might help you: - makes you feel more happy, makes you smile more, help you every time you needed, it is a person you can trust on, someone you see you can have a future with -she is focused on you, you are definitely not on the second place in her life -she loves you, you can see this from her attitude; observe the way she looks at you and treats you everyday, how she speaks with you, if she is glad when you are making a surprise to her; she has to love you for who you are and not for who you try to be -eye contact it is also very important, so watch out because if she doesn't have the courage to look directly in your eyes when you talk with her, something is wrong there; she might hiding something and then she is not the right girl for you -she has to be smart, intelligent; this is a kind of woman who wont let you get bored, because will constantly surprise you; also it is nice to have someone with whom you can talk about everything -it is very important to be sexually compatible with you; this means that has to exist that undeniable attraction between you two, and you are able to communicate your desires verbally; you have to please each other in the bedroom -she has to have patience in your relationship; so test her; if she asks you to take her out to dinner tell her that now it is not possible because you don't have money so she has to wait until the salary day; see how she is reacting; if she understands you means that she loves you, if not and gets angry means that she stay with you only for your money so you better get rid of her -is she beautiful? This doesn't mean that she has to be miss beauty, just someone who wants to look good for you and for herself, try always to look her best, someone who you can be proud to be with; if she has just some beautiful parts that you like, this is ok -she likes you the way you are; she doesn't try to control you, doesn't insist to give up your nights out with guys; she allows you to be yourself; she may suggest you a new sweater, but she is not critical on every aspect of the way you live -she respects you; this means that she would never cause scenes in public in front of your family and friends and wait to discuss matters with you in private; also she is able to listen your opinion even if she doesn't agree with what you say -she is willing to do sacrifices for you; she is willing to move your furniture if it has too, wants to meet your friends, and she is wiling to try new things that you ask her even if she never do that again -she has to have her own personality and opinions; to be able to enjoy time away from you, while still missing you; an independent woman is all you need -she is able to make efforts for you, to get along with the most important people from your life: like your mom, dad, brothers, sisters and also friends -you like the way she handles things; you like the way she sees the world, how she thinks, and her thoughts actually interest you -she is friendly, respectfully, exactly how you like; you like the way she treats other people, is kind with strangers, animals Now, all you have to do is to think if your girlfriend meets some of these requirements and to decide if she is the right girl for you.