We Visit the Philippines

Consisting of more than 7,000 islands – most of which are uninhabited – the Philippines is an island nation off Southeast Asia that is characterized by great natural beauty. It was ruled by Spain as a colony for over 300 years. In 1989, the Philippines traded one ruler for another when the United States took over in the aftermath of its victory in the Spanish-American war. Following a brief but brutal Japanese occupation during World War II, the nation became independent in 1946. More recently, it endured and survived the rule of strongman Ferdinand Marcos. Despite these challenges, the Philippines is becoming an increasingly vibrant and modern society as it moves forward in the 21st century.