PHILIPPINES – ISLAND PARADISE IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC

The Republic of the Philippines, a Southeast Asian nation and an archipelago of 7,641 islands in the Western Pacific, with about 2,000 of them inhabited, stands as the world’s fifth-largest island country after Indonesia, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, and Japan. Alongside East Timor, the Philippines is the only Asian island state with a Catholic majority population. Named by Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos in honor of Prince Philip as Filipinas, its dense forests, crystal-clear waters, and seemingly endless sandy beaches make each island a little paradise with diverse and enticing interiors, featuring steep mountains, hot springs, bubbling volcanoes, impressive lava deserts, and lush rice terraces. The historical sites, dazzling underwater worlds, and fascinating landscapes attract countless tourists from around the world every year. The vibrant culture and legendary hospitality of the Filipinas and Filipinos add to its charm. Myths and legends abound about the creation of the Philippines, all sharing beliefs in magical beings and powerful gods as creators. These creation myths are undoubtedly among the most fascinating stories globally.