Fun Facts About the Philippines

The Philippines, a captivating archipelago located in Southeast Asia, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.

The following are several fun facts about the Philippines:

1 | Text, Selfie and Social Media Capital of the World

Filipinos Love Social Media

Around the year 2008, the Philippines earned the nickname “Text Capital of the World” due to the large volume of text messages sent throughout the country. In 2014, Time Magazine recognized the country as the “Selfie Capital of the World” due to the highest number of selfie-takers in the country particularly in Makati City and Cebu City. It also earned another nickname, the “Social Media Capital of the World”, due to millions of Filipinos spending an average of almost four hours a day on social media platforms particularly Facebook.

2 | A Filipino opened the first yo-yo company in the world

Father and son playing yo-yo.

The first yo-yo company in the world was opened in 1928 by Pedro Flores, a Filipino immigrant to the United States.

3 | Filipinos love basketball

Young Pinoys playing basketball.

Filipinos love basketball so much that makeshift basketball courts are almost everywhere in the country. Most streets have their own basketball court until the government started their road clearing campaign to clear the roads of illegal obstructions including basketball courts. In fact, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is the first professional basketball league in Asia and the second oldest in the world next to the NBA.

4 | Karaoke is popular in the Philippines

Pinoys enjoy Karaoke or KTV

Karaoke is so popular in the country that it has become a staple during celebrations and gatherings especially birthday parties and town fiestas. Even during regular days, bored Filipinos take out their karaoke and belt out their favorite songs to pass the time. It’s so popular that you will find KTV (karaoke TV) bars not only in the cities but also in smaller towns. No wonder there are several Filipinos who are world class singers including Lea Salonga, Arnel Pineda, and Apl.de.ap.

5 | Boondocks and Boonies slang came from a Filipino word

Bundok is the Filipino word for mountain.

The American words “boondocks” and “boonies” originated from the Filipino word “bundok” which means mountain. It was introduced to the North American vernacular by U.S. soldiers stationed in the Philippines during World War II.

6 | The Philippines has the longest Christmas celebration in the world.

Vendor in Manila selling Christmas lanterns during Christmas Season.

The Philippines has the longest Christmas celebration in the world. Christmas season starts with the “ber” months (months of the year ending with ber) until the Feast of the Three Kings in early January. Christmas songs can be heard in malls and from radio stations as early as the first day of September. Singer Jose Mari Chan has become a Christmas icon and even given the title “Father of Philippine Christmas Music”.

READ MORE: Christmas in the Philippines

7 | Rice is a staple food in the Philippines

Typical Filipino Breakfast.

Rice is life to almost every Filipino. It’s a staple to every dining table and a Pinoy meal wouldn’t be complete without it.

These are just a few fun facts about the Philippines. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm-hearted people, the Philippines is a country that never fails to captivate visitors from around the world.