Manila, Philippines--my first visit!!!

Manila, Philippines

 

Philippines recent history overview:

From the time that Ferdinand Magellan claimed the country for the Spanish, in 1521, it was ruled by Spain for more than 300 years. Following Spain's defeat by the United States in 1898, the Philippines became an American colony, not gaining its independence until after World War II. Prior to that, the Philippines had been ruled by the Chinese, the sultanate of Brunei, and during World War II it endured a brutal Japanese military regime.

 

Today the Philippines is a melting pot of ethnic and religious tolerance--a meeting point of east and west. Largely a Christian nation since it was under Spanish rule, it is home to a growing number of Muslims.

 

Of note, the Philippines was named for the Spanish king Philip.

 

The Philippines official languages are Tagalog, (the Filipino language) and English.

 

My visit:

Today, I visited Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

 

More photos to come…………………………