25 Surprising Facts About US From Philippines

Do you know Surprising Facts About US From Philippines? Keep reading this article to know about Surprising Facts About US From Philippines. The Philippines has a long-standing relationship with the United States. This relationship began in 1898 when the Philippines became a U.S. territory after the Spanish-American War. Today, the Philippines remains an important ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region. Despite this relationship, many Americans are still unaware of the fascinating connections between the two countries. In this article, we will explore 25 surprising facts about US from the Philippines.

The Philippines Is Home To The Oldest US Military Cemetery Outside The United States

The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is the largest American military cemetery outside the United States. It serves as the final resting place for over 17,000 Americans who lost their lives during World War II.

The Jeepney, A Popular Mode Of Transportation In The Philippines, Was Originally Made From US Military Jeeps

After World War II, the Philippines was left with a surplus of US military jeeps. Filipinos repurposed them into colorful and uniquely decorated jeepneys, which remain a common sight on Philippine roads to this day. it was one of the surprising facts.

Filipinos Celebrate Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving may be an American holiday, but it is also celebrated in the Philippines by many Filipinos who have relatives in the United States. It is a way for them to feel connected to their loved ones who are far away. it was one of the surprising facts.

The First American University In Asia Was Founded In The Philippines

The University of Santo Tomas, founded in 1611, is the oldest existing university in Asia. It was also the first university in the Philippines to be granted autonomous status by the Philippine government and the Commission on Higher Education.

The US Was The First Country To Recognize The Philippines As An Independent Nation

The United States recognized the independence of the Philippines on July 4, 1946. This date was chosen to coincide with the US Independence Day celebrations.

The Filipino Language Has Borrowed Many Words From English

The Philippines has two official languages: Filipino and English. Due to the long-standing relationship between the two countries, many English words have found their way into the Filipino language. it was one of the surprising facts.

The Philippine National Anthem Was Originally Written In Spanish

The lyrics of the Philippine National Anthem were written in Spanish by José Palma in 1899. The original title of the anthem was “Marcha Nacional Filipina.”

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The Tarsier, A Small Primate Native To The Philippines, Inspired The Character Yoda In Star Wars

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, was inspired by the tarsier when he created the character Yoda. The tarsier’s large eyes and small size resemble Yoda’s appearance.

The Philippines Is Home To The World’s Smallest Volcano

The Taal Volcano, located in Batangas province, is considered to be the world’s smallest active volcano. Despite its size, it is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. it was one of the surprising facts.

The Philippines Was Once A US Commonwealth

From 1935 to 1946, the Philippines was a US Commonwealth. During this period, the Philippines was granted a significant degree of autonomy, but the United States maintained control over its foreign policy and defense.

The US Purchased The Philippines From Spain For $20 Million In 1898

The Philippines was originally a Spanish colony, but it was sold to the United States for $20 million following the Spanish-American War.

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Filipino Nurses Are An Integral Part Of The US Healthcare System

Filipino nurses make up a significant portion of the US healthcare workforce. According to the Migration Policy Institute, there were over 150,

000 Filipino nurses and nursing assistants working in the United States in 2018. Their contributions are highly valued, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. it was one of the surprising facts.

The Philippines Was The First Country In Asia To Host The Olympics Torch Relay

In 1964, the Olympics Torch Relay passed through the Philippines on its way to Tokyo, Japan. This made the Philippines the first country in Asia to host the relay. it was one of the surprising facts.

The Balangiga Bells Were Returned To The Philippines In 2018

The Balangiga Bells were taken by US soldiers as war booty during the Philippine-American War in 1901. In 2018, after years of lobbying by the Philippine government, the bells were returned to the Philippines.

The Philippines Has A US Embassy In Manila

The US Embassy in Manila is one of the largest US embassies in the world. It is located in the Ermita district of Manila and serves as the official diplomatic mission of the United States in the Philippines. it was one of the surprising facts.

The US Provides Military Aid To The Philippines

The United States provides military aid to the Philippines, which includes training and equipment for the Philippine armed forces. This is part of the United States’ commitment to supporting its ally in the Asia-Pacific region. it was one of the surprising facts.

The Philippine Eagle Is The National Bird Of The Philippines

The Philippine Eagle, also known as the monkey-eating eagle, is one of the largest and rarest birds of prey in the world. It is native to the Philippines and is considered a symbol of strength and freedom. it was one of the surprising facts.

The Philippines Was A Major Theater Of World War II

During World War II, the Philippines was a major theater of war between the United States and Japan. The Philippines was under Japanese occupation for three years, but it was liberated by US forces in 1945.

The Banaue Rice Terraces Are Considered A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Banaue Rice Terraces, located in the northern Philippines, are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They were created by the Ifugao people over 2,000 years ago and are still used for rice cultivation to this day.

The Philippines Has The Longest Christmas Season In The World

Filipinos are known for celebrating Christmas as early as September and extending the celebrations until January. This makes the Philippines the country with the longest Christmas season in the world.

The US Has A Significant Influence On Philippine Culture

The United States has had a significant influence on Philippine culture, especially in the areas of music, food, and entertainment. Many Filipinos are fans of American movies, TV shows, and music.it was one of the surprising facts.

The Philippines Has A Strong American Football Community

American football may not be as popular as basketball in the Philippines, but it has a strong and growing community of fans and players. The Philippines has its own American football league, the Philippine American Football League (PAFL).

The US Is One Of The Top Trading Partners Of The Philippines

The United States is one of the top trading partners of the Philippines. In 2020, the United States was the Philippines’ third-largest export market and second-largest source of imports.

The Philippines Was The First Country In Southeast Asia To Gain Independence

The Philippines was the first country in Southeast Asia to gain independence from a colonial power. This was a significant milestone in the history of the Philippines and inspired other countries in the region to pursue their own independence.it was one of the surprising facts.

The US And The Philippines Share A Strong Bond Of Friendship And Partnership

Despite their complicated history, the United States and the Philippines share a strong bond of friendship and partnership. The two countries continue to work together in various areas, including security, trade, and culture.

In conclusion, the relationship between the United States and the Philippines is a complex and multifaceted one that has evolved over the years. While there have been challenges and conflicts, there are also many areas of cooperation and shared interests. The 25 surprising facts presented in this article serve to highlight the unique and interesting aspects of this relationship.

FAQs

1. When did the United States acquire the Philippines?

• The United States acquired the Philippines as part of the Treaty of Paris in 1898, which ended the Spanish-American War.

2. What is the current population of Filipinos in the United States?

• According to the US Census Bureau, there were approximately 4.3 million Filipinos in the United States in 2019.

3. What is the significance of the Balangiga Bells?

• The Balangiga Bells were taken by US soldiers as war booty during the Philippine-American War and their return to the Philippines in 2018 was seen as a symbol of reconciliation between the two countries.

4. What is the significance of the Banaue Rice Terraces?

• The Banaue Rice Terraces are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a testament to the ingenuity and cultural heritage of the Ifugao people.

5. What is the significance of the US Embassy in Manila?

• The US Embassy in Manila serves as the official diplomatic mission of the United States in the Philippines and is one of the largest US embassies in the world. It plays a vital role in maintaining the relationship between the two countries.