Before Spain- The Untold Story of Ancient Philippine Civilizations

Welcome to our incredible 30-day journey through the Philippines. I'm your host Amit Raj from Mythos Amit Raj, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be your guide as we explore one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant and fascinating countries. Over the next month, we'll dive deep into Filipino culture, history, traditions, and so much more. But today? Today we're starting with the basics, getting to know this amazing archipelago and its incredible people. So grab your virtual passport, and let's begin this adventure together. Hey history lovers, quick favour before we start. If you enjoy today's video, please help me reach 500 likes, and don't forget to subscribe for more amazing historical stories. First things first, where exactly are the Philippines? Picture Southeast Asia, and right there in the heart of it all, you'll find this stunning archipelago floating in the Pacific Ocean. Now, here's something that blows my mind every time I think about it. The Philippines isn't just one island, or even a handful. We're talking about 7,641 islands. That's right, over 7,000 islands. Of course, not all of them are inhabited. Only about 2,000 have people living on them, and many are so small they don't even have names. But here's how Filipinos organize this beautiful chaos. They group everything into three main regions. In the north, you have Luzon. That's the biggest island and where you'll find the capital. In the middle, there's the Visayas, a cluster of islands including some of the most popular tourist destinations. And down south, there's Mindanao, the second largest island with incredible cultural diversity. The Philippines sits right along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means it's got some serious geological drama. We're talking volcanoes, earthquakes, and some of the most spectacular landscapes you'll ever see. This location has shaped everything about Filipino life, from the food they eat to the houses they build. Vital statistics. Let's talk numbers because they tell an incredible story. The Philippines is home to over 110 million people, making it the 13th most populous country in the world. That's more people than Germany, the UK, or France. The capital is Manila, but when people say Manila, they're usually talking about Metro Manila, officially called the National Capital Region. This megacity is home to about 13 million people, making it one of the most densely populated urban areas on the planet. It's intense, it's energetic, and it's absolutely alive 24-7. The currency here is the Philippan Peso, and you'll see it abbreviated as PHP, or sometimes just with the peso symbol. As for languages, and this is fascinating, they have two official languages, Filipino, which is based on Tagalog, and English. Yes, English. This makes the Philippines one of the largest English-speaking countries in the world. But here's what's really cool. There are actually over 180 languages spoken throughout the islands. Each region, sometimes each island, has its own distinct language or dialect. Imagine the rich linguistic tapestry that creates. Government and modern structure. Politically, the Philippines is a presidential republic, similar to the United States in structure. They have a president who serves as both head of state and head of government, elected for a single six-year term. No re-election allowed. Now this political system has deep roots in their colonial history. The Philippines gained independence on July 12th, 1898 from Spain, but then immediately came under American control. True independence came after World War II on July 4th, 1946. Fun fact, they celebrated Independence Day on July 4th until 1964, when they moved it to June 12th to commemorate the declaration of independence from Spain. Today's Philippines is a dynamic, developing nation. It's one of the emerging economies in Southeast Asia, with a young population. The median age is just 25 years old. This youth energy is driving innovation, especially in technology and services. But what really makes the Philippines special isn't just its geography or politics, it's the people and their incredible culture. Filipinos have a concept called kapamilya, which literally means family. But it goes beyond blood relations. It's about treating others as family, creating this warm, inclusive community spirit wherever they go. There's this beautiful Filipino value called bayanihan. It originally referred to the practice of community members helping to literally move someone's house by lifting it together and carrying it to a new location. Today, it represents the spirit of cooperation and helping your neighbours, especially during tough times. Let's talk food for a second, because Filipino cuisine is having a major moment worldwide. Rice is the foundation of almost every meal, paired with what they call ulam, which could be anything from the famous adobo, a tangy, savoury stew, to fresh tropical fruits. And speaking of tropical, the Philippines has a tropical climate with two main seasons, wet and dry. The dry season runs from December to May, while the wet season brings monsoons from June to November. This climate creates some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And yes, we'll be exploring those later in our journey. Here's something that might surprise you. The Philippines has one of the largest diaspora populations in the world. There are about 12 million Filipinos working and living abroad, sending money back home to support their families. These Overseas Filipino Workers, or OFWs, are considered modern-day heroes because their remittances make up a huge part of the Philippine economy. You'll find Filipino communities thriving in countries like the United States, Canada, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and many others. They're nurses, engineers, teachers, domestic workers, seafarers, contributing their skills and talents all over the world while maintaining strong connections to home. The Philippines is also becoming a major player in the global economy, especially in business process outsourcing. Those customer service calls you make. There's a good chance you're talking to someone in Manila or Cebu. The country has become a hub for English language services to companies worldwide. What's ahead? So that's your introduction to the Philippines. But trust me, we've barely scratched the surface. Over the next 29 days, we're going to dive so much deeper here on Mythos Amit Raj. We'll explore ancient civilizations and learn about the pre-colonial societies that thrived here for thousands of years. We'll journey through 333 years of Spanish rule and discover how it shaped modern Filipino culture. We'll meet the heroes who fought for independence and learn about the American period and World War II. We'll dance to traditional music, learn to cook iconic dishes, and understand the deep spiritual traditions that guide Filipino life. We'll explore stunning natural wonders from the chocolate hills of Bohol to the underground rivers of Palawan. And we won't just look backward. We'll examine modern Philippines, its challenges and triumphs, its role in ASEAN, and its aspirations for the future. Closing the Philippines isn't just a country, it's a feeling. It's the warmth of people who greet strangers like family. It's the resilience of a nation that has weathered storms, literal and metaphorical, and emerged stronger. It's the beauty of 7,641 islands, each with its own story to tell. Tomorrow, we'll start exploring those individual islands and regions, learning about the geography that shaped this nation's destiny. But for today, I want you to remember this. The Philippines is a place where east meets west, where ancient traditions dance with modern dreams, and where every sunset over the Pacific brings new possibilities. So, are you ready for this adventure? I hope so, because the Philippines is about to steal your heart, just like it stole mine. See you for day two, where we'll dive into the incredible geography and climate that make these islands so special. And if you're enjoying this journey, make sure to subscribe to Mythos Amit Raj for all 30 days of this incredible exploration. Salamat, that's thank you in Filipino, and see you soon.