Filipino culture — Spanish + American + Asian blend. 7641 islands, 175 languages. Catholic country with Asian heart.
Language
Filipino (Tagalog) and English — official. 175 languages total. Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon — major regional. Spanish heritage in vocabulary.
Religion
80% Catholic — only Christian-majority country in Asia (besides East Timor). Spanish colonization 333 years. Religious processions, fiestas every village patron.
Cuisine
Adobo (national dish — chicken/pork in vinegar+soy), sinigang (sour soup), lechon (whole roast pig), pancit, halo-halo. Spanish + Chinese + Malay influences.
Music
Folk music with Spanish guitar. OPM (Original Pinoy Music). Karaoke obsession — KTV culture. Apo Hiking Society, Eraserheads — rock legends. Lea Salonga — Miss Saigon, Mulan.
Festivals
Sinulog (Cebu), Ati-Atihan (Aklan), Pahiyas (Lucban), Black Nazarene (Manila). Christmas longest in world (September-January). Holy Week solemn.
Sports
Basketball — national passion (despite small stature). Boxing — Manny Pacquiao 8-division world champion. Volleyball, billiards (Efren Reyes world champion).
Modern Culture
Cinema — Brillante Mendoza (Cannes Best Director 2009). OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) — 10 million abroad, 10% of GDP. Filipino hospitality famous worldwide.