| The primarily Catholic nature of the Philippine nation
comes to the fore in the predominance of Christian festivals.
Apart from these, New Years day, military parades and
all the festivals of the various minorities of the country
are also vigorously celebrated. Each region has its own
set of patron saints who are variously honored through
the year.
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| The Philippines has a unique blend of eastern and western
cultures. While most of South East Asia necessarily is
a blend of Chinese, Malay and Indonesian traits, Philippine
culture has been marked by long periods of Spanish and
subsequently American occupation.
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Language
The Philippines is a linguistically diverse nation - there
are almost one hundred and seventy two native languages
and local dialects. The national language is Filipino,
which is based on Tagalog. Tagalog was the national language
during the American period. Filipino, with its basis in
Tagalog, but containing elements of other local languages,
was adopted as the national language in 1973. Both English
and Filipino are promoted as official languages for the
purposes of education, government and commerce. Apart
from Tagalog, other dominant languages are Cebuano, Klokano,
Hiligaynon, Bikol, Waray-Waray, Kapampangan, Pangasinan,
Kinaray-a, Maranao, Maguindanao and Tausug.
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Shopping
Shopping in some of the local markets can be a multi-sensory
experience - vibrant colors, hot perspiring crowds, aromas
from local cuisine wafting though the air, and the sounds
of relentless bargaining in the stalls. Amongst the myriad
items on sale are fabrics, clothes, rugs, embroidered
linen, cutlery, cigars, woodcarvings and cane furniture.
Most of the cities also have Department Stores and Malls.
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