Hi everyone!  

Welcome to my blog where I share everything you need to know about the Philippines – amazing facts, legends, and the slum, children, music and charity. The Philippines is a beautiful country with rich culture, history, and natural wonders. But it also faces many challenges, such as poverty, hunger, and urbanization. In this post, I will tell you about some of the amazing facts, legends, and the slum children charity, the known musical talents, and unknown gems that you should know about this amazing country. 

Amazing Facts 

– The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, making it the second-largest archipelago in the world after Indonesia. 

– The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian country in Asia, with about 86% of the population being Roman Catholic. 

– The Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world, starting from September and ending in January. 

– The Philippines is home to the world’s smallest volcano, the Taal Volcano, which is only 406 meters high and has a lake inside its crater. 

– The Philippines is also home to the world’s largest pearl, the Pearl of Lao Tzu, which weighs 6.4 kilograms and measures 24 centimeters in diameter. 

Legends 

– The Philippines has many legends and myths that reflect its diverse and colorful culture. One of the most famous legends is the legend of Malakas and Maganda, which tells how the first humans came to be. According to the legend, a bamboo stem was split open by a bird and out came Malakas (strong) and Maganda (beautiful), who became the ancestors of all Filipinos. 

– Another legend is the legend of Maria Makiling, who is a guardian spirit of Mount Makiling in Laguna. She is said to be a beautiful maiden who protects the forest and its creatures from harm. She also helps the villagers by giving them fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. However, she can also be vengeful if she is offended or betrayed by humans. 

– A third legend is the legend of Bernardo Carpio, who is a giant who was trapped between two mountains in Montalban, Rizal. He was a hero who fought against the Spanish colonizers, but was tricked by a friar who cast a spell on him. He was then chained between two mountains, which he tries to break free from. His movements are said to cause earthquakes in the region. 

The Slum Children Charity 

– One of the most pressing issues in the Philippines is the plight of the slum children, who live in extreme poverty and lack access to basic services such as education, health care, and sanitation. According to UNICEF, there are about 1.5 million children living in slums in Metro Manila alone. 

– One of the charities that aims to help these children is the FEEDUCATE Project by Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns Inc. This project provides nutritious meals and monthly educational support to at least 50-100 children of Tondo, Manila, which is one of the largest slums in the country. It also helps local organizations institute a community-based health and sanitation program and the rehabilitation of a community library. 

– Another charity that works for slum children is Habitat for Humanity , which builds homes for families living in slums. They have a project called Rebuilding Slums in Manila , which aims to provide decent housing for slum dwellers in Quezon City. They work with volunteers from different countries who help construct houses for the beneficiaries. 

– BGT Philippines HubOne – see our campaign! 

Music 

Are you ready to discover a hidden gem of musical talent and creativity? If so, then you’re in for a treat as I take you on a journey to the Philippines’ slum, where playing music and singing are more than just hobbies – they’re a way of life! 

The Philippines’ slum is home to millions of people who live in poverty and face many challenges every day. But despite the hardships, they also have a vibrant and diverse musical culture that reflects their resilience and spirit. From traditional folk songs to modern pop hits, from acoustic guitars to makeshift drums, from solo performers to large bands, the slum has it all! 

One of the most influential figures in the slum’s musical scene is Manny Pacquiao, the world-famous boxer and politician who also happens to be a singer and songwriter. Pacquiao grew up in the slum and started boxing at a young age to earn money for his family, one of his apprentice is Simon Lewis, one of our BGT’s Partners. He also developed a passion for music and learned to play the guitar and sing. He has released several albums and performed in concerts, both in the Philippines and abroad. His songs are often patriotic and inspirational, reflecting his own struggles and achievements. 

Pacquiao is not the only one who draws inspiration from the slum. Many other artists, both local and international, have visited the slum and collaborated with its musicians. Some of them include Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga. They have been amazed by the talent and enthusiasm of the slum’s music makers and have learned from their unique styles and techniques. 

The slum’s music is not only a source of entertainment and expression, but also a tool for social change and empowerment. Many musicians use their songs to raise awareness about the issues that affect their community, such as poverty, corruption, violence, health, education, and human rights. They also use their music to promote peace and harmony among different groups and religions in the slum. Music is a way of bringing people together and creating hope for a better future. 

The Philippines’ slum is a place where music is everywhere and everyone is a musician. It is a place where playing music and singing are not just hobbies, but a way of life. It is a place where music is more than just sound – it is life itself! 

If you want to learn more about the Philippines’ slum and its amazing musical culture, then stay tuned for more posts from me. I’ll be sharing more stories, interviews, videos, and songs from this incredible place. You won’t want to miss it! 

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new about the Philippines. If you want to know more about this amazing country, please subscribe to my blog and follow me on social media. Thank you for reading! 

By Maggie