Filipinos are famous all over the world. Their resiliency and vision to fight for a better tomorrow are commendable. It is this amazing fighting spirit that drives people to think: “what made Filipinos like that?” There are many factors at play here. Filipinos have a rich history when it comes to culture and countless others have influenced it. Today, what you see is a mix of different traditions and practices.

Filipinos love to share their culture and talk about the past. However, there are some facts that are unknown to many foreigners. These facts will show you how Filipinos developed the way they act now. It will also explain why Filipinos have the drive to keep up and stand with other nations. One thing you should remember is that Filipinos are sentimental people. Because of this, the culture and traditions a Pinoy might have can actually last many generations without ever fading.

The magic of the Filipino spirit remains known throughout the whole world. They are very hospitable and loving. They are easy to unite under a unified reason. They will do anything to protect their family and friends. They are also religious and have great work ethics. However, there are some facts you should know about Filipinos. Why did they come to be like that? You can unlock the mysteries of the Filipino mentality as you read on below.

The Philippines has been invaded 3 times!

First up were the Spanish colony led by Miguel Lopez De Legazpi. They arrived in February of the year 1565 and they stayed for 333 years. The Spanish brought the Catholic religion to the Philippines. Even today, Catholicism in the Philippines remains the most prominent religion of the country. Churches made in the Spanish era are still erect to this day. They are considered as great tourist spots in the country.

Before the Spanish left the Philippines, the Americans tried to help. At least, before they conquered the Philippines. Their conquest in the Philippines was actually short-lived but was enough to keep the Filipinos on their toes. They were the ones who taught the Filipinos the kind of political system they are in today.

During the American regime in the Philippines, World War I happened and the power balance shifted to Japan. They have taught many Filipinos the gift of being diligent as they worked Filipinos to the bone.

The Philippines were influenced by major colonies of ancient times

It is to be noted that the Philippines, though an archipelago, is not entirely disconnected. Instead, it was believed that there were Land bridges connecting the Philippines to different countries. The rise of the ocean then submerged the bridges.

This is the reason why Filipinos look much like other people from other countries, Malay people who taught them how to make boats, or even Chinese. However, the largest influence in the culture of the Filipinos was the Chinese.

They taught Filipinos how to be very diligent with the money they have. As a result, many Filipinos are still tight-fisted when it comes to money. They also taught the Filipinos the “siopao” and the “siomai” as well as how to fly a kite.

"The largest influence of the Spaniards – The Catholic Religion"

It is a melting pot of dialects and religious beliefs

Because of the ancient colonies that came to the Philippines, as well as the occupation of different nations, the Philippines developed many dialects. Of course, the geography also played a huge part in the making of these different dialects. Today, there are 8 major dialects which branch into no less than 120 variations.

Religion also is a big part of the Filipino mentality. With Catholics forming the majority of the people of the country, it should be noted that Filipinos have varied beliefs. Some religions to be seen here are the different sects of Protestant Churches, Jehova’s Witnesses, The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ), and the Islam religion which is dominant in the south.