Ten Things You Should Know About Reading

Previously I posted the nine reasons and benefits of reading books. This posting I received from my FaceBook page the other day detailed additional benefits why we should read. I was not surprised about #6, stating that reading can slow down the aging process. Do you agree with #4 and #10 also?      

Things You Probably Didn't Know About Reading

Reading is an integral part of our daily lives, providing a gateway to knowledge, entertainment, and personal growth. However, despite its familiarity, there are many fascinating aspects of reading that remain unknown to many. Here are some surprising facts about reading:

1. Your Brain Processes Images Faster Than Words

Research suggests that our brains process visual information 60,000 times faster than text. This explains why illustrations and graphics enhance comprehension and recall.

2. Reading Can Alter Your Brain Chemistry

Reading releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and relaxation. This "reading high" can reduce stress and improve mood.

3. The Average Reading Speed is 200-300 Words Per Minute

Most adults read at a pace of 200-300 words per minute, but skilled readers can reach speeds of up to 400 words per minute.

4. Reading Can Increase Empathy

Studies have shown that reading fiction improves empathy by allowing readers to experience different perspectives and emotions.

5. The World's Oldest Known Written Story Dates Back to 2100 BC

The ancient Sumerian epic, "The Epic of Gilgamesh," predates Homer's "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey."

6. Reading Can Slow Down Aging

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading can delay cognitive decline and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.

7. Your Eyes Don't Move Linearly When Reading

Instead, they jump between focus points, taking in groups of words at a time. This process is called "saccadic movement."

8. Reading Can Improve Memory

Reading enhances memory by strengthening connections between brain cells and promoting neural plasticity.

9. The First E-Book Was Created in 1971

Michael Hart's digital version of "The Declaration of Independence" marked the beginning of the e-book era.

10. Reading Can Reduce Stress by 68%

A University of Sussex study found that reading reduces stress more effectively than listening to music or taking a walk.

Reading is more than just a hobby or necessity; it has profound effects on our minds, emotions, and well-being. By embracing reading, we can expand our knowledge, foster empathy, and cultivate a healthier, happier life.

Meanwhile, Did You Know? That----

The Philippines is a global leader in geothermal energy, with geothermal power being the second largest source of renewable energy in the country, and the fifth largest source of energy overall!

The country sits along the Ring of Fire, making it rich in geothermal resources. This natural heat from the Earth’s core is harnessed to generate electricity, particularly in areas like Leyte, Bacolod, and Tingloy. The Tiwi and MakBan geothermal plants are some of the largest in operation, helping provide sustainable energy to millions of Filipinos.

The Philippines is one of the top producers of geothermal energy in the world, contributing significantly to its renewable energy capacity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Lastly, enjoy these fresh yellow roses adorning my kitchen.

Finally a thank You Note from the Newton Staff for the Christmas envelopes, I gave them.

Just a side Note: After the Cocktail Hour, yesterday, Cydney and the Whole THD Gang sang Happy Birthday to me. Again thank you for your birthday greetings! It feels good to be LOVED and Acknowledge!

Today is My 90th Birthday- First Job in the United States

Today is My 90th Birthday. It is day of Recollection, Reflection and Gratitude!

So turning 90 brings back pleasant memories of my first job in the US. I am describing it in detail in this posting( a repost).     

I am in the 2nd Row, First from the Left ( #32) in dark brown Jacket, 1969. 

One of our numerous conversations during meal times here at THD was about our first job💚. There were a lot of interesting and challenging first jobs that I have heard. However, mine is also interesting and ground breaking. My employer was The Chemagro Corporation, Agricultural Research Subsidiary of Bayer Corp, Kansas City. Missouri. The company later sponsored me for permanent residency and later my family became US citizens in 1972. 

Here is a repost of my article:   

My First Industrial Job in the US was with Chemagro Corporation, Kansas City, Missouri in 1964. My first job in the Philippines after my Bachelor in Chemistry Degree in 1955 was Instructor in Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, UP, Diliman, Q.C. 

Group Photo of the Research Department in 1964. I was #36 in the group photo-second row and second from the Right,

My first industrial job after finishing my Ph.D from the University of Illinois was for Chemagro Corp in Kansas City, Missouri. My title was Chemist in the Methods Development group( Biochemistry) headed by Dr. Charles Anderson ( Chuck). My primary duty was to develop analytical methods for the detection of pesticides residues in plant and animal tissues. My work for five years( 1964-1969) resulted in several publications on the subject of analytical methods for pesticide residues in a couple of scientific journals. I enjoyed my first job very much because of my fellow employees and my supervisor, Dr. Chuck Anderson.

Chemagro sponsored me for my permanent resident visa from a student visa. Looking at the group photo above, I now realized I was the first Filipino scientist hired by the company. There were 40 employees in the research Department mostly white men in 1964. There were only six women and no black scientist in our department. Our Chief and Head of Research was a woman, Dr. Rosemarie Von Rumker ( middle of photo).   

I was very proud to be the only Asian hired by the company for several years. As a matter of fact my photo with two other white chemists was published in the Kansas City Star as an advertising for the company in 1967. 

Photo Taken in 1967 from the Kansas City Star Sunday Newspaper

Here's the latest information about Chemagro from the Internet: Chemagro is now called Bayer Crop Science, LP.

The Bayer Crop Science site is located on about 236 acres at 8400 Hawthorne Road in North Kansas City, Missouri, approximately 1.5 miles south of the confluence of the Missouri and Blue rivers. The facility occupies about 150 acres of the site and is protected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ East Bottom Flood Levee. The remaining property is undeveloped land lying outside the Levee (river side of the Levee).

Before 1956, the property was farmland. In 1956, the facility opened as an agricultural chemical manufacturing facility, known as Chemagro, which became a wholly owned subsidiary of Bayer A.G. in 1967. In 1971, the facility came under control of the Mobay Chemical Corp. as a result of the merger and restructuring of various U.S. businesses affiliated with Bayer A.G. Over the years the facility formulated and produced numerous insecticides, fungicides and herbicides for agricultural use, including guthion (azinphosmethyl), disulfoton (Disyston), fenthion (Baytex), demeton (Systox), coumaphos (Baymix) and Meta-Systox-R. 

Since 1979, the facility has operated two hazardous waste container storage areas in the south-central part of the facility, with a combined capacity of 12,375 gallons; four 27,000-gallon hazardous waste storage tanks and one hazardous waste incinerator. In January 1992, the facility name changed to Miles Inc., and in April 1995 the name changed to Bayer Corp., Agricultural Division. These were not changes in ownership or operating responsibility, but changes in company name only. In 2002, Bayer CropScience LP assumed ownership of the site. 

LASTLY,  I would like to hear from you regarding your first job after your college graduation as well as your last job prior to retirement.  I am sure you still remember it! 

💚We  also talked about our last job prior to retirement. I posted this in my blogs a couple of years ago and was discus also during my last year talk about the Philippines.  My last job before retirement was with the Food and Drug Administration. I was the Chemistry Team Leader in the Division of Anti-Infective Drugs, Center of New Drugs, Silver Spring, MD. As team leader, I was responsible for prioritizing, assigning, and assuring the technical accuracy of all chemistry, manufacturing and control issues for all new drug applications submitted to the Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products, Center of New Drugs. 

I worked for FDA for 12 years prior to my retirement in 2002. My job with the FDA was the most challenging, happiest and rewarding experience in my professional career. 

htt-s://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-highlights-of-my-professional.html

Finally, here are some photos, I took of the Merrie Olde Christmas Carolers Concert last night at 7PM at the Lobby

Again, thanks a million to all my Friends and Relatives who send me their Birthday Greetings on my natal day, today! I enjoyed the singing phone greetings of Dick Botton as well as of Carol & John Larimore. 

Personal Reflections on the Eve of MY 90th Birthday

Thank You, Lord for all your blessings and Graces on the Eve of my 90th Birthday.  It's only Dec 19 here in the US, but since it is already December 20 in the Philippines, I have been receiving birthday greetings in My Face Book Page. I also have received 2 Birthday cards ( see Photo Above) today.

However, this posting is a repost of my personal reflections and previous activities in my younger years together with my late spouse of 63 years, Macrine Jambalos Katague. I am reposting it today on the Eve of my 90th birthday. It's a day of Reflection, Recollection and Thanksgiving as well. My advance apology because this posting is a very long read. 

"During some of our meal time conversations here at THD with my fellow senior residents, we talked on numerous topics.  Some of the topics we discussed are about aging gracefully, as well as our former experiences during our young and active years.  However, one of the most inspiring and meaningful subject we discussed was "what have we done for others?" 

Here's an excerpt from my article about our involvement with the medical mission from my Hubpages.com writing account. 

"We have helped our less fortunate brethren with our time, effort and resources. We know we have truly lived because we have touched the lives of others.

My wife and I had devoted our time and resources to this humanitarian project since 1998. Our involvement in this humanitarian project has given us satisfaction and its one way of the many ways one can give back the good fortunes one receives while residing in the US. 

Macrine showing off the newly purchased Mission T-shirts in front of our Conference Hall, Amoigon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines 

Dental and Medical Mission of Love

Macrine and I have been an active members of Marinduque International, Inc. (MI,Inc) for many years and have served for its seven bi-annual Medical and Dental Missions since 1998 in Marinduque, Philippines. MI, Inc is a non-profit organization based in the US. One of its missions is to provide free medical services to the impoverished residents of Marinduque, a small but beautiful island province in the heart of the Philippines. Our group is made up of migrants from the island now living in the first world, mostly in the US and Canada. Through hard work and skills, we have earned our good graces and fortunes from our adopted homeland and we have more than enough to share with our less fortunate country mates.

We are giving back to the community of our roots because it makes us feel good helping our compatriots. The more that we give of ourselves, the better we feel about ourselves. Whenever I work with the mission, I touch the lives of many of my poor countrymen living in the rural areas of the island. The organization motto is "Our mission is to help and together we will succeed". My medical mission involvement also projects my favorite quotation: "The time that you have really lived is the time you have touched the lives of others".

Our mission starts with fund raising by members mostly from our own pockets, friends and relatives. We recruit volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and non-medical support staff to serve the missions, and they pay for their voyage to the islands. We procure and ship medicines badly needed by the islanders. Some of our members who own a place in the island, house the volunteers during the mission period. Others volunteers stay at the local hotels at their own expense but their whole week of food and local transportation is paid by Marinduque International. At the end of each mission we celebrate its success and thank the help of each volunteer as well as the local officials. It is also a time of reflection on all what we have shared of ourselves to our impoverished brothers and sisters". 

The Dental and Medical Mission Servicing the Needs of 6000 Residents 

The mission involves serving around 6,000 people from the six towns of the province who wait for hours in line under the sun, a difficult feat in a hot tropical humid setting, within a span of one week. About 40% of these patients from the interior of the province walked for 2 hours or more to reach the town center where the clinics are held. Most of these patients have never been seen by a physician in their lives. However, not everyone will be lucky to be seen by a doctor or provided free medicines. Many will return the next day to our new location to fall in line again and hope to be served for their needs. By the end of the mission a good number of people will never be served. It pains me to know and see the frustration of those who came hoping for help, only to be turned away due to constraints on our time, equipment and medicines.

Last February, it broke my heart when one patient had to be turned away when she was ready for a minor procedure on the operating table because surgical equipment was not available. It baffles me how the provincial government cannot provide a basic surgery instrument in its public hospital. We were on a mission to help and serve, but instead this patient had to deal with frustration, disappointment and anger.

During the mission I was assigned to the Pharmacy section, providing drugs and instructions to the patients. In the town of Buenavista, I had to break protocol and help a mother with her two sick young children. They were coughing and feverish, and were about to be turned away due to the limits in our time and medical volunteers.

I knew it was wrong and I could have been scolded for my actions, but I approached the mother, whispered to her to wait a little longer, and I could do something for her when the line has thinned down. Before closing time I waved for her, handed her vitamins, cough and fever medicines. She thanked me and showed me a smile that I will always remember as long as I live. On that day, I touched the lives of a mother and her two kids, and that was the day that I have really lived.

Macrine Welcoming Medical Missioners to Marinduque

Macrine and I welcoming medical missioners from US and Canada from ferry boat from Manila to Marinduque, 2011 

Here's my article REFLECTING TO my second favorite quote of:

  It is Better to Give than Receive 

There are several ways to GIVE. You can give, money, property or your time, knowledge and expertise. The following are three examples that I have  experience in giving. I am very proud of these deeds.

The DONOR WALL OF GRATITUDE at the UP Chemistry Building in Diliman. Q.C., Philippines

1. Money: Last May 7, 2014, Renan del Rosario, 1977 chemistry graduate and currently one of the advisers of the University of the Philippines Chemistry Alumni Foundation (UPCAF) treated me lunch and a personal tour of the new Institute of Chemistry Teaching Building at the UP Diliman National Science Complex. It was one of the highlights of my 90-day snow birding sojourn in the Philippines that year. I was able to take photographs of the Donor Wall which included my name(see photo above). The Donor Wall is right at the entrance of the teaching building just by the side of the guard podium. That day reminded me of my student and teaching days (1952 to 1959) at the College of Chemistry now known as the Institute of Chemistry. I was only 24 years old when I first taught chemistry to Pre-medical, Nursing, and Engineering students in the Fall of 1957 to 1959. 

Currently, I am a Life Member of the University of the Philippines Chemistry Alumni Foundation. I graduated from UP with a B.S. Chemistry degree in 1955. Immediately after graduation, I was appointed Assistant Instructor in Chemistry in my Alma Mater. A year later after I passed the National Chemistry Board Examination coping 3rd place, I was appointed to Instructor and held that position until late 1959 when I decided to pursue graduate work in the United States.  

The construction of a National Science Complex in Diliman, Quezon City started a few years ago which included a new Teaching Building for Chemistry. The first phase of government Funding was 200 million pesos and the second phase was 118 million pesos. 

In the Fall of 2013, I had the opportunity to visit the construction site through the kindness of Renan Del Rosario, the Chairman of the UPCAF Board of Trustees that year. Fund raising for furniture in the new building were undergoing also that year. That year, I also donated to the Foundation 10,000 pesos ( about $200) through Renan. I felt good about that donation. It was my way of saying thank you for the educational benefits that I had received from the University of the Philippines.( See my name listed in the Donor Wall in the above photo). 

2. Property: Sometime in the middle of May, 1990, I donated several volumes of technical journals from the duplicate copies from Stauffer Chemical library that were about to be burned and discarded. I was able to salvage several volumes of hard bound copies of Journal of Chromatography, 1971-1976. Included in my donation were dozens of volumes of hardbound copies of BioChemistry, Volumes 1969-1984. The value of the donation was about $1500. Shipping was arranged through the Commission on Filipinos Overseas ( CFO). On May 23, 1990, I received a thank you letter from Alfredo Perdon, Executive Director of CFO,as follows:

Dear Dr. Katague:

The Commission on Filipino Overseas acknowledge with thanks the donation of five boxes of technical journals to the Institute of Chemistry, University of the Philippines.

Your donation is a manifestation of the willingness of Filipino overseas to be actively involved in the development efforts of the country. Such participation through the Commission's “ Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino” or “ Linkapil” likewise serves to strengthen the linkages between Filipinos overseas and their countrymen.

Needless to say, these books will be a most welcome addition to the journal collection of the UP College of Science Library and will certainly be useful to the thousands of students in the said university. Best Regards and thanks you again for your donation.” 

3. Time and Expertise: In January, 1986, I participated in the United Nations Development Program at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. The program was for two weeks of consultancy ( lecture and management of research) at the U.P. Natural Sciences Research Institute( NSRI). My round trip fare was paid by UN and I also received a substantial amount of per diem during my consultancy period of two weeks. It was satisfying to give at least two weeks of my "Know-how" to my Alma Mater. The program at that time was called TOKTEN ( Transfer of Knowledge through Expatriate Nationals). Today, it is called Balik scientist program. The program helps in the alleviation of "Brain Drain" from 3rd world countries like the Philippines. This experience made me feel good, because I have given back to my Alma mater, even just two weeks of my time in the field of pesticide research and analytical residues method development.

 Indeed, as Einstein quotes, The value of a man resides in what he gives.

Lastly, In Filipino culture, birthdays come with a unique twist! Instead of friends treating you, it’s the birthday celebrant who treats everyone else. I will do this with lunch on December 21, in Dublin, CA. No gifts is required to attend my party (optional).

Whether it’s taking friends out to dinner or hosting a feast at home, the “birthday blowout” is a way for celebrants to show gratitude to loved ones. Quite a contrast to other cultures where the birthday person is typically on the receiving end! 

Finally my grateful thanks to those who have already given me gifts ( in spite of my warning, please no gifts) to those that I have invited for my Birthday lunch this Saturday ( December 21) in Dublin, Ca.  Thank You Andi for the above libation.

The lunch is organized by my oldest daughter, Dinah. Thanks a Million, Dinah!

Forty Two Lessons Taught by a Ninety Year Old

This coming Friday, December 20, 2024 ( lunch will be served on December 21 in Dublin, CA) will be my 90th Birthday. It reminded me of the following article in my FaceBook Page  I have read just recently. My favorite are Numbers # 3, 12, 17, 22, 28, 36 and 42. 

Written by a 90 year old!! Forty Two Lessons life taught me: It is something we should all read at least once a week! Make sure you read to the end! Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 42 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it..

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.

23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

25. Always choose life.

26. Forgive but don’t forget.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

31. Believe in miracles.

32. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

33. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

34. Your children get only one childhood.

35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. (I love this one)

37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

39. The best is yet to come...

40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

41. Yield.

42. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Meanwhile, here's a photo of a Rose from the THD garden I took just after the morning rain on November 23, 2024.

and the first Camelia bloom from my patio

Lastly, To All My Fellow Senior Residents_ I hope you are aging gracefully

and follow the 8+8+8 Rule for a Balance Life. Finally, enjoy my Swarovski Budgies(Lovebirds)💚- a 25th Wedding Anniversary Gift from a Closed Relative.

💚http://www.crystalpalacenj.com/budgies.html

Thirty Interesting Facts about the Philippines

Here are thirty Facts about the Philippines that you probably did not Know. 

1) Philippines has 7641 islands – making it one of the largest archipelagos globally. Surprisingly, more than 5,000 of these islands remain unnamed on most international maps, waiting to be discovered. Sounds amazing, right? Just imagine huge number of islands right there!

2) There are over 170 dialects in the Philippines! One of the most remarkable features of the Philippines is its linguistic diversity. While the official language is Filipino, based on Tagalog, there are over 170 dialects spoken throughout the archipelago, reflecting the nation’s vibrant cultural mosaic.

3) The Philippines is the only Asian nation that is predominantly Christian. More than 86% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic and religion is still a big influence in the country.

4) The largest and most expensive pearl in the world was found in the Philippines! It was being found in Palawan, weighing a staggering 75 pounds and valued at an astonishing $100 million.

5) Filipinos celebrate Christmas longer than you think! The Philippines takes Christmas celebrations to the next level, beginning in September and lasting until January during the “Feast of the Three Kings.” The festive atmosphere includes decorations and numerous parties.

6) The Philippines has ‘best singers,’ ‘loves music most’ among 90 toured countries. Filipinos are so good at singing! Karaoke is their beloved pastime, showcasing their vocal talents at gatherings, turning any occasion into a singing festivity.

7) The Philippines has earned its title as the “text capital of the world,” with social media and texting being the primary means of communication.

8) Philippines got some delicious and unique delicacies that you should try! Filipinos are known for their creativity in the kitchen, whipping up unique dishes enjoyed by many across the globe. They have adobo, sinigang, bibingka, puto bumbong, sisig, lechon, menudo, caldereta, and more! You have to try them especially when you visit Philippines!

9) Tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates can only be found in the Philippines. It is known for its enormous eyes relative to its body size, aiding in night vision.

10) Most of people in the Philippines speak English! With a strong emphasis on English education, the Philippines ranks as the fifth-largest English-speaking country globally, making communication with locals a breeze for English speakers.

11) Filipinos ranked as the highest selfie-takers in the world! Filipinos have earned the title of the world’s most enthusiastic selfie-takers, embracing the art of self-expression through photography.

12) Fertilised duck embryo is the famous street snack. Filipinos enjoy eating this, they call it as ‘balut’. 

13) The Philippines has unique transportation modes, such as tricycles, jeep, and kalesas.

14) The Philippines is known as the largest supplier of nurses to the world, with over 25% of all nurses in the United States being of Filipino descent.

15) Jeepney as the usual public transportation! It is distinctive and colorful public transportation vehicles, is ubiquitous in the Philippines, providing a unique way to explore its cities.

16) Philippines is the only country where the flag is flown upside down to indicate the state of war.

17) Filipino is the official language in the Philippines. It became the main language of the Philippines in 2987 under the constitution replacing ‘Pilipino’.

18) Most of the people in the Philippines are superstitious. A significant portion of Filipinos holds strong superstitious beliefs, influencing various aspects of daily life and traditions, from avoiding unlucky numbers to seeking the guidance of faith healers.

19) Boxing is one of the popular sports in the Philippines. Manny Pacquiao, one of the world’s greatest professional boxers, hails from the Philippines. Interestingly, crime rates in Manila reportedly drop to zero during his matches.

20) Philippines is one of the largest island countries in the world! It offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences.

21) The Philippines is the second largest producer of coconut products in the world. Locally known as buko, coconut is a top export product of the Philippines. Each year, the country ships around 19.50 million tons or more of coconut fruit.

22) Filipinos are known for being polite, addressing each other with “ma’am” or “sir.” Filipinos are known for being polite, addressing each other with “ma’am” or “sir.” Respect for elders is deeply ingrained, reflected in terms like “ate” and “kuya” and use of “po” and “opo.”

23) “Filipino time” refers to the cultural phenomenon of Filipinos often arriving late for appointments or events, reflecting their laid-back, relaxed attitude towards time.

24) Two of the world’s largest shopping malls are located in the Philippines, offering an incredible shopping and leisure experience. One is SM Megamall, located in Mandaluyong city, with a total floor area of over 5.5 million square feet. Another is SM Shopping center of Asia (MOA) is a rambling shopping center in Pasay City, with more than 4.4 million square feet of retail space. 

25) The Philippines founded Asia’s first basketball league, the Philippines Basketball Association, in 1975, making basketball a beloved sport in the country.

26) Jollibee is the top fast food chain the Philippines taking over McDonald’s! Jollibee was the leading limited-service restaurant in the Philippines in terms of sales in 2021. In that year, the restaurant chain generated sales of approximately 2.53 billion U.S. dollars. Its closest competitor, McDonald’s, had total sales of about 786 million U.S. dollars in that year.

27) The Philippines has the largest underground river. Many people visit the Philippines because of its cultural history of famous water bodies. In fact, this nation is home to the largest underground river. It is located in Puerta Princesa Subterranean River National Park. There are many famous landmarks in the Philippines that will amaze you.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

28) Filipinos can’t eat without rice! For almost 99% of the Philippine population, no meal is complete without rice, highlighting its central role in Filipino cuisine.

29) Filipinos usually have 3 to 4 meals daily! 

30) There are three main island groups in the Philippines: Luzon, Mindanao, and Visayas. Luzon, the most populous, is home to the capital city, Manila.

There are still a number of interesting facts that have not been mentioned here. Feel free to visit the Philippines to experience and discover them! The Philippines offers exciting cultures, traditions, places, islands, delicious cuisines, and wonderful people. It is a nation filled with fascinating people and cultures.

Source: https://www.globaladmissions.com/blog/30-fun-facts-about-philippines/

https://filipinotimes.net/latest-news/2024/03/30/two-beaches-in-ph-among-top-100-beaches-in-the-world/

Why the Philippines is still a Poor Country?

https://youtu.be/TO0gqKg1uXI?si=gq6GMSJG0F1nexzs

Lastly, Did You Know?

Indian cultural influences began shaping the Philippines as early as the 10th century, likely introduced through trade and cultural exchanges with the Hindu Majapahit Empire. These influences are evident in linguistic terms, such as Sanskrit-derived words like guru (teacher), maharlika (noble class), and bahala (fate).

Religious and cultural practices also carried Indian traits. Elements of Hinduism and Buddhism found their way into early Filipino spirituality, blending seamlessly with local animist beliefs. Artifacts, such as gold ornaments and religious icons resembling Hindu deities, further illustrate this profound influence.

Even today, echoes of India’s ancient legacy can be seen in Filipino traditions, language, and craftsmanship.