Holidays - Philippines

The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences. the Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese. The Filipino is basically of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish, and Arab blood. From a long history of Western colonial rule, interspersed with the visits of merchants and traders, evolved a people of a unique blend of east and west, both in appearance and culture. The major cultural agencies of government are the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National Historical Institute, the National Museum, The National Library, the Records Management and Archives Office, and the Commission on the Filipino Language. The Heads of these cultural agencies are all ex-officio members of the NCCA Board and all except the Commission on the Filipino Language are together under the National Commission on Culture and Arts.