Special Sub-Topic: Philippine Perambulations Click Here To Play: Philippine Perambulations

The American influence is very evident in the Philippines and its fast food culture is evident in many towns and cities. Which is the most popular fast food chain in the country?

Jollibee. Jollibee started as an ice cream parlour before branching out into burgers. Faced with the introduction of McDonalds in the late 70s, Tony Tan Caktiong's friends told him to either sell his shops to McDonalds or become one of their franchise holders. "They will eat you alive" he was told. He decided to fight and as they say "The rest is history". Adapting his food to the Philippine palate, he added spaghetti and rice and has more than twice as many outlets as the American chain whose menus are virtually identical in every country.

Which ruler was the Philippines named after?

King Philip the Second of Spain. In 1565, the Spanish landed in Cebu with 500 armed soldiers and claimed the country in the name of Spain and remained there until 1898. Hence the great influence on the Philippines which is evident in its religion, culture, etc. Many of the family names are of Spanish origin.

Magellan attempted to sail around the world but was killed in the Philippines. Who led the men who killed him?

Lapu Lapu. Magellan landed in the Philippines in 1521 and was well received by many of the local natives. However a scuffle broke out between the Spanish and a local chieftain called Lapu Lapu who tried to protect his way of life. In the ensuing struggle, Magellan was killed but his crew completed the journey back to Spain. Thus the first circumnavigation of the world had been completed.

One of the Philippines delicacies is called balut. What is balut?

A partially formed duck egg. Although found in other parts of Asia, the balut in Philippines is cooked 17 days after being laid. Normally sold by street vendors, it is usually accompanied by a drink of beer. An acquired taste.

What is the national language of the Philippines?

Filipino. The Philippines, although home to many different tribes and languages, chose Filipino as their national language in 1987.

It is possible to find a multitude of different cuisines in the Philippines as they have adapted many dishes from China, Spain, America etc. The food is usually contained in a covered pot and sold by vendors, you lift the lid and point to the food you want to eat. What is the name of this kind of stall?

Turo-Turo. Since Turo-Turo means point point, this is the name of the stall selling these kind of foods.

President Marcos, one of the more colourful politicians in the Philippines was removed from power in 1986. Where did he spend his last days before dying in 1989?

Hawaii. The Marcos were overthrown by "People Power" in 1986 and was exiled to Honolulu, Hawaii where he died in 1989. His remains were brought back to the Philippines and is still awaiting burial, as his widow Imelda wants him buried with full national honours in the "Heroes" cemetery. As at 2006 the Philippine government have not agreed.

What is the name of the palace that Imelda Marcos built for the visit of Pope John Paul the Second in 1981?

The Coconut Palace. Although the Coconut Palace was built for the Pope, he refused to stay there, saying it was too ostentatious.

Body language is very important in the Philippines. When you are talking to somebody, they raise their eyebrows. What does this gesture signify?

Yes. Strong eye contact is considered aggressive and Filipino's often communicate with their eyes, lips and hands. They purse their lips to signify direction. Polite language and gentle conversation are important in their culture.

What is the national flower of the Philippines?

Sampaguita. Part of the Jasmine species, it was adopted by the Philippines in 1937. It is also the national flower of Indonesia.