The Philippines are discovered by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia and is made up of a number of islands totaling to 115,831 sq. miles. It is also right above the Pacific Ring of Fire where the area is prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Nearly 90% of our earth’s quakes come from the Ring of Fire. As well 75% of active and dormant volcanoes are situated along the Ring of Fire.

On this day March 17th, in 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan discovers the Philippines. Magellan’s expedition was the first to enter in from the Atlantic and sail through the Pacific.  Magellan was born into nobility. Both his parents died when he was ten.  His expedition, which eventually led to the discovery of the Philippines, left in 1519 and was funded primarily by the Spanish crown.

For many years the Philippines were under the control of Spain. It is for this reason that you will notice that Philippines have a very distinctive look because their heritage is mixed with Spanish, hence the Asian/Spanish features. The Philippines has a population of 94 million. Its government has had a lot of tumult and currently Manny Pacquio, world famous boxer, is part of the government serving as a congressman.