Philippines Arrival - Spanish Colonial Legacy

After a successful 36 hours in Singapore, it's back to the developing world. I arrived in Cebu, Philippines early this morning and slept the whole way on the direct flight from Singapore. Before diving into what's in store here in the Philippines, here are a few takeaways from my time in Singapore. Based on first impressions, I thought I was really going to like it. But in the end, it felt kind of bland. The city lacked energy. It's a uniquely chill and efficient place to live, but it doesn't really ignite anything in you. Between the two small, futuristic city-states, I'd take Dubai over Singapore. Dubai has more vibrancy, more ambition, and just feels more alive. Singapore markets itself with bold claims about wild architecture and sustainability—some of that is there, but it wasn't as striking or overwhelming as I expected. Now onto the Philippines—this place is wildly different. The Philippines is a country of over 7,000 islands, with deep Spanish roots that continue to shape its culture today. One of the most noticeable influences is religion: the Philippines is the most predominantly Christian country in Asia. Around 79% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic, a direct legacy of Spanish colonial rule. Spanish influence began in 1521 when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan—sailing under the Spanish crown—arrived in the Philippines. His arrival marked the beginning of European interest in the islands. Magellan was killed shortly after landing, during the Battle of Mactan, right here in Cebu, by the local chieftain Lapu-Lapu, who is now celebrated as a national hero. Despite Magellan's death, Spain returned and successfully colonized the archipelago in the late 1500s. Spanish rule lasted for over 300 years, until 1898, when the U.S. took control following the Spanish-American War. That long colonial period left a deep imprint on everything—from town names and food to language and religion. Catholic festivals, Spanish surnames, and colonial churches are everywhere. Even today, walking around parts of the Philippines can feel like stepping into a hybrid of Latin American and Southeast Asian culture.