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The history and cultural heritage of the Philippines sets this island nation in many ways somewhat apart from other ASEAN nations. First colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century, it remained under Spanish rule until it became an American colony after the Spanish-American War in 1898. After World War II, the Philippines became independent, and developed a vibrant national identity and strong pride in its culture. The cultural heritage of the Philippines is a fascinating and unique combination of pre-Hispanic indigenous values, beliefs, and ways of living, mixed together with Spanish Catholic and American influences, to which over the past 200 years immigrants from Fujian and Guangdong Provinces have added southern Chinese elements. In the south, just as in Thailand, there is a large Muslim community with its own culture related to the cultures of the nearby Indonesian islands. On this five day exploration of the heartland of the Philippines’ Tagalog culture, we will learn about Philippines’s heritage conservation in the beautiful countryside and old towns of Laguna and Batangas Provinces just two hours south of Manila, and then be introduced to the heritage of Manila, where all the historical influences have come together to create this vibrant political and cultural capital of the country.

We will also sample traditional Philippine cuisine, meet local heritage experts who will interpret their culture, and also meet over dinner with the leaders of the Heritage Conservation Society of Philippines, which is now the Philippine partner organisation of The Siam Society in the newly established ASEAN Heritage Alliance. This trip is an opportunity for members of the Siam Society to see the cultural side of the Philippines that is little known to most people living in Thailand, whether Thai or expatriate.