Philippines (New Union)

The Philippines, officially called the Republic of the Philippines, is  is a sovereign island country in Southeast Asia situated in the western Pacific Ocean. It consists of 7,107 islands that are categorized broadly under three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The capital city of the Philippines is Manila and the most populous city is Quezon City; both are part of Metro Manila.

Prehistory
It is believed that the islands' first inhabitants were early humans who crossed from mainland Asia via land bridges. These early men are thought to have introduced new species of plants and animals. As the seas rose, these men were trapped in the islands and became their new home. These primarily dwelled in the caves and the forests. Eventually, the Austronesians arrived in boats and displaced these early humans.

Pre-Colonial Times
This era is marked with several kingdoms throughout the islands. Most of these were Islamic kingdoms, trading with nearby neighbors such as the Malays, Chinese, Japanese, Indians and Khmers.

Contact with the Old World
The first contact with the Philippine islands was when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan reached Limasawa after having an encounter with hostile natives in the island now known as present-day Guam. They were welcomed by the natives, and the first Christian mass was held in that location. Magellan's group then reached the island of Cebu, where they baptized the local king Rajah Humabon and his wife Queen Juana as Roman Catholics. However, not all natives welcomed the Europeans. One was the chieftain of Mactan Island named Lapu-Lapu. Lapu-Lapu was at odds with Rajah Humabon, as he distrusted the foreigners. The Europeans set fire to several villages in Mactan Island, and the stage was set for the first battle of the Filipinos against the Europeans. On April 27, 1521, against all odds, the Filipinos, which numbered thousands, faced roughly 60+ men from Magellan's group which were equipped with armor and armed with guns, cannons, crossbows, and the latest weapons available. They were able to defeat the Spaniards with Magellan being killed. The rest retreated to their ships and it would take another 60 years for the islands to be rediscovered again.

Spanish Rule (1565-1898)
More to come

American Rule (1898-1946)
Under Construction

Japanese Occupation (1942-1945)
Under construction

Cold War (1947-1989)
Under contruction