pt. 1. Narrative section -- 1. History and geography -- Physical geography -- The people of the Philippines -- Ethnic minorities -- The Hispanized -- The Chinese -- Filipinos of the diaspora -- History -- The Southeast Asian context -- Pre-Spanish Philippines -- The Spanish period -- The friars -- Revolts -- Revolts in the seventeenth century -- Revolts in the eighteenth century -- Revolts in the nineteenth century -- The impact of the Spanish presence -- The road to revolution -- The American period -- The Japanese occupation -- Philippine independence -- Ferdinand E. Marcos -- The EDSA Revolution and a new beginning -- References -- 2. The Philippines' economy -- Pre-Spanish trade -- The Spanish era -- The nineteenth century -- The American period -- Post-war Philippines -- Martial law -- Post-martial law -- Numbers and the economy -- Tourism -- The future -- An example to consider -- References -- 3. Philippine institutions -- The Great Cultural Divide -- Religion -- The Roman Catholic Church -- The Philippine independent church -- Protestantism -- Iglesia Ni Cristo -- Islam -- Millenarian groups -- The government -- The military -- The educational system -- Manila -- References -- 4. Philippine society and contemporary issues -- The family -- Corruption -- Terrorism -- The diaspora -- The arts -- Literature -- Music -- Theater -- Film -- Visual arts -- References -- pt. 2. Reference section -- Key events in Philippine history -- Significant people, places, and events -- Language, food, etiquette, and customs -- Philippine-related organizations -- Annotated bibliography of recommended works.