The link below will take you to an archive page showing ALL the World Views articles we've published. The islands were colonized by the Spanish in the 1500s and occupied by the United States from the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898 until 1946. A mix of Chinese, Spanish, Muslim, and American influences is reflected in its culture. For example, food in the Philippines tends to be a mix of these varying influences.
Rice is a main staple in all dishes, but noodles are quite common as well.
The Spanish influence comes across in dishes using vinegar and garlic, while the U.S. influence is seen in the canned foods, such as corned beef, which many Filipinos like. While outside cultures have found a way into Filipino food, they have not had much impact on the way Filipino teens view dating and sex. Filipino society strongly encourages that dating be put off until later in the teen years. Even when I was old enough, they were watchful. They wanted to know who I was seeing, what we were doing, where we would be, and, even more importantly, when I would be back.