USTET General Information — Natural, Cultural & Historical LandmarksFlash Cards

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does the Philippines have, and what are their categories?

The Philippines has 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 3 Cultural sites (Baroque Churches, Historic Town of Vigan, Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras) and 3 Natural sites (Tubbataha Reefs, Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River, Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary).

Which four churches comprise the Baroque Churches of the Philippines UNESCO site?

Santa Maria Church (Ilocos Sur), Paoay Church (Ilocos Norte), San Agustin Church (Manila), and Miagao Church (Iloilo). These churches feature 'earthquake baroque' architecture with thick walls and massive buttresses adapted to Philippine conditions.

What makes Vigan historically significant as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Vigan is the best-preserved Spanish colonial town in Asia, featuring cobblestone Calle Crisologo and mestizo architecture that blends Filipino, Chinese, and European design elements. It was inscribed in 1999.

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras

Located in Ifugao province, spanning Batad, Bangaan, Mayoyao, Hungduan, and Nagacadan clusters. Over 2,000 years old and known as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.' UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.

Where is Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park located and why is it significant?

Located in the Sulu Sea, Palawan. It's a pristine coral atoll system and marine biodiversity hotspot, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. It's one of the Philippines' most important marine protected areas.

What is the highest mountain in the Philippines?

Mount Apo, standing at 2,954 meters above sea level. Located on the border of Davao del Sur and Cotabato, it's also a declared National Park and home to the Philippine eagle.

Which volcano is known as the world's most perfectly conical active volcano?

Mayon Volcano in Albay province. Its perfect cone shape and active status make it one of the Philippines' most recognizable natural landmarks and a popular tourist destination.

Describe the unique characteristic of Taal Volcano.

Taal Volcano in Batangas is famous for being a 'volcano within a lake within an island' - the volcano sits on an island (Volcano Island) in the middle of Taal Lake, which is itself located on the larger island of Luzon.

Intramuros

The walled city of Manila built by the Spanish in 1571. Contains important historical sites including Fort Santiago (where José Rizal was imprisoned), San Agustin Church (oldest stone church in the country), and Manila Cathedral.

What historical event is commemorated at Rizal Park (Luneta)?

The execution of José Rizal on December 30, 1896. The site is now a national shrine and park in Manila, marking the martyrdom of the Philippines' national hero.

Where was Philippine independence first proclaimed and when?

At the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. This is where Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence from Spanish colonial rule.

What significant event occurred at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan?

Barasoain Church was the site of the First Philippine Congress and the birthplace of the First Philippine Republic in 1899. It's considered the 'Cradle of Democracy in the East.'

Chocolate Hills

Located in Bohol province, consisting of more than 1,200 symmetrical, grass-covered limestone hills. They turn brown during dry season, resembling chocolate mounds, hence the name. It's a declared National Geological Monument.

What is the significance of Corregidor Island?

Located at the mouth of Manila Bay, Corregidor served as a key fortress during World War II. It symbolizes Filipino-American resistance against Japanese forces and is now a national shrine commemorating wartime heroism.

Which church holds the distinction of being the only all-steel church in Asia?

San Sebastian Church in Manila. This Gothic Revival church was prefabricated in Belgium and assembled in the Philippines, making it unique in Asian architecture.

What does the EDSA Shrine commemorate?

Located in Ortigas, Quezon City, the EDSA Shrine commemorates the People Power Revolution of February 1986, which led to the peaceful overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship and the restoration of democracy.

Compare Mount Apo and Mount Pulag in terms of height and significance.

Mount Apo (2,954m) is the highest peak in the Philippines, located in Mindanao. Mount Pulag (2,922m) is the second highest, located in Luzon and famous for its 'sea of clouds' phenomenon. Both are protected areas and important biodiversity sites.

What is the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines?

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental, inscribed in 2014. It's known for its pygmy forests and endemic species including the Philippine eagle and various pitcher plants.

Hundred Islands National Park

Located in Alaminos, Pangasinan, this park consists of 124 islands and islets scattered across Lingayen Gulf. It was the first national park established in the Philippines and is famous for its diverse marine ecosystems.

What makes the Cultural Center of the Philippines architecturally significant?

Located in Pasay, the CCP was designed by renowned Filipino architect Leandro Locsin. It serves as the country's premier hub for performing arts and showcases modern Filipino architecture with its distinctive geometric design.

Leyte Landing Memorial

Located in Palo, Leyte, this memorial marks the spot where General Douglas MacArthur returned to the Philippines in October 1944, fulfilling his famous promise 'I shall return' during World War II.

What tragedy does the Capas National Shrine commemorate?

Located in Tarlac, the Capas National Shrine marks the end point of the Bataan Death March during World War II. It honors the Filipino and American soldiers who died during this brutal forced march by Japanese forces.