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of Spain's trouble in the Philippines no matter how much they desired it.

Other European powers, notably the English and Dutch, were keen to nip the ankles of the Spanish Empire and acquire their own footholds in the region. The famous English mariner Sir Francis Drake, having been plundering Spanish assets in the Caribbean, found it necessary to make a convoluted route in order to return safely to his queen - Elizabeth I - and by doing so became the second circumnavigater of the world.

On the way, with his frigate The Golden Hind laden with Spanish treasure, he landed in the Philippines on October 16th 1579. A mere fifty eight years after Magellan. Had he not been so preoccupied with his cargo there is little doubt he would have attacked the fledgling Spanish garrison, and historians believe he could have overcome it. But prudence got the better of him, and he was not going to risk his hard won spoils.

Toward the end of the 16th century, Holland, which was also taking an imperialist role in the Far East, raided the Philippines, taking bounty not only from the Spanish, but also Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese shipping. The Dutch continued these attacks as late as 1662, when they finally took control of the Moluccas Islands.

The Spanish certainly acquired wealth from the Philippines but it didn't come easy. Whilst they came close to a loss with Drake, they were to lose their prized possession comprehensively twice more over the course of time.

First to the British in 1762, when Royal Navy ships sailed up the Pasig River and conquered Fort Santiago in Intramuros.The Union Jack flew over Manila for more than a year before George III returned the islands to Spain in exchange for Spanish dominions, mainly in the Americas.

The second time was for good in 1898, when the Philippines declared independence on June 12th. Technically it was not recognized by either Spain or the USA, due to the Spanish ceding the Philippines to the United States under the 1898 Treaty of Paris as a result of the Spanish-American War.

Full independence was not recognized by the USA until July 4th 1946. Nevertheless, 1898 stands as the year the "yoke was broke."

The Japanese occupation during WWII, although short, also had a major influence in the Philippines, if only to draw attention to the horrors and cruelty of war. In almost five hundred years several nations have laid their hand on this country. The national hero Jose Rizal was vociferous in drawing his writings and feelings from this fact. Spain had ruled them for more than three centuries - it's a legacy which cannot be dismissed lightly - and it has defined these islands and people.

Whilst they have severed the yolk, they still work hard at establishing their true identity and place in the world.

So go visit the Philippines and embrace warmly these wonderful people. When you arrive, you will soon know who they really are, and when you leave, you will never forget them. Can you keep a secret?

Learn more about this author, Bar De Ness.
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