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Quizzes > Society & Culture

General Knowledge Quiz Philippines: Test Your Filipino Smarts

Quick, free Filipino general knowledge quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Stephanie Arellano HernandezUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz illustration testing Filipino trivia, culture, and history on teal background

This Filipino general knowledge quiz helps you check what you know about people, places, history, and culture across the Philippines. Get quick feedback as you go, and explore more with our Filipino trivia questions, a deeper look with the Philippine politics quiz, or a broad general knowledge quiz.

What is the capital of the Philippines?
Davao City
Quezon City
Cebu City
Manila
Manila is the official capital of the Philippines and serves as its political, economic, and cultural center. It is one of 16 cities that make up Metro Manila. The city was founded by the Spanish in 1571 and has since remained the seat of government.
What is the official currency of the Philippines?
Euro
US Dollar
Japanese Yen
Philippine Peso
The Philippine peso (PHP), locally called the piso, is the official currency of the Philippines. It is subdivided into 100 centavos. The peso has been in use since Spanish colonial times, replacing the real.
What is the national language of the Philippines?
English
Cebuano
Tagalog
Filipino
Filipino, based largely on Tagalog, is the national language of the Philippines as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution. It serves as the lingua franca among the country’s diverse ethno-linguistic groups. English is a co-official language but Filipino remains the principal national language.
Which of the following is the national bird of the Philippines?
Philippine eagle
Sunbird
Eurasian magpie
Maya
The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is the national bird and one of the largest eagles in the world. It is endemic to the Philippines and is critically endangered due to habitat loss. It symbolizes strength and resilience in Filipino culture.
What is the national flower of the Philippines?
Sampaguita
Gumamela
Waling-waling
Orchid
The sampaguita (Jasminum sambac) is the national flower of the Philippines. Known for its fragrant white blooms, it symbolizes purity, simplicity, and humility. It is commonly used in garlands and religious offerings.
Which Filipino dish is commonly considered the country's national dish?
Kare-Kare
Sinigang
Lechon
Adobo
Adobo, consisting of meat marinated and cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, is often cited as the Philippines’ national dish. Its versatility and preservation qualities made it popular in pre-refrigeration times. Many regions and households have their own variations.
Sinigang is best described as which type of Filipino dish?
Grilled meat
Sour soup
Rice porridge
Stew
Sinigang is a popular Filipino sour soup typically flavoured with tamarind, tomatoes, and various vegetables. It can be made with pork, shrimp, fish, or beef. Its tangy broth is considered a comfort food across the archipelago.
Which island is the largest by land area in the Philippines?
Visayas
Palawan
Mindanao
Luzon
Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines by land area and is home to the capital city, Manila. It is the political and economic center of the country. Mindanao ranks second in size followed by the islands of the Visayas group.
Who wrote the novels 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo'?
Apolinario Mabini
Andres Bonifacio
Emilio Aguinaldo
Jose Rizal
Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, authored 'Noli Me Tangere' (1887) and 'El Filibusterismo' (1891). These novels exposed the injustices of Spanish colonial rule and inspired the Philippine Revolution. Rizal’s works remain central to Filipino national identity.
In what year did the Philippines officially declare independence from Spain?
1898
1901
1946
1896
The Philippines declared its independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite. This declaration was led by Emilio Aguinaldo after the Spanish-American War. However, international recognition came later, and American rule followed until 1946.
What term describes the Filipino value of communal unity and cooperation?
Kapwa
Pakikisama
Bayanihan
Utang na loob
Bayanihan refers to the traditional Filipino spirit of communal unity and cooperation. Historically, it involved neighbors helping each other move houses by carrying them on bamboo poles. Today, bayanihan still signifies community assistance in times of need.
Which region is often referred to as the 'Rice Granary of the Philippines'?
Bicol Region
Ilocos Region
Cagayan Valley
Central Luzon
Central Luzon, particularly the province of Nueva Ecija, is called the 'Rice Granary of the Philippines' due to its vast rice paddies. The region accounts for a significant portion of the nation’s rice production. It benefits from extensive irrigation systems and flat plains.
The Banaue Rice Terraces are located in which province?
Mountain Province
Ifugao
Kalinga
Benguet
The Banaue Rice Terraces are carved into the mountains of Ifugao province in the Cordillera region. Built over 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao people, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The terraces reflect ancient engineering and sustainable agricultural practices.
Which festival in Aklan features participants dancing with painted faces and rhythmic drums?
Panagbenga
Ati-Atihan
Sinulog
MassKara
Ati-Atihan is celebrated each January in Kalibo, Aklan, in honor of the Santo Niño. Dancers smear their faces with soot and wear elaborate costumes while moving to the beat of drums. It commemorates both indigenous Aeta heritage and Christian traditions.
What pre-colonial script was used by early Filipinos before the arrival of the Spanish?
Katakana
Latin
Baybayin
Arabic
Baybayin is an indigenous writing system used in Luzon and parts of Visayas before Spanish colonization. It is an abugida where consonant-vowel syllables are the basic characters. The script faded under Spanish rule but has seen modern revival efforts.
What is the highest mountain in the Philippines?
Mount Apo
Mount Banahaw
Mount Pulag
Mount Mayon
Mount Apo, standing at 2,954 meters, is the highest peak in the Philippines. It is located on the island of Mindanao and is a protected national park. The mountain is considered sacred by indigenous peoples and is a popular trekking destination.
Who was the first President of the Republic of the Philippines?
Jose P. Laurel
Sergio Osmeña
Manuel L. Quezon
Emilio Aguinaldo
Emilio Aguinaldo was elected President of the First Philippine Republic (Malolos Republic) in 1899, making him the country’s first head of state. He led the revolution against Spain and declared independence in 1898. His presidency ended with the Philippine–American War.
Which treaty ended the Spanish-American War and resulted in the cession of the Philippines to the United States?
Treaty of Versailles
Treaty of Paris of 1898
Treaty of Tordesillas
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, ended the Spanish-American War. Under this treaty, Spain ceded the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the United States for $20 million. It marked the start of American colonial rule in the Philippines.
Which Filipino revolutionary leader was referred to as the 'Brains of the Revolution'?
Emilio Aguinaldo
Apolinario Mabini
Andres Bonifacio
Gregorio del Pilar
Apolinario Mabini was a political philosopher and adviser to Emilio Aguinaldo during the Philippine Revolution. Despite being paralyzed, he wrote key documents defining the new republic’s structure and policies. His intellectual leadership earned him the nickname 'Brains of the Revolution.'
Which is the oldest existing university in the Philippines?
De La Salle University
Ateneo de Manila University
University of the Philippines
University of Santo Tomas
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) was founded in 1611 by the Dominican Order and is the oldest existing university in Asia. Located in Manila, it has continuously operated since its establishment, offering a wide range of academic programs. UST has played a significant role in Philippine history and education.
Which volcano's eruption in 1991 was one of the largest of the 20th century?
Mount Hibok-Hibok
Mount Mayon
Mount Pinatubo
Taal Volcano
Mount Pinatubo in Luzon erupted catastrophically in June 1991, producing one of the largest eruptions of the 20th century. The eruption reduced global temperatures for a time and caused massive ash fall. It is well-studied for its climatic impacts.
Where was the Laguna Copperplate Inscription, the earliest known written document found in the Philippines, discovered?
Manila Bay
Taal Lake
Laguna de Bay
Pasig River
The Laguna Copperplate Inscription was found near the shoreline of Laguna de Bay in 1989. Dated to 900 AD, it is the earliest known written document in the Philippines. The text is written in Kawi script and provides evidence of pre-colonial culture and trade.
Which pre-colonial maritime confederation was established in the Visayas region?
Lakanate of Tondo
Sultanate of Sulu
Confederation of Maynila
Confederation of Madja-as
The Confederation of Madja-as was a pre-Hispanic alliance of barangays in Panay, particularly in present-day Aklan and Antique. It is known from the Maragtas legends and played a key role in resisting external threats. Its governance system influenced later political structures.
The ancient Balangay boats discovered in Butuan have been carbon-dated to which century?
9th century
15th century
5th century
12th century
The Balangay boats unearthed in Butuan, Agusan del Norte, have been carbon-dated to around the 9th century AD. These carved wooden vessels demonstrate advanced shipbuilding skills in early Philippine societies. They underscore the archipelago’s role in regional maritime trade.
Who was the Lakan of Tondo when the Spanish founded Manila in 1571?
Miguel López de Legazpi
Lakan Dula
Rajah Sulayman
Rajah Humabon
Lakan Dula was the ruler (Lakan) of the Kingdom of Tondo when Spanish conquistadors led by Miguel López de Legazpi established Manila in 1571. He negotiated alliances with the Spanish and retained some local authority. His leadership marked early interactions between indigenous polities and colonial powers.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Key Trivia About the Philippines -

    Participants will accurately name significant events, personalities, and facts from Philippine history and culture.

  2. Identify Common Tagalog Vocabulary -

    Participants will recognize and interpret everyday Tagalog words and phrases featured in the quiz bee - style questions.

  3. Analyze Cultural and Historical Context -

    Participants will explore the meaning behind Filipino traditions, holidays, and historical milestones to deepen their cultural understanding.

  4. Differentiate Myth from Verified Facts -

    Participants will evaluate popular trivia about the Philippines to distinguish between misconceptions and documented information.

  5. Apply Effective Quiz Strategies -

    Participants will use proven quiz-taking techniques to enhance recall speed, accuracy, and confidence in ph trivia challenges.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Philippine Flag Symbolism -

    The Philippine flag features a white triangle for equality, blue for peace, and red for valor. The golden sun has eight rays representing the eight provinces that ignited the 1896 revolution - Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna, and Batangas - mnemonic "Manny's Clever Bulldog Purrs, Napping Ten Lazy Bears."

  2. Archipelago Breakdown & Island Count -

    The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,641 islands grouped into Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao - easy to recall as "Lu-Vis-Mi." To remember 7,641, break it into a simple math formula: 7×10³ + 6×10² + 4×10 + 1.

  3. Baybayin Script Basics -

    Baybayin is a pre-Hispanic syllabic script with 17 characters - 14 consonants (e.g., ᜊ ba, ᜃ ka, ᜇ da) and 3 vowels (ᜀ a, ᜝ i/e, ᜂ o/u). You add a "kudlit" dot above for "e/i" or below for "o/u," like placing a coffee bean on a muffin: dot up for "i," down for "u."

  4. Core Tagalog Pronouns -

    Tagalog has six core personal pronouns - ako (I), ikaw (you singular), siya (he/she), kami (we exclusive), tayo (we inclusive), and sila (they). A quick mnemonic is "A-I-S-K-T-S" from the order Ako - Ikaw - Siya, Kami - Tayo - Sila. Remember "kami" keeps one person out, while "tayo" invites everyone in!

  5. Key Historical Milestones & Dates -

    Major Philippine milestones include the 1896 Cry of Pugad Lawin revolution, the June 12, 1898 Declaration of Independence in Cavite, and the July 4, 1946 U.S. recognition of sovereignty. Recall the timeline with "96-98-46: Revolt, Declare, Recognize." Linking each date to its action cements them in memory.

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