The picture up in the top left is a picture of Mount Apo, which is the highest peak in the Philippines, rising to 9,692 ft above sea level. 

The picture in the bottom left is the Mayon Volcano. The most active Volcano in the Philippines. As you can see in the picture it almost looks fake because it is so sematic. Which is why it is often called the worlds most perfect volcanic cone. 

Ethnic Understanding

Major ethnic groups in the Philippines is an interesting discussion because there are so many. One count says there are 75 different ethnic groups. However, the main group is called Tagalog, which accounts for around 28% of the population. Followed by Cebuano (13%) then Ilocano (9%). To give more context behind this, we need to consider how diverse the Philippines is ethnically. The other ethnic groups make up around 45% of the population. Which I find really interesting because if you look at the United States, you only see three dominant ethnic groups: White non-Hispanic, Hispanic or Latino, and Black or African American.  

Tagalog

The dominant ethnic group in the Philippines, both politically and culturally. Also known as Pilipino. Traditionally located in the central Luzon plain. Their language is the national language and the one that is primarily taught in schools.  Tagalogs are regarded around the country as proud, boastful, and talkative. They are dominant in business, government, and media. Many of their traditions involving marriage, death, and life events are rooted in Catholic traditions. 

Cebuano

Often, also called Sugbuanons, dominates the Visayas and Mindanao. They place a huge importance on the arts, sculpting, painting, drawing, singing, dancing, and writing. Many famous artists come from Cebu. This makes sense when Cebu is the cornerstone of Cebuano culture. Aside from the arts, Cebuano's are known as highly Christianized people, which again makes sense given that Cebu City was the gateway for Catholicism to flourish in the country. Spanish culture also has a strong influence on Cebuano culture. 

Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, the Philippines was already home to a multitude of languages spoken by various indigenous groups across its islands. Often distinct from one another due to the geographic isolation on different islands. During Spanish colonization, Spanish became the language of the colonial administration, the church, and education. This, to this day, still has had a lasting impact and is still deeply integrated into Filipino languages, like the language of the Cebuanos. Fast forward to the early 20th century, when the Philippines were under American rule. English was introduced as the medium of instruction in school. But the quest for a national language was gaining momentum. in 1935, Tagalog was chosen as the national language. It was chosen due to its widespread usage and cultural significance. Today, Filipino is the official national language of the Philippines. While Tagalog is the foundation of the language, it incorporates elements from various Philippine languages. 

English, since its introduction, has since become an important tool for communication, education, and business. Proficiency in English is highly valued and serves as a bridge between the Philippines and the global community. Although Filipino is the official language, the Philippines is still home to more than 170 native languages, representing the diversity of the country's Indigenous communities. Which makes it difficult to pinpoint one specific language that works for all. Since parts of the Philippines are so isolated, they are going to speak a different language than other parts of the country. Which makes determining a dominant language difficult. Many daily languages are still native, especially if you are in a less populated part of the country. Overall, it is difficult to articulate one specific fix-all language for the Philippines, and it's important to research the island you are going to if you plan to visit to understand the culture.