People
José Rizal
Calamba, Laguna, Philippines
Born in Calamba, he wrote novels that criticised Spanish colonial rule. His execution in 1896 helped inspire the Philippine revolution.
Lived: 1861–1896 · Known for: Writer and national hero
Philippines: leaders, famous people, culture and history
3 places on the atlas covering people and festivals. Highlights include José Rizal and Ati-Atihan.
What is on the atlas
Who leads Philippines?
| President (head of state and government) | Bongbong Marcos |
|---|
Office-holders as of July 2026. Governments change, so check Philippines’s official government website for the latest. Full list of heads of state and government.
Famous people from Philippines
- Jose Rizal national hero and writer
- Andres Bonifacio revolutionary leader
- Emilio Aguinaldo first president
- Lapu-Lapu chief who resisted Magellan
- Manny Pacquiao boxer
- Gabriela Silang revolutionary
- Nick Joaquin writer
A short, well-known selection rather than a ranking. People pinned on the map appear in the cards below.
People in Philippines
People
Manny Pacquiao
Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines
He won world titles in eight different weight classes, a record in boxing, and later served in the Philippine Senate.
Born: 1978 · Known for: Boxer and senator
Festivals in Philippines
Festivals
Ati-Atihan
Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines
People paint their faces, wear bright costumes and dance through the streets of Kalibo to drums in honour of the Holy Child.
Usually: January · Theme: Street dancing for the Santo Niño · Months: January
How to use this page
This page brings together the people who lead Philippines today, a short selection of well-known people from Philippines, and the 3 places pinned for Philippines on the atlas. Use the buttons at the top to see Philippines on the map, where you can filter by theme, read a short summary of each pin and follow the link to Wikipedia for the full article. To browse the same themes across the whole world, see the people page and festivals page.
Questions about Philippines
Who is the leader of Philippines?
As of July 2026: President (head of state and government): Bongbong Marcos. Office-holders change, so check the official government site for the latest.
Who are some famous people from Philippines?
Well-known people connected with Philippines include Jose Rizal (national hero and writer), Andres Bonifacio (revolutionary leader), Emilio Aguinaldo (first president), Lapu-Lapu (chief who resisted Magellan) and Manny Pacquiao (boxer).
Which famous people from Philippines are pinned on the atlas?
People pinned for Philippines include José Rizal and Manny Pacquiao. Open the map to read a short summary of each.
What festivals are celebrated in Philippines?
Festivals on the atlas for Philippines include Ati-Atihan. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
How can I explore Philippines on the map?
Choose See Philippines on the map above, or search for Philippines on the atlas. You can filter by theme, drag the Time travel slider to see who was alive and what was standing in different centuries, and open any pin for a short summary and a link to the full Wikipedia article.