• Flag of the Philippinesphilippines flag icon. (with clipping path) image by Andrey Zyk from Fotolia.com
  
  The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia made up of more than 7,000 islands. The Philippines were first settled by migrant people from Asia but then became a colony of Spain for a few centuries. The United States then took over in the early 20th century before the country became independent after World War II. Though best known for its tropical beauty and scuba diving opportunities, the Philippines has national monuments that commemorate the island's tumultuous history.
  
  

Fountain of Justice

• The Fountain of Justice is a national monument located in Bacolod City. It is built on the site where Spanish colonists surrendered to Filipino forces in November 1898. The Spanish governor of the province, known as Negros Occidental, signed the agreement of surrender here, which was the site of Bacolod City's City Hall. Today there is a fountain and park on the site. It is also a place commonly used for rallies and political protests.
  
  Fountain of Justice
  Bacolod City, Philippines
  
  

Rizal Park and Monument

• Located in the capital city of Manila, Rizal Park and Monument is one of the country's most important national monuments. It was built to commemorate Dr José Rizal, a Filipino nationalist executed by the Spanish in 1896. The monument is guarded at all times and the Filipino flag is flown next to the memorial. Examples of Rizal's poetry are also feted, and a fountain was imported from the town in Germany where Rizal studied as a young man.
  
  Rizal Park and Monument
  Manila, Philippines
  
  

Taal Volcano National Monument

• Taal Volcano National Monument is located on a lake-surrounded active volcano about 40 miles south of Manila. The volcano has erupted 33 times, but the last time was in 1977. Along with the sheer beauty of the surrounding wilderness, Taal Volcano National Monument is a frequently visited part of the Philippines. It is common for people to rent a house in the area to take time to enjoy the serenity. Taal Volcano is listed as one of the Philippines' National Geological Monuments.