Philippine geography 101: Similar names of Philippine cities and municipalities

As of July 8th, 2024, there are several cities and municipalities in the Philippines that share the same names but are located in different provinces. This phenomenon can sometimes lead to confusion in geography, governance, and postal services. Below, I have grouped these locations into two categories: cities and municipalities.

Cities

There are eight cities around the Philippines that share the same names, leading to interesting cases of mistaken identity and unique cultural overlaps. These cities, despite sharing names, often have distinct characteristics, histories, and cultural backgrounds. Let's explore a few examples:

1. Naga City, Cebu
2. Naga City, Camarines Sur (only in geograhy)
3. San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
4. San Carlos City, Pangasinan
5. San Fernando City, La Union
6. San Fernando City, Pampanga
7. Talisay City, Cebu
8. Talisay City, Negros Occidental

Municipalities

Having 310 municipalities that share the same name is a fascinating phenomenon that showcases the spread of certain place names across different regions and cultures. This widespread naming can result from various factors such as colonization, migration, homage to notable places or figures, and local traditions. Let's delve into the implications and examples of this naming trend.

1. Alcala, Cagayan
2. Alcala, Pangasinan
3. Alegria, Cebu
4. Alegria, Surigao del Norte
5. Alicia, Bohol
6. Alicia, Isabela
7. Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay
8. Anda, Bohol
9. Anda, Pangasinan
10. Balete, Aklan
11. Balete, Batangas
12. Banga, Aklan
13. Banga, South Cotabato
14. Baras, Catanduanes
15. Baras, Rizal
16. Bato, Camarines Sur
17. Bato,Catanduanes
18. Bontoc, Mountain Province
19. Bontoc, Southern Leyte
20. Buenavista, Agustan del Norte
21. Buenavista, Bohol
22. Buenavista, Guimaras (capital)
23. Buenavista, Marinduque
24. Buenavaista, Quezon
25. Burgos, Ilocos Norte
26. Burgos, La Union
27. Burgos, Pangasinan
28. Burgos, Surigao del Norte
29. Cabatuan, Iloilo
30. Cabatuan, Isabela
31. Candelaria, Quezon
32. Candelaria, Zambales
33. Caramoan, Camarines Sur
34. Caramona, Catanduanes
35. Carmen, Agusan del Norte
36. Carmen, Bohol
37. Carmen, Cebu
38. Carmen, Cotabato
39. Carmen, Davao del Norte
40. Carmen, Surigao del Sur
41. Casiguran, Aurora
42. Casiguran, Sorsogon
43. Catarman, Camiguin
44. Catarman, Northern Samar
45. Clarin, Bohol
46. Clarin, Misamis Occidental
47. Claveria, Cagayan
48. Claveria, Masbate
49. Clavera,  Misamis Oriental
50. Compostela, Cebu
51. Compostela, Davao de Oro
52. Concepcion, Iloilo
53. Concepcion, Misamis Occidental
54. Concepcion, Romblon
55. Concepcion, Tarlac
56. Cortes, Bohol
57. Cortes, Surigao del Sur
58. Dolores, Abra
59. Dolores, Eastern Samar
60. Dolors, Quezon
61. Esperanza, Agusan del Sur
62. Esperanza, Masbate
63. Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat
64. Hagonoy, Bulacan
65. Hagonoy, Davao del Sur
66. Infanta, Pangasinan
67. Infanta, Quezon
68. Kalayaan, Laguna
69. Kalayaan Palawan
70. Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte
71. Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur
72. La Libertad, Negros Oriental
73. La Libertad, Zamboanga del Norte
74. La Paz, Abra
75. La Paz, Agusan del Sur
76. La Paz, Leyte
77. La Paz, Tarlac
78. Lemery, Batangas
79. Lemery, Iloilo
80. Libertad, Antique
81. Libertad, Misamis Oriental
82. Liloan, Cebu
83. Liloan, Southern Leyte
84. Looc, Occidental Mindoro
85. Looc, Romblon
86. Loreto, Agusan del Sur
87. Loreto, Dinagat Islands
88. Luna, Apayao
89. Luna, Isabela
90. Luna, La Union
91. Maasim, Sarangani
92. Maasim, Iloilo
93. Mabini, Batangas
94. Mabini, Bohol
95. Mabini, Davao de Oro
96. Mabini, Pangasinan
97. Magallanes, Agusan del Norte
98. Magallanes, Cavite
99. Magallanes, Sorsogon
100. Magsaysay, Davao del Sur
101. Magsaysay, Lanao del Norte
102. Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental
103. Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro
104. Magsaysay, Palawan
105. Malitbog, Bukidnon
106. Malitbog, Southern Leyte
107. Mercedes, Camarines Norte
108. Mercedes, Eastern Samar
109. Morong, Bataan
110. Morong, Rizal
111. Morong, Samar
112. Naguilian, Isabela
113. Naguilian, La Union
114. Pamplona, Cagayan
115. Pamplona, Camarines Sur
116. Pamplona, Negros Oriental
117. Pandan, Antique
118. Pandan, Catanduanes
119. Pilar, Abra
120. Pilar, Bataan
121. Pilar, Bohol
122. Pilar, Capiz
123. Pilar, Cebu
124. Pilar, Sorsogon
125. Pilar, Surigao del Norte
126. Pitogo, Quezon
127. Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur
128. Placer, Masbate
129. Placer, Surigao del Norte
130. Plaridel, Bulacan
131. Plaridel, Misamis Occidental
132. Plaridel, Quezon
133. Pontevedra, Capiz
134. Pontevedra, Negros Occidental
135. President Roxas, Capiz
136. President Roxas, Cotabato
137. Quezon, Bukidnon
138. Quezon, Isabela
139. Quezon, Nueva Ecija
140. Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya
141. Quezon, Palawan
142. Quezon, Quezon
143. Quirino, Ilocos Sur
144. Quirino, Isabela
145. Rizal, Cagayan
146. Rizal, Kalinga
147. Rizal, Laguna
148. Rizal, Nueva Ecija
149. Rizal, Occidental Mindoro
150. Rizal, Palawan
151. Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte
152. Rosario, Agusan del Sur
153. Rosario, Batangas
154. Rosario, Cavite
155. Rosario, La Union
156. Rosario, Nortern Samar
157. Roxas, Isabela
158. Roxas, Oriental Mindoro
159. Roxas, Palawan
160. Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte
161. Salcedo, Eastern Samar
162. Salcedo, Ilocos Sur
163. San Agustin, Isabela
164. San Agustin, Romblon
165. San Agustin, Surigao del Sur
166. San Andres, Catanduanes
167. San Andres, Quezon
168. San Andres, Romblon
169. San Antonio, Northern Samar
170. San Antonio, Nueva Ecija
171. San Antonio,  Quezon
172. San Antonio, Zambales
173. San Enrique, Iloilo
174. San Enrique, Negros Occidental
175. San Fernando, Bukidnon
176. San Fernando, Camarines Sur
177. San Fernando, Cebu
178. San Fernando, Masbate
179. San Fernando, Romblon
180. San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
181. San Francisco, Cebu
182. San Francisco, Quezon
183. San Francisco, Southern Leyte
184. San Francisco, Surigao del Norte
185. San Ildefonso, Bulacan
186. San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur
187. San Isidro, Abra
188. San Isidro, Bohol
189. San Isidro, Davao del Norte
190. San Isidro, Davao Oriental
191. San Isidro, Isabela
192. San Isidro, Leyte
193. San Isidro, Nortern Samar
194. San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
195. San Isidro, Surigao del Norte
196. San Jacinto, Masbate
197. San Jacinto, Pangasinan
198. San Jose, Batangas
199. San Jose, Camarines Sur
200. San Jose, Dinagat Islands (capital)
201. San Jose, Negros Oriental
202. San Jose, Northern Samar
203. San Jose, Romblon
204. San Jose, Tarlac
205. San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
206. San Juan, Abra
207. San Juan, Batangas
208. San Juan, Ilocos Sur
209. San Juan, La Union
210. San Juan, Siquijor
211. San Juan, Southern Leyte
212. San Luis, Agusan del Sur
213. San Luis, Aurora
214. San Luis, Batangas
215. San Luis, Pampanga
216. San Manuel, Isabela
217. San Manual, Tarlac
218. San Mateo, Isabela
219. San Mateo, Rizal
220. San Miguel, Bohol
221. San Miguel, Bulacan
222. San Miguel, Catanduanes
223. San Miguel, Iloilo
224. San Miguel, Leyte
225. San Miguel, Surigao del Sur
226. San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur
227. San Narciso, Quezon
228. San Narcisco, Zambales
229. San Nicolas, Batangas
230. San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte
231. San Nicolas, Pangasinan
232. San Pablo, Isabela
233. San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur
234. San Pascual, Batangas
235. San Pascual, Masbate
236. San Quintin, Abra
237. San Quintin, Pangasinan
238. San Rafael, Bulacan
239. San Rafael, Iloilo
240. San Remigio, Antique
241. San Remigio, Cebu
242. San Vicente, Camarines Norte
243. San Vicente, Ilocos Sur
244. San Vicente, Northern Samar
245. San Vicente, Palawan
246. Santa Ana, Cagayan
247. Santa Ana, Pampanga
248. Santa Barbara, Iloilo
249. Santa Barbara, Pangasinan
250. Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur
251. Santa Catalina, Negros Occidental
252. Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur
253. Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur
254. Santa Cruz, Laguna (capital)
255. Santa Cruz, Marindugue
256. Santa Cruz, Occidental Mindoro
257. Santa Cruz, Zambales
258. Santa Fe, Cebu
259. Santa Fe, Leyte
260. Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya
261. Santa Fe, Romblon
262. Santa Maria, Bulacan
263. Santa Maria, Davao Occidental
264. Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur
265. Santa Maria, Isabela
266. Santa Maria, Laguna
267. Santa Maria, Pangasinan
268. Santa Maria, Romblon
269. Santa Rita, Pampanga
270. Santa Rita, Samar
271. Santa Teresita, Batangas
272. Santa Teresita, Cagayan
273. Santiago, Agusan del Norte
274. Santiago, Ilocos Sur
275. Santo Domingo, Albay
276. Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur
277. Santo Domingo, Nueva Ecija
278. Santo Niño, Cagayan
279. Santo Niño, Samar
280. Santo Niño, South Cotabato
281. Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte
282. Santo Tomas, Isabela
283. Santo Tomas, La Union
284. Santo Tomas, Pampanga
285. Santo Tomas, Pangasinan
286. Sison, Pangasinan
287. Sison, Surigao del Norte
288. Socorro, Oriental Mindoro
289. Socorro, Surigao del Norte
290. Sogod, Cebu
291. Sogod, Southern Leyte
292. Tagoloan, Lanao del Norte
293. Tagoloan, Lanao del Sur
294. Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental
295. Talisay,  Batangas
296. Talisay, Camarines Norte
297. Taytay, Palawan
298. Taytay, Rizal
299. Tubod, Lanao del Norte (capital)
300. Tubod, Surigao del Norte
301. Tuburan, Basilan
302. Tuburan, Cebu
303. Tudela, Cebu
304. Tudela, Misamis Oriental
305. Valencia, Bohol
306. Valencia, Negros Occidental
307. Victoria, Laguna
308. Victoria, Northern Samar
309. Victoria, Oriental Mindoro
310. Victoria, Tarlac

The existence of 310 municipalities with the same name highlights the rich tapestry of local history, culture, and migration patterns. Each of these municipalities, while sharing a name, has its own unique story and identity, contributing to the diversity and richness of human settlements in the country.

Compiling a comprehensive list like this is incredibly valuable, especially for journalists navigating the complexities of Philippine geography. It's common for confusion to arise when multiple locations share the same name, leading to inaccuracies or misunderstandings in reporting. By providing a detailed breakdown of cities and municipalities with identical names but in different provinces, journalists can avoid errors and ensure accurate coverage. This effort contributes to the overall clarity and reliability of news reporting. 

Moreover, such a list serves as a helpful reference not only for journalists but also for researchers, travelers, and anyone interested in Philippine geography. It enhances understanding and awareness of the country's diverse landscape, cultural heritage, and administrative divisions. With this expanded compilation, journalists can confidently identify and distinguish between similarly named places, thereby enhancing the quality and credibility of their reporting.

Additionally, this initiative underscores the importance of precision in communication, especially in a field as critical as journalism. By acknowledging and addressing potential sources of confusion, journalists uphold professional standards and strengthen public trust in the media.

Ultimately, this compilation contributes to more accurate, informed, and nuanced storytelling about the Philippines, benefiting both journalists and their audiences.

Philippine national anthem (English)

Land of the morning,

Child of the sun returning,
With fervor burning,
Thee do our souls adore.
Land dear and holy,
Cradle of noble heroes,
Ne’er shall invaders
Trample thy sacred shore.
Ever within thy skies and through thy clouds
And o’er thy hills and sea,
Do we behold the radiance, feel and throb,
Of glorious liberty.
Thy banner, dear to all our hearts,
Its sun and stars alight,
O never shall its shining field
Be dimmed by tyrant’s might!
Beautiful land of love,
O land of light,
In thine embrace ’tis rapture to lie,
But it is glory ever, when thou art wronged,
For us, thy sons to suffer and die.

This English version was translated in the 1940s and it is based on the original Spanish version.

Fostering the Spanish language in the Philippines

A way of consistently fostering the conservation of our Spanish heritage, particularly the Spanish language, is to use Spanish loanwords.

I had a good laugh watching this clip from a Dolphy movie where Babalu interrogated Yoyong Martirez. In response to the Martirez doubting that he's a real cop, Babalu replied, "O, heto ang tarheta ko". I also remember my father using tarheta or tarjeta (to refer to smaller cards) as well, but I don't remember any other adults using it growing up, so I was surprised to see that Dolphy movie clip with Babalu. Tarheta is rarely used nowadays because, first, it is regarded as an old word, second, business cards are rarely used nowadays.

I moved some furniture to my parents' house while I was on vacation in the Philippines last December. I was helped by a nephew who referred to it as "purnityur". I told him that's English and it doesn't sound right tagalized. Try saying muebles instead of "purnityur". He did and found it easier.

Our local languages are losing more and more Spanish loanwords as time goes on. Those of us who champion preserving our past should start using these old loan words in our daily lives and encourage the young to do the same. - A

10 spending habits to break before you turn 30

1. YOLO lifestyle The "You Only Live Once" (YOLO) lifestyle emphasizes living in the moment, often without much consideration for the future. It prioritizes experiences and immediate gratification over long-term planning and stability. While adopting a YOLO mindset can lead to adventurous and memorable experiences, it can also result in financial recklessness and neglect of important responsibilities.
2. Impulse buying. It refers to making unplanned purchases based on sudden desires or emotions, rather than careful consideration of needs or budget. It often leads to overspending on items that may not be essential or even practical. Impulse buying can be fueled by advertising, peer pressure, or emotional triggers, and it can undermine financial goals and budgeting efforts.
3. Borrowing money. It involves obtaining funds from a lender with the promise to repay the amount borrowed, usually with interest, at a later date. While borrowing can provide short-term financial relief or facilitate major purchases, such as homes or education, it also comes with financial obligations and risks. Excessive borrowing can lead to debt accumulation, interest payments, and potential financial strain if repayment becomes challenging.
4. Spending to impress others. It involves making purchases with the primary goal of gaining social status or approval from peers. It often leads to conspicuous consumption, where individuals prioritize material possessions and lavish experiences to project a certain image or lifestyle. However, this behavior can result in financial insecurity, as it may encourage overspending and neglect of personal financial goals.
5. Failing to track expenses. It refers to not monitoring or recording personal spending habits and patterns. Without accurate tracking, individuals may underestimate their expenditures, overspend in certain categories, or overlook opportunities for saving. Tracking expenses is essential for maintaining a balanced budget, identifying areas for cost-cutting, and achieving financial goals.
6. Spending first before saving. It involves prioritizing immediate consumption over setting aside money for future goals or emergencies. This approach can lead to a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, with little to no savings for long-term financial security. Saving should ideally precede spending, with a portion of income allocated towards savings and investments before discretionary expenses are considered.
7. Paying for convenience all the time. It involves opting for products or services that offer convenience or time-saving benefits, even if they come at a higher cost. While convenience can be valuable in certain situations, relying excessively on convenience-based purchases can inflate expenses and strain financial resources. It's important to weigh the trade-offs between convenience and cost-effectiveness when making purchasing decisions.
8. Credit card debt. It arises when individuals borrow money through credit cards and fail to repay the full balance by the due date. Credit cards typically charge high interest rates on unpaid balances, making it easy for debt to accumulate if payments are not made in full and on time. Carrying credit card debt can result in financial stress, lower credit scores, and long-term interest payments that hinder financial progress.
9. Never say "no". It refers to the tendency to indulge in spending without setting limits or boundaries. It involves saying yes to every impulse or request, whether it's dining out, shopping, or participating in costly activities. Failing to exercise restraint can lead to financial overextension, strained relationships, and difficulty achieving financial goals. Learning to say "no" when necessary is essential for maintaining financial health and prioritizing long-term objectives.
10. Spending too much on vices. It involves allocating a significant portion of income towards indulgent or addictive behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, gambling, or excessive entertainment. While vices can provide temporary pleasure or relief, overspending on them can have detrimental effects on both physical and financial well-being. It's important to balance indulgence with responsible budgeting and prioritization of essential needs and long-term goals.

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Himno nacional de Filipinas (Español)

Tierra adorada

Hija del sol de oriente

Su fuego ardiente en ti latiendo está.
Patria de amores
Del heroismo cuna,
Los invasores
No te hallarán jamás.
En tu azul cielo, en tus auras,
En tus montes y en tu mar
Esplende y late el poema
De tu amada libertad.
Tu pabellón, que en las lides
La victoria iluminó
No verá nunca apagados
Sus estrellas y su sol.
Tierra de dichas, del sol y amores,
En tu regazo dulce es vivir.
Es una gloria para tus hijos,
Cuando te ofenden, por ti morir.

The music of the original Spanish version entitled "Macha Nacional Filipina" which was composed by Julian Felipe in 1898 and its lyrics adopted from the poem "Filipinas" written by Jose Palma in 1899.

Truth to be told

People may not recall the intricate details of your facial features, although it's often a concern for many. What they do remember, however, is your smile, the warmth in your eyes as they engaged with you, and the way you made them feel. They remember your kindness, your gentle demeanor, and the comfort your words provided. Your willingness to listen, understand, and offer compassion leaves a lasting impression.

While physical beauty may capture attention, it's the beauty of the heart that truly resonates with people. A beautiful face may mask an ugly heart, but a beautiful heart radiates genuine warmth and kindness. Whether others perceive this beauty depends on what they seek and value. Ultimately, it's the goodness within that leaves a lasting impact on those around you.