菲律賓是除了中國之外,離我們最近的國家,與台灣的歷史有許多交錯的地方。菲律賓的地理位置乃國際交通要衝,位居世界重大文化的中介站,西方勢力進入東亞以此為基地,東北亞也視菲律賓為南向的樞紐,因此人口流動頻繁,形成多民族與文化的多樣性,歷史上一直是不同民族與文化交流、融合及衝突的多事地帶。菲律賓也是個東西文化交會的國家,因為西方的殖民,比亞洲其他國家都更早納入世界體系,與加入西方現代化的洪流中。菲律賓人的國家認同非常強調原生的條件,在認定我者與他者之間,界線非常清楚。但是更深層的障礙是被殖民的經驗,西班牙人與美國人帶來西方現代化的同時,也讓菲律賓的自我定位不清楚,許多迷思指向對美國與西方的崇拜,可能以身為菲律賓人為榮,但是菲律賓的國家定位與走向卻沒有清楚的方向。
The Philippines is the second closest country to Taiwan, while China is the closest one. There are many historical encounters between Taiwan and the Philippines. Because of its geographical significance, that is being important intersecting point and strategic position, the Philippines has been a hotspot for international exchanging and even for conflicting interests. The Spanish colonial experiences brought Philippines into the international domain and paved foundation for its identity factor. The Philippines's identity puts heavy focus on original heritages and ethnic backgrounds, which is more exclusive than inclusive traits. The American colonial experience deepened the Philippines' confusion for national direction and development. That eventually imposed severe challenges for its identity building.