<P> The Philippines is inhabited by more than 175 ethnolinguistic nations, the majority of whose languages are Austronesian in origin, then Han Chinese, then European (mostly Spanish). Many of these nations converted to Christianity, particularly the lowland - coastal nations, and adopted many foreign elements of culture . Ethnolinguistic nations include the Ivatan, Pangasinan, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano, Visayans (Masbateño, Hiligaynon, Cebuano, Waray, Butuanon, Romblomanon, Kamayo, Cuyonon, and Surigaonon), Zamboangueño, Subanon, and more . </P> <P> In western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, there are ethnolinguistic nations who practice Islam . The Spanish called them Moros after the Moors, despite no resemblance or cultural ties to them apart from their religion . In the Agusan Marsh and the highlands of Mindanao, there are native ethnic groups collectively known as the Lumad . Most maintain their animistic beliefs and traditions, though some of them have converted to Christianity as well . </P>

How the early filipino communities live and interact with other islanders