Back when... Philippines was almost called Malaysia

Before Malaysia we know today, both Malaya Kingdoms and Philippines was looking into a new name for their country

Foreign rule

In part of restoring their independence and a name that can represent the country is important. Especially picking a name the people can get behind, when more regions getting together in country is very important

Philippines got its name from when they were under Spanish rule and was named in honour of the 16th-century Spanish king Philip II. When Philippines later got their independence back, they no longer wanted a name of their previous conquer and one of the strong options of a new name was Malaysia

In the meantime, accross the South China Sea. Malay and neighboring countries have gotten out of British rule and is ready to start a new country, together. As there's many nations coming together, they want a name that reflect them all and Malaysia is suggested

Why Malasia?

Senator Alonto filed a bill in the Philippines Senate to change the name of the Philippines to Malaysia in 1962. While Philippines was discussing the name in senate, leader of the Malayan nationalist movement Tunku Abdul Rahman adopted the name Malaysia

Before Philippines could make final ruling on changing the country's name, Federation of Malaya merged with the former British colonies of North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore to become the Federation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963. Singapore was kicked out of Malaysia two years later

As Malaysia got taken and Philippines struggled to find a name majority of its people could get behind, they decided to stay with Philippines as they have been using for 500 years