Now that's variety. In these snacks and foods I can see Indonesian, Chinese, American and Spanish influence. Here in Cambodia there is basically one religion, language, and ethnic group, so the food is kind of boring, and exactly the same wherever you go in the country.
You're right. It draws back to history when the Chinese introduced mercantile through the channels and of course, the 3 century Spanish colonization which was deeply rooted to Filipino culture notwithstanding the influence during American occupation. The Philippines has become a melting pot not only among its people but also the variety of cuisines it has instilled in our savoury food preferences and so enticingly overwhelming!