Okay, kabayans! Let’s talk Pinoy street food, those delicious, on-the-go bites that make our tummies sing (and maybe sweat a little 😅). We’ve all been there, craving that perfect snack attack. But here’s the million-peso question: What single dish reigns supreme as the quintessential Filipino street food? Some folks are team “Ihaw-Ihaw,” all about those smoky, grilled skewers. Others swear…
Author: R.M.C.Ablir
Misunderstood Patriots: Filipino “Traitors” Who Were Actually Heroes?
Have you ever heard whispers about Filipino heroes who were once branded as traitors? It feels weird, right? Like finding out your favorite lolo had a secret past. But Filipino history, much like our families, is full of complicated characters. Let’s dive into the lives of these controversial figures. Unpacking “Collaboration” During World War II…
Why is “Bisaya” Heard All Over Visayas and Mindanao?
Ever wonder why folks in Visayas and Mindanao seem to speak the same language? You’re not alone! Many people use the term “Bisaya” to describe the languages in these regions. But here’s the thing: it’s not as simple as it seems. Let me break it down for you. “Bisaya” – More Than Just One Language…
Luzon Crocodiles: Where Did They All Go?
Ever notice how the Philippines is obsessed with crocodiles? We’ve got the legendary “Buwaya” in our folklore, scary stories about them lurking in rivers, and even our national hero, Jose Rizal, threw one into Noli Me Tangere! It makes you wonder, were crocodiles really that common in the Philippines? And if so, where did they all go?…
Pre-Colonial Filipino Style of Banishing Body Odor
Ever wander through a crowded market and catch a whiff of something… less than pleasant? Makes you wonder, how did people deal with body odor way back in the day, before fancy deodorants and perfumes flooded the shelves? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of pre-colonial and colonial Philippines and uncover their secrets to smelling…
Why is Tarlac Lagging Behind? A Look at Population Growth in Central Luzon (2024 Update)
Have you noticed how some provinces in Central Luzon are bursting at the seams with new residents, while others seem stuck in time? Today, let’s unpack why Tarlac’s population growth seems to have stalled compared to its neighbors like Pampanga and Bulacan. It’s something I hear a lot about, especially from folks back home in…
Forgotten Spanish Words in the Philippines: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Ever feel like some Spanish words your lola used are fading away? I do! It’s like a piece of history is slipping through our fingers. Today, we’re diving into those forgotten Spanish words and phrases, the ones that make you say, “Oh yeah, I remember lolo saying that!” Beyond “Desvergüenza”: Unearthing Lost Spanish Treasures Sure, “desvergüenza” (shamelessness) might sound like a…
Unearthing Forgotten Filipino Words
Have you ever stumbled upon a word in a dusty old Filipino book and thought, “Wow, I’ve never heard that before! Is that even Tagalog?”. You wouldn’t be alone! Our language is a treasure chest overflowing with “malalim na salita” – those deep, rich words that have, sadly, faded from everyday conversations. It’s like that…
Did Pre-Colonial Filipinos Use Messenger Pigeons? Unraveling Ancient Communication
Ever wondered how people in the Philippines communicated across islands before phones and the internet? We’re talking way back, before the Spanish even arrived. Did they ever use messenger pigeons like they did in other parts of the world? It’s a question that has puzzled many history buffs and bird enthusiasts alike. The Mystery of…
Could Bamboo Really Protect Pre-Colonial Warriors?
Okay, so you’re crafting a historical fantasy set in the Philippines around the 1300s. Cool! But you’ve hit a snag: armor. You’re wondering, “Could pre-colonial warriors REALLY rock bamboo armor?” Let’s dive in! The Boxer Codex, a fascinating source from the late 1500s, gives us glimpses into pre-colonial Filipino warriors, mentioning armor made from surprising…