William Henry Scott stands as one of the most influential and respected historians of the Philippine History. His rigorous historical methodology and unwavering commitment to critically analyzing sources fundamentally reshaped our understanding of the islands’ past, particularly the period often obscured by the biases of colonial chroniclers – the pre-colonial Philippines. Scott was not just…
The history of the Philippines is inextricably linked to its colonial past, particularly the more than three centuries of Spanish colonization. This long period, stretching from the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 to the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898, profoundly reshaped Philippine society, culture, and perhaps most visibly, its languages. Among these…
The arrival of the Spanish in the Philippines in the 16th century marked the beginning of over three centuries of profound transformation. While the Spanish Crown sought new territories and trade routes, the cross arrived alongside the sword. Spanish friars, representing various religious orders, became the vanguards of the colonizing force, extending their influence far…
The story of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Philippines is deeply interwoven with the nation’s complex Philippine History. For centuries, these diverse Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) faced marginalization, displacement, and the systematic erosion of their rights, particularly concerning their Land Rights and Cultural Integrity. The enactment of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997,…
The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 marked the beginning of a transformative era for the islands that would eventually become the Philippines. While Magellan’s initial contact was fleeting, the subsequent expedition led by Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565 firmly established Spanish dominion, initiating over three centuries of colonial rule that profoundly reshaped the…
The Philippine History narrative is complex, marked by struggles for sovereignty, democratic aspirations, periods of profound social upheaval, and recurring challenges related to governance, human rights, and social justice. Within this intricate tapestry, recent events have cast a long shadow, demanding rigorous documentation and analysis. The presidency of Rodrigo Duterte (2016-2022) and his administration’s flagship…
The annals of Philippine History are rich with figures who have shaped the nation’s destiny, but few transitions were as dramatic, unexpected, or globally resonant as the rise of Corazon Aquino. Thrust from the quiet life of a political spouse into the crucible of national leadership following the assassination of her husband, Senator Benigno “Ninoy”…
Philippine history, often perceived as a dense and distant subject confined to textbooks, was dramatically revitalized and brought into the popular consciousness largely through the efforts of one prominent figure: Ambeth Ocampo. More than just an academic, Ocampo emerged as a public historian, a storyteller, and a cultural icon whose unique approach demystified the past…
Introduction Isabelo de los Reyes y Florentino, affectionately known as Don Belong, stands as one of the most complex, dynamic, and influential figures in Philippine history. His life journey traversed an astonishing array of fields, leaving an indelible mark on each. He was not merely one thing, but many: a pioneering journalist giving voice to…
I. Introduction A Portrait of Loss Imagine wading through murky, chest-deep water, the stench of sewage and decay thick in the air. Your home, a sanctuary built with years of hard work, is submerged. Floating remnants of life – a child’s toy, a family portrait, fragments of furniture – drift past, stark symbols of disruption….