Before the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan and the Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the islands that would eventually become the Philippines were home to diverse communities, each with its own unique customs, beliefs, and ways of life. These communities were not unified under a single king or empire, but rather organized into smaller, independent…
Pre-Colonial (900–1560)
Datu Sumakwel: Lawgiver of the Maragtas Epic and His Legacy
The rich tapestry of Philippine history stretches back thousands of years, long before the arrival of European colonizers. This era, known as the pre-colonial period, is often shrouded in mystery, relying on archaeological findings, accounts from early foreign visitors, and oral traditions passed down through generations. Among these traditions, few are as enduring and debated…
Datu Puti and the Legend of the Ten Bornean Datus: Migration to the Philippines
Philippine history is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of indigenous narratives, foreign influences, and periods of both upheaval and peace. Long before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the islands were home to diverse communities, thriving settlements, and complex social structures. Among the most enduring and fascinating stories from this pre-colonial…
Datu Kabunsuan and the Foundations of the Maguindanao Sultanate
The history of the Philippines is rich and diverse, stretching back thousands of years before the arrival of European colonizers. While much of Philippine history is often told through the lens of Spanish colonization and the eventual fight for independence, it’s crucial to understand the powerful societies and complex political structures that already existed in…
Datu Dinagandan of Aklan: Ruler, Trade, and Pre-colonial Life in the Philippines
The history of the Philippines stretches back thousands of years before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. This vast and vibrant period, often called the pre-colonial era, was characterized by numerous independent or semi-independent communities, small kingdoms, and intricate trade networks that connected the islands to each other and to the wider world. One…
Datu Bangkaya: Unraveling the Story of an Early Panay Leader
The rich tapestry of Philippine history stretches back thousands of years, long before the arrival of European colonizers. This pre-colonial era was marked by diverse societies, intricate social structures, and figures whose stories, often passed down through generations, shaped the identity of various communities. Among these figures, shrouded in a mix of historical record and…
Cosmic Views: Pre-colonial Filipino Understanding of the Cosmos and Stars
Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the islands that now form the Philippines were home to diverse groups of people, each with unique languages, customs, and beliefs. Despite their differences, these indigenous societies shared a common thread: a deep connection to and understanding of the natural world around them, including the…
Boxer Codex Portrayals of Pre-colonial Philippine Leaders and Society
The history of the Philippines before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century is often seen through fragmented lenses – archaeological findings, oral traditions, and the accounts of early foreign visitors. Among these sources, one document stands out for its vivid illustrations: the Boxer Codex. This remarkable manuscript, created in the late 16th century,…
Animism in Pre-colonial Philippines: Beliefs, Spirits, and Practices
Before the arrival of major foreign religions, the people of the Philippine archipelago held a complex and vibrant set of beliefs centered around the concept of animism. Animism is the idea that spirits or souls inhabit not only humans but also animals, plants, natural objects (like mountains, rivers, stones), and phenomena (like wind, thunder, rain). For the…
What Our Ancestors Ate: Exploring Pre-colonial Filipino Cuisine
Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the islands that now make up the Philippines were home to diverse groups of people, each with their own unique cultures, languages, and, importantly, their own ways of preparing and consuming food. This era, known as the pre-colonial period, saw a rich and varied diet…