Ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “Hmm, do I have a tiny bit of India in me?” You’re not alone! Lots of Filipinos, especially in certain parts of the country, notice those subtle features that whisper of a connection to the Indian subcontinent. So, what’s the story? Let’s unravel this historical mystery! Beyond Bollywood: It’s More…
Questions Asked
Philippines: Bakit Nga Ba June 12 Ang Independence Day Natin?
Okay, raise your hand if you learned about July 4th being Philippine Independence Day way back in elementary school. 🙋‍♀️ Yep, me too! It can be confusing, right? Let’s unpack this historical puzzle and understand why we celebrate Philippine Independence Day every June 12th. From July 4th to June 12th: A Short History Lesson You see, our path…
Debunking the Myth: Spanish Ancestry in the Philippines is More Common Than You Think!
Ever get that feeling like something Filipinos believe about their history is…off? I’m tackling a big one today – the idea that Spanish ancestry in the Philippines is super rare. Turns out, digging into old Spanish archives reveals a different story! Uncovering Hidden Truths in Ancient Archives Let me tell you, translating dusty old Spanish…
The Real Origins of Filipinos
Okay, so you’re hearing different stories about where Filipinos really came from? You’re not alone! It’s a hot topic, even sparking debates hotter than our siling labuyo. Let’s break it down, *para klaro! * The Wave Migration Theory: Lupa na Ba Ito? Remember that old “Negrito, Indones, Malay” story? That’s the Wave Migration Theory, popularized by H….
Why The Philippines is Obsessed with Security Guards
Just the other day, I was chatting with Mang Tomas, a lolo in our neighborhood who served in the military way back during Martial Law. He told me that after EDSA, he and a bunch of his army buddies ended up becoming security guards. The country was still finding its footing, crime was on the…
Why Are There So Many Security Guards in the Philippines?
Ever wondered why the Philippines seems to have a security guard on every corner? I know I have. You see them at malls, banks, restaurants, even in your neighborhood sari-sari store. It’s a question that popped up during a recent chat with some neighborhood veterans. They pointed to a surge in security guards after Martial…
Why “Maharlika” Isn’t the Royal Term We Think It Is
Okay, fellow history buffs and culture vultures, let’s talk about a word that’s been causing some serious confusion: Maharlika. We see it everywhere – streets, basketball teams, even whispers of renaming the entire country! But here’s the thing… it’s time to set the record straight. We’ve all been taught that Maharlika equals royalty. Kings, queens, datus living the…
Sasmuan or Sismuan: Unraveling the History of a Pampanga Town
Ever stared at old maps and wondered, “Did they even HAVE spellcheck back then?” Yeah, me too. Especially when it comes to Philippine towns! Like, was it Sasmuan or Sismuan? Let’s dive into this historical mystery, shall we? The Case of the Shifting Name Okay, history buffs and curious cats, buckle up! We’re talking about…
Wha-Chi: The Forgotten Filipino-Chinese Fighters of Mount Arayat
Ever heard stories from your lolo and lola about the war? They might have mentioned the Hukbalahap, maybe even the American soldiers. But did you know that some of the fiercest fighters against the Japanese were Filipino-Chinese? Yep, you heard that right! These brave souls formed the Wha-Chi, a guerilla group right in the heart…
Marcos and the Bar: Unraveling the Myth of the Highest Score
Okay, let’s talk about Ferdinand Marcos and the Bar Exams. It’s like the Filipino version of “Did Elvis really leave the building?” Lots of whispers, claims, and counter-claims. Let’s break it down, lawyer-style, and stick to the facts. Did Marcos Actually Cheat on the Bar? The short answer? We can’t say for sure. Here’s the…