Okay, folks, gather ’round! Let’s talk about a beloved story, a national treasure, and maybe, just maybe, a teensy bit of historical confusion. We’re diving into the tale of “The Tortoise and the Monkey,” and let me tell you, it’s got more twists and turns than the tortoise’s intestines themselves (and that’s saying something!). Did…
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Decoding the Fashion Mystery of Old Manila: What Was Up With Those Jackets?
You know how much I love digging into the nitty-gritty of our history, especially when it comes to things like fashion! We Filipinos, we love our style, right? And lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about a particular fashion mystery from our past: What in the world was up with those jackets worn by…
Is the Siyokoy a Borrowed Myth? Unpacking the Truth About Filipino Merfolk
Have you heard that the Siyokoy, that creepy merman from Philippine folklore, isn’t actually Filipino? Some say he’s a borrowed myth from Chinese stories. Others claim he’s got roots in Hindu and Western traditions. So, who’s right? Let’s dive deep into this watery mystery and uncover the truth about Filipino merfolk! 🕵️♀️ What’s the Deal…
Smallpox in the Philippines: Why Weren’t We Wiped Out?
Ever wondered why the Spanish conquest didn’t completely devastate the Philippine population with smallpox like it did in the Americas? I get asked about this a lot! It’s a fascinating question that delves into history, trade routes, and good old-fashioned germs. Let’s break it down! The Myth of the “Virgin Soil” The Americas were tragically…
Was Apolinario Mabini Truly Penniless? Unpacking the Myths of the “Sublime Paralytic”
Many Filipinos grow up learning about Apolinario Mabini, the “Brains of the Revolution” and right-hand man to Emilio Aguinaldo. We admire his brilliance, his unwavering principles, and his sacrifices for Philippine independence. But a question often pops up: Did Mabini die a poor man? It’s a question that tugs at the heartstrings. Did this hero…
Was Pedro Paterno Really the Biggest Turncoat in Philippine History?
Okay, let’s talk about Pedro Paterno. You know, the guy who replaced Apolinario Mabini in Aguinaldo’s cabinet? Some people call him the “greatest turncoat” in Philippine history. But is that really fair? Let’s dive into the drama and see what’s what. Mabini, Paterno, and a Nation Divided Picture this: The Philippine Revolution is raging. We’re…
Was Lakandula Really a King? Unpacking the Titles and Tales of Pre-colonial Tondo
Okay, fellow history buffs, let’s talk Lakandula. He’s a big name in Philippine history, often called the “Last King of Tondo.” But lately, I’ve been seeing questions pop up online – was he really a king? What’s the deal with all these titles like “Lakandula” and “Rajah”? Let’s dive in and separate the fact from…
Could Your Lolo Be Besties with Namwaran? Unpacking Filipino Ancestry
Okay, so you’re digging into your family history, scrolling through genealogy sites, maybe even spitting in a tube for that DNA test. It’s all the rage these days, right? You stumble upon studies about Europeans tracing their lineage back to Charlemagne, and you start wondering… could Filipinos trace their ancestry back that far too? Specifically,…
Forgiving But Not Forgetting: President Quirino and the Japanese POWs
Visiting Malacañang Palace is always a trip through history. You walk through those halls, and you can almost feel the echoes of the past, the laughter, the arguments, the momentous decisions made within those walls. For me, the most heartbreaking part was hearing about President Quirino’s life. Imagine, losing his wife and three children at…
Unpacking the “Mindoro Affair”: Manuel Quezon and the Tomasa Alcala Case
Alright, let’s dive into this historical deep dive about Manuel Quezon. We’re going to unpack this “Mindoro Affair,” the one involving Tomasa Alcala. It’s a story with accusations, investigations, and differing accounts. Buckle up, history buffs, it’s about to get real. What’s the Buzz About? You’re curious about accusations against Manuel Quezon, right? Specifically, whispers…