Questions Asked

“Why don’t we talk about the Sandugo more?” You asked me. It’s a question that echoes in the halls of Philippine history, a story often whispered but rarely shouted. We celebrate Lapu-Lapu, the hero who resisted, but the Sandugo, a symbol of alliance and, let’s face it, submission, remains in the shadows. Why? Well, maybe…

We’ve all heard whispers about them—Rizal’s brain fragments. Some folks swear they’re tucked away in the Ateneo Archives. Others say it’s a load of kalokohan. So, let’s dive in and separate historical fact from urban legend. The Mystery of Rizal’s Remains Jose Rizal, our national hero, was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896….

“Was General Homma really responsible for the Bataan Death March?” “Why were Filipino and American soldiers treated so brutally?” These are questions I often hear, echoing the painful history of World War II in the Philippines. The Bataan Death March, a horrific event that unfolded in 1942, continues to haunt us. It’s a stark reminder…

We all know the big names of the Philippine Revolution, right? Aguinaldo, Bonifacio, those guys. But have you ever heard of Edilberto Evangelista? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. He’s like the secret ingredient in your favorite dish – essential but often overlooked. See, this guy was the brains behind some major Katipunan victories in Cavite….

Okay, fellow history buffs, let’s talk about Ferdinand Magellan and his grand Philippine adventure. Wikipedia calls it an “expedition,” but after reading about it, I’m starting to think it’s more like a comedy of errors. Seriously, the whole thing feels like one big “ay naku” moment after another. You know the story, right? Magellan, this…

Okay, friends, let’s talk about something that pops up in conversations a lot: the Philippines and Islam. 🤔 There’s this idea floating around that our beloved country was this close to becoming a Muslim-majority nation. Some even say it was our destiny! Now, I’m not a history professor (though I do love a good historical drama!), but…

Okay, let’s talk about something super interesting today. What if things went a little differently way back when? We’re talking about a Philippines where the Spaniards didn’t even set foot. Would we be lighting candles for saints or offering rice cakes to ancient spirits? Would we be speaking a mix of Tagalog and Dutch? 🤔 Let’s dive…

Ever stumbled upon an old anting-anting in lola‘s baul and wondered about the beliefs of our ancestors? It’s a trip, right? 🤯 Lately, I’ve been seeing tons of “what if” questions about Philippine pre-colonial religions making it to the 21st century. Would we be lighting incense to Bathala instead of candles for saints? Let’s dive into this thought experiment! The…

Ever found yourself daydreaming about the pre-colonial Philippines? Wondering what traditions would still thrive if things had gone differently? It’s a brain-tickler, right? We’d be dealing with a whole other world, far from the blend of East and West we know today. Let’s dive into this “what if” scenario. A Tapestry of Beliefs: No Single…

You know, I often see this question pop up online, whispered in the hushed tones of history buffs huddled over their kapeng barako: What if our ancient beliefs had held strong against the Spanish? It’s a doozy, isn’t it? Did embracing Catholicism really pave the way for 300 years under Spanish rule? 🤯 Did we trade baybayin for banderitas a…