“Wait, what? Did a Filipino hero really say that? What’s the deal with Filipinos being in human zoos?” I know, right? It’s shocking and upsetting. Seeing that 1906 photo of the young Filipina girl in a “human zoo” enclosure… it hits hard. And then there’s Carlos P. Romulo, a big name in Philippine history, saying…
Questions Asked
Tagalog or Tagaloc? Untangling the History of a Word
Have you ever stumbled upon a Facebook post that makes you question everything you thought you knew? I know I have! Recently, I got sucked into this whole debate about the word “Tagalog.” Some folks were saying it’s just a simple “taga + ilog” (people of the river) situation, while others were throwing around linguistic…
Why Didn’t Spanish Become the Primary Language in the Philippines?
Have you ever wondered why we Filipinos don’t speak Spanish, unlike our South American cousins? It’s a question I hear a lot, especially from history buffs and language enthusiasts. We were under Spanish rule for centuries, longer than even our Asian neighbors. Shouldn’t we be fluent in “Hola” and “Gracias” by now? Let’s dive into…
Unearthing Your Pinoy Roots: Is It Possible to Trace My Lineage in the Philippines?
Have you ever found yourself engrossed in a Rizal novel, wondering about your own family history? Yeah, me too! Suddenly, you’re picturing lolos in barong tagalogs and lolas in elegant ternos, debating politics or whispering family secrets passed down through generations. Who were these people who came before us, and what stories do their lives tell? It’s a common question Filipinos ask…
Did Everyone Really Flock to Manila After WW2? – Post-War Dagsa!
Ever heard that old kuwentuhan about how everyone and their lola packed up and moved to Manila after World War 2? We’re talking about that whole “Manila is the land of opportunity” idea. Was it a real thing, or just another one of those chismis passed down through generations? 🤔 Let’s dive into this fascinating chapter of Philippine history! 🇵🇭 Rebuilding…
Filipino Street Food: Crowning the King and Queen!
Okay, kabayans! Let’s talk Pinoy street food, those delicious, on-the-go bites that make our tummies sing (and maybe sweat a little 😅). We’ve all been there, craving that perfect snack attack. But here’s the million-peso question: What single dish reigns supreme as the quintessential Filipino street food? Some folks are team “Ihaw-Ihaw,” all about those smoky, grilled skewers. Others swear…
Misunderstood Patriots: Filipino “Traitors” Who Were Actually Heroes?
Have you ever heard whispers about Filipino heroes who were once branded as traitors? It feels weird, right? Like finding out your favorite lolo had a secret past. But Filipino history, much like our families, is full of complicated characters. Let’s dive into the lives of these controversial figures. Unpacking “Collaboration” During World War II…
Why is “Bisaya” Heard All Over Visayas and Mindanao?
Ever wonder why folks in Visayas and Mindanao seem to speak the same language? You’re not alone! Many people use the term “Bisaya” to describe the languages in these regions. But here’s the thing: it’s not as simple as it seems. Let me break it down for you. “Bisaya” – More Than Just One Language…
Luzon Crocodiles: Where Did They All Go?
Ever notice how the Philippines is obsessed with crocodiles? We’ve got the legendary “Buwaya” in our folklore, scary stories about them lurking in rivers, and even our national hero, Jose Rizal, threw one into Noli Me Tangere! It makes you wonder, were crocodiles really that common in the Philippines? And if so, where did they all go?…
Pre-Colonial Filipino Style of Banishing Body Odor
Ever wander through a crowded market and catch a whiff of something… less than pleasant? Makes you wonder, how did people deal with body odor way back in the day, before fancy deodorants and perfumes flooded the shelves? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of pre-colonial and colonial Philippines and uncover their secrets to smelling…