Ever feel like some Spanish words your lola used are fading away? I do! It’s like a piece of history is slipping through our fingers. Today, we’re diving into those forgotten Spanish words and phrases, the ones that make you say, “Oh yeah, I remember lolo saying that!” Beyond “Desvergüenza”: Unearthing Lost Spanish Treasures Sure, “desvergüenza” (shamelessness) might sound like a…
Questions Asked
Unearthing Forgotten Filipino Words
Have you ever stumbled upon a word in a dusty old Filipino book and thought, “Wow, I’ve never heard that before! Is that even Tagalog?”. You wouldn’t be alone! Our language is a treasure chest overflowing with “malalim na salita” – those deep, rich words that have, sadly, faded from everyday conversations. It’s like that…
Did Pre-Colonial Filipinos Use Messenger Pigeons? Unraveling Ancient Communication
Ever wondered how people in the Philippines communicated across islands before phones and the internet? We’re talking way back, before the Spanish even arrived. Did they ever use messenger pigeons like they did in other parts of the world? It’s a question that has puzzled many history buffs and bird enthusiasts alike. The Mystery of…
Could Bamboo Really Protect Pre-Colonial Warriors?
Okay, so you’re crafting a historical fantasy set in the Philippines around the 1300s. Cool! But you’ve hit a snag: armor. You’re wondering, “Could pre-colonial warriors REALLY rock bamboo armor?” Let’s dive in! The Boxer Codex, a fascinating source from the late 1500s, gives us glimpses into pre-colonial Filipino warriors, mentioning armor made from surprising…
Why Didn’t the Philippines Revolt Like Latin America in the 1800s?
You might be wondering, “Hey, everyone else was declaring independence from Spain in the early 1800s. Why didn’t the Philippines jump on that bandwagon?” It’s a great question! It seemed like all of Latin America was throwing off Spanish rule, so why not the Philippines? The answer is more complex than you might think. It…
Whispers of the Revolution: Who Was the Last Veteran?
Ever found yourself staring at an old photograph, maybe of fierce-eyed Katipuneros, and wondering, “Could any of them have lived to see the modern Philippines?” It’s a question that tugs at the heartstrings, a yearning to connect our present with the echoes of the Philippine Revolution. You’re not alone in this curiosity. It’s a question…
Tuning In to Nostalgia: Why Sunday Radio Feels Like a Time Machine
Ever notice how your radio seems to rewind time every Sunday? You wake up, the smell of sinangag still hanging in the air, and suddenly you’re transported back to your lolo and lola’s house. Crooners serenading you with love songs from the ’50s and ’60s. It’s like a scene straight out of a classic Filipino movie, only you’re living it every…
Manila Waterways: Are We Calling “Esteros” by the Wrong Name?
Scrolling through social media lately, I bet you’ve seen the photos – Manila knee-deep in floodwater, right? It’s a recurring nightmare every rainy season. And amidst all the “Stay safe!” and “Sending prayers!” messages, I kept bumping into the word “estero.” You know, like “Estero de Pasig” or “Estero de San Miguel.” Now, I don’t…
Unpacking “Lucky” Animals in Filipino Culture
Have you ever wondered why your Tita insists on having a rooster figurine perched on her desk, or why your Lolo swears by the fortune brought by his pet lovebirds? We Filipinos, we love our traditions. And nowhere is this more evident than in our beliefs about “lucky” animals. Growing up, I was surrounded by…
King Norodom I’s Unrequited Love for Josefa Roxas
Did you know King Norodom I, a Cambodian king in the 19th century, loved but was not loved back? He deeply desired Josefa Roxas. His love for her was so strong, it became a well-known tale of unreciprocated love. King Norodom I longed for Josefa Roxas without her returning his love. This unreturned feeling gave…