Imagine stepping back in time, long before Spanish ships arrived on the shores of what is now the Philippines. What was life like? Who held power? How did communities function? At the heart of many of these pre-colonial societies was the Datú. These were the leaders, chiefs, and rulers of the barangays – the basic social and political…
Timawa: The Warriors and Freemen of Pre-Colonial Philippine Society
Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the islands that would become the Philippines were home to complex and vibrant societies. These societies were often organized into independent communities called barangays, led by chieftains known as datus. Life in these ancient communities wasn’t simple; people had different roles and statuses, forming a social structure…
Thomasites in the Philippines: Education as a Tool for American Governance
When the USS Thomas sailed into Manila Bay in August 1901, it carried more than just passengers; it carried the future of American influence in the Philippines in the form of over 500 American teachers. These individuals, who would come to be known as the Thomasites, were tasked with establishing and running a new public…
The Wealth of Datus: Trade and Resource Control in Pre-Colonial Philippines
Long before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, the islands that now make up the Philippines were home to dynamic communities led by chieftains known as datus. These leaders were not just political figures; they were also central to the economic life of their barangays (communities or settlements). The wealth of datus was the foundation of their power and influence, allowing…
The Steep Economic Cost of Cronyism in the Philippines Post-EDSA Revolution
The EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986 marked a pivotal moment in Philippine history. It signaled the end of over two decades of authoritarian rule under Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and ushered in a new era with promises of democracy, reform, and economic recovery. One of the defining features of the Marcos era, and a major…
The Spiritual World of the Datu: Duties and Connections with the Babaylan
In the islands that would one day become the Philippines, the pre-colonial era was a time rich in diverse cultures, intricate social structures, and deeply held spiritual beliefs. At the heart of these societies were the Datu, hereditary chiefs who served as political leaders, judges, and military commanders. While their temporal power is well-documented, understanding…
The Sandugo: Rajah Katuna, Legazpi, and the Historic Blood Compact in Bohol
The history of the Philippines is a rich tapestry woven from interactions between indigenous peoples and foreign visitors, explorers, and colonizers. Among the most iconic of these encounters is the Sandugo, or blood compact, performed in Bohol in 1565. This ceremony involved Miguel López de Legazpi, the Spanish explorer and conqueror tasked with establishing a permanent…
The Rich Craftsmanship of Pre-colonial Philippines: Weaving, Pottery, and Metalwork
Long before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, the islands that would become the Philippines were home to vibrant and skilled communities. These societies possessed sophisticated knowledge and techniques in various crafts, essential for their daily lives, spiritual practices, social hierarchies, and trade. Among the most significant of these pre-colonial Philippine artisan crafts were weaving, pottery, and metalwork….
The Philippine Women’s Suffrage Movement: Fighting for the Vote and Equality
For centuries, the political landscape of the Philippines, like many nations around the world, was largely defined and dominated by men. While women held significant influence within families and communities, they were systematically excluded from formal political participation, most notably from the right to vote and hold public office. This exclusion wasn’t unique to the…
The Philippine Organic Act: Unpacking the Illusion of Self-Governance Under Early US Rule
The early years of the 20th century marked a complex and often challenging period in Philippine history. After the Spanish-American War and the subsequent Philippine-American War, the Philippines found itself under the control of the United States. This was a time of transition, where the concept of self-governance for Filipinos began to emerge, but the…