The story of the modern Philippine economy cannot be fully told without highlighting the crucial role played by its Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). These millions of Filipinos who live and work in other countries are not just individuals seeking better opportunities; they have collectively become a fundamental pillar supporting the nation’s economic structure and contributing significantly…
More Than Just a Consort: Understanding the Datu’s Wife in Pre-Colonial Philippine Society
Stepping back in time to the islands that would eventually be called the Philippines, we find a society structured around independent communities known as barangays. These were not just villages; they were complex social and political units, often nestled along rivers or coasts, where life revolved around the wisdom and leadership of a chieftain called the datu….
Melchora Aquino (Tandang Sora): Mother of the Philippine Revolution and Sanctuary for Heroes
The story of the Philippine Revolution is often told through the actions of its visible leaders, the generals, and the thinkers. Figures like Andrés Bonifacio, José Rizal, and Emilio Aguinaldo rightfully hold prominent places in our history books. Yet, behind the scenes, supporting the cause and literally keeping the revolutionaries alive and able to fight,…
Lorenzo Tañada: The ‘Grand Old Man’ Who Battled Authoritarianism in the Philippines Senate
In the vast and sometimes turbulent landscape of Philippine history, few figures stand as tall and unwavering as Senator Lorenzo M. Tañada. Known affectionately as the “Grand Old Man of the Philippine Senate,” Tañada was more than just a long-serving legislator; he was, for many Filipinos, the conscience of the state, a persistent and courageous…
Lope K. Santos: Championing Filipino Language and Identity During American Rule
The early 20th century in the Philippines was a time of profound transformation. The end of Spanish rule and the dawn of American occupation ushered in a new era, bringing with it not only political and economic changes but also a significant shift in the cultural landscape. Among the most impactful changes was the introduction…
Life Inside the Datu’s Household: Center of the Pre-colonial Filipino Barangay
Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the islands that would eventually become the Philippines were a tapestry of independent communities. These communities, known as barangays, were the fundamental units of ancient Filipino society. Each barangay was typically led by a chieftain called a datu. The heart and soul of the barangay, the center…
Learning for Freedom: Education and Organizing Against the Philippine Dictatorship
In Philippine history, there are periods that stand out for their difficulty and the incredible courage of ordinary people. One such time was the period of the Marcos dictatorship, especially the years of Martial Law from 1972 to 1981, which extended until 1986. This was a time when basic freedoms were limited, political opponents were…
Lapu-Lapu: Chieftain, Hero, and the Enduring Legacy of Mactan
The name Lapu-Lapu resonates deeply within the annals of Philippine history. More than just a name, he represents a pivotal moment: the first documented instance of indigenous resistance against European colonial encroachment. As the chieftain of Mactan, a vibrant island near Cebu, Lapu-Lapu’s decision to defy the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 culminated in…
Key Student Leaders and Their Role in the Philippine First Quarter Storm
The late 1960s in the Philippines were a time of growing unrest. Issues like poverty, corruption, government spending, and what many saw as the country’s subservience to foreign interests fueled discontent. While various sectors of society felt these pressures, it was the student population that often served as the leading edge of protest. By early…
Key Archaeological Sites Unearthing Philippine Prehistory
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, holds a rich and complex history that stretches back hundreds of thousands of years, long before written records or colonial encounters. Unearthing this deep past is the crucial work of archaeology. Key archaeological sites in Philippine prehistory are like scattered puzzle pieces, each offering vital clues about the lives, migrations, technologies,…