Deep in the mists of pre-colonial Philippine history lies the story of kingdoms and rulers whose names echo faintly through the centuries. Among them is a figure of significant intrigue: Dayang Kalangitan, the powerful queen of the Kingdom of Namayan. Her name appears in historical records, notably the Boxer Codex, suggesting a ruler who held considerable…
Datu’s Authority and Community Consensus in Pre-Colonial Philippines
Before the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan and the Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the islands that would eventually become the Philippines were home to diverse communities, each with its own unique customs, beliefs, and ways of life. These communities were not unified under a single king or empire, but rather organized into smaller, independent…
Datu Sumakwel: Lawgiver of the Maragtas Epic and His Legacy
The rich tapestry of Philippine history stretches back thousands of years, long before the arrival of European colonizers. This era, known as the pre-colonial period, is often shrouded in mystery, relying on archaeological findings, accounts from early foreign visitors, and oral traditions passed down through generations. Among these traditions, few are as enduring and debated…
Datu Sikatuna: The Story Behind the Bohol Blood Compact
Philippine history is rich with figures whose actions shaped the course of the nation. Among them is Datu Sikatuna, a chieftain of Bohol, whose name is forever linked to one of the most iconic symbols of early Philippine-Spanish relations: the Blood Compact, or Sandugo. While Miguel López de Legazpi, the Spanish explorer, is often the central…
Datu Puti and the Legend of the Ten Bornean Datus: Migration to the Philippines
Philippine history is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of indigenous narratives, foreign influences, and periods of both upheaval and peace. Long before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the islands were home to diverse communities, thriving settlements, and complex social structures. Among the most enduring and fascinating stories from this pre-colonial…
Datu Kabunsuan and the Foundations of the Maguindanao Sultanate
The history of the Philippines is rich and diverse, stretching back thousands of years before the arrival of European colonizers. While much of Philippine history is often told through the lens of Spanish colonization and the eventual fight for independence, it’s crucial to understand the powerful societies and complex political structures that already existed in…
Datu Dinagandan of Aklan: Ruler, Trade, and Pre-colonial Life in the Philippines
The history of the Philippines stretches back thousands of years before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. This vast and vibrant period, often called the pre-colonial era, was characterized by numerous independent or semi-independent communities, small kingdoms, and intricate trade networks that connected the islands to each other and to the wider world. One…
Datu Bangkaya: Unraveling the Story of an Early Panay Leader
The rich tapestry of Philippine history stretches back thousands of years, long before the arrival of European colonizers. This pre-colonial era was marked by diverse societies, intricate social structures, and figures whose stories, often passed down through generations, shaped the identity of various communities. Among these figures, shrouded in a mix of historical record and…
Cosmic Views: Pre-colonial Filipino Understanding of the Cosmos and Stars
Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the islands that now form the Philippines were home to diverse groups of people, each with unique languages, customs, and beliefs. Despite their differences, these indigenous societies shared a common thread: a deep connection to and understanding of the natural world around them, including the…
Comparing Philippine Foreign Policy: Garcia’s ‘Filipino First’ vs. Later Approaches
The history of the Philippines since gaining full independence in 1946 is a story of a young nation finding its place on the world stage. Philippine foreign policy has evolved significantly over the decades, shaped by global events, regional dynamics, domestic politics, and the changing priorities of each administration. One pivotal moment in this evolution…