Okay, fellow history buffs and culture vultures, let’s talk about a word that’s been causing some serious confusion: Maharlika. We see it everywhere – streets, basketball teams, even whispers of renaming the entire country! But here’s the thing… it’s time to set the record straight. We’ve all been taught that Maharlika equals royalty. Kings, queens, datus living the…

Ever stared at old maps and wondered, “Did they even HAVE spellcheck back then?” Yeah, me too. Especially when it comes to Philippine towns! Like, was it Sasmuan or Sismuan? Let’s dive into this historical mystery, shall we? The Case of the Shifting Name Okay, history buffs and curious cats, buckle up! We’re talking about…

Ever heard stories from your lolo and lola about the war? They might have mentioned the Hukbalahap, maybe even the American soldiers. But did you know that some of the fiercest fighters against the Japanese were Filipino-Chinese? Yep, you heard that right! These brave souls formed the Wha-Chi, a guerilla group right in the heart…

Okay, let’s talk about Ferdinand Marcos and the Bar Exams. It’s like the Filipino version of “Did Elvis really leave the building?” Lots of whispers, claims, and counter-claims. Let’s break it down, lawyer-style, and stick to the facts. Did Marcos Actually Cheat on the Bar? The short answer? We can’t say for sure. Here’s the…

Okay, folks, gather ’round! Let’s talk about a beloved story, a national treasure, and maybe, just maybe, a teensy bit of historical confusion. We’re diving into the tale of “The Tortoise and the Monkey,” and let me tell you, it’s got more twists and turns than the tortoise’s intestines themselves (and that’s saying something!). Did…

You know how much I love digging into the nitty-gritty of our history, especially when it comes to things like fashion! We Filipinos, we love our style, right? And lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about a particular fashion mystery from our past: What in the world was up with those jackets worn by…

Have you heard that the Siyokoy, that creepy merman from Philippine folklore, isn’t actually Filipino? Some say he’s a borrowed myth from Chinese stories. Others claim he’s got roots in Hindu and Western traditions. So, who’s right? Let’s dive deep into this watery mystery and uncover the truth about Filipino merfolk! 🕵️‍♀️ What’s the Deal…

Ever wondered why the Spanish conquest didn’t completely devastate the Philippine population with smallpox like it did in the Americas? I get asked about this a lot! It’s a fascinating question that delves into history, trade routes, and good old-fashioned germs. Let’s break it down! The Myth of the “Virgin Soil” The Americas were tragically…

Many Filipinos grow up learning about Apolinario Mabini, the “Brains of the Revolution” and right-hand man to Emilio Aguinaldo. We admire his brilliance, his unwavering principles, and his sacrifices for Philippine independence. But a question often pops up: Did Mabini die a poor man? It’s a question that tugs at the heartstrings. Did this hero…

Okay, let’s talk about Pedro Paterno. You know, the guy who replaced Apolinario Mabini in Aguinaldo’s cabinet? Some people call him the “greatest turncoat” in Philippine history. But is that really fair? Let’s dive into the drama and see what’s what. Mabini, Paterno, and a Nation Divided Picture this: The Philippine Revolution is raging. We’re…