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…
Was Lakandula Really a King? Unpacking the Titles and Tales of Pre-colonial Tondo
Okay, fellow history buffs, let’s talk Lakandula. He’s a big name in Philippine history, often called the “Last King of Tondo.” But lately, I’ve been seeing questions pop up online – was he really a king? What’s the deal with all these titles like “Lakandula” and “Rajah”? Let’s dive in and separate the fact from…
Could Your Lolo Be Besties with Namwaran? Unpacking Filipino Ancestry
Okay, so you’re digging into your family history, scrolling through genealogy sites, maybe even spitting in a tube for that DNA test. It’s all the rage these days, right? You stumble upon studies about Europeans tracing their lineage back to Charlemagne, and you start wondering… could Filipinos trace their ancestry back that far too? Specifically,…
Forgiving But Not Forgetting: President Quirino and the Japanese POWs
Visiting Malacañang Palace is always a trip through history. You walk through those halls, and you can almost feel the echoes of the past, the laughter, the arguments, the momentous decisions made within those walls. For me, the most heartbreaking part was hearing about President Quirino’s life. Imagine, losing his wife and three children at…
Unpacking the “Mindoro Affair”: Manuel Quezon and the Tomasa Alcala Case
Alright, let’s dive into this historical deep dive about Manuel Quezon. We’re going to unpack this “Mindoro Affair,” the one involving Tomasa Alcala. It’s a story with accusations, investigations, and differing accounts. Buckle up, history buffs, it’s about to get real. What’s the Buzz About? You’re curious about accusations against Manuel Quezon, right? Specifically, whispers…
Sandugo: Beyond the Blood Compact, Facing the Shadows of Filipino History
“Why don’t we talk about the Sandugo more?” You asked me. It’s a question that echoes in the halls of Philippine history, a story often whispered but rarely shouted. We celebrate Lapu-Lapu, the hero who resisted, but the Sandugo, a symbol of alliance and, let’s face it, submission, remains in the shadows. Why? Well, maybe…
Rizal’s Brain Fragments: Fact or Fiction?
We’ve all heard whispers about them—Rizal’s brain fragments. Some folks swear they’re tucked away in the Ateneo Archives. Others say it’s a load of kalokohan. So, let’s dive in and separate historical fact from urban legend. The Mystery of Rizal’s Remains Jose Rizal, our national hero, was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896….
The Bataan Death March: Remembering the Atrocities, Honoring the Victims
“Was General Homma really responsible for the Bataan Death March?” “Why were Filipino and American soldiers treated so brutally?” These are questions I often hear, echoing the painful history of World War II in the Philippines. The Bataan Death March, a horrific event that unfolded in 1942, continues to haunt us. It’s a stark reminder…
Edilberto Evangelista: The Forgotten Military Genius of the Philippine Revolution
We all know the big names of the Philippine Revolution, right? Aguinaldo, Bonifacio, those guys. But have you ever heard of Edilberto Evangelista? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. He’s like the secret ingredient in your favorite dish – essential but often overlooked. See, this guy was the brains behind some major Katipunan victories in Cavite….
Magellan in the Philippines: More “Ay Naku” Than Adventure?
Okay, fellow history buffs, let’s talk about Ferdinand Magellan and his grand Philippine adventure. Wikipedia calls it an “expedition,” but after reading about it, I’m starting to think it’s more like a comedy of errors. Seriously, the whole thing feels like one big “ay naku” moment after another. You know the story, right? Magellan, this…