The history of the Philippines before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century is often seen through fragmented lenses – archaeological findings, oral traditions, and the accounts of early foreign visitors. Among these sources, one document stands out for its vivid illustrations: the Boxer Codex. This remarkable manuscript, created in the late 16th century,…
Apolinario Mabini’s True Decalogue: A Moral Code for the Philippine Republic
The late 19th century was a time of immense change and fervent hope in the Philippines. After centuries under Spanish colonial rule, the flames of revolution had been ignited, and a new nation was struggling to be born. In this crucible of conflict and aspirations, leaders emerged not only on the battlefield but also in…
Apolinario Mabini: Life, Ideas, and Enduring Legacy of the Brains of the Philippine Republic
Apolinario Mabini remains one of the most significant, yet perhaps sometimes overlooked, figures in Philippine history. Often referred to as the “Brains of the Revolution” or, more accurately, the “Brains of the Republic,” his influence on the nascent First Philippine Republic was profound and far-reaching. More than just a political advisor, Mabini was a deep…
Animism in Pre-colonial Philippines: Beliefs, Spirits, and Practices
Before the arrival of major foreign religions, the people of the Philippine archipelago held a complex and vibrant set of beliefs centered around the concept of animism. Animism is the idea that spirits or souls inhabit not only humans but also animals, plants, natural objects (like mountains, rivers, stones), and phenomena (like wind, thunder, rain). For the…
American Democracy in the Philippines: Did It Truly Fit?
The turn of the 20th century marked a dramatic shift in the Philippines. After centuries under Spanish rule and a brief, passionate attempt at independence, the islands found themselves under the control of the United States. The Americans arrived not just with military force, but with a stated mission to bring “civilization” and prepare Filipinos…
American Colonial Rule and the Reshaping of Filipino Society: Politics, Power, and Social Change
The arrival of the Americans in the Philippines at the turn of the 20th century marked a dramatic turning point in the nation’s history. Following the defeat of Spain in the Spanish-American War and the subsequent, brutal Philippine-American War, the United States took control of the archipelago. Unlike the Spanish, who ruled for over three…
American Centralization Clashes with Philippine Autonomy: A Historical Analysis
The period of American colonial rule in the Philippines (1898-1946) was a time of immense change and transformation. While often portrayed as a period of modernization, education, and democratic preparation, it was also marked by significant tensions between the policies imposed by the American administration and the deeply ingrained local realities and historical traditions of…
William Howard Taft’s Philippine Policies: Navigating Paternalism and Political Development
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a pivotal, and often tumultuous, era in Philippine history. Following centuries of Spanish rule and a brief but impactful revolution for independence, the Philippines transitioned into a new phase under American colonial administration. A central figure in shaping the early years of this period was William Howard…
What Was the First Philippine Republic? A Simple Guide to Its History and Meaning
The First Philippine Republic holds a special place in the history of the Philippines. It was the very first time Filipinos attempted to establish a truly independent government for their nation, breaking free from centuries of foreign rule. Often called the Malolos Republic because its capital was in Malolos, Bulacan, this republic was a crucial step in…
What Our Ancestors Ate: Exploring Pre-colonial Filipino Cuisine
Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the islands that now make up the Philippines were home to diverse groups of people, each with their own unique cultures, languages, and, importantly, their own ways of preparing and consuming food. This era, known as the pre-colonial period, saw a rich and varied diet…