About 87 different languages and dialects are spoken in the Philippines. The ten main ones are: Tagalog, spoken in Batangas, Manila, Mindoro, and most of Luzon; Sugbuhanon, in Cebu, and parts of Mindanao; Hiligaynon, in Negros Occidental and Iloilo; Samarnon, in Samar and Leyte; Bikol, in Camarines North and South; Pampangan, in Pampanga and Tarlac; … More Languages of the Philippines
Bankusay refers to the Bankusay creek located off the north shore of Manila Bay. It was here where the bloody Battle of Bankusay took place in 1571, a battle which would immortalize the heroism and extraordinary courage of a young warrior whose name continues to elude the Filipino consciousness. While several Filipino patriots sacrificed their … More Battle of Bankusay Channel and Macabebe
The Viceroy of Fokien, having heard of Limahong’s daring exploits, had commissioned a ship of war to discover the whereabouts of Limahong, his imperial master’s old enemy. Wang Wanggao, known in Spanish sources as Omocon, who was commissioned to capture Limahong dead or alive, arrived in Philippine waters and encountered the Spanish soldiers in Bolinao, … More Wang Wanggao in search of Limahong
Limahong with his men constructed some boats inside the fort out of the half burnt remnants of his fleet which his men had brought into the fort at night without being detected by the Spaniards. The Chinese had made good use of the blockade also which lasted for three months by repairing the breaches on … More Limahong’s Final Days in the Philippines
In 1212, as legend has it, 10 Bornean datu (chiefs), fleeing the collapse of the once-mighty Srivijayan empire, sailed northwards with their followers and landed on the island of Panay. At that time, Panay was widely populated by Negritos. The Bornean Malays, although superior fighters and better armed than the Negritos, chose not to … More Ati-Atihan Festival – The Philippines’ Mardi Gras
Foiled in his attempt to establish a kingdom in Manila, Limahong set sail for Lingayen Gulf, to settle in Pangasinan province. As a rich place and far enough from the reach of the Spaniards and the Chinese emperor, Limahong decided he would stay in Pangasinan and make himself master of the region. In a few … More Limahong Invaded the Philippines – Part III
One hundred twenty-two years ago, on Dec. 30, 1896, Dr. Jose Rizal, the greatest Filipino patriot, was shot by firing squad at the order of the Spanish military in Manila. Dr. Rizal was born on June 19. 1861 in Calamba, Laguna. His full name is Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda. He was … More Dr. Jose Rizal – The Philippine National Hero
Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, is one of the most holy days in the Philippine Christian calendar. On the eve of the Feast in 1941, there was a festive mood all around. Because of international dateline, it was Saturday, Dec. 6, 1941 in Hawaii, but across the Pacific Ocean west of the … More Remembering Dec. 8, 1941
Limahong was determined to capture Manila in spite of the loss in Parañaque. He set sail again and arrived in Manila Bay. He sent forward his Lieutenant, Sioco, and 600 fighting men to demand the surrender of the Spaniards. Alarm was raised in Malate which is close to Intramuros but the Spaniards took … More Limahong, A Chinese Pirate Invaded the Philippines, Part II
Limahong, or Lin Feng, also known as Lim Ah Hong or Limahon was a Chinese pirate and warlord who invaded the northern islands of the Philippines and also established a short-lived kingdom in Pangasinan. He built up a reputation for his constant raids to ports in Guangdong, Fujian and southern China. He is noted … More Limahong, A Chinese Pirate Invaded the Philippines, Part 1
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