Because of their geographical position between southern China and Melanesia, the Philippines have marked importance for many aspects of Oceanic prehistory. By Southeast Asian standards, they are fairly well-studied archaeologically, and this situation is partly due to a half-century of research carried out by Henry Otley Beyer (1883-1966), an American archaeologist. Beyer showed in … More Batangas’ Ancient History
An isolated volcanic mass surrounded by coral reefs, Marinduque lies between Tayabas Bay to the north and Sibuyan Sea to the south. It is west of Quezon Province’s Bondoc Peninsula; east of Mindoro Island; and north of the island province of Romblon. This small heart-shaped island is famous for its colorful Moriones Festival, the unique … More Marinduque Province and its History
After the eruption of Taal Volcano, I have been seeing more news about the faith of the Batangueños, the people of Batangas. I’m from Alitagtag and the most revered patron saint of our town is the Mahal na Poong Santa Cruz, (The Holy Cross). It has been the belief of the people of our town … More What do you know about the Holy Cross of Alitagtag?
“Mi último adiós” (English; “My Last Farewell”) is a poem written by Dr. José Rizal before his execution by firing squad on December 30, 1896. His martyrdom ignited the Filipino fervor to revolt against the Spaniards. While Rizal was traveling on his way to Spain, he was captured in the boat where he was sailing, … More Mi Ultimo Adios by Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero
Bohol Island has much to offer in terms of history. Bohol’s contact with other civilizations antedates the Spanish “discovery” of the Philippines. Among the early settlers were people who used gold jewelry, death masks and who “beautified” their women by flattening and shaping their skulls. The Chinese traders frequented Bohol before the 5th … More Bohol and its History
Bohol has become synonymous with Chocolate Hills located northeast of Tagbilaran, the provincial capital. Clusters of these cone-shaped mounds are scattered over about 50 square km. (about 30 sq. m.) around Sagbayan, Carmen, and Sierra Bullones in Central Bohol. Numbering 1,268 in all, the hills are formed of sedimentary limestone, shale, and sandstone … More Bohol – Home of the Chocolate Hills
Continuing on the blog from last week, I hope you are not getting a nightmare looking at these photos. If you do, I apologize. Who is Apo Anno? Apo Anno, a tribal leader in the Benguet province, was a descendant of a 12th century Kankanaey hunter who lived to a ripe old age … More Apo Anno – A Philippine National Treasure
In the Philippines, there is an abundance of flowers during the month of May. The first of May is an important day throughout the Philippines as it heralds a merry month of fiestas, flowers, dainty maidens in pretty gown, and the twin processions of the Flores de Mayo and the Santacruzan. Filipinos celebrate a tradition … More Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan – A Filipino Tradition celebrated in May
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
What is Subli? Subli preceded Christianity in the Philippines and is a pre-Spanish era’s religious ritual. The people of Bauan, Batangas paid homage to the cross, reverently called Mahal na Poong Alitagtag (Beloved Holy Cross of Alitagtag) by dancing the folk dance called Subli. The dance is traced to the town of Bauan, Batangas. Subli … More What is Subli?
Subli 