Watch out: Today (December 28) is Holy Innocents’ Day — the Filipino answer to April Fools’ Day. Among the popular traditional pranks is to borrow money — with no intention of paying it back. The moment you give the money, the prankster will say: “No hurt feelings, no payback. Remember, it’s Holy Innocents’ Day today!”… Full Story »
History
Manila comfort woman statue angers the Japanese
A statue of a Filipina comfort woman, recently unveiled in Manila, is causing a diplomatic row with the Japanese. The seven-foot monument commemorates the suffering of thousands of women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War Two. The bronze statue was unveiled early last week on the intersection of Roxas Boulevard… Full Story »
Microsoft co-founder discovers US warship sunk by Japanese in 1945
Researchers have discovered the lost warship USS Indianapolis, 72 years after the cruiser was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. The wreckage was found about three-and-a-half miles below the Philippine Sea, according to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who led the team searching for the ship. The ship was hit in the final days of World War… Full Story »
The Asuncion family: Exhibition celebrates legacy of remarkable artistic clan
An art exhibition in Makati celebrates the legacy of a remarkable artistic clan of the 19th Century. Works by the Asuncion brothers — Justiniano, Leoncio, and Mariano — will be on display at the Ayala Museum until next January. The brothers were just three of 12 siblings, all of whom were talented artists. Indeed, to this… Full Story »
“Kept Maiden” – who never saw the sun until her wedding day – dies aged 73
A kept maiden believed to be one of the last “binukot” of the Iloilo region of the Philippines has died at the age of 73. Rosita Caballero spent her childhood in total isolation — never leaving her family home or even seeing the sun — until her wedding day. This tradition, practised by the Panay… Full Story »
