In 1635, María, a slave woman from the Indian sub-continent living in the Spanish-controlled Philippine Islands, enters the historical record. We know that women as well as men were involved in forced movements like María’s around the region but historical documentation about their lives is rarely available. María was owned by an artilleryman named Francisco… Full Story »
philippines history
Museum of presidential vehicles opens in Quezon City
In a treat for petrol heads and historians, a museum of presidential vehicles has opened its doors in Quezon City. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and city authorities inaugurated the Presidential Car Museum today (Sunday, August 19) in time for the commemoration of the 140th birthday of former President Manuel Quezon. Speaking… Full Story »
US Embassy confirms return of Balingiga Bells to the Philippines
After more than a century, the US Embassy in Manila has announced that the Balingiga Bells will be returned to the Philippines. The American military took the bells from the church of Balangiga on Samar Island in 1901 after a surprise attack by insurgents prompted merciless reprisals. President Duterte and previous administrations have long urged… Full Story »
Mysteries of the Philippines: The teleportation of Gil Perez
On October 24, 1593, a soldier called Gil Perez was on guard duty outside the Governor’s palace in Manila. Extra vigilance was required, as it had been learned just the day before that Governor Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas had been hacked to death by Chinese pirates. The soldier began to feel dizzy and exhausted. He leaned… Full Story »
US Embassy backs plans to preserve Baguio’s American-built heritage
The US Embassy in Manila to work with Baguio City to preserve American-built heritage sites in the City of Pines. In belatedly celebrating US Independence Day in Baguio yesterday (Friday, July 20) Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Klecheski suggested the government could send their “best architects” for the initiative. During the celebration, Klecheski gave a… Full Story »
