From November 1-2, it is known as Undas, Dáun, Kalag-Kalag, and Araw ng mga Patay in the Philippines. It's a celebration of honoring and respecting the souls of those who have passed on to the afterlife.
NOTE: The original article was written in my old blog, Pinoy-Culture.com on June 16, 2016. That blog does not exist any longer. I have used the original article, editing and expanding on it. It’s that time of year again, where […]
When researching the pre-colonial history, culture, beliefs, and traditions of the early Bisayans prior to Spanish colonization and during its early onset, one must look into reading probably the most important historical account on the Bisayans. Written in 9 volumes […]
The Bisayans had many deities or diwata as they were once called. Each one had their own names and functions. The term diwata comes from the Sanskrit word, devata ( देवता ), or deva which means deity. Many of the diwata were associated with aspects of nature such as the sun, moon, stars, seas, and wind. Others had roles in agriculture, fishing, marriage, and war. Some diwata were also deified ancestors, as it was believed that some who were hero's in their lives or died honorable deaths, such as being struck by lightning, eaten by a crocodile, or killed in war, would join the diwata.
Known as the Queen of Cebu, this mysterious, leading woman was the wife of Rajah Humabon, the ruler of Cebu during the time of the arrival of Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, and his crew in the year of 1521. Stories of her come from both fact and myth, handed down from generation to generation. Her real name is up to debate with no concrete written record of it. Some say her name was Hara Humamay/Humahay, Hara being the native term for a female ruler. Others however say instead of Humamay, her name was Amihan.
These past few weeks the U.S. has witnessed a shift in the timeline of our history. Amidst a pandemic we are still facing, we have turned our attention to something that has been deeply rooted in our society long before […]
It’s a few minutes to midnight as I write this while listening to Us by Ruby Ibarra ft. Rocky Rivera, Klassy, & Faith Santilla. All day I have been working to set up this blog, the latest out of many. […]
Throughout our history there have been a plethora of revolts and uprisings by our people in the name of freedom, fighting for our rights, and for our beliefs. While some are often well known and taught in schools and history books, others are more or less unheard of.
As Filipinos we are a very creative and artistic group of people. Drive around Manila and you will see random walls painted in beautiful mural works of art ranging from illustrations of well known historical figures, to depicting social and political issues. The art scene in the Philippines isn’t as known as other places in the world, however art history in the country still exists and extends to our pre-colonial art.
Known as Lola Mameng, and as Kumander Guerrero, Lola Mameng is a hero and was one of the last remaining legacies of the guerrilla group, Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon (Hukbalahap or Huk) or The Nation’s Army Against the Japanese in English. The Huks were a group formed by farmers who fought against the tyranny of the Japanese military occupation of the Philippines and their villages and homes during World War II. They were the protectors of our people against the Japanese who invaded and were the resistance against them, fighting fiercely to protect our people and eventually fought against the Philippine government after they were ordered to disarm and arrest the Huks under the orders of the U.S. for being labeled as Communists.
This blog is dedicated to the ancestors, the spirits of the land, the rich and diverse history and cultures of the Philippines, and to her people.
May we continue to seek out the knowledge and to learn more about who we are, our histories, identities, and stories. And upon learning these histories, folklore, and culture for ourselves, may we continue to teach and pass them on to the next and future generations.
Salamat for reading!
Ligaya Caballes