History & Culture

Pre-colonial history, Spanish and American eras, regional traditions, languages, and culture.

1195 articles

Articles

10 min read

Consunji House: Heritage Site in San Fernando, Pampanga

Heritage house in San Fernando, Pampanga, residence of Antonio E. Consunji, a key figure in the 1892 Rizal visit and Philippine Revolution.

15 min read

Agustin de Legazpi: Last Paramount Ruler of Tondo and the 1587 Conspiracy

Agustin de Legazpi was the last paramount ruler of Tondo, a convert to Christianity, and leader of the 1587 Tondo Conspiracy against Spanish...

13 min read

Mole Majimu: Sultan of Tidore and the Spanish-Dutch Rivalry in Maluku

Sultan Mole Majimu of Tidore (r. 1599–1627) navigated the complex alliance with Spain against the rising Dutch East India Company in the Mal...

11 min read

Sultanate of Sulu after 1915: Legal Status and Ceremonial Continuity

Analysis of the Sultanate of Sulu's legal status post-1915 Carpenter Agreement, covering US recognition, Philippine presidential recognition...

9 min read

Commemorative coins of the Philippines

Overview of Philippine commemorative coins issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from 2011 to 2022.

12 min read

Murad Ebrahim: MILF Chairman and First Chief Minister of BARMM

Murad Ebrahim is the first Chief Minister of BARMM and current MILF chairman, a key figure in the Bangsamoro peace process.

15 min read

Sultan Saidi Berkat: Reign, Exile and the Spanish Conquest of Ternate

Sultan Saidi Berkat (c. 1563–1628) was the eighth Sultan of Ternate, whose reign saw intense conflict with Spain and the arrival of the Dutc...

10 min read

Rizalina Ilagan: Activist, Artist and Martyr of the Southern Tagalog 10

Profile of Rizalina Ilagan, anti-martial law activist and member of the Southern Tagalog 10 who disappeared in 1977.

10 min read

Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa: Reign, Trade and Conflict in Banten

Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa (1631–1692) expanded Banten's trade and fleet, clashing with the VOC and internal rivals until his defeat in 1683.

10 min read

59th Air Defense Artillery Regiment: History and Service Record

History of the US Army's 59th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, from WWI France to the Battle of Corregidor.

12 min read

Heritage houses of the Philippines: Definition, criteria and regional distribution

Overview of heritage houses in the Philippines, defined by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines based on age, architecture...

11 min read

Queen Isyana: Regent of the Mataram Kingdom and Namesake of the Isyana Dynasty

Queen Isyana ruled the Mataram Kingdom in East Java from 947 CE, co-reigning with Sri Lokapala and establishing the Isyana dynasty.

13 min read

1521 in the Philippines: Magellan's Arrival and the First Mass

Overview of key historical events in the Philippines in 1521, including Magellan's arrival and the Battle of Mactan.

12 min read

Mehan Garden: History, Botanical Heritage and Urban Significance in Manila

History of Mehan Garden in Manila, from its 1858 founding as a botanical garden to its role as a public park and historical site.

12 min read

Binondo Central Bank: Dual Exchange Rate System and Forfeiture Case

The Binondo Central Bank was a Philippine government dual exchange rate system (1983–1986) established by Roberto Ongpin to manage currency...

9 min read

Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite: Execution and Legacy in the Philippine Revolution

The Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite were Filipino patriots executed by firing squad on September 12, 1896, for their role in the Cavite Conspirac...

9 min read

Dutertism: Ideology, Symbols and Political Movement in the Philippines

An analysis of Dutertism, the authoritarian political ideology of Rodrigo Duterte, its policies, symbols and key supporters.

13 min read

Women in the Philippine military: History, legislation and notable officers

History of women in the Philippine Armed Forces, from the 1963 WAC to combat roles and notable female generals.

12 min read

Karaeng Galesong: Makassarese Noble and Leader in the Trunajaya Rebellion

Karaeng Galesong was a Makassarese nobleman and warrior who led forces in the Trunajaya rebellion against the Mataram Sultanate in Java.

10 min read

First Quarter Storm: 1970 Protests and the Radicalization of Philippine Opposition

The First Quarter Storm was a period of civil unrest in the Philippines in early 1970 against President Ferdinand Marcos, featuring major st...