History & Culture
Pre-colonial history, Spanish and American eras, regional traditions, languages, and culture.
87 articlesArticles
Salvador P. Lopez: Life, Literary Career and Academic Leadership
Salvador P. Lopez was a Filipino writer, diplomat and UP president known for his literary debates and role in the 1971 Diliman Commune.
MassKara Festival: History, Events and Cultural Significance in Bacolod
The MassKara Festival in Bacolod, Philippines, is an annual October event featuring street dancing, smiling masks, and the Electric MassKara...
Chavacano: The Spanish-Based Creole of the Philippines
Chavacano is the only Spanish-based creole in Asia, spoken in Zamboanga, Cavite, and Ternate with distinct varieties and grammar.
Joy Mallari: Life, Art and Cultural Legacy
Joy Mallari is a Filipino painter known for figurative expressionism, exploring identity and the linkages between literature and art.
Giant Lantern Festival: History, Evolution and Cultural Significance
The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga, features massive parol lanterns. Explore its history from 1904, technical evolution, a...
Panaad sa Negros Festival: History, Significance and Cultural Impact
Annual festival in Bacolod, Philippines celebrating vows and thanksgiving.
Hilario Moncado: Religious Leader, Politician and Founder of the Moncadistas
Hilario Moncado was a Filipino religious and political leader who founded the Filipino Federation of America and the Moncadista movement.
Stephanie Comilang: Life, Art and Cultural Legacy
Filipina-Canadian artist and filmmaker Stephanie Comilang explores diaspora, migration and colonial history through science-fiction document...
Jose Garvida Flores: Ilocano Poet, Playwright and Lawyer
Jose Garvida Flores (1900–1944) was an Ilocano poet, playwright and lawyer from Bangui, Ilocos Norte, known for his literary works and trans...
Emil Sanglay: Pioneer of Philippine Neo-Ethnic Pop Music
Emil Sanglay (1953–2015) was a Filipino singer-songwriter who pioneered neo-ethnic pop music by integrating indigenous instruments with mode...
Tagalog language: History, Structure and Official Status
Tagalog is an Austronesian language spoken in the Philippines. It is the basis for Filipino, the national language.
Jose V. Cruz: Diplomat, Columnist and Political Strategist
Jose V. Cruz (1926–1998) was a Philippine diplomat and writer who served as ambassador to five nations and advised three presidents.
Bikol languages: Classification, Dialects and the Angry Register
Overview of the Bikol language family in the Philippines, covering classification, dialects and the unique angry register.
Tata Esteban: Life, Career and Legacy of a Filipino Producer-Director
Biography of Tata Esteban, the Filipino producer-director known for the 1984 film Alapaap and his work in Philippine cinema.
Nicanor Tiongson: Filipino Academic, Critic and Cultural Leader
Nicanor Tiongson is a prominent Filipino academic, critic, and cultural leader known for his work in Philippine film, theater, and the polit...
Victorio Edades: Pioneer of Modern Philippine Art
Victorio Edades (1895–1985) was a Filipino painter and the father of Modern Philippine art, known for challenging classical conventions.
Sean Lavery: Life, Musical Legacy and Missionary Work
Irish priest Sean Lavery (1931–1999) was a Columban missionary and music director known for the Ozamiz Cathedral pipe organ.
Philippine languages: Classification, History and Linguistic Debate
Overview of the proposed Philippine language group, its classification within Austronesian, and ongoing academic debates on its genetic unit...
Alberto Segismundo Cruz: Life, Literary Career and Public Service
Profile of Filipino poet, novelist and lawyer Alberto Segismundo Cruz (1901–1989), Poet Laureate and public servant.
Ricor Buaron: Career and International Refereeing Profile
Profile of Filipino basketball referee Ricor Buaron, detailing his FIBA debut and international tournament history.