History & Culture

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

549 articles

Articles

13 min read

Mary John Mananzan: Theologian, Nun and Feminist Activist

Profile of Filipina nun Mary John Mananzan, a theologian and activist known for Asian feminist theology and women's rights advocacy.

12 min read

Raul Manglapus: Politician, Songwriter and Opposition Leader

Profile of Raul Manglapus, Filipino senator, songwriter of 'Mambo Magsaysay' and key opposition figure during Martial Law.

20 min read

Nestor Mata: Journalist, Survivor of the Magsaysay Crash and Cultural Figure

Nestor Mata was a Filipino journalist and the sole survivor of the 1957 plane crash that killed President Ramon Magsaysay.

15 min read

Hermenegildo Cruz: Labor Organizer, Legislator and Filipino Writer

Hermenegildo Cruz (1880–1943) was a pioneering Filipino labor organizer, legislator and author who shaped early Philippine labor laws and li...

11 min read

Philippine English: History, Features and Usage

Overview of Philippine English, its history, linguistic features, and role in education and business.

11 min read

Augusto Arbizo: Filipino Visual Artist and New York Art Curator

Augusto Arbizo is a Filipino visual artist, curator, and gallerist based in New York City, known for his work at 11R and Schwartzman&.

15 min read

Jose Nolledo: Constitutional Law Expert and Author

Jose Nolledo is a Filipino lawyer, constitutional expert, and author of 168 law books, known for his role in the 1971 and 1986 Constitutiona...

13 min read

Tanduyong Festival: Harvest Celebration in San Jose City

Annual harvest festival in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, celebrating the Tanduyong shallot and local agriculture.

9 min read

Tony Mabesa: Theater Director, Educator and National Artist

Tony Mabesa was a Filipino theater director, actor and professor known as a founding father of Philippine university theater.

12 min read

Luisa Igloria: Poet, Educator and Virginia Poet Laureate

Luisa Igloria is a Filipina American poet, professor and Virginia Poet Laureate known for her award-winning collections and academic leaders...

11 min read

Spanish language in the Philippines: History, Status and Influence

History and current status of the Spanish language in the Philippines, from colonial rule to modern revival efforts.

13 min read

Southwestern Bontoc: Language Profile and Status

Profile of Southwestern Bontoc, a moribund language of the Philippines with 2470 speakers in 2007.

11 min read

Jollibee: History, Expansion and Cultural Impact in the Philippines

History and global expansion of Jollibee, the Philippine fast-food chain founded by Tony Tan Caktiong.

10 min read

Inno Sotto: Career, Collections and Cultural Legacy

Profile of Filipino fashion designer Inno Sotto, covering his career, notable collections, mentorship and cultural contributions.

11 min read

Francisco Elizalde: Sports Administration and Business Leadership

Profile of Francisco Elizalde, Filipino sports official, IOC member, and business leader in the Elizalde industrial group.

15 min read

San Fernando Frog Festival: History and Cultural Significance

The San Fernando Frog Festival in Pampanga preserves Kapampangan culture through frog catching competitions and culinary events.

12 min read

Poklong Anading: Artistic Practice and Thematic Exploration

Overview of Filipino artist Poklong Anading's work in photography, video, and installation art.

15 min read

Rose Tan: Career and Literary Works

Rose Tan is a Filipino writer known for romance and thriller Tagalog pocketbook novels, including the Bud Brothers Series.

16 min read

Alta language: Classification and Status in Northern Luzon

Alta is a paraphyletic pair of Meso-Cordilleran languages spoken in northern Luzon, Philippines.

6 min read

Sangir language: Classification, Phonology and Geographic Distribution

Overview of the Sangir language, an Austronesian language spoken in Indonesia and the Philippines, including its classification, phonology a...