History & Culture

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

543 articles

Articles

9 min read

Jourdan Sebastian: Spoken Word Artist and Neo-Ilustrado Proponent

Profile of Jourdan Sebastian, Filipino spoken word artist, filmmaker, and author of The Dreamer's Manifesto.

6 min read

Vinci Malizon: Filipino K-pop Idol

Profile of Vinci Malizon, a Filipino K-pop idol born in 2000.

14 min read

Eros Atalia: Life, Literary Career and Journalism

Profile of Filipino author and journalist Eros Atalia, covering his Palanca Award-winning books and academic career.

6 min read

Keavy Eunice Vicente: Screenwriter of Pearl Next Door

Profile of Filipino screenwriter Keavy Eunice Vicente, known for Pearl Next Door and her journalism background.

12 min read

Bren Bataclan: Artist, Project Smile and Cultural Diplomacy

Filipino-American artist Bren Bataclan creates anime-inspired street art and promotes cultural diplomacy through his Project Smile initiativ...

13 min read

Rafael Arenillo Cusi: Life, Career and Watercolour Legacy

Profile of Rafael Arenillo Cusi, Filipino watercolour artist known as the Master of Watercolour in the Philippines.

10 min read

Jean Marie Syjuco: Painter, Performance Artist and Art Lab Founder

Jean Marie Syjuco is a Filipino painter and performance artist who helped institutionalize performance art in the Philippines.

7 min read

Placido Escudero: Life, Career and Legacy in Philippine Cinema

Placido Escudero (1955–2011) was a Filipino writer, actor and director from Tiaong, Quezon, known for his work with Lino Brocka and Ishmael...

10 min read

Jenny Santi: Philanthropy Advisor and Author

Profile of Jenny Santi, Filipino-born philanthropy advisor, founder of Saint & Partners, and author of The Giving Way to Happiness.

12 min read

Sandugo Festival: History, Events and Cultural Significance in Bohol

Annual festival in Tagbilaran, Philippines commemorating the 1565 blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi.

13 min read

Lolito Go: Songwriter, Poet and Cultural Commentator

Profile of Filipino songwriter Lolito Go, known for 'Titibo-Tibo' and political advocacy music.

13 min read

Jarius Bondoc: Investigative Journalism and Political Commentary

Profile of Jarius Bondoc, Filipino investigative journalist, columnist, and author known for his political exposés and radio work.

14 min read

Maxine Syjuco: Artist, Poet and Musician

Filipina artist Maxine Syjuco explores love, loss and temporality through photography, poetry and experimental music with Jack of None.

13 min read

Luis Gatmaitan: Physician and Pioneer of Philippine Children's Literature

Profile of Luis Gatmaitan, Filipino doctor and author known for medical children's books and Palanca Hall of Fame induction.

2 min read

Roger Olivares: Filipino Author and Travel Writer

Roger Olivares is a Filipino author known for Noli Me Tangere 2 and the first Philippine travel guidebook.

12 min read

Hermosa Festival: History, Events and Cultural Significance in Zamboanga City

The Hermosa Festival is an annual event in Zamboanga City honoring Our Lady of the Pillar, featuring street dances and regattas.

8 min read

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.

11 min read

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...

13 min read

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.

13 min read

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.