Mysteries of the Philippines: The teleportation of Gil Perez
On October 24, 1593, a soldier called Gil Perez was on guard duty outside the Governor’s palace in Manila. Extra vigilance was required, as it had been learned just the …
History
US Embassy backs plans to preserve Baguio’s American-built heritage
The US Embassy in Manila to work with Baguio City to preserve American-built heritage sites in the City of Pines. In belatedly celebrating US Independence Day in Baguio yesterday (Friday, …
Timeless beauty: Twelve historic photos of charming Filipinas
Since the earliest days of photography, visitors to the Philippines have been keen to capture the country’s stunning landscapes, vibrant village life and, of course, the grace and beauty of …
Duterte: I can’t have good rapport with US unless it returns Balangiga Bells
President Duterte said he could never have “good rapport” with the US unless it returned the Balangiga Bells, taken as war booty from Samar in 1901. The president reiterated his …
How a Rhino fossil rewrote ancient human history in the Philippines
A dig in Luzon, an island in the northern Philippines, has uncovered fossils of an “Ice Age” rhino that was butchered about 700,000 years ago. It’s the first evidence demonstrating the …
Luzon finds show humans were living in the Philippines 709,000 years ago
Evidence that somebody butchered a rhinoceros with stone tools on Luzon proves that the Philippines has been a home to humans for much longer than expected. The archaeological find pushes …
Historic homes at former US air base in Clark to become heritage site
Barn homes, built by the US military in 1904 for officers at Clark are to be recognised as part of the former air base’s heritage. Seventeen of the distinctive buildings …
Duterte denies having any hand in removal of comfort woman statue
President Duterte has said he did not have any hand in the removal of the statue of a comfort woman in Manila — but hinted that he was glad it had been removed. As …
Memorial to wartime comfort women torn down under cover of darkness
A statue in Manila to commemorate wartime sex slaves — called comfort women by their Japanese tormentors — has been torn down under cover of darkness. A government official said …
Baybayin alphabet could become official script of the Philippines
Baybayin — the ancient writing system of the Philippines — could be making a comeback, if lawmakers have their way. The script is a step closer to becoming the official …
Japanese military attaché’s ‘deep remorse’ for wartime wrongs in Palawan
The Japanese military attaché in the Philippines has expressed “deep remorse” over the acts of violence his country had committed in Palawan in World War Two. Colonel Kazunobu Akutsu, who …
Duterte apologises to Hong Kong for 2010 Manila hostage crisis
President Duterte has apologised to Hong Kong for the death of eight tourists from the city state in the 2010 Manila hostage crisis. The president’s words today (Thursday, April 12) …
Last survivors of Bataan Death March recount tales of valour
Of the estimated 80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war who took part in the infamous Bataan Death March 76 years ago, only three are still alive. Records at the …
Hearing on Marcos family ‘looted’ art deferred yet again
The Philippine anti-graft court has deferred a hearing on the forfeiture of the Marcos family’s multi-million dollar art collection. The Sandiganbayan rescheduled the hearing, which was due to take place …
102-year-old veteran finally honoured for saving US pilots in 1944
A 102-year-old war veteran, who saved two wounded American pilots in 1944, has finally been rewarded for his bravery. Third Lieutenant Jesus Barracoso received the medals from the Philippine Veteran …
Restored Fort Santa Isabel to be at heart of new heritage district
Fort Santa Isabel, one of the most historically significant Spanish-era buildings in the Philippines is set to be restored. Beginning next month, the fort in northern Palawan’s Taytay Town will …
Beware: It’s Holy Innocents’ Day — the Filipino April Fools
Watch out: Today (December 28) is Holy Innocents’ Day — the Filipino answer to April Fools’ Day. Among the popular traditional pranks is to borrow money — with no intention …
Manila comfort woman statue angers the Japanese
A statue of a Filipina comfort woman, recently unveiled in Manila, is causing a diplomatic row with the Japanese. The seven-foot monument commemorates the suffering of thousands of women forced …
Microsoft co-founder discovers US warship sunk by Japanese in 1945
Researchers have discovered the lost warship USS Indianapolis, 72 years after the cruiser was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. The wreckage was found about three-and-a-half miles below the Philippine Sea, …
The Asuncion family: Exhibition celebrates legacy of remarkable artistic clan
An art exhibition in Makati celebrates the legacy of a remarkable artistic clan of the 19th Century. Works by the Asuncion brothers — Justiniano, Leoncio, and Mariano — will be on …
‘Kept Maiden’ – who never saw the sun until her wedding day – dies aged 73
A kept maiden believed to be one of the last “binukot” of the Iloilo region of the Philippines has died at the age of 73. Rosita Caballero spent her childhood …
A history of building: The Seven Man-made Wonders of the Philippines
Without question, the Philippines is best known for its natural wonders, ranging from towering volcanoes to pristine coral reefs. While the country can’t boast anything truly monumental like the Pyramids of Giza …
Centuries of bloodshed: The history of Islamist insurgency in the Philippines
While it’s easy to think that the current era of Islamist insurgency emerged from nowhere over the past few decades, in the southern Philippines the problem goes back hundreds of …
Tributes to last living Czech survivor of Bataan Death March
Tributes have been paid to the last living Czech survivor of the Bataan Death March, who is still going strong at 97. To mark Karel Aster’s birthday, the Czech Embassy in …
Full honours for 101-year-old Filipino-American war heroine
A 101-year-old woman will receive a full military funeral to honour her contribution to the Philippine resistance during the Japanese occupation. Florence Finch, nee Ebersole, was the daughter of a …
In the Philippines, the premium placed on height is no tall tale
Two of the great obsessions of the Filipino people – basketball and beauty pageants – both, generally, favour taller people. However, even in comparison to their regional neighbours, most Filipinos are …