The last Samurai: The Japanese soldier who refused to surrender
For most people, World War Two ended with explosions that shook the world, and led to the Japanese surrender at Baguio – but not for Hiroo Onoda However, for Hiroo Onoda …
History
Japanese invited to join ‘fun run’ along route of Bataan Death March
Plans have been announced to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the infamous “Bataan Death March”… with a fun run along the route of the wartime atrocity. It has also been …
My Way killings: The life and death choice of what to sing in the Philippines
Nobody knows exactly how many people have been shot while singing My Way in Filipino karaoke bars. But there have been enough to merit a separate subcategory of crime known …
The Filipino Schindler: How President Quezon opened nation’s door to Jewish refugees
We all know the story of how Oskar Schindler saved 1,200 Jews from the Holocaust, but it’s less well known that an equal number found sanctuary and safety in the …
On this day, January 22, 1987: The Mendiola Massacre, ‘Black Thursday’
On January 22, 1987, government troops shot down 13 protesting farmers — an event remembered as the Mendiola Massacre or Black Thursday. To this day, annual commemorations are held in …
Don Santiago de los Santos: The tiny Filipino who was a huge star in England
Don Santiago de los Santos, a Filipino who stood at just a little over two feet tall became one of the biggest stars in 1820s England. Although he’s largely forgotten …
He smoked pot and hated the Chinese: 13 amazing facts about Dr Jose Rizal
Jose Rizal was the national hero who gave his life for the cause of freedom. But how much do you know about this Filipino patriot? 1. Jose Rizal took drugs… …
WWII in colour: Rare footage shows liberation of the Philippines
On December 8, 1941, nine hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor (the Philippines is on the Asian side of the international date line) the Japanese began their assault on the Philippines. The …
The Golden Buddha and the Marcos millions: The legend of Yamashita’s treasure
Recently, we reported on the emergence of a video that claimed to show treasure hunters uncovering a huge hoard of looted Japanese gold (see here). There has been no update on …
How many do you know? 17 amazing facts about the Philippines
1. The Philippines is the only country in the world that hangs its flag upside-down when at war. Blue at the top, all’s good. Red at the top… watch out! (People …
Has legendary Yamashita Treasure been found in the Philippines?
Treasure hunters claim they have discovered a huge horde of booby-trapped Japanese gold that was hidden in the Philippines during World War II. A video has emerged that purports to show …
Human zoo: When Filipino headhunters were the talk of the town
Picture the scene: a group of men crouch around a campfire, roasting a freshly skinned dog, poking at the glowing embers with sticks. They are barefoot and naked except for …
How the Philippines would be better now as an ex-British colony…
In 1762, Britain invaded the Philippines, which it then ruled as a colony via the East India Company for two years. After the British left in 1764 (voluntarily, as part …
Lords a leaping? Eleven facts about Christmas in the Philippines
1. The Filipino Christmas season is the longest in the world (as you may have noticed by now). It isn’t unusual to see decorations already in place by late August. In …
Malacañan or Malacañang? 15 facts about the presidential palace
The Malacañan Palace (or should that be Malacañang? — find out later) is the most recognisable building in the Philippines. Official residence of the president, and his place of work, …
Pride of a nation: 13 facts about Manila’s Rizal Monument
The Rizal Monument in Manila’s Rizal Park is almost certainly the most photographed site in the Philippines and the focus of huge national pride. It honours the man who is …
“Like a thief in the night” – Marcos buried under shroud of secrecy
Former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried with military honours at the ‘Libingan ng mga Bayani’ national heroes’ cemetery in Manila on Friday. His internment comes almost 30 years after his …
After years of wrangling, Austria to tear down Hitler’s birthplace
After years of discussion, the birthplace of Adolf Hitler in Austria will be demolished to prevent it becoming a neo-Nazi shrine. “The Hitler house will be torn down. The foundations …
Vietnam war propaganda broadcaster Hanoi Hannah dies aged 87
Silky-voiced propaganda broadcaster “Hanoi Hannah”, famous for urging American GIs to leave her country during the Vietnam War, has died at age 87. The radio presenter, whose real name was …
Japan’s first lady pays her respects at Pearl Harbor
The wife of Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has visited Pearl Harbor. It has not been confirmed when exactly Akie Abe made the visit, but she posted 11 pictures on her …
Truman Capote’s ashes to be auctioned off 32 years after his death
Julien’s Auction is offering what critics say is a strange, if not disgusting, lot in their up-and-coming auction… human ashes. But these ashes have a significance for some, and the …
Treasure hunters begin dig for Nazi gold in Poland
Rumours of Nazi gold – and Japanese treasure hidden in the Philippines – have swirled since the last great war ended. This week, a group of researchers in Poland will begin digging …
On this day – August 12, 1898: US-Spanish ceasefire over Cuba and the Philippines
On this day in 1898, the United States and Spain reached a ceasefire agreement after a brief conflict over Cuba and the Philippines. The war was a major milestone in American history …
On this day, August 18, 1966: The Battle of Long Tan
50 years ago this month, 108 Australian soldiers walked into an ambush in a rubber plantation in the Vietnamese province of Phuoc Toy. The Vietnam war has become infamous as …
US Senate awards Filipino war veterans Congressional Gold Medal
The United States Senate unanimously passed a bill to award all Filipino World War II the Congressional Gold Medal for risking their lives for the US during World War Two. …
One of 500 Marines missing on Tarawa Island finally brought home
Today, after 73 years, one of the 500-plus Marines missing on Tarawa Island has found his way home. Private Robert Carter’s body was originally considered ‘unrecoverable’, lost in the heat …