A Forgotten Chapter in Philippine History

The month of October, I concentrated my postings in my blogs about the History of the Philippines in connection with Filipino American History Month. The following article was from my FB page this morning and detailed the British occupation of Manila for almost 2 years. It is a forgotten Chapter in Philippine history. I remember very well it was not mentioned in our Philippine history textbooks during my high school years in the Philippines. 

When people think of the colonial history of the Philippines, their minds typically go straight to the long rule of Spain or the eventual takeover by the United States. However, there is a brief but significant period when the Philippines came under the control of another colonial power—the British Empire. This lesser-known chapter of history lasted from 1762 to 1764, a short but impactful occupation that left its own mark on the nation.

The British Invasion: Why It Happened

The British occupation of the Philippines took place in the broader context of the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763), a global conflict involving many of the major powers of Europe. At the time, Britain and Spain were on opposite sides of the war, and the British saw an opportunity to weaken Spanish influence in the Pacific by attacking Manila, the capital of Spain’s colony in the Philippines.  In 1762, a British fleet arrived in Manila Bay and launched an invasion, catching the Spanish colonial government off guard. British forces, led by General William Draper and Admiral Samuel Cornish, quickly overpowered the Spanish defenses, capturing Manila and marking the beginning of a brief period of British control over the northern Philippines.

The British Occupation of Manila

Once Manila fell to the British, the city was placed under British administration. However, it’s important to note that while the British controlled Manila and nearby areas, they never fully conquered the entire archipelago. Much of the Philippines, especially the provinces, remained under Spanish control or were left to govern themselves.

The British aimed to turn Manila into a key trading port, seeking to tap into the lucrative galleon trade between the Philippines and Mexico, which had long been controlled by the Spanish. This was part of Britain’s broader strategy to expand its influence in Asia, where it already had a strong presence through its East India Company.

Despite their control of Manila, the British struggled to establish a firm grip on the rest of the Philippines. They faced strong resistance from Spanish loyalists and Filipino forces, particularly those led by Simón de Anda y Salazar, a Spanish official who organized local resistance from outside Manila. Anda’s guerrilla tactics and the refusal of many Filipinos to submit to British rule meant that the occupation was far from smooth.

Life Under British Rule

For the people of Manila, life under British rule brought about significant changes, both positive and negative. On one hand, the British occupation disrupted the Spanish colonial order, and in some ways, it gave Filipinos a taste of a different form of governance. The British were more open to trade and allowed greater commercial freedom in the city, which benefited some merchants and locals who had previously been limited by Spanish restrictions.

On the other hand, the British occupation was not without violence and hardship. The fall of Manila led to widespread looting and chaos, with British and Indian soldiers (known as Sepoys) pillaging homes and churches. The Rape of Manila, as it came to be known, resulted in significant destruction and suffering for the local population. For many Filipinos and Spanish residents of Manila, the British were seen as invaders, not liberators.

The End of British Rule: The Treaty of Paris (1763)

The British occupation of the Philippines was short-lived, and it ended as quickly as it began. In 1763, the Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Seven Years’ War. Under the terms of the treaty, Britain agreed to return Manila and the Philippines to Spain in exchange for other territorial gains elsewhere.

However, it wasn’t until 1764 that the British fully withdrew from Manila. By this time, the British had realized that holding onto the Philippines in the long term would be difficult, given the distance from their other colonies and the fierce resistance they faced from both the Spanish and Filipinos. With the handover, Spanish colonial rule was restored, and the Philippines once again became a part of Spain’s empire.

Impact of the British Occupation on the Philippines

Although the British occupation of the Philippines lasted only two years, it had a lasting impact on the country in several ways.

1. The Rise of Filipino Nationalism

One of the indirect effects of the British empire occupation was the awakening of a sense of Filipino identity. The resistance against the British, led by figures like Simón de Anda, was one of the first times that Filipinos from various regions united against a foreign power. Although they were still loyal to Spain, this collective action laid the groundwork for future movements that would challenge colonial rule, first against Spain and later against the United States.

READ: Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery: Mystery Meets History

2. Disruption of Spanish Rule

The British invasion exposed the vulnerabilities of Spanish rule in the Philippines. The Spanish were unprepared for the British attack, and their inability to protect the colony raised questions about their competence. While Spain regained control after the British left, their grip on the Philippines was never quite the same. The brief period of British rule also opened Manila to new ideas and influences from the wider world, which would later shape the development of the Philippines.

3. Economic Changes

Under British occupation, Manila’s economy briefly opened up to global trade beyond the restrictive limits imposed by the Spanish crown. British merchants were more liberal with trade policies, and the temporary loosening of restrictions offered a glimpse of the economic potential that the Philippines could achieve if freed from colonial monopolies. This shift, though short-lived, foreshadowed the economic changes that would come in the 19th century as the Philippines began to engage more with international trade.

The brief period when the Philippines was under the British Empire is often overlooked in the larger narrative of the country’s history. While it may not have had the long-lasting influence of Spain or the United States, the British occupation was a pivotal moment that exposed the weaknesses of Spanish colonial rule and sparked early forms of Filipino resistance.

The memory of British empire rule may have faded from popular consciousness, but its legacy can still be seen in the resilience of the Filipino spirit and the early signs of nationalism that would eventually lead to the country’s fight for independence. The British may have left in 1764, but the seeds of change had already been planted.

Souce: https://flyingketchup.ph/philippines-under-the-british-empire-a-forgotten-chapter-in-history/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGPPp5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUVcekovDarrsCZWz54ViMvLT2DCcuf1ibxceauze3CG0z_J3pNgf4t2Aw_aem_MiSUbd3c4uze-XQoqfgPqw

Lastly, Undas, celebrated on November 1 and 2 in the Philippines, is a time for families to honor their deceased loved ones. The first day coincides with All Saints' Day (Todos los Santos), where both Filipinos and Mexicans remember all saints. The second day focuses on All Souls' Day, dedicated to praying for the souls of the departed. Families visit graves, clean them, and decorate them with flowers and food offerings.

The connection between Undas and Mexican traditions stems from their shared history with Spain. Cultural exchanges during the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade influenced how both cultures celebrate. As a result, both Undas and Día de los Muertos emphasize family gatherings, remembrance, and the honoring of those who have passed away.

Tagalog will be Offered by Yale University

This is the 17th article on my series about the Philippines in connection with Filipino American History Month Celebration here in the US

Yale to offer Filipino (Tagalog) courses in fall 2025

Following monthslong student advocacy efforts, the Council on Southeast Asian Studies has posted a job advertisement for a Filipino (Tagalog) lector, who initially will be appointed for three years. Tagalog is one of the major languages spoken in the Philippines whose population is now more than 100 million. It is the native tongue of the people in the Tagalog region in the northern island Luzon. It was declared the basis for the national language in 1937 by then President of the Commonwealth Republic, Manuel L.

YOLANDA WANG 10:30 PM, SEP 30, 2024

Last September, the Council on Southeast Asian Studies at Yale posted a job advertisement for a lector in Filipino (Tagalog) who will begin to teach courses next fall. 

The new course offering comes after months of formalized student advocacy from Tagalog @ Yale, an initiative within Yale’s Filipinx club, Kasama. Since fall 2023, students in the initiative have been working with faculty in CSEAS and the Center for Language Study as well as members of the Yale College Council to make the course offerings a reality. Previously, students were able to learn Filipino (Tagalog) through the Directed Independent Language Study, a program that matched students to a language partner, rather than a professor, and did not offer course credit. 

“Tagalog is the fourth most-spoken language in the US,” Janina Gbenoba ’27, a Kasama member active in the initiative, told the News. “So we feel very strongly about it having a place at Yale, both for members of Yale’s Filipino community and because we really do believe that even people outside of the Filipino culture would have an interest in studying it.”

According to Gbenoba and Marissa Halagao ’27, another advocate in Tagalog @ Yale, students were in contact with CSEAS Chair Erik Harms throughout the 2023–24 academic year to demonstrate high student interest in the Filipino (Tagalog) language. Harms filed a formal proposal for the language to be taught at Yale, which was approved by CLS and the Yale College Dean’s Office. 

While the government of the Philippines designates Filipino, a standardized version of Tagalog, as its national language, Halagao said that the label “Filipino (Tagalog)” is meant to recognize a broader set of experiences with Filipino languages and culture.

“We called it Tagalog @ Yale because a lot of us grew up referring to the language as Tagalog,”Halagao said. “Filipino (Tagalog) gives the distinction that it’s not the only Filipino language.”

Outside of Filipino (Tagalog), there are over 180 other languages spoken in the Philippines, such as Ilokano, Cebuano and Ilonggo, according to Halagao. 

“Yale, like any institution, is an evidence-based place,” Harms told the News. “So the smart thing that Kasama students did was actually start to generate numbers and things like that to show there’s a strong interest among students.” 

The Tagalog @ Yale petition garnered over 380 signatures from students and faculty last year.

“Our formal advocacy began in fall 2023 with the petition, but informal discussions among Filipino students have been ongoing for years,” Fajardo wrote in an email to the News. “Prior efforts were mostly individual — students inquiring about Tagalog courses or expressing interest to language departments. The petition marked our shift to organized, strategic advocacy.”

According to the job posting, the Filipino (Tagalog) lector will teach six courses each year and initially will be appointed for three years, with the possibility of renewal. The lector will also work with lectors in the Vietnamese and Indonesian languages to further develop Southeast Asian Studies programming at Yale, including study abroad opportunities. 

Beyond language course offerings, Gbenoba and Halagao said that there is still a need for courses in Filipinx studies more broadly.

“I really hope that the momentum that we have from Tagalog @ Yale will lead to more departments offering Filipinx Studies,” Halagao said. “I’m an ER&M major — ethnicity, race and migrations — and even though ER&M is a very interdisciplinary field, there is still not one class that is dedicated to Filipinx studies, and there’s also not a hired professor who is Filipino in our department.”

Both Gbenoba and Halagao also expressed hope that Yale may offer courses in more Filipino languages in the future, as well as other languages that they say currently lack academic support at Yale, such as Cantonese and Bangla (Bengali). 

This Saturday, Kasama will be hosting a workshop in collaboration with the Asian American Cultural Center on Filipino language empowerment and colonial linguistic suppression. During the workshop, students will celebrate the new Filipino (Tagalog) course offering and learn about Yale’s role in colonial histories in the Philippines.

“Tagalog at Yale is very much a testament to the power of student voice and the power of coming together as a community,” Gbenoba said. “So Tagalog at Yale is not the end. It’s just something that we’ll be able to draw inspiration from as we continue our advocacy efforts moving forward.”

Lastly, enjoy this photo  of my Parol ( Philippines Christmas Lantern) to be lighted on the start of  Advent this coming December 17th, Christmas, 2024 

Hope you have a Fantastic Wednesday! 

I am an Ilonggo- Born in Jaro, Iloilo

This is the 16th article of my blog series about the Philippines in connection with the Filipino-American History Month Celebration Here in the US.    It describes the term Ilonggo.  

I am a pure-blooded Ilonggo. I was born in Jaro, Iloilo. My childhood and teenaged years were spent in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, the ancestral home of my mother-member of the Balleza Clan. When I turned 26,  I went to the US with a student visa ( Ph.D- Graduate School). Later my family became permanent residents and become naturalized US citizens in 1972.  

The term "Ilonggo" is derived from "Ilong-ilong", the old name for Iloilo City, Panay. “Ilonggo” is considered to define a specific group of people whose ethnic origins are in the provinces of Iloilo, Guimaras, and Panay, while "Hiligaynon" defines the language and culture of the Ilonggo people.

The Hiligaynons, or the ``Ilonggos'', are a subgroup of people from the Visayan region who speak Ilonggo. It is interesting to note, however, that the different Western Visayans have distinct traits that add to their own beauties as cultures.

Are people from Negros in Ilonggos?

Many people from Negros can trace their family history back to Iloilo because of the sugar trade. That's one of the reasons why people from Negros would still identify themselves as Ilonggo. Strictly speaking, Hiligaynon is the language.

What is the attitude of Ilonggo?

Ilonggos are usually nonconfrontational. They don't want to offend, so they often talk with indirection, are fond of euphemism, and given to courtly language.

What is the tradition of Ilonggo?

The Ilongos observe many customs and traditions surrounding important life events like birth, baptism, courtship, marriage, death, and burial. Some beliefs include not allowing expectant mothers to look at people with disabilities and burying the placenta with books to influence the child's interests.

What is the ancestry of Ilonggo?

Similar to the majority of ethnolinguistic groups in the country, Ilonggos are Austronesian at their core but still carry with them elements of Negrito, Indic, Hàn Chinese, and Castilian culture. Ilonggos in Mindanao have also incorporated Lumad and Moro traditions into their culture, and vice versa.

What is the festival of Ilonggo people?

The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City, Philippines, held annually on the fourth Sunday of January in honor of Santo Niño, the Holy Child. It is one of the largest festivals in the Philippines, drawing hundreds of thousands to over a million visitors every year.

Religion and Culture

The majority of Ilonggos are Christians, specifically Roman Catholics, while some minorities are Aglipayans, Protestants, and Muslims. Interestingly, to this day, some Christian practices are still mixed with old Pagan Ilonggo traditions. As an example, Ilonggos would bathe their Santo Niño both as a ritual to summon rain and as a means of inviting good luck. This is due largely to Hiligaynon faiths having been eliminated during the Spanish era and hence surviving as Folk Catholicism.

Ilonggo cuisine has a reputation for being unique and flavorful. Some of the more popular Ilonggo dishes not only locally but also in the whole country include La Paz batchoy, a pork stew composed of pork innards, liver, and heart in a broth with noodles, and is topped with chicharron and garlic; pancit Molo, a wonton soup with dumplings; suman sa Ibos or Ibus, a rice cake wrapped in coconut leaves; and laswa, a vegetable soup with shrimp.

Source:Wikipedia

Meanwhile,  Did you know about the Manton de Manila?  

The Manton de Manila, or Manila Shawl, which became a staple in Spanish fashion—especially in Flamenco performances—actually originated in the Philippines!

These intricately embroidered shawls were brought to Spain via the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade during the Spanish colonial period.

The Spaniards admired the vibrant designs and craftsmanship of the shawls, which were made from silk and embroidered with floral patterns.

Over time, they incorporated the Manton de Manila into their own cultural attire, particularly in traditional dances like Flamenco.

This fascinating blend of Filipino artistry and Spanish culture showcases the Philippines' influence on global fashion trends.

Lastly, Did you know, When it comes to hospitality, Filipinos truly set the gold standard!

If you ever find yourself feeling unwelcome in a Filipino household, you might want to check your pulse—because you've likely done something terribly wrong!

Filipinos have a remarkable knack for making guests feel like part of the family, going above and beyond to ensure you feel at home. From generous servings of food to warm smiles and heartfelt conversations, their hospitality is second to none!

Meanwhile enjoy these photos of the Katague Clan- Mahjong Bonding time.

Mahjong with two Daughters, Dinah and Ditas with Carenna and Yuka

Mahjong with Dinah and Grand daughter Alix Katague and Husband Brendan Quinn

A Day in the Life of David B Katague Here at THD

My thoughtful nephew and namesake from Australia, AI expert/lecturer and International Videographer visited me again yesterday💚. He completed the video he took during his first visit here at THD last July 31, 2024. 

The day of Dave's first visit was the last day of our Chair Volleyball Championship Game, the Award Ceremony and Reception. The video is only 5 minutes long. He titled it, The Day in the Life of Uncle David Katague at the Heritage. 

In the video members of the Fairmount Chair Volley Ball Team Champions were interviewed.  The film has comments from Glenn Mays, Jay Pollack, Mary Alice Rathbun  and Steve Kam. The video also showed photos of several residents and employees. Among the employees in the video who are no longer employed here at THD were Galen Corson ( Activity Director) and Teresa Nudo ( Activity Coordinator). Jenny Shively and Cydney Carbah are also on the video. THD Management had approved Dave's taking of the video. It is his gift to me for my coming 90th Birthday Celebration and Lunch in Dublin, Ca this coming December 21.  

Here is the 5-minute video for your viewing pleasure. I believe it is a Good Advertisement for THD.

 

I treated Dave to Brunch yesterday and here's the photo of the occasion. With Aileyn Ecob, Guest, and Susie Bramson   💚https://www.davekatague.com/)

Watch the video

💜THD is an active senior living community in downtown Walnut Creek, CA. Currently it has about 130 senior residents housed in 4 buildings with 147 apartment units. There is an in-house restaurant ( Newton's) and a Cinema. There is a small gym, yoga studio, small library and two meeting rooms. However, there is no Hall or Room that could be rented by residents for private parties ( birthday etc..) that could accommodate more than 50 attendees.   THD has 47 employees  (some are part time) and a Garage for Residents and Guests for Parking. THD has been awarded the Best For Senior Living Award for 2023 and 2024 by the Place for Mom organization. 

I am the only Filipino-American Resident in this Senior Community. It is owned privately and hopefully will not be sold to a mega corporation for Senior living in the near future. This is my 17th month residency here and I am very happy with my living environment. Of course, there is no perfect place in the World and I believe THD and its employees are trying to do their jobs to the best of their abilities to enhance the residents well being and sense of belonging during the last stage of our lives.  But again there is always room for improvement. Suggestions for improvement have been posted in my previous blogs.

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/02/suggestions-for-improvement-of-quality.html

https://theheritagedowntown.com/

Ten American Celebrities with Filipino Ancestry

This is the 15th article on my blog series about the Philippines and Filipino-Americans in connection with Filipino-American History Month here in the US

1. BRUNO MARS

Bruno Mars or born as Peter Gene Hernandez is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, musician, and as we have seen a dancer. It doesn’t get bigger than this superstar. The Uptown funk and Just the way you are singer’s mother is Bernadette San Pedro Bayot Hernandez, a Filipina from Cebu. She passed away in 2013 because of a brain aneurysm.

2. VANESSA HUDGENS

Vanessa is an actress and a singer. Our favorite Gabriela Montez of High School Musical and now our favorite trio in the Princess switch is half Filipina thanks to her mom Gina Guanco. Her mother Gina is from Manila while her father was of Irish, French and Native American descent. She has always been proud of her Filipino roots as well.

3. OLIVIA RODRIGO

This rising pop star is only 18, but is making waves in the music industry. Her songs “Driver’s License,” “Deja Vu,” have been trending everywhere. Olivia is of Filipino heritage as her father is Filipino-American. She has also stated that her great-grandfather moved from the Philippines to the US as a teenager and her family follows Filipino traditions and cuisine.

4. BELLA POARCH

Bella Poarch is pure Filipino indeed as she was born in the Philippines and adopted by an American family as a child. Interesting fact is she joined the U.S. Navy when she was 18 and served for four years, before becoming a social media star. Her edgy pop song “Build a Bitch” have made headlines and gone viral as well.

5. JACOB BATALON

Born Jacob Batalon in Hawaii, to Filipino parents, Ned of Spiderman no way home is a pure Filipino. His Filipina mother, who has always supported his dreams, is Eva Andres who is originally from Pangasinan here in the Philippines.

6. NICOLE SCHERZINGER

Nicole is an American born Nicole Prascovia Elikolani Valiente is a singer, actress, and television personality raised in Hawaii. She was the lead singer of the sexy beautiful group of pussycat dolls who became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. She was their lead vocalist and her father is Alfonso Valiente which is of Filipino descent. She takes pride in being Filipino and have even performed at the Global Filipino Music Festival.

7. HAILEE STEINFELD

Hailee is an actress and a singer. Emily junk in Pitch perfect 2, Kate Bishop in the new marvel series, The Hawkeye and Emily Dickinson in the tb series Dickinson. Her maternal grandfather, Ricardo Domasin, was half Filipino who hails from Panglao, Bohol. She even said in an interview “I have Filipino blood in me and I’m so proud of that”.

8. DAVE BAUTISTA

Dave is an American actor and former professional wrestler. We know his as Drax of the Guardians of the Galaxy and six-time world champion WWE wrestler “Batista”. His father is Filipino, Michael Bautista. He is proud to be a Filipino and even brought Adobo on set of the Guardians which he recalls everyone wiped out.

9. ENRIQUE IGLESIAS

Enrique is a singer and a song writer. He has become one of the best-selling Latin music artists in history. Pure Hot Latino? No, this sexy pop star is half Filipino. His father is Julio Iglesias who married the beautiful Manila socialite and magazine journalist Isabel Preysler. She is a Filipina mestiza with Spanish ancestry.

10. GABRIELLA SARMIENTO WILSON (H.E.R.)

H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, is an R&B singer. She has become one of the most established and most awarded Filipino-American artists with four Grammys under her belt and top-charting songs like “Best Part” and “Damage.” She was born to a Filipino mother.

Meanwhile Here is the List of Filipino-American Executives in the Biden Administration. My daughter, Ditas Macrine Katague is on the list as Associate Director of Communications, Bureau of Census, Department of Commerce.

https://www.instagram.com/filamsforbiden/?hl=en

My Patio and Bougainvillas in Bloom. Photo Taken_ October 26, 2024 at THD💜.

💜THD is an active senior living community in downtown Walnut Creek, CA. Currently it has about 130 senior residents housed in 4 buildings with 147 apartment units. There is an in-house restaurant ( Newton's) and a Cinema. There is a small gym, yoga studio, small library and two meeting rooms. However, there is no Hall or Room that could be rented by residents for private parties ( birthday etc..) that could accommodate more than 50 attendees.   THD has 47 employees  (some are part time) and a Garage for Residents and Guests for Parking. THD has been awarded the Best For Senior Living Award for 2023 and 2024 by the Place for Mom organization. 

  I am the only Filipino-American Resident in this Senior Community. It is owned privately and hopefully will not be sold to a mega corporation for Senior living in the near future. This is my 17th month residency here and I am very happy with my living environment. Of course, there is no perfect place in the World and I believe THD and its employees are trying to do their jobs to the best of their abilities to enhance the residents well being and sense of belonging during the last stage of our lives.  But again there is always room for improvement. Suggestions for improvement have been posted in my previous blogs.

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/02/suggestions-for-improvement-of-quality.html

https://theheritagedowntown.com/

Filipino Cocktail Hour Here at THD

This is my 14th Article on my blog series in connection with the Filipino American History Month Celebration here at THD 

The Philippines Lumpia Shanghai 💚with the sweet and sour Sauce- A Gastronomic Delight

Yesterday's afternoon THD Cocktail Hour featuring Filipino appetizers was a gastronomic success. San Miguel beer, lumpia Shanghai and pot stickers were served along with the standard, cheese, fruit and vegetable platter.  The Lumpia ( Philippines spring rolls) were purchased from Seafood City in Concord according to Agustin. With the sweet and sour sauce, it was a gastronomic delight.    I HAD  also the Philippines San Miguel beer ordered for the occasion. I enjoyed the beer very much. I had seconds of the appetizers ( Lumpia and pot sticker only) and I lost my appetite for the Dinner that follows.  I took pictures during the cocktail hour and happy to share it with you. 

The Standard appetizer platter with lumpia and pot sticker

My Ice-cold San Miquel Beer- Refreshing and Authentic Beer imported from the Philippines 

The Cocktail Hour also celebrated not only the Filipino American History Month, but Residents born in October. The birthday celebrants were given special birthday cup cake to honor their birthday. Among the Birthday Celebrants present were Marsha Kefer and Anne Long. Patty Healy did not attend. 

Thank You, THD for this Special Cocktail Hour featuring lumpia Shanghai or Filipino spring rolls. It was a well-attended event. The music was great, but not Philippine music as advertised. 

💚 Lumpiang Shanghai (also known as Filipino spring rolls, or simply lumpia or lumpiya) is a Filipino deep-fried appetizer consisting of a mixture of giniling (ground pork) with vegetables like carrots, chopped scallions or red onions and garlic, wrapped in a thin egg crêpe. Lumpiang Shanghai is regarded as the most basic type of lumpia in Filipino cuisine, and it is usually smaller and thinner than other lumpia variants.

 💚https://iankewks.com/lumpiang-shanghai/

Philippines National Symbols- Tree, Flower and Bird

This is the 13th article on my series about the Philippines in connection with the celebration of Filipino American History Month here in the US

The link below list the state tree, flower and bird of all the fifty US States. Do you them all ? Please read, because these are frequent and common questions if you play Trivial Pursuit's Game. I love Trivia and the Jeopardy TV show. 

https://www.thegardenhelper.com/state~flowers.html#google_vignette

Meanwhile Do you Know the Philippines, National tree, flower and bird and Other National Symbols?

Aside from those stated symbols in the Constitution and in Republic Act 8491, there are only six official national symbols of the Philippines enacted through law, namely sampaguita as national flower, narra as national tree, the Philippine eagle as national bird, Philippine pearl as national gem, arnis as national martial art and sport and the Filipino Sign Language as the national sign language. Thus, there is a total of twelve official national symbols passed through Philippine laws.

There are symbols such as the carabao (national animal), mango (national fruit) and anahaw (national leaf) that are widely known as national symbols but have no laws recognizing them as official national symbols. The milk fish (bangus) is sometimes called the national fish but again not officially designated by the Government. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_symbols_of_the_Philippines#:~:text=Aside%20from%20those%20stated%20symbols,national%20gem%2C%20arnis%20as%20national

Lastly, Before the Spanish set foot in the Philippines, the coconut tree was the undisputed star of daily life. Prehispanic Filipinos mastered the art of using every part of the coconut tree—it was their source of shelter, food, alcohol, medicine, and even tools.

The leaves were woven into roofs, the trunk was used for building homes, and the sap was fermented into tuba (a local drink). The coconut also provided oil for cooking and medicine, while the meat was a staple food source. It was so integral that their day-to-day activities literally revolved around it.

In a way, the coconut tree was their version of a "Swiss army knife"—doing everything and more. Even today, the coconut remains a vital part of Filipino culture, and we owe a lot to this ancient connection.

Reminder Today: Filipino Cocktail Hour - Egg rolls, lumpia and Pot stickers along with San Miguel Beer will be served.

Philippines Diverse Ecosystems and Biomes

This is the 12th article on my blog series about the Philippines in connection with Filipino-American History Month Celebration here in the US

The Philippines, an archipelago blessed with diverse ecosystems and biomes, is home to an incredible range of species, many of which represent nature’s extremes or superlatives. From the tallest trees to the tiniest fish, these species offer unique foods that reflect the country’s rich biodiversity.

𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘴 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴, or Toog, the Philippines’ largest tree species, provides ubod (the tender heart of young shoots) which is consumed as a vegetable. The seeds are also reported to be edible and are said to taste like peanuts. The second tallest tree in the country, 𝘒𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘢 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘢, known locally as ginoo or manggis. Its seeds, with a taste reminiscent of a cross between watermelon and sunflower seeds, are enjoyed by the locals of Palawan, either roasted or sweetened with sugar. Both species are two of the most tallest tropical rainforest trees in the world.

In coastal areas, the 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘤𝘯𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘴 and other species from genus 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘤𝘯𝘢, a group of the largest living bivalve mollusks locally known as manlut or taklobo, is traditionally prepared as kinilaw. However, many species of giant clams are now threatened and are protected by law. A giant of the reefs, the 𝘉𝘰𝘭𝘣𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘮, or humphead parrotfish or molmol, is the largest species of parrotfish and the largest herbivorous fish in coral reefs, also hunted and consumed in some regions. The 𝘉𝘪𝘳𝘨𝘶𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘰, or coconut crab or tatus, is the largest terrestrial arthropod, is considered a delicacy in areas like Batanes and Caluya, Antique. An adult tatus can weigh up to 4 kilos and span up to 3 feet across, though human exploitation has made such sizes rare.

In freshwater ecosystems, we have the 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘪, or ulang/urang (giant river prawn), the largest species of Macrobrachium and one of the largest freshwater prawns globally. At the other end of the spectrum is the world’s smallest commercial edible fish, the 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘵𝘩𝘺𝘴 𝘭𝘶𝘻𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴, or sinarapan. This tiny fish is endemic to the lakes of the Bicol Region, including Lake Buhi and Lake Bato, Lakelets Manapao and Katugday, in Camarines Sur, and Lake Danao in Albay. So small that a specialized net called sarap is used to catch them, sinarapan is typically cooked with coconut milk, stewed, or sun-dried into thin sheets for frying.

Meanwhile, Did you know that the Philippines boasts over 20 unique kinds of noodle dishes?

From the ever-popular pancit canton to the beloved pancit palabok, Filipino noodle dishes are as diverse as the regions they come from. Each one has its own flavor, history, and twist—like pancit habhab from Lucban, served on a banana leaf, or sotanghon made with vermicelli noodles. And let's not forget mami, which combines flavorful broth with a variety of toppings! Whether stir-fried, in soup, or layered with toppings, Filipino noodles are a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Lastly, Did you know? While Filipinos are known for their close-knit communities and strong family ties, they often prioritize loyalty based on province, group, or affiliation over a broader national identity.

Unlike in countries like Mexico or the United States, where citizens might rally together as a unified state, the Philippines sometimes grapples with divisions that hinder a sense of national solidarity.

This fragmentation is compounded by ongoing challenges like chronic corruption, which undermines trust in institutions and the rule of law. As a result, the journey toward unity remains a complex and ongoing struggle for the nation.

Lastly, do not forget the Filipino Cocktail Hour for Tomorrow at 3:45PM, Liberty Pavillon.

Lumpia, egg rolls and pot stickers from Sea Food City will be served. San Miguel beer will also be served besides the regular cocktails.