Darna

by

Darna is a Filipina superheroine created by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo. The character’s first appearance was in Pilipino Komiks (Ace Publications, Inc.) #77 on May 13, 1950. Darna is a retooling of Ravelo’s earlier character, Varga, whose stories he wrote and illustrated himself. This character first appeared in Bulaklak Magazine, Volume 4, … Read more

Badi

by

This badi is commonly used by women of the Bagobo or Tboli group from Southern Mindanao. In the past, the curved blade was made of brass but is now made of iron. The end is mostly flat save for a piercing tip at the middle, likely only decorative. Its hilt seems to be made of … Read more

Kaget

by

This belt is called the kaget a brass belt for Bugkalot women. According to some sources it is for pregnant women and may serve ceremonial and religious purposes. About 30 coiled brass pieces are bound by vertical brass lashed with wire. All around it is separating coils and its center portion has an “X”. There … Read more

Single-Use Plastic Bags Tax Act

by

Single-Use Plastic Bags Tax Act (House Bill 4102) Approved on third reading by the House of Representatives. What is its objective? The bill proposes imposing a Php 100 per kilo excise tax on single-use plastic bags to encourage the use of environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic bags. You may want to read: Plastic products that … Read more

Kalis or Keris

by

The kalis or keris is primarily considered a sword coming from Java, Indonesia, but it has many iterations in the Philippines, particularly in Southern Mindanao. Its distinctive wavy blade mimics the naga’s body and movements: waves indicate direction while a straight blade is at rest. The guard is made of metal resembling the serpent’s mouth … Read more