First Printing Press in the Philippines

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The Dominican fathers pioneered printing using xylography when Fray Francisco de San Jose established the first printing press in the Philippines in 1593. The first published book was “Doctrina Christiana” by Juan de Plasencia.” This press eventually became the University of Santo Tomas Press. On the other hand, the first Filipino printer was Tomas Pinpin, … Read more

Catandunganon Mangrove and Mudcrab Sanctuary

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Catandunganon Mangrove and Mudcrab Sanctuary The flexible inhabitants of the sea and freshwaters. Have you ever asked how mangroves cope with the constantly changing environments? Mangroves are trees or shrubs that thrive in brackish and marine conditions. Mangroves have a remarkable evolution that makes them survive in different environments. They cope with salt by filtering … Read more

Father Blanco

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Father Blanco Father Manuel Blanco was an Augustinian botanist. He is known for writing one of the first botanical books in the Philippines, the “Flora de Filipinas,” which contained descriptions of plants, fruits, and vegetables found in the country. His botanical garden at the Augustinian convent in Intramuros was famous for the diversity of its … Read more

The Ferrocarril de Dagupan A Manila

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The Ferrocarril de Dagupan A Manila The Ferrocarril de Manila a Dagupan was the first railroad in the Philippines. Construction of the railroad began in 1888, and when it was finished, the line covered 195 kilometers from Manila to Dagupan in Pangasinan. The trains were steam-powered and were at that time the fastest way to … Read more

Manila Observatory

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The Manila Observatory was the first weather station in the Philippines. In 1865, the Manila Observatory was started by Francisco Colina, S.J. in an abandoned pigeon house on the roof deck of the convent of the Jesuits in Intramuros. In 1884, it was recognized by the Spanish colonial government as the Philippines’ weather station. It … Read more