The Philippines Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow
In pre-colonial Tagalog society, the bayoguin or bayog were well-respected men who cross-dressed and held prominent religious positions, much like the babaylan. They were documented in the Boxer Codex (also known as the Manila Manuscript) from the perspective of its Spanish authors. The text continues that the bayoguin, often the submissive type, married other men. … Read more
The origin of the bakya can be traced back to pre-colonial times, and it is actually gender-neutral footwear. Since the mass production of rubber-soled footwear in the early 20th century, the wooden bakya was relegated to specialty crafts. Yet, local makers became creative with their designs and turned the homely bakya into fashionable sandals and … Read more
Mararison, also known as Malalison by travelers, is a small island beach destination and a barangay in Culasi in the Antique Province, on the island of Panay in the Philippines. Commonly known as Mararison by the locals, this area of grass-covered rolling hills (called lantawan), stretches of white sand and pebble beaches, various rock formations, … Read more
The “katakataka” (hindi kapani-paniwala in filipino) (wonder plant) or kataka-taka which is an adjective meaning ‘astonishing’ or ‘remarkable, whose roots are tightly implanted on Philippine soil, is the link that binds the symbolized figure to the allegorical Philippine Group. “Katakataka” is really a wonder plant. It is called siempre vivo (always alive) in Spanish. Katakataka … Read more
Atang Dela Rama (January 11, 1902 – July 11, 1991): National Artist for Theater and Music Atang, Queen of Kundiman in 1979, firmly believes that the sarswela and the kundiman express best the Filipino soul, and even performed kundiman and other Filipino songs for the Aetas or Negritos of Zambales and the Sierra Madre, the … Read more