The Philippines Today

What is a Palitera? Palitera is a table decoration and a toothpick stand. This extravagant Palitera (image above) is often used as table decorations for affluent Manilenos during the Spanish period. It is mainly made of silver from melted Mexican silver coins traded from the Galleon Trade and were shaped into local flora and fauna. … Read more

Pis siyabit is the Tausug handwoven square piece of cloth with intricate and varied geometric designs. Many believe that the pis siyabit design is the Tausug version of the Hindu mandala. In Sulu, a geometric ukkil is called siyabit, which means “to hook,” an act of weaving angular design. The warp of pis siyabit is … Read more

This week’s Underwater Monday features a staple “subak” or flavor enhancer to Western Visayan vegetable dishes, the ulang (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). Ulang gives dishes a savory seafood flavor. You can find it in the laswa or vegetable stew of the Visayans. Called urang in Antique, it is also the main ingredient in binabak, a heritage dish … Read more

The West Visayas Faunal Region (WVFR) SAVE THEM. The National Museum of the Philippines joins the world in raising awareness to save plants and animals from facing extinction, especially on this World Wildlife Conservation Day! It is high time to be aware, reflect, and take responsibility for our actions that led to the decline of … Read more

In Bohol, ubi farmers perform a “Palihi” which refers to the traditional practice of planting the sprouted ubi ‘setts’ for the new planting season. A sett is the upper part of the tuber near the stem. It is also believed that the palihi will cast a “sumpa” or antidote for a poor harvest. The palihi … Read more