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Where it got its name: MALOLOS

The usual stories about the origin of town names are made-up myths. I remember at the beginning. Many sites discuss the origin of the name of Malolos to have originated from the word “Malo”. This story goes that the Spaniards had referred to Malolos as being a land of heathens. Thus, the word Malo, which […]

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Bilat/Bilát

It seems that Phil Gordon of the White House press is making a lot of noise with this tweet.  “Bilat” is an informal shorthand for “Bilateral,” and this is what Gordon used to refer to the meeting between VP Harris and President Bongbong Marcos. We Filipinos love finding naughty meanings in everything 😂 The American […]

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Nuclear warship in Manila

As the USS Ronald Reagan recently docked in Manila, I am surprised no one batted an eye. Unlike past visits that have been met with strong opposition by anti-US elements and level-headed nationalist officials, this visit has been met with almost complete silence. Under the constitution, nuclear arms cannot be placed within the countries’ borders. […]

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A short trip to Malolos

Last month, we visited Malolos and ran some errands in town. On our way back to Manila, I decided to take my mother and son to Malolos Church (officially, Basílica Menor y Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción de Malolos). If there are people around me in historical places, I usually talk about their history. I […]

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Cebu’s Carmelites in my memory

It was a short walk from my apartment on F Cabahug St to the Carmelite Monastery in Cebu. Since this was my first job outside Manila and away from family, I routinely dropped by the Carmelite chapel. For the most part, just to find peace. Here is where I first noticed Cebuanos, after lighting candles, […]

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How do we deal with Chismis in our history?

When we study history, we are not providing answers to definitive scientific problems. The argument is interesting.  Do chismis contribute to how we tell history and preserve it? Can you imagine if the chismis was started by a major player in the event? In the face of such a situation, how can we, as historical […]

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Can tsismis be considered history?

Tsismis as history? Social media has been dominated by this silly question. Both those interested and uninterested, famous and unknown, have voiced their opinions.   It is clear that Tsismis is not history. Further explanation is not necessary. I find it surprising that regarded historians have even taken the time to explain why it’s not. Tsismis […]

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