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History

Kaisa goes artsy

The early dawn of March 31 found Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran members already up and on a bus traversing along Ortigas Avenue on the way to Rizal province for Kaisa’s annual summer outing. This year’s theme, “Kaisa goes Artsy,” aimed to explore the art and heritage scenes in the towns of Antipolo, Angono, Morong and […]

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History

To quench a city’s thirst

Have you ever wondered what it takes to quench the thirst of a city as big as Manila? Well, you can stop wondering about it when you visit the Museo El Deposito, one of the latest museums built and operated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines at various historical sites across the country. […]

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History

From blood to barter: Shared history, heritage, destiny

There are ample historical records of relations between the Philippines and China. They reveal strategies for evangelizing China, trade routes and revolution. They show the strategic importance of the Philippines to Spanish attempts to christianize China, and to profit from the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade. They delve into the origins of Chinese-looking Igorots to the north, […]

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History

Phil-Sino connection

Rare are the friendships that weather the good times and bad, bringing friends through thick and thin and last more than a millennium. Such is the historical friendship between the Philippines and China, a relationship that has been chronicled as early as the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Exchanges existed at all levels, from vibrant trade to […]

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History

PACS: Promoting PH-China relations through the years

This June, we commemorate the 34th year of our diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Since 1975, there have been a lot of positive developments in our improved relations. Economics and trade agreements, science, technology, cultural and people-to-people exchanges have enhanced cooperation and better understanding between our two countries. In recent years, a […]

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History

Chinese sources on the Philippines: New narratives on PH-China relations

For several generations, general understanding on precolonial Philippines has always been viewed from the perspectives of scholars, chroniclers, and historians of its erstwhile colonial masters: Spain and the United States. Recent scholarly studies on ancient Chinese sources and new discoveries of accounts on China by Spanish priests reveal new and alternative insights on the Philippines […]

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History

Chinatown revived… in different flavors

In a talk before the Chinese Filipino Business Club, I asked the audience if anyone remembered the original name of San Fernando Bridge. Only a few raised their hands and said “Baybay Kio” or Baybay Bridge. Young people and newcomers are no longer familiar with the essence of Binondo that made it unique in the […]

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History

Good vibes, luck in the Year of the Earth Pig

Starting Feb. 5, the Earth Pig will reign until Chinese Lunar New Year’s Eve on Jan. 24, 2020. According to Chinese astrology, 2019 is a year of fortune and luck; a great year to make money and to invest. Also, 2019 will be full of joy, a year of friendship and love for all the […]

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History

Hope and a helping hand overcome Ompong’s wrath

He probably never thought that he would die that day. He and a few men from their barangay only wanted to help. They had rushed to try and rescue a family trapped under the rubble of muddy rocks. Jun-Jun, as his friends and family call him, was not fortunate enough to escape the mountain of […]

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History

Views from a first-time volunteer

As a newcomer, I felt motivated just watching the organizers plan the relief operations in detail. Despite having just a few short days to prepare, the organizing team was able to coordinate with partners (e.g. Amity Foundation Baguio, the Filipino-Chinese Calamity Relief Fund, UPCB Educational Foundation and University of the Philippines-Baguio) and prepare enough relief […]