Unknown Filipino Hero: Tomas Pinpin

Tomas Pinpin

Father of Filipino Printing

Tomas Pinpin is a printer, writer, and publisher widely regarded as the first Filipino printer earning the moniker "Prince of Filipino Printers" or the "Father of Filipino Printing". 

Pinpin is remembered for being the first Filipino to publish and print a book titled, "Librong Pagaaralan nang mga Tagalog nang Uicang Castilla" (Reference Book for Learning Spanish Language in Tagalog) in 1610, entirely written by himself in the old Tagalog orthography.

Early Years

Tomas Pinpin was born in Barrio Mabatang, Abucay, Bataan between 1580 and 1585. The exact dates of his birth and death as well as his parentage are unknown because in 1646 Dutch looters raided his hometown of Abucay and burned the parish records. However, his last name and business acumen indicate that he must have had Chinese ancestors. The Spanish historian Wenceslao E. Retana believes he did not belong to the principales, the highest class of natives such as Pablo Tanclanmanoc and Fernando Bagongbata who were also from the Abucay town and who were called "Don" by the Spaniards themselves.

He was thought to have first come into contact with the printing world around 1608 or 1609 learning from the works of other Christian Chinese printers such as Juan de Vera, Pedro de Vera, and Luis Beltran who had already printed several books for Spanish missionaries. 

He learned the art of printing around the end of 1608 in the Dominican-owned printing press in his hometown of Abucay when the Dominican-owned printing press was transferred there in 1608 from its original location of Binondo, Manila from where the printing press was established in 1602 by its founder Francisco Blancas de San Jose. In 1609 still in Abucay, Father Blancas employed the young Pinpin as an apprentice at the printing shop and taught him the art of printing and the printing techniques of the time. In just one year he had developed enough skills to be promoted to printing manager. 

His Works

The following year 1610, he printed the famous book of his mentor and founder of the printing press Father Francisco Blancas de San Jose, the "Arte y Reglas de la Lengua Tagala" (Art and Rules of the Tagalog Language) and in the same year Pinpin's famous book "Librong Pagaaralan nang manga Tagalog nang Uicang Castilla" (Reference Book for Learning Spanish Language in Tagalog). This was the first Filipino Tagalog-language book to be imprinted and was designed to help other Filipinos learn the Spanish language easily. The book contained 119 pages divided into five parts and was designed to help Filipinos learn the Spanish language. The prologue read:

"Let us, therefore, study, my countrymen, for although the art of learning is somewhat difficult, yet if we are persevering, we shall soon improve our knowledge.

Other Tagalogs like us did not take a year to learn the Spanish language when using my book. This good result has given me satisfaction and encouraged me to print my work, so that all may derive some profit from it."

It was written in the old Tagalog orthography, as shown by the following terms: uica (today's wika - language); caya (today's kaya-therefore); and canina (today's kanina - a while ago). The author's name was printed Tomas Pin-pin. The book was printed by Diego Talaghay probably his assistant. For this, he earned the title "Demosthenes of the Tagalog language."

Pinpin, having mastered the technique and operation of the printing, was soon appointed shop manager. 

In 1612, Pinpin supervised the setup of a Franciscans-owned printing press in Pila, Laguna where he printed the book, Vocabulario de Lengua Tagala (Tagalog Language Vocabulary) by Fray Pedro de San Buenaventura, the first Philippine Islands local language dictionary ever printed in 1613. For the next three decades, he printed at least 14 books.  

He is also known to have printed in Binondo district, Manila, between 1623 and 1627, as the early printing press was being transported to several places to bring the art of printing.

In 1637, he published and printed what is thought to be the first newspaper in the Philippines, the 14-page "Sucesos Felices", which reported mainly on Spanish military victories.

It is estimated that throughout his career, from 1609 to 1639, Tomas Pinpin printed at least fourteen different publications.

Pinpin As An Engraver

Aside from being an author, publisher, and printer, Pinpin was a skilled engraver. He engraved beautifully the book he printed. His engravings revealed his remarkable gift as an artist. He enhanced the appearance of the books he printed with his engraving skills. 

Among these books of different authors were: Relacion de Martirio (1625), Relacion (1626), Triunfo (1626), Arte Ilocano (1627), Vocabulario Japon (1630), Ritual (1630), Confesario (1636), Sucesos Felices (1637) and Relacion de la Vida y Martirio del Jusuita P. Mastrilli (1639). 

Historian Pardo de Tavera concluded that Pinpin must have been an active and hardworking man. 

Later Years

Since Pinpin's signature no longer appeared on books printed after 1639, it was assumed that he retired. However, Pardo de Tavera claimed that a book of a friar in 1648 in 1648 was signed: "Printed in the office of Tomas Pinpin" and concluded that Pinpin must have passed the trade to his son. By 1643, several books that were printed bored the name of his son, Simon Pinpin. 

There are no other records of Tomas Pinpin after 1640 so it is unsure when or where Tomas Pinpin passed away. 

A bust in his honor rests at Plaza Cervantes in the Binondo district, Manila while a street in Escolta, Manila bears his name. 

Books Printed

"Arte y Reglas de Lengua Tagala", 1610, by Padre Blancas.

"Librong Pagaaralan nang manga Tagalog nang Uicang Castilla", 1610.

"Vocabulario de Lengua Tagala", 1612, by Pedro de San Buenaventura.

"Relacion de Martirio", by an unknown author, 1625. 

"Triunfo", by Carreras, 1626.

"Arte Ilocano", by Lopez, 1627.

"Vocabulario de Japon", 1630.

"Confesionario", by Herreras, 1636.

"Sucesos Felices", Newspaper, 1637.

"Relacion de la Vida y Martirio del Jesuita P. Mastrillo" , 1639.

Source:

Wikipedia

Bahay Tsinoy, Museum of Chinese in Philippine Life Facebook Page -https://www.facebook.com/bahaytsinoy/photos/a.126159806720/10157591892776721/?type=3

The Limbagang Pinpin Museum Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/limbagangpinpinmuseum/posts/1790833431027860/

Termpaper Warehouse - https://www.termpaperwarehouse.com/essay-on/Thomas-Pinpin/303568

Instituto Cervantes Manila - https://manila.cervantes.es/es/biblioteca_espanol/Filipiniana/XVII/Pinpin_Tomas.htm

Gay Filipino In History: Ponciano Elofre Of Negros Oriental

Ponciano Elofre (c. 1800s ? - 1887)

Public Servant, Shaman and Revolt Leader

Birth Name: Ponciano Elofre / Ponciano Elopre

Birth: circa mid 1800s in Negros Oriental

Death: August 22, 1887 in Siaton, Negros Oriental

The skirt-wearing Ponciano Elofre (sometimes spelled as Ponciano Elopre) was a Cabeza de Barangay or the head of a barangay (now called barangay captain) in the town of Zamboanguita in Negros Oriental and also the leader of a politico-religious revolt in Negros in the late 19th century against the Spaniards.

He began his revolt when as a Cabeza de Barangay failed to collect all the taxes from his constituents. As a result, the Spanish soldiers beat his father, Cris Elofre to death to teach him a lesson. He took the name Dios Buhawi (Hiligaynon word for "Tornado or Whirlwind God" and thereafter, rallied the people against the forced payment of taxes.  

Soon later, he included religious freedom as part of his agenda and presided over the celebration of the ancient rites of the babaylan (ancient Visayan shaman priest), a revival of the pre-Spanish period religious leader. He and his followers numbering about 2,000 were later called the babaylanes. Elofre was reputedly dressed in female garments and was said to be effeminate in the same manner as ancient asog shamans. 

The activities of Elofre so alarmed the Spanish colonial government that governor-general Valeriano Weyler sent 500 Guardia Civil (civil guards) and a battleship to Negros to deal with the threat. On the fateful day of August 22, 1887, Elofre raided Siaton, the town adjoining Zamboanguita, and was killed in the encounter with the colonial forces. His wife, Flaviana Tubigan, continued the revolt but lacked her husband's charm and charisma. She was succeeded by Ka Martin de la Cruz, Elofre's lieutenant of the town of Tolong (now the Municipality of Santa Catalina) located in the southern part of Negros Oriental but his command of the babaylanes degenerated into banditry. When the Spanish authorities failed in their attempt to capture him on September 11, 1893, de la Cruz was killed in a trap laid by his own mistress, Alfonsa Alaidan. 

The remaining Buhawi followers according to historian Modesto P. Sa-onoy were later recruited by Papa Isio when he began to organize his own group of babaylanes in another revolt against Spain.

Daigon Song - O Senyor Tagbalay (Hiligaynon-Language Christmas Carol) Lyrics

The lyrics below is for the Daigon (Hiligaynon or Ilonggo term for Christmas carol) song entitled O, Senyor Tagbalay. The song tells the story of Joseph and Mary searching or looking for a shelter or inn to stay for Mary is about to give birth for the child Jesus which eventually to the birth of Jesus being worshipped by angels and shepherds.

There are different versions or lyrics for this song. Here are just the two versions of the songs.

Version 1

O senyor, tagbalay, lunsay nga dungganon,

Bisan pa mahamook ang inyo katulugon,

Pagmata kamo anay kag kami ang gawahon,

Mag asawang pobre nga yari sa silong

Kay ako si Jose, nga taga Galilea,

ang akon kaupod mahal kong asawa,

Akon sya hingalanan, amo si Maria,

Sa mga paglakat, kabudlay nga sobra.

Kay ini si Maria, madali na manganak,

kon sarang tagbalay, sya ang pasakaon,

Kay ako sing akon, diri lang sa silong,

kon sarang tagbalay, siya ang padayonon

Ang sabat sang tagbalay padayon lang kamo

kay didto sa unahan may kamalig didto,

tindog na, oh maria dalia sa paglakat

kay basi ang kwadra indi ta madangat!

Sang may alas dose sang tunga sang gab-i

amo ang pag panganak manunubos na putli,

sa belen duawon sang mga pastores

ginsimba kag gindayaw sang mga angeles.

Version 2

O senyor, tagbalay, lunsay nga dungganon

Bisan pa mahamook ang inyo katulugon

Pagmata kamo anay kag kami ang gawahon

Mag-asawang pobre nga yari sa silong

 

Kay ako si Jose nga taga Galilea

Ang akon kaupod mahal kong asawa,

Kon pagahingalanan amo si Maria

Sa mga paglakat, kabudlay nga sobra

 

Sa banwa sang Nazareth kami ang gumikan

Ang lugar nga ini amon ginkadtuan

Kaming mag-tiayon nga may kasablagan

Sa mga paglakat kami nagab-ihan

 

O Senyor, tagbalay, inyo kami hangpon

Bisan si Maria lang inyo pasakaon

Kay ako sing akon yari lang sa silong

Magbatas sang tun-og ining lawas nakon

 

Ang sabat sang tagbalay padayon lang kamo

Kay dira sa unhan may kamalig didto

Tindog na O Maria dali-a sa paglakat

Malapit na ang kwadra basi ta madangat

 

Gilayon sumubong bituon nga kometa

Amo ang nag-ubay sang paglakat nila

Gumu-om ang langit madulom nga wala’y mas-a

Ang mabuot nga asno ang nasakyan niya

 

Anay sang umabot ang tungang gab-i

Amo ang pagkatawo Mesiyas nga putli

Sa Belen duawon sang mga angeles

Ginsimba, ginadayaw sang mga pastores

O dungga man ninyo ang makaluluoy

Nga yari sa idalom nga nagapasilong

Nagabatas sang tun-og ining lawas nakon

Magahulat sang inyo maayong kabubut-on

 

Salamat, salamat mga kautoran

Kag kabay pa ang Diyos kamo kaluoyan

Paalam, paalam sa inyo nga tanan

Kag kami na karon ang magataliwan

Below is an example of the song in Youtube mixed with O Dongga lyrics which could be found on this link Ocean Breeze: Daigon Christmas Song Lyrics (dreamcatcherrye.blogspot.com)

Philippine Mythological Creatures Introduction

I will be introducing some of the mythological creatures in the Philippine folklore and more information about them as the Philippines is rich in folk tales and folk tales which was webbed through centuries of tradition and culture. They include witches, monsters, beasts, fairies, ghouls, spirits, folkloric beings etc. so we will have some insights into some of the creatures that continue to amaze and astound us through all time. 

Unknown Filipino Hero: Panday Pira

Panday Pira 

Blacksmith and First Filipino Cannon Maker

(1488 - 1576)

Panday Pira is the first Filipino cannon-maker whose cannon foundry was established in Santa Ana during the 1500s. Unfortunately, his foundry disappeared after the Spaniards settled in Manila, and its exact location is unknown today. His name literally translates as Blacksmith Pira, panday being a Tagalog word for "blacksmith".

According to Filipino historian Jaime de Veyra, "Panday Pira's cannons are as good as those produced in Spain and became the official cannon-maker for the Spanish army in the Philippines. His works contributed much to the defense of the Philippine islands against pirates and marauders.

Panday Pira's Early Years

Panday Pira was born in 1488. No one can be sure of the exact date of his birth except the place of his origin, in one of the windy islands in Sulu and born to the wife of a Muslim warrior. 

The young Pira grew up in the shade of colorful stilt houses on the shallow banks of a small lake. The quiet life in the village disturbed him. He often spends hours alone and throws stones into the ocean. He is a good aimer, and he can often hit with stones the fishes and eels that struggle to get away. He thought, if the stones were light, the farther the distance it can reach. 

Work and Efforts as a Blacksmith

Panday Pira is acknowledged as the first Filipino metallurgist. Old tradition maintains that Panday Pira went as far as Ilocos and Isabela in the north and Batangas in the south of Luzon in training the early villagers in the metal smith industry.

He devised his cannons using a mold of clay and wax which Muslim leader Rajah Sulayman used to protect Manila against the invading Spanish troops. This legendary metalsmith was later recruited to equip the walled city of Intramuros.

In 1508 at the age of 20, Pira and his relatives went to Maynilad where he established a foundry on the north bank of the Pasig River now known as the District of San Nicolas. 

Rajah Sulayman commissioned Panday Pira to make several pieces of cannons to be mounted on the palisades surrounding his kingdom and on the seaside portion of his wooden fort to serve as defense of Maynilad. These pieces were as large as the largest Malaga cannons that the Spaniards used.

Maynilad was not taken easily when the Spanish forces led by Captain Martin de Goiti and Juan de Salcedo attempted to explore Maynilad in May 1570 anchoring at the mouth of Pasig River, they were surprised when they were greeted by salvos from the cannons made by Panday Pira. These artillery pieces were hidden behind a network of wooden rattan and bamboo mattings supported by logs and timber of the native's wooden fort. 

The superior artillery guns of the Spanish flotilla bombarded incessantly the Kuta and its palisades. The defeat of Rajah Sulayman was due to the inferior kind of gunpowder they used which they learn from the Chinese. 

Goiti won the first Battle of Manila on May 24, 1570, with the help of its superior artillery and well-armed disciplined men. After the brief battle, Goiti took Panday Pira's cannon as a war booty and presented them to Adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in Panay Island (most probably Iloilo near Capiz) on which Legazpi subjected these captured artilleries to rigorous test for examination, comparison and later adopted to use. These native cannons made by Pira were proven strong and reliable. They did not crack or burst after continuous firing and in spite of a much greater quantity of powder used. In conclusion, Panday Pira's cannons were found way superior to the Spanish cannons mounted on Legazpi's ships

On May 19, 1571, Legazpi eventually took Maynilad and established a permanent Spanish settlement. Due to lack of artillery pieces, which were not only necessary for the city's defense but also for conquering independent barangays of the land, he sought Panday Pira for his valuable technical knowledge. However, Panday Pira is nowhere to be found because after the Battle of Manila he fled to Bulacan in the middle of 1570 then to Apalit, Pampanga where he eventually settled.

Settling in Pampanga and Other Works

After the Battle of Bangkusay Channel off the coast of Tondo, Panday Pira's family and ten of his relatives lived in Pampanga. He established a foundry shop of farm tools producing the first native plowshare and mold board. Before long, he was manufacturing other farm and household implements such as bolos and knives. Here he taught his sons as well as young Kapampangans to make tools and weapons made of iron or metal. Their creations are known for their quality and durability, so they are known throughout Luzon.  

He used for mould the Apalit clay then abundant in the barrio now called Kapalagan in manufacturing native farm implements. One valuable thing he left was his method of casting and tempering iron to make it harder, more durable and flexible.

Working for Legazpi and Death 

His popularity and skillful craftmanship soon reach Manila. Legazpi summoned Pira to build cannons for the Spanish army. In exchange for his services, he and his family were exempted from tribute and forced labor and also the freedom of living and mingling with Spaniards and freedom from other obligations to the church. Panday Pira, often called by the Spaniards as Pandapira, established his foundry in Lamayan now Santa Ana, Manila with the help from his sons. 

Panday Pira is the inventor of the lantaka, a small cannon that can be rotated or maneuvered at any desired angle and direction. He was requested by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi to manufacture lantakas for galleons and frigates as the Spanish forces is preparing to conquer more lands in the archipelago and the entire Southeast Asian region.

After Legazpi's death of heart attack on August 20, 1572, Panday Pira continued his services to the Spanish army. The cannons he built were not only used for the fortifications of Manila but also in the Spanish military expeditions of Borneo and Moluccas.

Panday Pira died in 1576 at the age of 88 and he was mourned by the Spaniards and Filipinos. His death was a great loss to the Spaniards for nobody including his sons could make similar astounding cannons.

The Spanish authorities not able to find an excellent cannon-maker like Panday Pira appealed to the Spanish monarch saying:

"Pandapira our cannon maker is dead. We cannot find a single man among us to take his place." This was answered in 1584, when a Spanish smith from Mexico arrived in the country and took the cannon maker's foundry.

Fray Gaspar de San Agustin, an anti-Filipino chronicler and friar even admitted that "Pira's cannons were as good as those in Malaga (a town in Spain). Panday Pira's foundry was expanded in 1584 when a Spanish blacksmith came from Mexico. It was later transferred within the city in 1590 and eventually abolished in 1805. 

Sources:

Biliran Island Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/biliranisland/photos/panday-pira-the-first-filipino-cannon-makerpanday-pira-1483-1576-was-the-first-f/10156304763535131/

Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panday_Pira

Kahimyang Project - https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/2747/panday-pira-rajah-sulaymans-cannon-maker

Pilipinas Kong Mahal Blog - https://pilipinaskongminamahal.blogspot.com/2011/08/panday-pira-1488-1576.html?m=1

Panday Pira (1488-1576) First Filipino Cannon Maker by Yumpu - https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/12193721/panday-pira-1488-1576-first-filipino-cannon-maker-the-

Image Source:

Discover Philippines Google Sites - https://sites.google.com/site/discoverphilippineswithus/dr-jose-p-rizal/andres-bonifacio-1863-1897/general-gregorio-del-pilar-1875-1899/general-emilio-aguinaldo-1899-1964/apolinario-mabini-1864-1903/emilio-jacinto-1875-1899/general-antonio-luna-1866-1899/melchora-aquino/graciano-lopez-jaena/panday-pira-1483-1576 

Folk Dance of Western Visayas Region: Lanceros de Negros

LANCEROS DE NEGROS

During the Spanish times, Lanceros was one of the most popular quadrille dances in the Philippines. It is similar to Rigodon and is danced in important social affairs to formally open a big ball. Unlike the Lanceros as danced in Luzon and in some regions in the Visayas, this version from Silay, Negros Occidental is in longways formation. It is a very lively and colorful dance. 

COSTUME. Girl wears Maria Clara style costume. Boy wears barong tagalog and black trousers. 

MUSIC is divided into four parts A, B, C, and Finale.

COUNT one, two; one, and two; or one, and two, and to a measure

FORMATION. Partners face each other about six feet apart. When facing audience, Girl is at right side of partner. Four to any number of pairs may participate. 

If desired, a square formation may be used, each pair occupying a corner of an imaginary square. 

NEW STEPS USED:

      Brincos Con Puntillas - Jump and land with R (L) foot across the L (R)  in front, both feet flat on the floor (ct. 1), hop on L (R) and foot circle outward in the air with R (L) foot (ct. and), step lightly on ball of R (L) foot in rear L (R) and raise heel of L (R) (ct. 2), spring on  R (L) and land on L (R) and at the same time point R (L) toe in front of L (R) with R (L) knee slightly bent (ct. and).

      Brincos Con Vueltas - Same as brincos con puntillas but make a quarter turn right (left) when hopping on L (R) on the first ct. and. Make another quarter turn right (left) before stepping on the ball of R (L) foot in rear of L (R) on ct. 2. There are two brincos con vueltas to a complete turn (2 M).

                                                                        I

Music A.

      Partners face each other. Throughout this figure, Girl's L hand is placed on waist, R hand holding skirt, Boy's arms swinging naturally down at sides.

     (a) Starting with R foot, take four small steps forward to meet at center (cts. 1, 2, 1, 2) ________________________ 2 M

     (b) Repeat (a) moving backward to proper places ________________________ 2 M

      Face left so that Girl's back is toward audience, Boy faces audience.

     (c) Repeat (a) and (b) _______________________ 4 M

      Face each other.

      (d) Starting with R foot, take four steps obliquely left forward, passing by R shoulders _______________________ 2 M

       (e) Repeat (d), moving obliquely right backward to proper places ________________ 2 M

        (f) Repeat (d), moving obliquely right forward, passing by L shoulders (2 M), and in (e) moving obliquely left backward. Take smaller steps backward so that partners finish near each other (2 M). _____________ 4 M

   II

Music B.

         Face partner and join R hands, free hand of Girl holding skirt and that of Boy is placed on waist.

         (a) Starting with R foot, take eight small change steps forward moving once around clockwise. Bend trunk slightly to right and left side alternately. ---------------------------------------------------- 8 M

         Drop R hands, turn right about join L hands free hands as above.
         (b) Repeat (a), moving counterclockwise -------------------8 M

 III

Music C.

       Partners face each other

       (a) Take four galop steps sideward right. Arms in lateral position, sideward left, shoulder level. Do not put weight on L foot at the fourth galop step _________________________________ 2 M

       (b) Repeat (a) moving to sideward left. Reverse position of arms. _____________________ 2 M

       (c) Execute four brincos con vueltas, turning right and making two turns. Girl holding skirt. Boy places hands on waist _____ 4 M

        Face left so that Girl's back is toward audience. Boy faces audience.

       (d) Repeat all (a-c). Partners pass front to front when doing the galop steps. _____________8 M

   IV

Music B.

      

     Partners face audience. Join inside hands, free hands as in figure II.

     (a) Starting with outside foot, take four change steps forward. Swing the joined hands backward and forward at the same time looking at partner and away from partner, alternately four times ______4 M

     Drop inside hands, turn outward to face about. Join inside hands, free hands as in (a). 

     (b) Repeat (a), starting with inside foot. Start swinging joined hands forward and looking away from partner.____________ 4 M

     

     Drop inside hands. Face each other and join R hands, free hands as in (a).

     (c) Starting with R foot, take four change steps forward, turning once around clockwise _____ 4 M

     Drop R hands, join L hands, free hands as in (a).

     (d) Repeat (c), moving counterclockwise. Drop L hands and finish in proper places _________ 4 M

 V

Music C.

       Partners face each other. Partners do their movements simultaneously.

       (a) Girl. Execute two brincos con vueltas making a complete turn right once (2 M)

            Boy. Clap hands five times on cts. 1, 2, 1, and 2______ 2 M

       (b) Repeat (a), Boy dancing and Girl clapping hands____ 2 M

       Partners face each other and assume crossed-arm position, R over L.

       (c) Take four brincos con puntillas moving toward audience - Jump and land with foot away from audience across in front and hopping on foot toward audience.  ______________________ 4 M

       Drop hands.

       (d) Repeat (a) and (b) __________________________________________________ 4 M

       (e) Repeat (c), starting with other foot and moving away from audience. __________________ 4 M

SALUDO

(Bowing)

Music Finale.

        Partner faces each other.

        (a) Pause_______________________________________1 M

        (b) Execute a three-step turn right in place (cts. 1, 2, 1), pause (ct. 2) Arms in fourth position, R arm high. __________________________________________________ 2 M

        (c) Repeat (b), turning left. Reverse position of arms. ________________________________ 2 M

        (d) Join R hands, free hand of Girl holding skirt, that of Boy is placed on waist. Girl whirls making right turns under the arch of arms. Boy stands in place. ___________________________________ 2 M

        (e) Face each other. In crossed-arm position, R over L, pull away from each other. __________ 1M

        (f) Girl passes under R arm of Boy and finish in front and a little bit to the left side of Boy. Partners look at each other. ___________________________________________________1 M

Music of Lanceros de Negros

First Filipino Blog

The First Filipino blog is a blog that compiles a list and biographical information of individual Filipino men and women who made a trailblazing feat in their respective fields, accomplishments and achievements who brought honor and glory to the Filipino nation. Visit and discover interesting stories of Filipino who made such an impact that they will be forever be etched in the memories of many and in the annals of Philippine history. 

First Filipina Blog - http://firstfilipina.blogspot.com/