#kkk philippines

[peanut0w0]

“The Katipunan Faction” Emilio Aguinaldo of Magdalo and Andres Bonifacio of Magdiwang

A COLLABORATION ART with @georgia-anlor

[shythalia]

I'm sure other Filipinos can relate to this.

So, everyone knows the KKK in the US, right? Bunch of racist white assholes. Absolutely disgusting people.

But over here in the Philippines, the KKK is a totally different thing. Kataastaasan Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng Mga Anak ng Bayan, or just Katipunan, was this underground organization that fought against the Spanish empire.

They are national heroes here. So imagine our surprise when we learn about the KKK from over there. lmao

[lewis-winters]

I was just curious but do you have any recs for period dramas about the philippines? I want to expand my period drama watching and im not quite sure where to start

Oh, the monster you've unleashed. YES I do have so many period dramas from and about the Philippines. Unfortunately, not all of them might be accessible to you if you're outside of the Philippines. Some of them are found on Amazon Prime, Netflix, and MUBI though. I'll make sure to put a lil note next to each film if they are. Also! these vary in genre (meaning: not all of them are war films, and some of these are horror films-- because this is me we're talking to, heh). I also have copies of some of these and will make a lil note next to each film if it's available for sharing, though I'll only give the link via DM. Please note, however, that they are all either in Tagalog, Bisaya, and/or other local Philippine Languages and not all of them have subtitles!

I also have very nuanced relationships with all these films, since Philippine History was my undergrad of choice. But to keep this post as brief as possible, I'm not going to talk about them at length. Though I will be including trigger warnings. Also note... some of these movies kinda suck HAAHAHAHA but I had way too much fun watching them so like. Please don't tell me they suck, please. I love them too much.

Also tagging @emmylynnaa because I promised her a similar list.

This is sorted by eras in Philippine History. Enjoy! (under the cut because it got long):

Spanish Occupation Era (1565 to 1898)

GomBurZa (2023) – A film following the GomBurZa, the three native Filipino Roman Catholic priests Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora executed during the latter years of the Spanish colonial era. TW: period typical violence. Furthermore, this is a Jesuit produced film so like. Once again. Take it with a grain of salt.

Jose Rizal (1998) - Jose Rizal's life and works are recounted through a series of non-linear flashbacks which reflect on various aspects of his life - as writer, propagandist, lover, friend, brother, doctor, and the man that inspired a revolution. Available on MUBI. TW: depiction of sexual assault by a priest. I also have a love-hate relationship with this film because on one hand, literally shaped my love of history. On the other hand, it is the MOST idealistic depiction of Jose Rizal ever + very historically inaccurate in many places, please watch this with a grain of salt.

Maria Clara at Ibarra (2022 – 2023) – A series about a girl from the 21st century who is magically transported into Jose Rizal’s famous novels Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo (you know, the novels that helped spark the Filipino Revolution against the Spanish). The synopsis sounds cheesy but trust me, it’s very good. Available to watch on the GMA official webpage. I just don’t know if you can access it outside of the country. TW: rape, abuses of the Catholic church, period typical violence, abuses of Spanish colonialists. A personal favorite—the costumes? Divine. And the character arcs are also really lovely. Helps you understand Philippine contemporary culture, too.

Katipunan: TV Mini Series (2013) – A mini-series depicting the creation of the Kataastaasan Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (or the KKK—no, not the white supremacist group; that’s unfair, by the way, we did it first), the revolutionary organization founded in 1892 by Filipino Nationalists against Spanish Colonialization. Available to watch on the GMA official webpage. I just don’t know if you can access it outside of the country. TW: depictions of rape aftermath by Spanish soldiers, period typical violence, torture, graphic depictions of a corpse. This is a personal favorite of mine.

Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis/A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery (2016) - Andrés Bonifacio is celebrated as the father of the Philippines Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. This eight-hour epic examines this myth, undertaking an expedition into history through various interwoven narrative threads, held together by an exploration of the individual’s role in history. Available on Mubi. TW: it is literally eight hours long. But that’s Lav Diaz for you. I love him, but oh my god is he an acquired taste.

Ang Kababaihan ng Malolos (2014) - The saga of the 20 Filipino women who petitioned for the opening of a school in a time when women weren’t given the chance to do so.

Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon? (1976) – Set during the end of Spanish colonization and the start of American colonization. After his mother's death, the simple-minded and naïve Kulas (Christopher De Leon) begins his much-awaited trip to Manila. On his way to Manila, he mindlessly takes on the mission of retrieving a friar's son and bringing him to the friar's residence.

Mallari (2023) - A horror film chronicling the deeds of the first recorded serial killer in the Philippines. This film spans decades, all the way up to present day. It's kinda stupid. Like. Really stupid. That's ok. We watch it because we want to see Piolo Pascual and JC Santos covered in blood. TW: oh my god so many bodies and so much gore.

Filipino-American War and America Occupation (1899 – 1940s) (this era has the best films, actually, if you want a place to start and start strong? start here)

Amigo (2010) - A local leader of a small Filipino barangay must decide whether to keep the peace with the American troops occupying his village or join the insurgency with his brother and son. TW: racism, sexual harassment, graphic depictions of corpses, gore, period typical violence.

Heneral Luna (2015) - Set during the Philippine-American war, Heneral Luna follows the life of one of Philippine History's most brilliant soldier, General Antonio Luna, as he tries to lead his countrymen against colonial masters new and old, and to rise above their own raging disputes to fulfill the promise of the Philippine Revolution. Available on Netflix. TW: short scene depicting the aftermath of sexual assault, period typical violence, and graphic depictions of a corpse. Again, one of my favorites. I have so many happy memories of this film + the fandom it birthed! I miss it sometimes.

Angelito (2018) – The short film that bridges both Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, depicting the brothers Manuel and Jose Bernal – Antonio Luna’s aides-de-camp – and their youngest brother Angel, two days before the General’s assassination. This film you can find on Youtube!

Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2019) – The sequel of Heneral Luna, this film follows the story of Gregorio 'Goyo' del Pilar, one of the youngest Generals during the Philippine-American War who fought in the historic Battle of Tirad Pass. Available on Netflix. TW: short scenes of torture, period typical violence, and graphic depictions of a corpse. Again, a personal favorite for the same reasons stated above. Though it’s not as strong as Heneral Luna, I gotta say.

Ang Larawan (2017) - In a musical tale about standing together against materialism, two impoverished sisters anguish over whether or not to sell a painting, the final masterpiece by their recluse father. A bitter struggle for survival against betrayal set in pre-World War II Manila. A personal favorite, oh my god. This film. Oh my god, this film.

World War 2 and its aftermath (1940 – 1950)

Quezon’s Game (2018) - In 1938, Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, military adviser Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with other notable figures, set out to rescue Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. Quezon simultaneously deals with a relapse of tuberculosis. Available on Amazon Prime. TW: talk of genocide and short scenes depicting the murder of Jewish people by the Nazis.

Tatlong Taong Walang Dios (1976) - A woman falls in love with a Japanese soldier during the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines; the whole town turns against her. TW: rape. Think Malena.

Oro, Plata, Mata (1982) - Set in the Philippine island of Negros during World War II, it tells the story of how two hacendero families cope with the changes brought about by the war. TW: rape

Kusina (2016) – Her kitchen. The silent witness to the life and love of Juanita. It is her sanctuary, the place where she creates dishes for her family, friends, even enemies and strangers. Through cooking, she gets to know the people around her. TW: violent child birth, death of mother in child birth, sexual harassment by Japanese soldiers. This spans multiple decades, all the way up to Martial Law.

In My Mother’s Skin (2023) - Stranded in the Philippines during World War II, a young girl finds that her duty to protect her dying mother is complicated by her misplaced trust in a beguiling, flesh-eating fairy. Available on Amazon Prime. TW: body horror, gore, explicit depictions of a corpse, period typical violence.

Markova: Comfort Gay (2000) – A coming of age drama film loosely based on the life of Walter Dempster Jr., the last surviving Filipino “comfort gay” (male sex slaves for the Imperial Japanese Army) from World War II. TW: CSA, wartime systemic rape, rape.

Comfort Women: A Cry for Justice (1994) – The story of how two sisters and the rest of the women of Sta. Monica are forced into sex slavery by Japanese soldiers during World War 2. TW: wartime systemic rape, rape, and period typical violence.

Seklusyon (2016) - In 1947, a group of deacons (aspiring priests) on their last week of training are sent to a remote monastery to live in seclusion for seven days to protect them from the devil, who on the last few days of training attempts to break the will of deacons to make them reconsider their choice of becoming priests. During their seclusion, a little girl named Anghela, believed by locals to be a living saint because of her healing abilities, appears at the monastery seeking refuge. Available on Amazon. TW: pedophilia, gore, body horror, Catholicism, religious horror.

Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang (2012) - A psychological thriller film detailing the psychological breakdown of a woman struggling with infertility in post-war Philippines. If you want to see women go feral, this is fun.

Martial Law (1970 – 1980) (actually, you know what? I lied. This era is the era with the best films. God, these are CLASSICS and are the ones that’ll help you understand contemporary Philippine culture the most; definitely start here)

Manila, sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (1975) - Júlio Madiaga, a 'provinciano', arrives in Manila to search for his beloved, Ligaya. TW: coerced sex work, sexual abuse. Once again, a Filipino cinema classic.

Insiang (1976) - After a teenager is raped by her mother's boyfriend, she sets out to exact revenge on anyone who has hurt her. TW: I mean. It says it right there. Though it’s not actually shown on screen, it is very heavily implied. She doesn’t die in the end, if you’re wondering.

Dekada ’70 (2002) - A middle-class Filipino family struggles to survive in the era of dictatorship. This is a fucking classic in Filipino cinema. Available on MUBI. TW: sexual harrassment, discussion of torture, depictions of wounds and beatings, period typical violence. Martial Law was rough.

Aparisyon (2012) – A psychological drama film set in early 1970s, where the story about the nuns in the period immediately preceding the declaration of martial law by Ferdinand Marcos. The film’s director, Isabel Sandoval, is a transgender woman and an absolute visionary. Her other films Senorita (2011) and Lingua Franca (2019) are also very good, please check it out. All films are available for streaming through the Criterion Channel. TW: rape, religious trauma, period typical violence, Catholicism.

Lihis (2013) - Set in the 70’s during the darkest hours of Philippine History, we follow the story of two young NPA warriors who find themselves entangled in a web of frustration, despair and victory as they fight not only for democracy but also their love for each other. Available on MUBI. TW: Infidelity.

Barber’s Tales (2014) - In a rural town in the Philippines during the Marcos dictatorship, the newly widowed Marilou inherits the town's only barbershop from her husband- a business that has been passed down by generations of men in her husband's family. With no other means of support, she musters the courage to run the barbershop.

Dahling Nick (2015) - Dahling Nick is a docu-drama exploring the life and works of National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, who only accepted the National Artist Award on the condition that the Marcos administration release a well-known writer who was being unjustly detained during Martial Law. I love Nick Joaquin. He’s shaped my understanding of the Magical Realist genre far more than any of his contemporaries have. This film is notoriously difficult to get your hands on, so I suggest going to read his anthology by Penguin Classics called the Tropical Gothic instead!

Respeto (2017) - Hendrix is a poor aspiring rapper who wants to make a name for himself in the underground rap battle scene and gain respect in the community. After attempting to rob a second-hand bookstore in the neighborhood, he is discovered by the owner, Doc, an old poet with a haunted past as a dissident. Not necessarily period, but definitely has its roots in Martial Law.

Liway (2018) – A film about the kip, a young boy growing up in a prison as the son of anti-Marcos dissident Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, better known as Commander Liway, during the waning days of the Marcos dictatorship. It is currently streaming on Youtube!

The Kingmaker (2019) - is a 2019 documentary film written and directed by Lauren Greenfield, featuring the political career of Imelda Marcos with a focus on the Marcos family's efforts to rehabilitate the family's image and to return to political power, including her plans to see her son, Bongbong, become President of the Philippines, and the alliance that Bongbong and Imee Marcos established with Rodrigo Duterte in his bid to win the 2016 Philippine presidential election. Available on Youtube! if outside of the Philippines, use VPN.

1980s – 2000s Philippines

Misteryo sa Tuwa (1984) - The fortunes of three impoverished friends and their families abruptly change after an airplane crashes in a nearby mountain.

Alpha Kappa Omega Batch ’81 (1982) – A psychological drama film depicting the titular fraternity's harsh initiation of new batch members as seen through the eyes of pre-med student Sid Lucero. TW: hazing, torture, psychological torture. It’s fucked up, actually.

Himala (1982) – During a total eclipse Elsa, a young girl from rural Philippines, allegedly witnesses an apparition of the Virgin Mary on top of the hill where, as an infant, she was found and adopted by Saling. Said visions change her life and cause a sensation hysteria in a poor, isolated northern village in the midst of drought. TW: rape, religious fanaticism, religious trauma.

Adela (2008) - The story of Adela, which takes place in the span of one day, is a heartbreaking story of a woman who longs for the company of her loved ones. This isn’t actually period. This film just breaks my heart. And of course, it has acting legend Anita Linda in it. How could I not recommend it?

Now Showing (2008) - Rita is named after a famous American movie star whom her late, former actress grandmother once adored. She lives in one of Manila’s oldest districts with her mother and aunt. Years later, she is still the same girl enamoured with television, now tending to her aunt’s stall selling pirated DVDs.

Elegy to the Visitor from the Revolution (2011) - A woman from the end of the 19th century visits modern day Philippines and observes three interwoven stories: that of a prostitute, a group of criminals and a musician. This is another Lav Diaz one. It’s long.

K’na The Dreamweaver (2014) - K’na is a young woman coming into her own in the mountains of South Cotabato, where the T’boli live, overlooking the majestic and mystical Lake Sebu. She is part of the royal family of the South bank of the lake, part of the clan that was banished from the North Bank centuries ago after what the elders call The Great Betrayal. At a young age, K’na, is trained in the art of weaving the T’bolit’nalak. The design of the t’nalak fabric comes from the visions granted by Fu Dalu, the goddess of abaca, only to deserving women who become dreamweavers. K’na’s grandmother, Be Lamfey, is the village’s last master dreamweaver. When Be Lamfey dies, the gift of dreamweaving is passed to K’na and her father, LobongDitan, decides to put an end to the warring clans of Lake Sebu once and for all by arranging a marriage between K’na and Kagis, the heir to the throne of North bank. Meanwhile, K’na has fallen in love with Silaw, a childhood friend whose family supplies the finest abaca fibers to the dreamweavers. Silaw leaves love messages for her by tying bits of abaca thread to a tree outside K’na’s window. As the marriage grows near, a revolution brews among those who do not believe in the union of the two royal clans.

Smaller and Smaller Circles (2017) - Two Jesuit priests, Gus Saenz and Jerome Lucero perform forensic work to solve the mystery revolving around the murders of young boys in Payatas, one of Metro Manila's biggest slum areas. While dealing with the systematic corruption of the government, church, and the elite, the two priests delve into criminal profiling, crime scene investigation, and forensic analysis to solve the killings, and eventually, find the murderer. Available on Netflix. TW: child death, talk of child sexual abuse at the hands of the Catholic Church and at the hands of teachers, graphic depictions of a corpse, film also triggering to folks who suffer from claustrophobia.

Billie and Emma (2018) – An LGBT coming of age story set in the mid-1990s featuring two teenaged girls Billie and Emma as they grapple with topics such as sexuality, family, religion, unplanned pregnancy, and the uncertainty of the future.

[southeastasianists]

Flanked by an elementary school and a local shopping mall on the other side of the road, this looks like an ordinary site except for a prominent watchtower that seems to belong to another era. Indeed this tower, more than a century old, served as the entry point to the gunpowder depot that once held power over a nation that ached for freedom and liberty after three centuries of colonial rule.

When the Katipunan (officially the Kataastaasan Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan and abbreviated as the KKK) decided to rise against the colonial Spanish government, they targeted to strike the El Polvorin first because it would cut off one of the most important military depots—and provide them with supplies of their own. On August 29, 1896, the Katipuneros led by Andres Bonifacio attacked El Polvorin.

The battle is considered the first major battle of the Philippine Revolution, which led to Philippine independence from Spain in 1898.

Know Before You Go

On August 30, 2022, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the San Juan City government inaugurated the El Polvorin Linear Park, built around the site of a historic Spanish-era gunpowder depot which is now within the San Juan Elementary School.

The watchtower is located just near the entrance of the school and is accessible 24 hours, directly in front of Puregold supermarket chain.

[ask-the-pearloftheorient]

[First ever long post that isn't an ask]

[Analysis of my own 2P design since I am still doing comic layout panels at night not because I was busy in the morning but because I'm a morning procrastinator]

Mahárlika / 2P Philippines, fanmade variation of canon Hws Philippines

When reversed, the Philippine flag turns into a symbol of war. The last time the flag was flipped was on the final war against Japan in the fascist era.

Red symbolises Patriotism and Valor, hence why Mahárlika is always depicted with red text bubbles and drawn in/with a lot of red tones.

On the other hand Blue means Peace, Truth, and Justice. Piri is Blue, as he keeps the country away from bloodshed

That brings us to his hair

Notably, Mahárlika has long brown hair tied into a low ponytail. During the Spanish occupation, he refused to cut off his long hair— 2P Spain chopped off a bit of the ends with a sword when they had a fight about it, which made the guy so pissed since nobody messes with the fucking hair

And the tips are intentionally stained red, like pale blood. Honestly I just added it in for aesthetic purposes

Piri and Mahárlika's eyes are different, both in shade and sparkle. I always draw Piri with stars in his eyes to make him seem more friendly and bright. But in drawing Mahárlika, I add only a tiny sparkle— sometimes even none.

The 3 white stars indicate the rank of a Lieutenant General. (Also I only noticed it also parallels the stars on the flag while writing this post lmao fun fact, the three stars stand for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao)

The earrings are inspired from the Philippine flag's iconic sun, which stands for freedom, democracy, and sovereignty

As for the Bandana, when unwrapped it reveals the design of the revolution flag, the KKK (Kataastaasang, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan/Supreme and Honorable Society of the Children of the Nation) aka the Katipunan which revolted against the Spanish

Not to be confused with the KKK of America that's a whole different story

Finally, the outfit. Mahárlika wears the Rayadillo uniform worn by the Philippine army in 1896-1898, Mahárlika wore it during the war against Spain. The medal is a Distinguished Aviation Cross which is given to those who serve in Arial combat, so yes he can fly fighter planes.

And the boots . . . Nothing, I just like heeled boots (it all started with Alois Trancy) and figured he looks cool with it

[You'd think I spent weeks thinking of a design but nah I whipped out the first sketch of Mahárlika in 40 minutes while my cousin had me watch Minecraft videos]

[Also the fighter plane thing reminded me of the whole "He's not a soldier he's a pilot" line oh my god save me from the feels]

[emotional-moss]

some thoughts about cultural appropriation

a few important notes before you read this: 

- here, when i say “white,” i am referring to specifically white canadian, white american, and white european, with white european being a rather loosely defined term but typically relating to britain. this is not intended to ignore the existence other white identities such as white south africans, but i am a mixed-race indian+white person who has spent most of his life in the united states and does not have enough experience or knowledge of these identities to make accurate takes about them.

- this is not me making excuses for cultural appropriation. it is a dangerous thing that waters down and erases culture, and should not be encouraged. - this is written in a gentle and hopefully palatable way to white audiences, who i encourage to read this. not every take from a poc is going to be nice-nice about these kinds of things, but this is.

i find it very interesting that when you ask white folks about why they’re so obsessed with certain aspects of culture, the palatable, easily-appropriated ones like native headdresses and whatnot, their reason usually is in the form of “mysticism” and “exoticism.” this is a problem in itself, obviously, tying into the long-standing colonial fetishization of culture, but here’s the bit i actually want to talk about:

when you ask why it’s so “exotic” to them, why it’s so obviously “different and other” at a personal level - it comes from a sense of community.

let me break this down a bit. culture and community are often used as very loose synonyms, and for pretty good reason. a culture is based around the ideas of societal norms and roles, material things, ways of thinking and whatnot - and these all come down to community.

there are certain things that are intrinsic and unique to every culture (even if they are a medley of various different cultural influences), whether they be classical carnatic music in south india, pinakbet from the ilocos region of the philippines, or the ninauh-oskitsi-pahpyaki social role/gender in the blackfoot tribe. even cultures we would consider to “appear” white have these, such as the tales of tuatha de dannan in irish mythology. but the idea of whiteness as a concept does not have these.

whiteness as a concept is a sterilized, “de-cultured” identity that attempts to assimilate most/many folks who appear “white” into a single monolith. this is obviously very damaging and dangerous to many cultures - for example, many ancient celtic traditions have been lost due to the deliberate erasure of these in order to assimilate these people into whiteness.

whiteness as an identity was founded on a basis of eurocentric values and traditions as well as either the deliberate assimilation or erasure of all other cultures and traditions - white supremacy. it still exists like that today (see groups like the KKK or proud boys).

now we know obviously that not all white folks are intentionally racist and a large portion of them genuinely don’t mean harm to poc communities…so why is cultural appropriation so rampant, even in white folks who would otherwise be decent allies to poc?

again, it’s coming down to a sense of community.

i have grown up and lived in the united states for most of my life, and as early as i can remember i have always had questions about the cultural identities of white americans. i’d look at the indian half of me and indian culture that i partook in and experienced, things i cherish such as cooking traditional South indian food, learning carnatic classical music, participating in religious ceremonies, etc. and then i’d look at the white half of me. there was no culture there i could find.

sure, i could look at typically “american” things, such as hamburgers and surfboarding and apple pie, but these fall apart very easily with minimal research. similar hamburger-looking foods appear in europe as far back as the 4th century. bodysurfing/surfboarding has existed in peru, africa and various polynesian countries for thousands of years. versions of apple pie existed in british and french cookbooks as far back as 1390 BCE with influences from the ottoman empire - and apples aren’t native to the americas.

the colonization of the americas and the subsequent reframing of canada and the states as “white” areas is due to the influence of colonization, obviously - and the genocide of millions of first nations people. this was deliberate.

but here is the interesting bit. for hundreds of years, as far back as the pilgrims, cultures that were not fully assimilated into whiteness were rejected and oppressed - even as they colonized.

take italian-americans, for instance. the late 1800s to early 1900s saw a huge influx of italian immigrants to the united states. these immigrants faced oppression in the form of religious and political discrimination (anti-catholic sentiments and anti-communist sentiments). they were often subject to horrible living conditions compared to their american white counterparts as well as violence - one of the largest lynchings in america was the mass-lynching of eleven italian immigrants in new orleans in 1891.

yet today, when we think of italian-americans, we often see them simply as “white.”

a huge amount of immigrants to the united states and canada were forced to give up their original cultures in order to assimilate into whiteness. if not, they were subject to prejudice, discrimination and overall just shitty conditions. for some groups that resembled “white americans” in appearance, such as irish folks and italian folks, this method worked eventually and they were assimilated and accepted into whiteness. for many others due to their skin color or features, such as black enslaved folks or jewish folks, even giving up their own culture still meant they were not accepted as white - they didn’t “look white.” additionally, many cultural groups resisted assimilation and rejected being seen as white.

this is somewhat why i believe so many white americans, canadians, and british participate so heavily in cultural appropriation. it comes from a sense of loneliness, of little to no original culture - and whatever is left has been bastardized and reduced to just “white,” neglecting the cultural nuance.

growing up as a brown-skinned mixed person with heavy ties to the indian side of my culture, i was subject to a fair amount of racism. i remember people asking why my hair was “oily and gross,” and then begging my mom to never put coconut oil in my hair ever again. i remember people telling me that the khichdi my mom had carefully made for my lunch “looked and smelled like fish eggs,” and then only eating bland sandwiches at school. but there is one experience i remember very clearly.

i had a white american best friend when i was very young, from kindergarten to third grade. she never judged me for my food or my clothes or my grandparents’ accent or any other part of my culture and i loved her for it. but i remember having this experience with her one day.

she’d met my grandmother who came to pick me up, donned in an elaborately-formed red sari. the next day, when i sat with her at recess, she said something like, “i liked your grandma’s dress. it was pretty.” taken aback by open appreciation of my culture, i just mumbled a pleased “oh, thanks.” but she didn’t stop there. she said, “my grandma only wears boring clothes, like sweaters and granny dresses. i wish i was indian.”

i said something like, “granny dresses can be nice. you can be white and wear cool clothes.”

“yeah, i know. but any old person can wear sweaters and dresses. they’re just…not from anywhere.”

at the time, i didn’t fully understand her desire to be connected to a specific culture, but i understood in a bit of a detached way. i was always very connected to and appreciative of my indian culture, but look to the white side and i was met with exactly that - a gaping white void. the closest answer i got was “well, your great-grandparents came from germany.” that answer dissatisfied me, although i couldn’t articulate why. now i can.

it’s something like, “but after such a long time, they’re not really german anymore.” i’d seen the absence of culture in whiteness, and how my white friends and family could name a distant time where their family belonged to another culture - but not anymore. now, they were just “white.”

whiteness as a concept strips and sanitizes culture to fit a very, very narrow version of culture - a culture defined on the surface by cheeseburgers and british accents and football and canadian politeness, but dig deeper and you find colonialism, colonization, eurocentricism, racism, and various other systems of oppression.

once again, this is not an excuse for white folks who appropriate culture nor is this me trying to reason my way into approving of it. it’s not, and i’m not. i die a little bit inside every time i see some random hippie on the internet bastardize and water down the concept of chakras. but it is a bit of an explanation, and this is why i have some degree of sympathy for white folks who culturally appropriate.

so, to all white or white-passing folks who read this and understand/relate to it: i implore you this. please, please, please, if you have the time and resources to do so, reconnect with your native culture. talk to older irish folks, or learn about traditional welsh folklore. learn german, or watch documentaries of italian culture. read stories from white-passing native folk, or talk with your black grandparents. please do not lose the culture that your ancestors had to give up in order to assimilate into whiteness. understand that whiteness is a part of you and that it impacts those around you, but if you can, please make the effort to reconnect with your culture. it does wonders for your identity and sense of self.

[artbyeritza]

By the way, I want it to be noted but our KKK in the Philippines isn't the same as America's KKK. Ours was a revolutionary society against Spain, vital to our nation's independence and identity. The US ones…well…

I chose Andres Bonifacio's personal flag of the Katipunan because I love Andres (and General Luna).

-

Personally, I knew my own country in the context of #palestine and #worldevents #currentaffairs would not be outwardly pro-Palestinian because the Philippines is within the American sphere of influence and simultaneously courting China. Some parts of the south, in Mindanao, had shown their support; only a few did at the capital. Still, I am glad some are brave enough to # stand up for what is right. Countries all over the world should have a hard time thinking about the Western influence and foreign aggressors at play in their local politics cause this isn't just another academic debate, it's life and death now.

[tokucore]

im so hyperfixated on the beatles 1966 world tour era rn cuz literally everything that could have gone wrong WENT WRONG... with preforming in a sacred martial arts center in japan, police brutality in germany, WHATEVER THE FUCK the marcos situation was in the philippines, and all the shit that happened in the us cuz of john's jesus comment (cherry bomb, kkk riots in memphis) im surprised this wasnt even the worst that it could have been

poor guys were just so sick of it too 😭 i think the only new song they preformed was paperback writer and you can tell they were just. so exhausted

[lboogie1906]

Lieutenant Colonel Lemuel Augustus Penn Sr. (September 19, 1915 - July 11, 1964) was the assistant superintendent of DC public schools, a lieutenant colonel in the Army, and a decorated veteran of WWII. He was born in DC to Henry Penn, a laborer at the Interior Department, and Ruth B. Penn, a homemaker. He attended Howard University and taught in the DC school system for twenty years. He completed twenty-two years of service with the Army and Army Reserves (1942-64). During WWII, he served in the New Guinea and the Philippines campaigns and was awarded a Bronze Star for bravery.

On July 11, 1964, he and two other African American officers who were WWII veterans, Charles E. Brown and John D. Howard, were returning home to DC from Fort Benning, Georgia. Around 3:30 a.m. the three veterans arrived in Athens. He had taken over the driving duties when his traveling companion, Brown, began to feel fatigued. He had mapped out a shorter route saving ten minutes from Athens to Hartwell. He did not notice a cream-colored Chevy II station wagon following them as they turned onto Georgia Highway 72 and moved northward out of town. The officers were followed to the Broad River Bridge where kkk members fired shots into the vehicle. He was shot and killed.

Three suspects, Howard Sims, Cecil Myers, and James Lackey, were arrested, charged with his murder, and tried. An Athens jury failed to convict the suspects of murder. The federal government prosecuted the males for violations of his rights under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which passed nine days earlier. His case led to the creation of a Justice Department task force to investigate these types of racially motivated crimes and helped influence the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. His widow, Georgia Penn, pointed out the irony of her husband being able to survive combat in WWII, but not survive peacetime travel in his country.

He was survived by his wife, Georgia Cornelia Fountaine Penn (1941-64), and three children. On July 22, 1965, one year after her husband’s death, Georgia Penn died, from a rare form of arthritis. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[wyrmfedgrave]

Pics: Celebrating Lovecraftian folks & places.

1 & 2. General guides to Howard's monstrous world of alien things & their victims.

3. Is this a reflex creation to Batman's HPL inspired Arkham Asylum?

The only Arkham institution that I still remember is Arkham University!

4. Truly weird 'living' wall?

Interestingly enough, DC's New Gods' world space has a similar creation.

The Source Wall, that imprisoned a lot of power hungry Gods (in an immobile stasis) from crossing the final frontier to - ?!!

Though at least 1 God from Apokalips did break out - Darkseid's dad!! - for a short while.

Darkseid himself would later accomplish this same deed.

5. Ahh... Innsmouth, perhaps HPL's most famous cityscape...

Certainly 1 of the most 'visited' by later writers.

6 & 7. Want a vacay suggestion?

Well, don't visit this part of the Antarctic continent.

Unless you like being a lab subject...

Addendum: Letter of Comment 2.

Having given his opinion on Tarzan & the Mars series of E.R. Burroughs, Lovecraft turned his attention to other pulp writers.

Howard also criticized the magazine itself!

And, managed to shoehorn the KKK into a letter of literary criticism...

"W.P. White('s) Sands of Life... shows... the very spirit of the Spanish Main (in a story) worthy of... publication as a book."

In the domain of the weird & bizarre, L. Robinet... furnished us (with) The 2nd Man. (With an) atmosphere (that's) sustained thruout (a) story of (a) 2nd Eden - (whose) exact location (remains undisclosed)..."

"I... hope... you added P.P. Sheehan... to your staff, for... I have seen his work elsewhere & was... captivated by (his) grim short story... "His Ancestor's Head."

"W.T. Eldridge set... a (high) standard for himself in "The Forest Reaper." It seems... a pity for him to (also) be the author of "The Tormentor" & "Cowards All."

"W.L. Curtiss tells (the) homely yet exciting... tale which experts upon the reader a curious fascination - "Shanty House."

"D.F. McGrew, 1 of the 'red blooded' school of writers, describes the Philippine(s)... & the army there, with an ease of long residence (&) military service on the scene..."

"I hardly need mention... "A Columbus of Space" further than to say that I have... every published work by G.P. Serviss(, a noted astronomer)."

"The merry crew of humorous writers, such as T. Bell, J. Brandt, F. Condon & D.A. Khan, though light & sometimes silly, are... distinctly amusing."

"Khan is especially clever in drawing (out) the characters of callow college youths."

"I hesitate to criticize... such an excellent magazine, but since my censure falls upon so small a part of it, I think I may express myself... without giving offense."

"I fear that a faint shadow from the black cloud of vileness now darkening our literature, has lately fallen upon a few pages of The All-Story."

"The Souls of Men" by M.M. Stanley was (a) disagreeable tale, but "Pilgrims of Love" by De Lysle Ferre is... disgusting (&) nauseating."

"Mr. G.W.S. of Chicago has written that Cass "diplomatically handles a very difficult subject - Oriental Love."

"We do not care for subjects so... allied to vulgarity... We prefer a more idealized Orient to read about... As in the beautiful romance of Prince Imbecile by C.M. Savage or The Invisible Empire by S. Chalmers."

"Speaking of the last novel, is not (it's) title somewhat misleading? In the U.S. the... "Invisible Empire" is... associated with (the) 'noble' but... 'maligned' Southerners who protected their homes against the diabolical... freed Blacks & Northern adventurers... just after the Civil War - the dreaded Ku-Klux-Klan."

"The... editorial policy... is making (The All-Story) of note (in a) merely local American publication."

"But, a bond of common interest between the... various British colonies cannot too heartily be commended."

"... We are all Englishmen & need... a leveler of political barriers... to remind us of our common origin. Let the London reader reflect, that... nearly everywhere else, his racial kindred are perusing the same stirring stories that delight them."

"America may have 'withdrawn' from the British government, but thanks to such magazines..., (the U.S.) must re- main an... important part of the great universal empire of British thought & literature."

"... The All-Story Magazine... stands alone in its class,... (&) I hold this publication in the highest esteem... Deriving much pleasure from its pages. What I... said in criticism (was done) with friendly intent believing that... humble opinions... may prove... acceptable to you."

"But, (before) I grow more tedious..., let me close this... (long letter) with the best wishes for the future of The All-Story..."

Comments:

1. This letter seems to be a little known piece by the Great Olde Writer which gives us a glimpse of HPL - as an early fan of the genre that he would later revolutionize.

Letters such as his encouraged the Munsey chain to continue printing these 'different' kind of stories.

All this literary activity would lead to the founding of Weird Tales 9 years later.

Lovecraft would never know that, 1 day, his own ability - as a Weird Tales author! - would outrank the men that he was now praising...

2. Lovecraft was familiar with ERB's works - enough for it to influence him as a writer.

Howard must have been impressed by Burroughs' Pellucidar stories - as they appeared in All-Story.

They are a likely source of 1 of his main themes - that Man wasn't the 1st intelligent ruler of the Earth.

Nor was Man likely to retain his dominant position in the future.

Lovecraft liked to confront his human characters with aliens far more powerful & intelligent than Man - emphasizing human inferiority.

Many of HPL's recurring elements are similar to 1s used thruout Burroughs' works - especially in the Pellucidar tales.

Such as Howard's lizard race, the subterranean tunnels, an eternal day in the Earth's interior, ancient cities, prehistoric creatures, the superior "Old Ones" (winged web-footed scholars) who control "Shoggoths" & use men as cattle...

Other clues concern Randolph Carter having an out-of-body experience in a mystical cave, a British nobleman who's the descendant of apes & a white African civilization, advanced earth drilling machines, cavern tunnels & a multitude of fantasy worlds all have ties back to ERB.

Burroughs was a major influence on the popular cultures of fantasy & sci-fi for most of the last century & his legacy was a springboard for the tales that only Lovecraft could write.

(< ERBzine 1137: "Lovecraft, a Burroughs Fan.")

End.

[experienceoregon]

Made with the OHS Memory Blanket on September 22, 2023 Collection Patches:

2nd Oregon Regiment in the Philippines

(Collection ID bb016658),

Chemawa Indian School Cheerleaders

(Collection ID bb003856),

KKK Parade

(Collection ID bb010113),

Columbia Bar Tug Boats

(Collection ID bb004077),

Ecola State Park Picnic

(Collection ID bb006030),

The Dalles Dam Spillway

(Collection ID bb016826)

[dan6085]

June 12, 1898, marks the day of the Philippine Declaration of Independence, also known as Araw ng Kalayaan or Independence Day. It is a significant date in Philippine history, as it marks the country's proclamation of freedom from Spanish colonial rule. This day symbolizes the country's struggle for independence and the sacrifices made by its people in the fight for their freedom.

The Spanish colonization of the Philippines began in 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the archipelago. For over 300 years, the Philippines was under Spanish colonial rule, which was marked by severe exploitation, oppression, and abuse of the Filipino people. The Spanish regime was characterized by a harsh feudal system, forced labor, and the suppression of Philippine culture, language, and identity. The quest for independence from Spain was a long and arduous struggle, marked by numerous uprisings, rebellions, and revolutions.

The Philippine Revolution, which began on August 23, 1896, was a turning point in the struggle for independence. It was led by Andres Bonifacio, who founded the Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK), a secret society aimed at overthrowing the Spanish rule. The revolution was later led by Emilio Aguinaldo, who became the first president of the First Philippine Republic.

On June 12, 1898, Aguinaldo proclaimed the country's independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite. This declaration of independence marked the end of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines, and the start of a new era for the country. However, the Philippines was not yet fully independent, as the country was still under the control of the United States, which defeated Spain in the Spanish-American War in 1898.

The United States, which acquired the Philippines through the Treaty of Paris in 1898, did not recognize the Philippine Declaration of Independence. The country remained under American colonial rule until 1946, when the Philippines was granted full independence. Independence Day was officially observed on July 4, the same day the United States celebrated its independence, until it was changed to June 12, in 1962, by President Diosdado Macapagal.

Independence Day is a day of national pride and celebration in the Philippines. It is a time to remember the sacrifices made by the country's heroes who fought for independence, and to celebrate the country's culture, identity, and sovereignty. The day is marked by parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events. It is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.

The Philippines gained full independence from the United States on July 4, 1946, after a long struggle for self-rule that lasted for several decades. The road to independence was marked by various political, social, and economic changes that shaped the country's trajectory.

The Philippines was initially a Spanish colony for over 300 years until the Spanish-American War in 1898, which resulted in the transfer of control of the Philippines to the United States. The United States established colonial rule in the Philippines and promised to prepare the country for self-rule. However, the promise of independence was not immediately fulfilled, and the Philippines remained under American colonial rule for over four decades.

The Philippine Commonwealth was established in 1935, which gave the country a measure of self-rule under the leadership of President Manuel Quezon. The Commonwealth government was tasked with preparing the country for full independence, which was initially scheduled for 1946.

However, the Second World War broke out, and the Philippines was occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. The Japanese occupation was marked by severe human rights abuses, widespread destruction, and economic devastation. The Philippines was eventually liberated by Allied forces, led by the United States, in 1945.

After the war, the Philippines resumed its preparations for independence. The Philippines became a signatory to the United Nations Charter in 1945, which affirmed the country's right to self-determination and independence. The United States also passed the Tydings-McDuffie Act in 1934, which provided a framework for Philippine independence and established a ten-year transition period leading up to full independence.

The Philippines gained independence on July 4, 1946, with the signing of the Treaty of Manila between the Philippines and the United States. The treaty recognized the independence of the Philippines and established diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Philippines became a sovereign nation and a member of the international community, free to chart its own course in politics, economics, and culture.

The Treaty of Manila, also known as the Treaty of General Relations between the United States of America and the Republic of the Philippines, was signed on July 4, 1946, and marked the end of the United States' colonial rule in the Philippines. The treaty recognized the independence of the Philippines and established diplomatic relations between the two countries. Here are some key points about the treaty:

1. Recognition of Philippine Independence: The treaty recognized the independence of the Philippines as a sovereign nation and the end of American colonial rule in the country. It declared that the United States recognized the independence of the Republic of the Philippines as of July 4, 1946, and relinquished all its rights of sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Philippine Islands.

2. Mutual Defense: The treaty provided for mutual defense and military cooperation between the United States and the Philippines. It stipulated that the United States and the Philippines would mutually support each other in case of external aggression against either country.

3. Economic Relations: The treaty established economic relations between the two countries, including provisions for the protection of investments, the promotion of trade, and the development of economic cooperation. It provided for the establishment of a Joint United States-Philippine Trade and Economic Council to facilitate economic cooperation between the two countries.

4. Cultural Exchanges: The treaty provided for cultural exchanges between the United States and the Philippines. It encouraged the promotion of educational, scientific, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

5. Retention of Military Bases: The treaty allowed the United States to retain military bases in the Philippines, including Subic Bay Naval Base and Clark Air Base. These bases remained under American control until 1991 when the Philippine Senate voted to end the lease agreement.

The Treaty of Manila marked an important milestone in Philippine history, as it recognized the country's independence and established diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States. It also provided for mutual defense, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The treaty helped shape the relationship between the Philippines and the United States, which continues to this day.

The Philippines gained full independence from the United States after a long struggle for self-rule that spanned several decades. The Filipino people fought for their right to self-determination, and their perseverance and determination eventually paid off. The Philippines became a sovereign nation in 1946, free to chart its own destiny and shape its own future.

In conclusion, the Philippine Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898, was a significant event in the country's history. It marked the end of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines and the start of a new era for the country. The struggle for independence was long and arduous, marked by numerous sacrifices and hardships. Independence Day is a day to remember and honor the country's heroes who fought for freedom and to celebrate the country's culture, identity, and sovereignty.

[lilacartsmadsion]

I sometimes forget that KKK means something different in America…

Because here in the Philippines it’s WAAYYY different

[jonascamposagrado]

Rise and Fall: Decay of the Ruling Class

Fascism is a system of government indicated by far-right politics, absolute leadership, and forceful and violent suppression of criticism. It is often attributed to dictatorial regimes in their final stages of clinging to power. However, the truth behind fascism is the ever-going existence of class contradiction and private property.

It does not simply arise from nowhere, but from the sharpening struggle between the ruling elite who seek to maintain the status quo from which they amass wealth and power, and the masses who seek freedom from a system rife with inequalities and abuse. Fascism is a “need” perceived by those who own in order to defend what they have from those seeking the just distribution of those ownerships.

In the Philippine context, fascism came to be during the period of Spanish colonization. Spanish inquisitors and the friars and local landlords who connived with them used the “sword” – violence perpetrated by the guwardiya sibil – when the common peasant folk rose against land-grabbing and the harsh working conditions in the haciendas, and eventually formed the Kataastaasan Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or the KKK.

American and Japanese colonizers also used fascism to crush the swelling nationalist movements which strived for national independence and freedom from colonial rule. They mobilized their troops and conspirators to destroy the democratic struggle of the Filipino people, and crush the Hukbo Laban sa Hapon (HUKBALAHAP), respectively.

Then, Ferdinand Marcos showed the most brazen display of fascism which made the Filipino people acutely aware of the concept of fascism. Thousands fell victim to forced disappearances, torture, intimidation, and harassment among other more gruesome things for fighting against anti-people policies and the worsening economic crisis brought by his term.

Presidents who succeeded his overthrow fared no better. Though they used a more roundabout approach, fascism continued through different faces. From Cory Aquino’s policy of “low intensity conflict” to Rodrigo Duterte’s EO70 which birth the NTF-ELCAC, thousands of workers, peasants, youth, women, national minorities, church folk, artists, and even lawyers who struggled for pro-people policies, democratic rights, economic benefits, government services, and ultimately foreign independence remined at the brunt end of fascism.

The pattern of using the armed machinery of the state against the critical masses, is a trend present in all stages of our country’s development. From colonization to Marcos’ dictatorship to the re-election of Marcos Jr. to office, fascism remains the policy of the ruling class. But the same can be said of revolution for the critical masses.

This show is the collaborative work of three artists which aims to show said pattern: a walk through the historical development of fascism by Tamer Karam, an exposition into the inner workings of fascism by Ian Marinda, and look into the solution to uproot the core of fascism by Jonas Camposagrado. The Philippine Labor Archive will also show how workers were at the forefront of the fight against fascism throughout history.

[xhbbl]

(221021) JUN HAN 💭:

[name] what are you doing~

I did a good job during the rehearsals

The sound of the dome touching the walls was incredible

The bass is also very strong, I'm excited kk

The weather in the Philippines is the best

It's great to have a sunny day

Windy weather is the best

@@

I'm sorry [name], I like these kinds of jokes, that's why I unconsciously sent 2 kkk

I will do this often, something unique? It's something about my personality h

[ridor3]

Chapter 5 Fieldwork -Rihelia Dorival

1-Miscegenation

Miscegenation is when a person is born from parents with two or more different racial backgrounds it is more commonly known as a person being of mixed race and we see not only mixed people but a multitude of different reactions to mixed people in the media. An example of different treatments of mixed people in the media would be the comparison in how Olivia rodrigo and H.E.R are treated in the media. While both or mixed with Filipino Olivia is mixed with white and is more generally accepted in the Philippines while H.E.R a person mixed with black is less accepted. This is due to her proximity to blackness and that being seen as inferior. . Another case would be Bahiyyih from a newly popular debuted k-pop group “Kepler” Bahiyyih is white and Korean and due to her not being fully Korean she is often the victim of racist comments and treatment by the Korean public simply because she is mixed(see vid above where at a fan meet she recibes no gifts from fans which rarely happens)

2-Hypodecendent

Hypodecendent more commonly known and referred to as one drop rule is where a person who is mixed or even has a little bit of blood from another race is considered the “inferior” race. This stems back from slavery when slave masters would rape slaves and the child that would result from that would be considered and treated as a fully black person. An example of this in the media would be zendaya, a person who is mixed but is often referred to as black in the media and in black spaces.

3- White privilege

The article above very accurately depicts and explains white privilege. Where a person has advantages in society simply because they are white. It’s is not something they can control because the system was made for white people to essentially thrive that’s not to say people of color cannot thrive or all white people so end up thriving but it points out that the system if built for them to have the advantages they do based on their race

4-White supremacy

White supremacy is the belief that being white is right and white is the superior race. White supremacist are racist people who use old biased misinformation to project their racism onto non-white people. This belief has been the backing of so many horrific things in the world such as slavery, segregation and colonization. It’s a belief that still is prevalent today like the reactions. Unfortunately as mentioned in my previous key term we live in a society that caters to white people where white supremacy more or less controls the rules and institutions of America. We see this in the health care system where black peoples pain is treated differently and searching up diseases will have it on white people, we see this in the education systems where more funding goes to pwi. Not only that but we also see groups with large followings such as confederates, the kkk, proud boys etc. showing white supremacy is very much alive and prevalent. And it remains as a space where racists can be racist comfortably.

5- Institutional Racism

Institutional racism, “also known as systemic racism, is a form of racism that is embedded in the laws and regulations of a society or an organization.” (Wikipedia) it uses white supremacy to make laws and dictate how people of color are treated in all different areas. Because of how embedded in our system it is it is difficult for most people to see how things are institutionally racist because of how “normal” it might be. But it’s not and it is something that’s should be combated.

6-Microaggressions

Microaggressions are indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group. These are sky remarks or actions that are indirectly racists and have people questioning if they are over reacting by calling it racists. Things like touching a person with curly have without approval and saying things like “so where are you really from” and “is that your real hair” are forms of microaggressions. These things show people of color that they are being perceived as a stereotype or the person saying it has many stereotypes they are projecting onto the person in the reviving end. These are uncomfortable to endure but often times pointing it out is met with a lot of push back and denial. And as of now there is little done to stop microaggressions in professional settings.