Beginning with a definition of who the people of The Philippines are, this fully illustrated history then tracks back to describe the prehistory of the country through to 1500 AD. The next two chapters chart the colonial experiences under Spain (1500-1896), then the first republic and the subsequent defeat by the United States (1860-1910). Following this are chapters on the Japanese occupation and the third republic (1910-1972). Next comes a description of the Marcos dictatorship and its consequences (1970-1986) and the book ends with a look at the fifth republic and the future of the country. Ray Canoy's authoritative text describes the history of The Philippines from pre-history to the present day.

The story of this nation of over seven thousand islands, from ancient Malay settlements to Spanish colonization, the American occupation, and beyond. A History of the Philippines recasts various Philippine narratives with an eye for the layers of colonial and post-colonial history that have created this diverse and fascinating population. It begins with the pre-Westernized Philippines in the sixteenth century and continues through the 1899 Philippine-American War and the nation's relationship with the United States’ controlling presence, culminating with its independence in 1946 and two ongoing insurgencies, one Islamic and one Communist. Award-winning author Luis H. Francia creates an illuminating portrait that offers valuable insights into the heart and soul of the modern Filipino, laying bare the multicultural, multiracial society of contemporary times.

From the fish that started a war to the pope poisoned with chocolate, discover the fascinating stories behind the origins, traditions, and uses of our food. Explore the tales, symbolism, and traditions that come wrapped up in the food on our plates – food that not only feeds our bodies but also makes up our culture. The Story of Food is a sumptuously illustrated exploration of our millennia-old relationship with nearly 200 foods. A true celebration of food in all its forms, this book explores the early efforts of humans in their quest for sustenance through the stories of individual foods. Covering all food types including nuts and grains, fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, and herbs and spices, this fascinating reference provides the facts on all aspects of a food's history. Discover how foods have become a part of our culture, from their origins and how they are eaten to their place in world cuisine today.

"Chance aided the Japanese in the Philippines. Warning messages were never delivered, pursuit planes took off and landed at the wrong moment, anti-aircraft shells wee out of date. But chance alone did not bring about the greatest defeat American arms have ever know. " back cover.

This pioneering work spans more than four centuries of publishing, from 1593, when the first book was printed in the country, to 2003, when the first nationwide survey on reading attitudes and preference was conducted.