A History of the Philippines: From Indios Bravos to Filipinos Paperback – September 18, 2013

The writer is very articulate and well-informed. He was very forth-coming about the cruelty and atrocities committed against the Filipino people by both the Spaniards and Americans. As an American, I am appalled by the atrocities of our government against other countries. In this case, the United States, who claimed to have been working in the best interest of the Philippine government to free their people from Spanish rule over a hundred years ago, had selfish motives and was covertly looking out for its own interests; that of exploiting the people and resources of the Philippines. Thousands of Filipinos were tortured and murdered under United States rule of the Philippines. This is the kind of history they do not teach grade school and high school level students in the United States. They would have us believe that the US government is always looking out for the welfare and benefit of the peoples of other countries. If you want to know the real history, and intentions, of the government of the United States, read Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States." If you don't believe me or Howard Zinn, open up your eyes and look at what the United States government did to the native peoples of the territories of what is now considered the United States. Look at our participation in and treatment of African peoples who were forced into slavery. In part, I believe the problem stems from a very serious, long-held belief by white people; their belief that they are better than other people whose skin is not as white as the driven snow. With all of the available learning and education that is available to people in the United States today, people persists in their false beliefs and ignorance. Currently, white people are becoming a minority in the United States, and the white faction is scared to death. Thus, with a racists and misogynistic president, the racists and patriarchs here in the United States have come out of the woodwork. However, the good people; those who know that equality of all is not only right but logical, will prevail. The days of the white majority and rule in the United States, and in the world for that matter, are limited. No matter how they fight against the increasing tide of equality and logic, the days of white supremacists are numbered. Our world will eventually transform from ignorant, greedy, and racists, to one which will honor all persons with dignity and respect. As I psychologist, I have great hopes in the evolution of humanity. Right, love, and compassion will triumph.

Although I'm Filipino-American and was born in the Philippines, I'm more American than Filipino (I've spent almost my entire life in the United States). However, my Filipino ancestry is an indelible part of me (I only have to look in the mirror to realize this). Consequently, I've made an effort to maintain and improve my grasp of Tagalog, a language of the Philippines that I grew up hearing at home. I also sought a deeper understanding of the country itself, which is why I bought Luis Francia's "History of the Philippines: From Indios Bravos to Filipinos".The scope of this book is ambitious. It covers the pre-colonial Philippines all the way through to the post-Marcos era. Given this, it does an amazing job at staying a manageable size (I got the Kindle edition, but the paperback is only 368 pages long apparently). Despite its relative brevity, reading it yielded precisely what I wanted: An understanding of the character of the Philippines and the events that helped shape this character. Luis Francia's style of writing helps. The book is well-written, accessible and matter-of-fact. I enjoyed the book and learned a great deal from it. My only caveat would be to approach this book with an alert mind and an at least somewhat critical eye. Of course, this goes for all texts. Ultimately, however, the picture this book presents of the Philippines rings true. For those seeking a deeper understanding of this singular country and her people, I recommend reading this book.

While informative, the author’s political leanings and apparent anti-Western biases seep into the pages. He seizes every opportunity to take jabs at the United States and other Western countries, despite the irony that, at the time of writing, he lived in New York City.Early in the book, his mention of slavery veers off course. While discussing slavery in the Philippines prior to Spanish colonization, he oddly juxtaposes European slavery to the form that existed at that time in the Philippines. It almost seems as if he’s implying that the slavery of the alipin class under the datu was a better form of slavery. These asides distract from an otherwise solid history.Also, as another reviewer noted, he seems to gloss over atrocities committed by the Japanese during their brief occupation. Though U.S. atrocities occurred during its long tenure as well, the fact remains that the death inflicted by the Japanese in such a short period was barbaric and brutal. No record exists—and the book omits—of U.S. soldiers bayoneting infants, as the Japanese did.The book remains a worthy read. However, do keep in mind the author’s obvious and apparent biases.

Remarkable history

Decent quality and newly published. Haven’t read the book fully yet but looks quite informative about Filipino history.