Chronological is always an easy place to start, but then you run across other things and they seem better. So, before the plunge into prehistory of the dark little "goblins" or "forest spirit" people, first a summary (stereotyped) description of modern Philippines and Filipinos as pilfered from another (that means I make no strong claim or endorsement as to accuracy):
"The Philippines is a unique nation unlike any other in the world in that it can claim four cultural heritages - Asian, European, Mexican, and American. Thus, it is not unusual for the Filipinos to look Oriental, have a Spanish-sounding name, speak like English with an American accent and have a Latin temperament. Filipinos are famous for their warm hospitality, friendliness to foreigners, musical and artistic talents, romanticism, deep religiosity and bravery. They are fond of music, fiestas, and politics. They have the resiliency of the bamboo and the durability of narra, its national tree. When wars and calamities come, they bend but not break. Although colonial writers slandered them as being lazy and stupid, Filipinos can work hard and adjust to any type of work."
And here's a picture for a preview of the next post:
...of which the photographer/journalist, as garnered from his reports in 1901-1904, was likely (in his opinion) to title it, "Friendliness and Mirth of the Little People" or "Yet they were also the dirtiest people I had ever seen".
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