The Philippines: Past and Present (Volume 1 of 2)

In this richly illustrated volume the author guides listeners through the physical and social landscape of the Philippines at the turn of the twentieth century. Photographs and drawings capture everything from bustling Manila streets and modern hospitals to remote mountain roads, tribal villages, and the iconic rice terraces. The images are paired with clear commentary that reveals how infrastructure, education, and health evolved under colonial influence. Readers also encounter vivid accounts of early hospitals, nursing schools, and public‑health campaigns that illustrate the islands’ struggle against disease.

The narrative is framed by the author’s own adventure, beginning with a childhood fascination for natural history that led him from collecting stamps to studying zoology at the University of Michigan. Inspired by a charismatic professor, he joins an expedition to Manila, financing his journey on a modest scholarship and a borrowed life‑insurance policy. As he moves from classrooms to fieldwork, his observations provide a personal lens on the islands’ diverse cultures and emerging institutions. His field notes record encounters with indigenous communities, from the Bontoc highlands to the Ifugao terraces, revealing both curiosity and the complexities of cultural exchange.