Yesterdays in the Philippines

A richly illustrated snapshot of the Philippines at the turn of the twentieth century, this volume invites listeners to wander the bustling streets of Manila, glide down the Pasig River on coconut‑leaf rafts, and explore remote mountain villages. Through lively sketches of everything from the noisy bull‑and‑tiger fights to quiet mango‑tree schools, the book paints the everyday textures of an archipelago suddenly thrust onto the world stage after the Spanish‑American war.

The author’s candid commentary asks the pressing questions of the era: What does it mean for a distant nation to claim these islands? How will the diverse peoples and their customs be understood—or misunderstood—by a new overseer? Listeners will hear vivid descriptions of rice‑field plowing, hemp processing, and the colorful street life that defined a society on the brink of change, all delivered with a tone that balances curiosity and gentle critique.