Homo Luzonensis – Early humans of the Philippines

03/25/2020 PhilLife Leave a comment

An amazing discovery took place when Philippine researchers unearthed new fossil evidence of our ancestors. Similar early humans in the area have been dubbed the ‘Hobbits’ due to their smaller stature. This discovery is called Homo Luzonensis, as the discovery took place on the island of Luzon within one of the remarkable caves found there.

While just a handful of bones were discovered when digging, they were found 3 meters deep in a bone pit within the Callao cave. The evidence bought by the analysis of 13 new pieces of Philippine fossil remains is now linking this to the Homo erectus. Displayed fossils include teeth, hand and foot bones, as well as part of a femur. This new species scientists believe may have crossed the sea to the Island of Luzon.

Furthermore, they have determined that these bones are from a female that was just 3 feet tall. The researcher Florent Détroit believes this new species evolved as a result of a form of island dwarfism. Given that the discovery is fairly recent, the bones are estimated to be 50,000 years old. Much of the bone and tooth study has revealed shocking features about our ancestors.

A curved toe bone indicated that these smaller hobbit-like hominids could climb trees. Other evidence shows that teeth have traits that are very similar to humans. Though these teeth were much smaller, the roots found in the premolars had two or three roots. Much like modern humankind, their root system was highly developed. Researchers are still uncovering clues about their early life.

Who discovered Luzonensis?

While this discovery is beginning to reveal more about this pygmy-archaic human, it’s not the first of it’s kind. Two archaeologists back in 2007 were the very first to discover Luzonensis in the very same cave. The efforts of Armand Mijares and Philip J. Piper are to be credited in finding them buried over three metres underground.

These small dwarf hominids were estimated to have lived on the island in the Late Pleistocene period. This can be dated as far back to a geologic period 11,700 years ago. It’s further hypothesized that at that time, the sea levels were lower in the Philippine Islands. The ancestors of H. Luzonensis would have used a passage route called the Huxley line.

A map of the lines which separate those land areas which were not connected with each other at lower sea levels during the Ice Age. Which begs the question of how our early human ancestors crossed the Huxley line to enter what is now known as the Philippines. Source – Britannica

Also found within the cave were an extraordinary amount of bone fragments belonging to the Philippine deer. This further supports the evidence that deer bodies were dragged into the cave to be eaten. Ancient tool fragments show that bones of the deer were used as well. 90% of the bone fragments recovered from within the north Luzon cave were all deer.

That wasn’t the only discovery that the two archaeologists had found. It seems that the Philippine warty pig and a now-extinct bovid were also among the other bones discovered there. Still, the biggest news that rocked the Philippine scientific community hadn’t been revealed yet. Through the efforts of the French anthropologist Florent Détroit, it wasn’t until 2010 that these bones were linked to humans.

What is the oldest human fossil found in the Philippines?

There is one more discovery that does deserve to be noted since the early evolution of mankind dates back further. Discovered within the Tabon Caves by an American anthropologist on May 28, 1962, revealed the Tabon Man. This incredible find yielded skull fragments of a female and jawbone fragments from others.

These bone fragments are believed to be the oldest types of human remains that have been discovered in the Philippines. These have been dated as far back as 16,500 years ago! The Tabon caves located along the west coast of Palawan, also revealed later that this location served as an ancient factory. The evidence is shocking about what the researcher had found.

This stone-age factory as it appears had four separate working levels within the main chamber. The remains of waste core flakes littered on the floors revealed this evidence. Both finished and unfinished stone flake tools were also found within the cave. Three fire piles further showed that these early humans used charcoal to keep warm and have some light.

The Tabon bones were determined to be a pre-Mongoliod through the study of anthropologists. Although the jawbone fragments were identified later by two experts to be distinctly Australian in shape. This could suggest that the female skullcap that was found in 1962 is closer to the Tasmanian or Ainu people. Further shedding light on the evolution of the Philippine people.

Excavations of the Tabon Cave underway during the 1960s.

Ancient people also used boats?

It is also suggested by modern anthropologists that the migration waves occuring over 50,000 years ago were increasing. Among many theories presented, such as the ‘Out of Taiwan’ model that was first presented by Peter Bellwood. He suggests that the first Austronesians reached the Philippines around 2200 BC, coming from Taiwan.

Another theory gives a different twist. The modern ‘Out of Sundaland’ theory relies on the last ice age data that proposes that ancient people used routes. Specifically, areas including Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and the Malay Peninsula all had migrants who wandered through the Philippine Islands. And still, the issue is highly debated for lack of proof other than bones that have been found.

One solid link to the fossils that have been discussed, leading to the northern Luzon ancestry seems to be Negrito. This branch of Philippine ancestry fits in with the Australo-Melenesian groups that arrive in the Paleolithic period. For the most part, compared to modern humans in the Philippines today, the link is unmistakable. It further shows how evolution is truly adapting to the local habitat we live in.

What will they uncover next?

Eager archaeologists are still at work in the caves of Luzon and may have further human discoveries to announce. While these are smaller steps in mapping out the history of humans in the Philippines, it’s still big news. Now, let’s just see what comes out of the Luzon caves next?

Destination

Cheapest places to live in the Philippines

03/21/2020 PhilLife 2 Comments

I’m sure you will agree that we all desire a certain standard of living. We want to be able to meet our physiological needs through the availability of affordable housing, and consumer goods.

This allows us to redirect our energy to other areas of our lives, leaving us feeling at least more fulfilled.

When it comes to standards of living or quality of life the Philippines is a very interesting place. Although a large portion of the country is living on a low income, there are still many paths peoples lives can take within the country.

So, what are our options?

I think it’s fair to say when it comes to those who like to “live large”, the majority of them are based in Manila, or the wider Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

Manila has moved towards what you would expect from a major city within most Developed countries. It is now a thriving centre for business, home to many high-end retailers and property developments.

The thriving business landscape around Manila, as well as the steady influx of foreign nationals, has – amongst other things – both helped to increase the wealth of many of the locals, as well as drive up the price of many essential goods, services, and real estate.

Despite all this, the country is still home to a large portion of people who are not privy or just don’t want to spend the kind of money which allows for a comfortable life in Manila. These people still want to experience a high standard of living but do not always have the financial means to achieve it in a city like Manila.

Frugal living in the Philippines.

Whether you’re a Filipino who’s tired of the expensive city life, or a digital nomad looking for an affordable destination to start your journey, or maybe a retiree who wants somewhere to live which is both comfortable and affordable. There are many places within the country to suit all situations.

I’m looking at this guide from the perspective that my audience still want to experience a reasonably high standard of living, so I will be writing about the better quality, more developed cities in the country. This means you will still have a high level of safety in these cities, as well as still have access to the kinds of resources you would expect from city living.

I’ll begin with a personal favourite: Baguio

For me, one of my favourite destinations within the country is Baguio situated in the mountainous region of Northern Luzon. It is both a very beautiful and relaxing destination, and best of all, the prices there are noticeably more affordable than Metro Manila.

The city is home to very affordable real estate, where the price to rent or buy is significantly lower than Metro Manila. I also found that due to it being a smaller provincial city, the city is very easy to commute through, this translated to very affordable transportation costs while I was there.

Another small but possibly significant advantage is the climate. Baguio is notorious for its cool climate, this removes the cost incurred from having to run fans and air conditioners throughout the day, which translates to more savings.

Baguio has also attained its reputation ass a holiday hotspot for a reason. The city still offers all modern conveniences found in most other modern cities, it has a large shopping mall, as well as being full of quality restaurants. The city is also surrounded by beautiful mountainous landscapes which you can explore.

A thriving city for those living on a budget in the Visayas

Iloilo is another developed city which has been on my radar for quite a while. The city is known for its vibrant business district, while also being surrounded by some of the countries top attractions for tourism.

Despite that, the city still is a very affordable place to live. When comparing it to a place like Baguio, a lot of the goods and services are significantly cheaper. This is the kind of city which would suit those looking to maximise how far their money goes.

With its busy port, and thriving BPO industry, Iloilo is a business hot spot in the Philippines. Iloilo provides many entrepreneurial and employment opportunities for its residents, as well as very affordable living.

I also like Iloilo because of its location. Iloilo resides on the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. On one side of that island is the internationally known holiday island of Boracay. Then closer to home, a short boat ride away from the city is the world-famous Guimaras – the mango capital of the Philippines.

Iloilo also neighbours Bacolod which is another thriving provincial city. So while you may be far from the National Capital Region, there is still a lot happening around Iloilo and the island of Panay.

Affordable living in the NCR

Another place I have been hearing a lot about recently is Cavite. The appeal with this province is that it is only 20 – 30 kilometres from Metro Manila. So people are able to enjoy the financial and lifestyle benefits of provincial living while also being able to easily have access to Manila

Goods and services may be roughly the same as what you would pay living within Metro Manila. But, the main advantage of Cavite is the real estate is a lot more affordable than living directly in Metro Manila.

Cavite is also home to many industrial and business park, so for those wanting to work locally, there are still many job opportunities. I have been to Cavite quite a few times and it does offer the feeling of provincial living – clean air, no crowds, but you are not as isolated as you may be in other provinces.

Some points to keep in mind

Although moving to the provinces sounds very attractive, like everything there still a compromises you need to make. One of the biggest ones being, although those destinations may be a lot cheaper, your salary may drop a little when working outside of Metro Manila.

That is why moving to the provinces may be a good idea for retirees, or those with flexible work arrangements like digital nomads. This means your salary is not reliant on your current destination, you still make the same money no matter where you are in the world.

Another point is moving to the provinces will limit your options when it comes to goods and services. You will have less choice when it comes to shopping, dining, mechanics and other tradespeople. As well as fewer options for transport, which is not always necessary anyway.

So if you’re looking to move to a different city, like anything, it’s about weighing up the pros and cons, then picking a destination which suits your situation.

History

NPA Communist Rebellion in the Philippines: Everything you need to know

03/17/2020 PhilLife 1 Comment

To say the Philippines has been the host to several armed conflicts is a massive understatement. For as long as the nation has existed, it has been engaged in conflicts with various groups pushing their respective ideologies, while others essentially engage in the activities of bandits and terrorists.

There is not much information about such conflicts, especially among the international community. However, the Philippines’ Communist Rebellion could be considered as one of Asia’s longer insurgencies.

The insurgency started in 1969, with the creation of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). It is still active today and has organised various attacks throughout the country, leaving a trail of casualties along the way.

The movement, at times, has succeeded in weakening the Philippine government. Government forces have been unable to control some areas of the country in which the communist rebellion has become deeply ingrained.

Not only that, with more than 50 years of conflict, the government, and the succession of six presidents are still unable to come to peace terms with the rebels. With little information about this insurgency, the different roles and actors involved, it could be hard to get objective information on the subject.

To form an opinion and get some facts, it is essential to understand the aims and some key phases of this rebellion to construct a clear picture of today’s Philippines Government and its political situation.

To make things easier, here is an essential guide on everything you need to know about this long-lasting rebellion.

Prof. Jose Maria Sison delivers a lecture on the Philippine crisis and revolution at the Asian Studies Center of the University of the Philippines in 1986. Source – josemariasison.org

When did everything start? The role of Joma Sison in the NPA

In the late 1960s, the CPP decided to establish an armed wing to overthrow the government through guerilla warfare, to reach the goal of creating a new government with middle-class members at the top and no foreign intervention.

Jose Maria Sison, known as Joma Sison was the head of the armed insurgency and his writings are the most detailed in documenting the activity of guerrilla warfare. The New People’s Army rapidly grew during the first years of the revolution.

The country was, in fact, impoverished and led by many incapable leaders. That’s why many Filipinos welcomed warmly the ideals of the insurgency quite promptly. Many went on to join the army as volunteers.

The success of the NPA resulted in the fact that the CPP did analyze the circumstances of many of the Filipino people at the time and found the basic problems in bureaucrat capitalism, feudalism, and imperialism. By offering a different government and promising another type of government, the values and ideals of the CCP were particularly appealing to many.

The first act of insurgency took place in 1971 when NPA militants threw grenades during a Liberal Party Rally in the capital, Manila.

The act killed 9 people and injured 95 others. It was the beginning of a long struggle. Since then, the NPA has been involved in killings, kidnapping and various bombings throughout the country. It is estimated that the communist rebellion has caused the death of about 40,000 people, both fighters and civilians.

In 1972 the country was declared to be under Martial Law by President Ferdinand Marcos.

During those years, the NPA was opposing the regime and experienced its biggest expansions. It also received help from the Chinese government who provided support up until 1976, the NPA actually began distancing themselves from China after the country underwent market reforms, the NPA didn’t see the country as being true “Maoists”.

The rebellious were able to support their operations through extortion and funds from the collection of “revolutionary taxes” as well as many foreign support campaigns. The so-called revolutionary taxes refer to taxes paid by businesses that are forced by the rebels to pay to avoid being attacked.

It was in 1973 that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines was formed to serve the organisation and represent the communist groups in politics.

Today, the leader, poet, writer, and politician Joma Sison is on a voluntary exile in the Netherlands together with other senior figures who are directing the Communist party and its operations from abroad.

The idea of the CPP is to establish a new democratic state in the country that would be led by the local working class and freed from the US influence that is still present in the Philippines today’s politics. The group itself has been inspired by the armed struggle developed in China after the Maoist movement.

Mao Zedong with Henry Kissinger. The CPP–NPA–NDF is loyal to the teachings of Chairman Mao to the point of criticising the modern-day Chinese Communist party for straying from the Maoist ideology. Source – Wikipedia.org

The Splitting of the New People’s Army

It was during the 1980s when thousands of volunteers joined the rebellion. The repressive government of Marcos fell and was replaced by Cory Aquino’s administration.

However, during this period, the organisation split into two different factions by 1992: one led by Maoist principles and with Joma Sison as its leader, seeking a reconciliation with the system; while the other faction supported the need for larger military units and believed in continuing the armed struggle as the only means to gain power.

This weakened the guerilla group, that was hit by several battles, surrenders, and failed attacks. Slowly but effectively, the rebellious group regained its strength, with the emergence of the more “moderate” faction as the winning one.

Even though during the years, the government has tried to weaken and control the organisation, it has yet been able to destroy it. Today, the NPA is considered a terrorist organisation and a threat to the safety of the country.

Attempts to Crush The Rebellion

President Rodrigo Duterte has claimed that he will end the rebellion, no matter the means. Such a promise was made by numerous leaders of the country before him and never kept.

Gloria Arroyo promised to fight and to crush the group in 3 years, but at the end of her mandate, the guerilla fighters were far from being overthrown, and she ended up in jail with the accusation of stealing goods using force in time of civil disorder.

So far, the Communist Party of the Philippines has survived through one dictatorship and five presidents but has never politically controlled any region, province nor city. The rebellion’s base consists of remote forests and mountains scattered around the country.

Today the rebellion seems to show signs of decline, with a dramatic reduction in army members, from more than 20,000 to the current 4,000. However, it remains a serious threat to the country. Even if the situation is often neglected by the international community, the Filipino people are directly affected by the conflict.

The Island Of Samar

Since the start of the rebellion, the strongest base of the NPA wing is considered to be Samar, a small island hosting 2% of the total country’s population and 5% of Philippines’s territory. The majority of the attacks do take place on the island, which is a mountainous region, perfect for hiding and for organising the guerilla warfare.

Indeed, one of the most relevant factors that helped the spread of the rebellion was the landlessness.

As millions of Philippine farmers did not own their land. In Samar, less than 40 clans controlled half of the island’s land, and the working class in that area was more willing to accept the measures proposed by the NPA.

Additionally, the Island is historically very important to the cause as it was the one part of the country that most strongly opposed the American Commonwealth, the ruling of Spain and the occupation by Japan.

What About Peace?

The truth is that during the past 30 years, 6 Philippines presidents have attempted to negotiate for peace. With more than 40 rounds of talks, discussions about peace are still unclear, and no agreement has been able to keep the peace and to maintain a durable cease-fire.

President Duterte has tried to establish peace through a series of measures, from highly aggressive ones to peace negotiations and actions aimed at building trust. For example, he appointed some sympathisers of the rebellion to his cabinet and released some of the highest-ranking rebels imprisoned.

These actions resulted in the release of police officers hold as hostages by the rebels. However, nothing led to a general ceasefire yet. Peace negotiations ended in 2017, as the rebels accused Duterte to use the drug was as a pretext to imprison rebels and to “capriciously change his mind” too frequently on the issue of reaching a deal.

Duterte failed in releasing the political prisoners that were promised liberation which made the rebels withdraw from peace talks that were carried out in Norway in 2016 coming to a unilateral ceasefire.

Today, the situation of the NPA’s rebellion is uncertain. The National Democratic Front is expecting several concessions in exchange for a ceasefire, which the government does not seem ready to accept. As for today, it seems that an agreement for peace is far from being close to signing.

No matter where you stand, it is important to know the details of this long-lasting rebellion, which has been overlooked for too long by many. With so many years of guerilla fighting and so many people from the Philippines is directly or indirectly involved, the issue should be handled to ensure the country’s safety.

Click here to read more about the vibrant history of the Philippines.

Destination

Attractions you must see when visiting Manila

03/01/2020 PhilLife Leave a comment

Manila is an interesting place to say the least. But so are an many other cities throughout the world.

So, why should tourists use the time and resources to visit the Philippine Capital?

Personally I feel Manila has a lot of depth. It is a city which can be enjoyed on many different levels. The city is filled with many classic entertainment options such as bars, theme parks, amazing malls amongst many other things.

For tourists who want to dig a little deeper, Manila is filled with cultural relics hinting at the rich history of the city which has made it what it is today.

So now lets have a look at some of Manilas tourist hot spots as well as some lesser known attractions in Metro Manila.

Fort Santiago

Situated at the mouth of the Pasig River, the scenic Fort Santiago is one of the premier attractions of the walled city of Intramuros.

Fort Santiago began its life as the headquarters for the Spanish military. It was a part of a larger collection of Spanish infrastructure which collectively made up the walled city of Intramuros.

This spanish base was established due to Miguel López de Legazpi who was a prominent Spanish explorer. He was was working to re-establish Manila as the centre the Spanish empire in the east.

After the ousting of the Spanish imperialists, Fort Santiago was home to the massacre of thousands of POWs during WWII. This violence during the Japanese occupation was shortlived after their hold on the city was removed during the Battle of Manila.

Today Fort Santiago is a much more peacefulplace. It features beautifully manicured gardens, plazas and water features, which perfectly compliment the dated stone features of the structure.

Amongst the beauty you can see hits of the colourful, but violent past of the strucutre. From the odd bullet hole, to the dugeons below in which the Filipino national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was held. There is a lot to be discovered within the walls of Fort Santiago.

Binondo

On the surface the Binondo district of Manila can easily be brushed off just another Chinatown. But reality is, this district of Metro Manila highlights the rich history of relations between Chinese natives and the Philippines.

Dating back as far as the early Spanish Colonial period, Binondo is commonly known as the oldest Chinatown in the world. It was once a vibrant hub of commerce and trade, but has now descended into the all too familiar urban decay seen across Manila.

Modern day Binondo is still very much the centre f the Filipino – Chinese community. To this day you will still hear various Chinese dialects and see various stores advertising their goods with Chinese signage.

Any visitor to the Binondo district must experience some of the local cuisine. You can find cuisines from various regions across China, as well as a mix of local Filipino foods. There are many tours which will take you through some of the famous eateries within the area.

Binondo also continues to be a centre for commerce, as it is home to a wide array of consumer goods. During the Chinese new year the area comes alive as many of the stores offer bargains which attracts many savy shoppers.

With the delicious food, Chinese New Year and celebrations, and the historical architecture of the Colonial buildings and temples, there is a lot to be experienced within the Binondo district of Manila.

Cubao Expo

In our world of mass produced goods, pockets of individuality where quality is valued over quantity are becoming scarce. Thankfully Manila maintains a community of like minded individuals who still see the appeal in offering unique, quirky goods.

This community found in Cubao Expo – a small complex developed in 1972, formerly known as Marikina Shoe Expo. The complex, found alon Gen. Romulo St. in Araneta Center, was originally used to showcase the wares of Marikina Shoemakers.

This lasted until 1997 when the complex closed down, but this turned out to only be a short hiatus. In the early 2000’s the thriving DIY and art scene began to take hold of the quarters and transform it into what it ias today.

Eve4n though over the years, different stores have come and gone, the theme of the complex remains the same. It is a melting pot of quirky vintage goods, and wares from the music and art scene.

You can find merch from local bands, dig through stacks of local and international vinyl, experience the local art through paintings and art books. Cubao Expo has a lot to offer those who love to indulge the arty side of life.

Manila Baywalk

Now for a personal favourite, Manila Baywalk. In fast paced environments like Manila, getting away from the hustle of city life and enjoying nature can be quite theraputic.

I think this is why I find myself strolling down Manila Baywalk so often. Its really at its best in the late evening, taking in the beautiful sunset across the ocean and the cool sea breeze.

The Baywalk is basically in full operation from early in the morning to all through the night. It generally begins with health conscious locals who walk and cycle up and down the promenade throughout the morning.

The 2km stretch of land running along Roxas Boulevard joins some of Manilas tourist hot spots which adds to the popularity of the Baywalk. At one end you have the infamous Rizal Park, US Embassy, and Manila Ocean Park.

As you travel down the baywalk you will pass by many bars, restaurants, cafes and much more. Eventually you’ll come to the other end situated by the Manila Yacht Club, also a short trip away is one of the largest malls in Asia – SM Mall of Asia.

Thriving gardens and beautiful architecture is found throughout the Greenbelt complex.

Greenbelt Mall

I’m aware that the love of mall culture in the Philippines has been pointed out ad nauseam, but I feel like I can not pass on highlighting this staple of mall culture in the Philippines.

When it comes to shopping, dining, and entertainment in the Philippines Ayala Malls are one of the biggest players in these industries. The brand is known for going above and beyond when it comes to customer experience – the Greenbelt Mall complex is no exception.

I have found Greenbelts appeal comes its ability to excel where a lot of other malls in the area fail. In one case malls in Manila tend to be very chaotic and fast paced, you are basically only there to spend money.

The Greenbelt complex has a completely different atmosphere, the vibrant open air architecture, and lush gardens throughout the area create a relaxed feeling.

Another uncommon feature amongst other malls in the area are the small plazas found throughout the area, where patrons can sit, unwind in areas often adorned with gardens, water features, art work and sculptures.

Greenbelt malls offer a host of common and uncommon shopping outlets, a wide array of restaurant and cafe options as well as many different entertainment options. I think visiting Greenbelt is a must for anyone spending time in Manila.