An Illustrated History of the Philippines

by Ray Canoy

Beginning with a definition of who the people of The Philippines are, this fully illustrated history then tracks back to describe the prehistory of the country through to 1500 AD. The next two chapters chart the colonial experiences under Spain (1500–1896), then the first republic and the subsequent defeat by the United States (1860–1910). Following this are chapters on the Japanese occupation and the third republic (1910–1972). Next comes a description of the Marcos dictatorship and its consequences (1970–1986) and the book ends with a look at the fifth republic and the future of the country. Ray Canoy’s authoritative text describes the history of The Philippines from pre-history to the present day.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

244 pages, Paperback

Published May 23, 2019

Reviews

[Clockworkiwi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the pictures - not having to google everyone. It is consised maybe a little more than necessary. I found the book from indios bravos to filipinos easier to read, and going deeper in the events. Biggest negative in this book imo the many (almost in every page) info boxes that throw the flow of the reading in the bin. I would prefer if they had been integrated in the main text.

[Dayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read other state's or countries' histories, I can say that Jose Raymund Canoy did a wonderful job of bringing the reader in. For example, he includes a picture of a giant bust of the former president, Marcos--very similar to Mount Rushmore. But in the final days of Marcos' regime, it was nicknamed, not Mount Rushmore, but "Mount Cash-no-more."

Also, the author's familiarity with the Philippine press and their nicknames for familiar issues--such as "Cha Cha" for presidents' (approx 90%) attempts at changing the constitution.

But most striking of all is the similarities between the Marcos' regime and the Trump presidential tenure:
1) Implemented punishment for journalists, critics, and oponents
2) Identified with Authoritarian Leaders (Marcos-Singapore and Korea).
3) Attempted to convince the population he was making the country better (Marcos called his work a "New Society" like LBJ; Trump "Make American Great Again")
4) Initially supported the military and the police
5) Both overly rewarded their chauffeurs (Marcos "Fabian Ver" to Chief of Staff and head of Internal Security; Trump paid his a salary of $75,000)
6) Wanted to extend their tenure than legally possibly (Trump denying election results; Marcos structured a new framework, which removed term limits to president)
7) Considered to have a cult following each, due to personality
8) Promoted idealized semi-nude images of spouses
9) Under both, these companies continued to increase their market shares: Exxon/Mobil & Chevron.
10) Mistakingly thought to be continuing Republic policies (1981--George H. W. Bush said to Marcos, "We love your adherence to democratic principles.")
11) Both married "beauty queens."
12) After a few years, it became clear that wealth was not being distributed equally--policies increased the gap between the rich and poor. (For Marcos, by the end , 50% poverty was the norm)

Very interesting to read.

[Josh D · Rating 3 out of 5]

- Closer to 3.5. Attempts to be what it says but is tilted more towards the pre-1900s. Not a bad thing, but I've read other books on the Philippines that have told that history slightly less tediously and with more words. That being said, it's still quite informative.
- Relatively terse coverage of modern history (i.e. post-1970s) which isn't necessarily a bad thing: it emphasizes the main points of each modern presidency, which was more difficult to get from other books which went into the weeds of each presidential record.
- Useful timeline in the back pages!