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The Making of the Modern Philippines: Pieces of a Jigsaw State
"Well-researched... a welcome guide." The Spectator
With a fractured geography and complex identity, The Philippines is an eclectic and unique mix of culture, environment, people and politics. Known mostly for natural disasters, migrant labour and dictatorial presidents, in this book Philip Bowing shows how it is much, much more. Deftly navigating the history of this populous island republic, The Making of the Modern Philippines traces its history to define and explain its position in the modern world. Looking past the headlines of volcanoes, earthquakes and violence, it asks why has the Filipino economy lagged behind its neighbours, explores the importance of its location in geopolitics, and investigates how its deep-rooted Catholicism clashes with the Islamic consciousness of the region in which it sits.
Taking the history of the Philippines from its pre-colonial era, through its Spanish and American occupations and up to the modern day, it unravels the complex politics, culture, peoples and economy of this rich and unique nation. Engaging with challenges the Filipino people face today such as federalism, revolution, Mindanao, the diaspora, capitalism and relations with China, it rediscovers the struggles, culture and history of its past to understand the present.
With a fractured geography and complex identity, The Philippines is an eclectic and unique mix of culture, environment, people and politics. Known mostly for natural disasters, migrant labour and dictatorial presidents, in this book Philip Bowing shows how it is much, much more. Deftly navigating the history of this populous island republic, The Making of the Modern Philippines traces its history to define and explain its position in the modern world. Looking past the headlines of volcanoes, earthquakes and violence, it asks why has the Filipino economy lagged behind its neighbours, explores the importance of its location in geopolitics, and investigates how its deep-rooted Catholicism clashes with the Islamic consciousness of the region in which it sits.
Taking the history of the Philippines from its pre-colonial era, through its Spanish and American occupations and up to the modern day, it unravels the complex politics, culture, peoples and economy of this rich and unique nation. Engaging with challenges the Filipino people face today such as federalism, revolution, Mindanao, the diaspora, capitalism and relations with China, it rediscovers the struggles, culture and history of its past to understand the present.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published June 2, 2022
37 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Philip Bowring
4 books6 followersPhilip Arthur Bowring is an English journalist and historian who was business editor, deputy editor and editor of the Asian news magazine the Far Eastern Economic Review for 17 years between 1973 and 1992.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 6, 2023
This is the most important book written about Philippine society over the last several years and it is mysteriously unavailable in the country it’s meant to illuminate. This is a shame because this is a book that needs to be read by all Filipinos who want to better understand the many complications and contradictions that make it difficult for society here to progress. And hopefully a greater awareness of the intricacies of these issues can lead the country out of our purgatorial stasis.
The first half of the book is a condensed history of the country from early maritime relations to the end of the Duterte administration. It’s generally even-handed and impressive given the ambition of its scope. The narrative presented is also in line with contemporary academic consensus, which makes it a good primer for those who want to dig deeper into specific historical periods.
The second half of the book has chapters that focus on specific issues of the country and why their many contradictions have allowed them to develop and remain entrenched in place. Some examples are chapters on the issues of agricultural inefficiency, church-state relations, maritime disputes, the neglect of Mindanao, the state of the political left, the prominence of elite families owning major corporate conglomerates, and many more. This is the heart of the book and where I think it shines best.
The two main issues I have with the book are the first half’s lack of extensive citation, and its frequent typographic errors. A lot of the history is generally in line with academic consensus, but some of the more debated events are presented as fact without acknowledgement that they are still disputed. It’s alright to have a perspective but a few citations here and there would allow readers to better engage with the material. I’m willing to give these a pass because they can very easily be amended on a future reissue.
If you’re seeing this review from the Philippines, please find a copy of this book and read it immediately.
The first half of the book is a condensed history of the country from early maritime relations to the end of the Duterte administration. It’s generally even-handed and impressive given the ambition of its scope. The narrative presented is also in line with contemporary academic consensus, which makes it a good primer for those who want to dig deeper into specific historical periods.
The second half of the book has chapters that focus on specific issues of the country and why their many contradictions have allowed them to develop and remain entrenched in place. Some examples are chapters on the issues of agricultural inefficiency, church-state relations, maritime disputes, the neglect of Mindanao, the state of the political left, the prominence of elite families owning major corporate conglomerates, and many more. This is the heart of the book and where I think it shines best.
The two main issues I have with the book are the first half’s lack of extensive citation, and its frequent typographic errors. A lot of the history is generally in line with academic consensus, but some of the more debated events are presented as fact without acknowledgement that they are still disputed. It’s alright to have a perspective but a few citations here and there would allow readers to better engage with the material. I’m willing to give these a pass because they can very easily be amended on a future reissue.
If you’re seeing this review from the Philippines, please find a copy of this book and read it immediately.
September 12, 2022
The book was sectioned into two parts. The book's first half gives pieces of brief Philippine history pre-Hispanic times to the end of the Duterte administration. It provides glimpses of history, and I find that the events were discussed at a gallop. But I was more interested in going through the second part.
The topics within the second half and how they were structured are very interesting. The book had a promising prospect to enumerate specific problems and explain the paradoxical nature of the nation's democracy brought on by dynastic politics, maldistribution of wealth, the power bestowed in the hands of a few, and other political tidal waves that keep on interfering with the country's progress.
Unfortunately, I had frustrations with this book. I am not sure if Bowring was under publisher deadline pressure to meet the book distribution before the 2022 national elections, but this book desperately needs an editor. Aside from the numerous typos and the lack of proper citations, I sometimes struggled to read some chapters because of the misplaced and unnecessary paragraphs and sentences, impeding the context flow of the topics discussed. Sometimes it lingers on statistics when there are many opportunities to probe more into what causes the specific national political and socio-economic conditions than stating indisputable facts.
It is short and a good book for starters. One can learn a lot from the insights of the book, especially on understanding the implications of the regional issues and the backwardness of the jigsaw state in contrast to the growing economies of its neighboring Asian countries and the rest of the world. If you are looking to read about the broader problems of the country, I think this one might be the most helpful book out there.
The topics within the second half and how they were structured are very interesting. The book had a promising prospect to enumerate specific problems and explain the paradoxical nature of the nation's democracy brought on by dynastic politics, maldistribution of wealth, the power bestowed in the hands of a few, and other political tidal waves that keep on interfering with the country's progress.
Unfortunately, I had frustrations with this book. I am not sure if Bowring was under publisher deadline pressure to meet the book distribution before the 2022 national elections, but this book desperately needs an editor. Aside from the numerous typos and the lack of proper citations, I sometimes struggled to read some chapters because of the misplaced and unnecessary paragraphs and sentences, impeding the context flow of the topics discussed. Sometimes it lingers on statistics when there are many opportunities to probe more into what causes the specific national political and socio-economic conditions than stating indisputable facts.
It is short and a good book for starters. One can learn a lot from the insights of the book, especially on understanding the implications of the regional issues and the backwardness of the jigsaw state in contrast to the growing economies of its neighboring Asian countries and the rest of the world. If you are looking to read about the broader problems of the country, I think this one might be the most helpful book out there.
July 14, 2022
I am reluctact to give this book 2 out of 5 stars because I am part Filipino and because there aren't much books on the Philippines out there. I was excited to one day find this book available in my local bookshop and I bought it immediately. The first few chapters were well written and edited, telling the story of the islands from pre-hispanic times to the time of revolution against Spain and the USA. However, the language starts to deteriorate rapidly. First, the problems start with missing or misspelt words. Then, the language start to lack grammar. Eventually, sentences or even paragraphs lack purpose, are abrubtly put in without context, and I felt that as a reader I was forced to think hard trying to understand what the author is trying to convey.
Overall, it was a disappointing read. This is despite my initial hopes that the book will be a thoroughly good one. Regardless, I definitely learned a tonne about my country, and I would suggest this to anyone who wishes to learn the same. I will however caution you about its pitfalls as outlined above.
Overall, it was a disappointing read. This is despite my initial hopes that the book will be a thoroughly good one. Regardless, I definitely learned a tonne about my country, and I would suggest this to anyone who wishes to learn the same. I will however caution you about its pitfalls as outlined above.
February 12, 2024
A very interesting read - as a visitor to the Philippines this provided a greater understanding and context to the country as a whole and the regions visited on my month in the beautiful country
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the historical sections of the book, there was, at times, an assumed knowledge of people, politicians and places which at time slowed down my reading and required me to give it a quick google.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the historical sections of the book, there was, at times, an assumed knowledge of people, politicians and places which at time slowed down my reading and required me to give it a quick google.
October 22, 2023
Bowring writes as a concerned foreigner with an almost pitying gaze at the Philippines. I agree with his thoughts about the diversity and complexity of the country’s politics and cultures, the detrimental outcomes of persistent domination by dynasties, and how a few conglomerate families have been enriched despite widening inequalities.
However, Bowring made several inaccurate claims and many bits of information in the book are now outdated. The book also ignored the histories, struggles, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples, the Urban and Rural Poor, and many others that have played and will play a role in the making of the modern Philippines. After reading the last chapter, I was left wanting more — both in terms of scope and depth. Nevertheless, I believe that Bowring's thoughts and concerns are sincere.
However, Bowring made several inaccurate claims and many bits of information in the book are now outdated. The book also ignored the histories, struggles, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples, the Urban and Rural Poor, and many others that have played and will play a role in the making of the modern Philippines. After reading the last chapter, I was left wanting more — both in terms of scope and depth. Nevertheless, I believe that Bowring's thoughts and concerns are sincere.
August 12, 2022
I do appreciate the goal of this book to introduce the Philippines from the pre-Colonial eras to 2022 presidential election. It also provides the readers a high-level view of the conditions of the country and what might be the factors which contributed to such conditions such as the archipelagic structure of the Philippines, the proliferation of dynastic politics and cronyism, ownership of various conglomerates by few oligarchs, etc. What I find a bit frustrating is that it seemed the book was not properly proofread and edited. Misspelled words, grammatically-incorrect statements, and sentences that do not make sense. Overall, my realization is that I still lack a deeper knowledge of my country and this is a good stepping stone for more topic-specific readings.
December 20, 2024
This book is a must read if you want to understand how the Philippines works. Especially the government and businesses.
The book starts with the modern history after the Spanish left and when the Americans arrived. It doesn’t dwell too much on history other that the influences on the political and business structure.
The book is exceptionally well researched and very easy to follow.
It provides a fantastic background on the corrupt political system (pork barrel), judicial (politically appointed) and the overwhelming influences of the business dynasties that run the country.
The author should have included definitions of the many abbreviations used in the book on a separate page. Also needed is a list of all the names of the elite dynasties. Helps to refresh my memory
The book starts with the modern history after the Spanish left and when the Americans arrived. It doesn’t dwell too much on history other that the influences on the political and business structure.
The book is exceptionally well researched and very easy to follow.
It provides a fantastic background on the corrupt political system (pork barrel), judicial (politically appointed) and the overwhelming influences of the business dynasties that run the country.
The author should have included definitions of the many abbreviations used in the book on a separate page. Also needed is a list of all the names of the elite dynasties. Helps to refresh my memory
December 24, 2025
A very interesting and seemingly well researched book, but a number of issues made it very difficult to read. These difficulties included spelling and grammar mistakes, a lack of reference use, repetition (the same sentence repeated one after the other in the same paragraph?!), use of acronyms without definition, inconsistent formatting, and I could go on. A terrible shame for such an important book.
January 27, 2025
Incredibly important subject matter. Highly recommend this for all my fellow Filipinos.
It also happens to be maybe the worst proofread book I’ve ever read. Multiple glaring errors every few pages and I even saw a repeated clause after a sentence. I’d rate it lower if I didn’t care for the content. But that aside, I appreciate that this book exists.
It also happens to be maybe the worst proofread book I’ve ever read. Multiple glaring errors every few pages and I even saw a repeated clause after a sentence. I’d rate it lower if I didn’t care for the content. But that aside, I appreciate that this book exists.
February 18, 2023
Comprehensive account covering colonial to modern history and concisely details structural socioeconomic and political issues regarding the Philippines. Wish there were similar books on other ASEAN countries!
May 30, 2025
The book is disappointing due to its biased perspective on Philippine politics and history. Written by an outsider, it lacks thorough research, resulting in incomplete and inaccurate information. Poor journalism overall.
August 21, 2023
There are a couple of inaccuracies in the historical data presented.
Want to read
July 20, 2022I was looking for an introductory history of the Philippines but decided to abandoned this about a third way through. Contrary to what the cover suggests, in hindsight actually in line with the subtitle, the author only provides pieces of the history without putting them into a coherent picture for readers who have no prior knowledge of the country. After 6 chapters all I have gotten is a myriad of names, political parties and events without feeling slightly that I have a better understanding of the nation. For a more suitable primer, I’d recommend The Philippines from Oxford’s What Everyone Needs to Know series.
December 29, 2024
Manual para entender Filipinas, quizás el mejor que he leído. La primera mitad del libro es un resumen de la historia del país, mientras que en la segunda parte se van desgranando uno a uno todos los problemas actuales: desnutrición, educación, terrorismo, el debate sobre la organización territorial...
La edición es algo mala y podría estar mejor escrito, pero merece la pena para conocer mejor el país.
La edición es algo mala y podría estar mejor escrito, pero merece la pena para conocer mejor el país.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews