A History of the Philippines: From Indios Bravos to Filipinos

This is a nicely written book, very readable and full of interesting detail that helps in understanding the culture of the Philippines. As a British national based in Hong Kong I have been visiting the Philippines for 30 years and love the country and it's people. This book helps to explain why so many of the injustices and tribulations that ordinary long-suffering Filipinos face with such good humour and fortitude have been perpetuated. For anyone with a curiosity about what the Philippines was like before it was colonised, how the Spanish ruled, and the brutal reality of the American attempt at imperialism this is a real eye opener. The national heros of Filipino resistance and opposition to crushing oppressive rule are also well described. The post independence conduct of Marcos and other similarly reprehensible characters and the influences that led to their appointment were particularly interesting.

This is a very readable history, with good historical coverage, facts, opinion and humour. The book covers early Philippine history, the arrival and establishment of Spanish colonialism, and the various political tos-and-fros up to 2014. There are many interesting revelations particularly about the American colonial period and how it relates to the various histories of the countries in the region. It also provides a good understanding of tensions both within the Philippines itself and those with neighbouring countries. Strongly recommended.

I love the fresh new take on the pre-colonial history of the Philippines with the discovery of the LCI (ca. AD 900), a true game changer into how far really the history of the islands go and which is something I wasn't taught when I was at school. It's also a forward looking history book which captured the most recent events that continually shapes the nation as an emerging economy in the world.

The best book about Philipppines History according to what I know and read elswhere. I would recommand any Filipino to read it.

Very interesting book on a subject that’s not widely covered.

I was surprised at just how badly written this book was, how dull I found it and how poorly constructed the chapters were. The number of 'moreovers', 'indeeds', 'obviouslys', 'hereins' and other words used by this author shows a poor grasp of being able to write in a format that is enjoyable. I intended to read and finish this on a two week travel around the country to get to understand the culture and an insight into the history. I have done this with numerous nations and thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in a monograph at the same time as exploring. This book simply doesn't do that. It meanders in a tedious and thoughtless way leaving the reader none the wiser and bored by the constant repetition and overly pompous language. There must be better books on the history of the Philippines than this. If not, someone needs to write one to do justice to the lovey country.

Ótimo….o autor faz um passeio pela história do país.

The writer is very articulate and well-informed. He was very forth-coming about the cruelty and atrocities committed against the Filipino people by both the Spaniards and Americans. As an American, I am appalled by the atrocities of our government against other countries. In this case, the United States, who claimed to have been working in the best interest of the Philippine government to free their people from Spanish rule over a hundred years ago, had selfish motives and was covertly looking out for its own interests; that of exploiting the people and resources of the Philippines. Thousands of Filipinos were tortured and murdered under United States rule of the Philippines. This is the kind of history they do not teach grade school and high school level students in the United States. They would have us believe that the US government is always looking out for the welfare and benefit of the peoples of other countries. If you want to know the real history, and intentions, of the government of the United States, read Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States." If you don't believe me or Howard Zinn, open up your eyes and look at what the United States government did to the native peoples of the territories of what is now considered the United States. Look at our participation in and treatment of African peoples who were forced into slavery. In part, I believe the problem stems from a very serious, long-held belief by white people; their belief that they are better than other people whose skin is not as white as the driven snow. With all of the available learning and education that is available to people in the United States today, people persists in their false beliefs and ignorance. Currently, white people are becoming a minority in the United States, and the white faction is scared to death. Thus, with a racists and misogynistic president, the racists and patriarchs here in the United States have come out of the woodwork. However, the good people; those who know that equality of all is not only right but logical, will prevail. The days of the white majority and rule in the United States, and in the world for that matter, are limited. No matter how they fight against the increasing tide of equality and logic, the days of white supremacists are numbered. Our world will eventually transform from ignorant, greedy, and racists, to one which will honor all persons with dignity and respect. As I psychologist, I have great hopes in the evolution of humanity. Right, love, and compassion will triumph.

The Philippines is not just full of lovely women! It also faces issues of mass corruption and violence! Wonderful book!

Although I'm Filipino-American and was born in the Philippines, I'm more American than Filipino (I've spent almost my entire life in the United States). However, my Filipino ancestry is an indelible part of me (I only have to look in the mirror to realize this). Consequently, I've made an effort to maintain and improve my grasp of Tagalog, a language of the Philippines that I grew up hearing at home. I also sought a deeper understanding of the country itself, which is why I bought Luis Francia's "History of the Philippines: From Indios Bravos to Filipinos". The scope of this book is ambitious. It covers the pre-colonial Philippines all the way through to the post-Marcos era. Given this, it does an amazing job at staying a manageable size (I got the Kindle edition, but the paperback is only 368 pages long apparently). Despite its relative brevity, reading it yielded precisely what I wanted: An understanding of the character of the Philippines and the events that helped shape this character. Luis Francia's style of writing helps. The book is well-written, accessible and matter-of-fact. I enjoyed the book and learned a great deal from it. My only caveat would be to approach this book with an alert mind and an at least somewhat critical eye. Of course, this goes for all texts. Ultimately, however, the picture this book presents of the Philippines rings true. For those seeking a deeper understanding of this singular country and her people, I recommend reading this book.

If you are looking to get into Philippine History, buy this book. While segments on pre-colonial Philippines is short, overall the book is incredibly interesting.