Portraits

The Igorot, an indigenous ethnic group in the northern Philippines, are among the country’s most distinctive groups, with a rich culture and deep-rooted traditions. The Igorots tribe live mainly in the mountainous region of the Cordillera, where they have preserved their traditional way of life for centuries. Their unique culture, ancestral rituals, and religious beliefs continue to fascinate and intrigue those seeking to understand the cultural diversity of the Philippines. Rites of Passage Rites of passage are essential in Igorot culture, marking important milestones in life, from birth to death. One of the most significant rites is the peshet, an intricate ceremony that celebrates the coming of age. This ceremony, often accompanied by ritual dances, songs, and animal sacrifices, strengthens community ties and honors ancestors. The peshet is also an opportunity to show the bravery and generosity of the young adult’s family, crucial aspects in Igorot society. Marriage is another important rite of passage for the Igorot. Unions are often arranged by families, and wedding rituals are elaborate and rich in symbolism. The cañao, a traditional festival, is held to celebrate the wedding, with dances, songs, and offerings to the protective spirits. This ritual is a testament to the value placed on community and social harmony among the Igorot. Religious and Spiritual Beliefs The Igorots have an animist spirituality, believing in the presence of spirits in nature and objects. Ancestral spirits, known as anito, play a central role in their daily lives. Rituals to appease these spirits are common, especially during important events such as harvests, weddings, and funerals. Another fascinating aspect of Igorot spirituality is their respect for nature, which is considered sacred. Mountains, rivers, and forests are inhabited by spirits, and Igorots perform rituals to ask permission to cultivate the land or hunt. These practices reflect a worldview deeply connected to the natural environment, where balance and harmony with nature are essential. Funerals and Death Rituals Death among the Igorot is surrounded by complex rituals aimed at ensuring the transition of the spirit of the deceased to the afterlife. Igorot funerals are long and elaborate, often including songs, dances, and animal sacrifices to honor the deceased and soothe the spirits. A particularly well-known practice is that of hanging coffins. The Igorots of Sagada, for example, hang the coffins of their dead on cliffs, believing that this practice brings them closer to the celestial spirits. This tradition, although less common today, is an impressive testament to how the Igorot honor their dead. Preserving Traditions Despite outside influences and socio-economic changes, the Igorot continue to preserve their traditions. The younger generations are introduced to ancestral rituals and beliefs from an early age, thus guaranteeing the transmission of this cultural heritage. Cultural festivals, such as the Panagbenga in Baguio, also provide a platform to celebrate and share Igorot culture with a wider audience, strengthening the cultural identity of the community. The Igorots represent a remarkable example of cultural resilience, where ancestral rituals and traditions continue to play a central role in daily life. Their attachment to the land, their respect for the spirits and their deep sense of community exemplify a vibrant and vibrant culture that deserves to be recognized and preserved. To learn more about the region where the Igorots live and explore other cultural wonders, visit our Luzon section. If you would like to experience this unique culture in person, please feel free to request a quote from our travel advisor.

Vicente Sotto, an iconic figure in the political history of the Philippines, was born on August 24, 1888, in Cebu and passed away on October 28, 1963. His career, marked by his commitment to public service and his significant contributions to Philippine politics, makes him one of the most respected figures of his time. Sotto began his political career as a member of the Cebu City Council in 1917 before embarking on a legislative career. In 1925, he was elected as a representative of Cebu and played a crucial role in legislation during the transition period towards Philippine independence. His influence quickly grew, and he became known for his integrity and dedication. In 1935, Vicente Sotto was elected as a senator, a position he held with distinction. He was recognized for his major legislative contributions, particularly in the areas of educational reform and regional development. Sotto also stood out for his commitment to workers’ rights and social reforms, reflecting his desire to improve the living conditions of Filipino citizens. A remarkable aspect of his career is his role in promoting the national language. Sotto, along with other leaders, actively supported the adoption of Filipino as the national language of the Philippines, thereby contributing to the strengthening of the country’s cultural identity. His work in this area helped cement the place of the language in government and educational institutions. Vicente Sotto is also known for his commitment to fighting corruption. He fought for transparent and accountable government practices, aiming to restore public trust in political institutions. His integrity and professional ethics distinguished him as a model of ethical and effective leadership. In addition to his political achievements, Sotto was also a significant figure in the field of education. He played an active role in improving the Philippine educational system, supporting the creation of schools and the enhancement of educational infrastructure in rural areas. His work in this field contributed to expanding access to education and improving the quality of teaching throughout the country. His impact on Philippine politics did not end with his time. Vicente Sotto left a lasting legacy that continues to influence future generations of political leaders and engaged citizens. To learn more about other influential figures in Philippine history, explore our dedicated section of profiles, and consider booking a flight with Philippine Airlines to discover the wonders of the Philippines while following in the footsteps of this historical figure. His work is often cited as an example of dedication to public service and ethical leadership. In conclusion, Vicente Sotto is an indispensable figure in the political history of the Philippines. His commitment to social justice, educational reform, and the fight against corruption left an indelible mark on the country. His career illustrates the values of responsible leadership and selfless service, making him a role model for future generations. His legacy remains a source of inspiration for those who aspire to positively contribute to Philippine society.

In the world of music, certain figures stand out not only for their talent, but also for their personal history. Allan Pineda Lindo, better known as apl.de.ap, is one such personality. Originally from the Philippines, he has conquered the world with his music and used his fame to support humanitarian causes in his native country. Let’s retrace the inspiring career of this multi-faceted artist. Born on November 28, 1974 in Angeles City, in the province of Pampanga, Philippines, Allan Pineda Lindo’s childhood was marked by adversity. Abandoned by his parents at a young age, he was adopted by an American family and moved to the United States. This radical change of life laid the foundations for his future, preparing him to become one of the most recognizable names in the music industry. His love of music led him to meet William Adams, better known as will.i.am, and to form the iconic group The Black Eyed Peas in the 1990s. With apl.de.ap bringing its distinctive style of rapping and singing, the group quickly climbed the ladder of fame. Their unique fusion of hip-hop, pop and electronic music captivated audiences around the world, propelling The Black Eyed Peas to the top and earning them Grammy Awards. Despite his international success, apl.de.ap has never forgotten his Filipino roots. In 2008, he founded the Apl.de.ap Foundation, a charity dedicated to improving access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children in the Philippines. His foundation has built schools, provided medical equipment and offered scholarships, changing the lives of thousands of young Filipinos. Beyond his musical career and humanitarian commitment, Allan Pineda Lindo is an example of resilience and determination. His journey, marked by personal challenges and professional triumphs, inspires millions of people around the world. By using his voice to uplift others, and to share the stories of those who are often overlooked, he embodies the spirit of change and compassion. Allan Pineda Lindo is much more than a successful rapper. He is a symbol of pride for Filipinos, a role model for young artists and a tireless advocate of equal opportunity. His musical and humanitarian legacy will continue to resonate long after the notes of his music have faded, reminding the world of the power of music to inspire change and unite people from all walks of life.

It’s the early 16th century, and two great maritime powers, Spain and Portugal, are sharing the New World to prevent future conflicts over the exploitation of foreign territories. Pope Alexander VI granted Spain the right to appropriate the riches west of the Azores archipelago. Those to the east, in Africa and Asia, belonged to Portugal. Nevertheless, a bitter dispute still divides the two kingdoms over the Moluccas, also known as the Spice Islands. The Spaniards were unable to reach these islands, as the only known route to them crossed the Portuguese-controlled Indian Ocean. This was the era of the Great Discoveries. We already have Christopher Columbus, who discovered America for the Kingdom of Castile. Then there was Vasco de Gama, who opened the route to India for the Kingdom of Portugal. This created a merciless struggle between the two Western maritime powers. It was at this point that goods such as spices acquired inestimable strategic value. Whoever controls the route to the spice islands is the master of the world. Around 1480, Fernand Magellan was born into a family of minor Portuguese nobility. Magellan became a naval officer in the service of the Portuguese crown in Asia. King Manuel I of Portugal refused to support his project to reach India by a new route, bypassing the southern tip of the South American continent. In Valladolid, the residence of the kings of Castile, Charles V ascended the Spanish throne in 1516 and sought to consolidate his power. Naturally, he had his sights set on the riches of the New World territories. He raced against Portugal for dominance of the seven seas. Magellan therefore turned to Spain to finance his expedition, which Portugal considered useless. On August 10, 1519, a fleet of five ships and 270 men left the port of Seville. They set off into the unknown, choosing to head west. After two months at sea, the fleet reached South America, and Magellan decided to continue southwards along the coast. He was looking for a passage to the west. Every bay they find on their way is likely to be the entrance to a passage leading to the other side. In the course of his quest, they enter the Rio de la Plata. Little do they know that they are no longer at sea, but navigating a river. When Magellan realizes his mistake, they turn back, but this puts the crew on edge and doubts set in. Magellan is faced with a mutiny, which he manages to quell. It’s now been six months since the fleet left Seville, but it doesn’t seem to be getting any closer to its goal. The southern winter is raging, and the ships can no longer make headway. It was then that they discovered an uncharted estuary sheltered from the winds. Fernand Magellan named it “Puerto San Julian” (now in Argentina). It was a quiet bay, offering them safe shelter throughout the southern winter. They had access to fresh water and fish. At the end of August 1520, with winter over, they set off again in search of the passage. The crew no longer believed in the expedition’s success. However, when Magellan finds the entrance to a strait, he regains hope. The strait is a sort of inextricable aquatic labyrinth. For over a month, they wandered the strait in search of a way out. The passage through the strait, so narrow, begins to widen to a surface of water that stretches as far as the eye can see. This was Magellan’s discovery, and it was thanks to his tenacity that the passage was discovered. It was named the “Strait of Magellan” in his honor. Magellan succeeded in proving the existence of a passage between the Atlantic and the new ocean. A route allowing access to the riches of Asia without passing through the Indian Ocean. By this stage of the expedition, Magellan was convinced that the Moluccas were not far away. Unfortunately, he was unaware that before him lay the Earth’s largest ocean. He called it “peaceful” because of the tranquility of its waters. At this point in the journey, only three of the five ships remain. One had sunk while sailing south along the American continent. Another decided to turn back in the Strait to return to Spain, no longer believing in the success of the expedition. The three remaining ships embarked on an arduous crossing. Days passed, then weeks and finally months, with no sign of land on the horizon. It became urgent to find a place to land and refuel. They’ve run out of food and the water is stagnant. One by one, the sailors are being decimated by scurvy. After 4 difficult months, they found islands and were able to refuel. It had been a year and a half since the fleet left Spain. They set off in search of the Moluccas, but landed on an archipelago of islands that would later be named the Philippines, on March 16, 1521. They stayed there for a month and a half. No one in Europe knew of the existence of this archipelago. Fernand Magellan took possession of it for Charles V and for himself. In fact, the king granted him the right to take a percentage of the profits he found during the expedition. Magellan and his crew set out to explore the archipelago, annexing as many islands as possible to gain as much wealth and power as possible. They were guided by islanders, as the waters around the archipelago can be dangerous if you’re unfamiliar with them. Magellan befriended the local rulers of Limasawa Island and, on March 31, held the first mass there. Magellan had converted no fewer than 2,200 inhabitants to Christianity, including Rajah Humabon, King of Cebu, his queen and her subjects. In gratitude, he presented them with the now-famous Santo Niño statuette, the image of the healthy child, which he had brought back from Spain. However, Lapu Lapu, the chief of Mactan, resisted the conversion, which resulted in the defeat of the Spaniards at the Battle of Mactan on April 27, and the

Born in 1937, on April 19, as José Marcelo Ejército in Manila, Philippines, Joseph Estrada, nicknamed Erap (the verlan of Pare which means buddy in Filipino), is a politician and former actor who served as the 13th President of the Philippines, between 1998 and 2001. Despite his initial popularity, he was the first Asian president to be removed from office. In his youth, his ambition was to follow in his father’s footsteps as a government engineer. However, he abandoned his studies to become a film actor, adopting the pseudonym Erap Estrada because his parents forbade him to use their surname. Estrada built his popularity over a 30-year acting career, from 1954 to 1989, which saw him star in over 100 films. He also produced over 50 films. He began his political career in 1967, before being elected mayor of a municipality in Greater Manila in 1969. In 1987, he was elected senator and in 1992, vice-president of Fidel V. Ramos. Building on this momentum, he was elected President in 1998 by a wide margin over his opponents. However, he openly declared war on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2000 and captured its headquarters. Nevertheless, he was removed from office in mid-term, in 2001, over a scandalous corruption scandal. He was removed from office in a popular uprising dubbed the “Second Philippine Revolution”. The uprising was triggered when pro-Estrada senators voted to reject decisive evidence against Estrada. Demonstrations then resounded through the streets of Manila and other major Philippine cities, calling for Estrada’s removal from office. In the end, Estrada had no choice but to resign when his own cabinet members turned against him, as well as when the protests were supported by high-ranking political and religious officials, business leaders…In 2007, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for embezzlement ($80 million), but his former vice-president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who had acted as interim president after his impeachment, before taking over another term, since she had won the 2004 elections, granted him a presidential pardon, in view of his advanced age (70). In return, he pledged never to stand for re-election in any political term. However, this pledge was short-lived, as he ran for president in 2010, losing to Aquino. He was nevertheless elected mayor of Manila twice, in 2012 and 2016, but lost the elections for a third consecutive term to Isko Moreno Domagoso, Manila’s current mayor.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo comes from a political family, as she too is the daughter of a former president of the Philippines: Diosdado Macapagal. She began her career in the late 80s in the government of Corazon Aquino and became the first female vice-president in June 1998, when Joseph Estrada was elected President. As Estrada was implicated in an embezzlement scandal, he stepped down early in mid-term in 2001, making way for Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was appointed President on January 20 (the 2nd woman to hold this post after Cory Aquino).In 2004, she won an election tainted by fraud and began a term of office that was marked by several crises and scandals, including a police assault in late 2004 that resulted in the deaths of 12 farm workers and two children. The following year, recordings of telephone conversations tending to prove electoral fraud during the 2004 elections were released, prompting the resignation of 10 of his ministers. Her departure was even demanded by former president Corazon Aquino, but GMA held firm. In 2006, she even faced an attempted coup d’état organized by the military. To put an end to this rebellion, she declared a state of emergency. A few months later, she was hospitalized, and on her release abolished the death penalty. But the worst was yet to come: at the end of 2009, dozens of civilians and journalists were executed in southern Mindanao, in Maguindanao, as they accompanied an opposition gubernatorial candidate on his campaign. In 2010, she was replaced by Nonoy Aquino, and was soon caught up in cases of electoral fraud and misappropriation of public funds, leading to her arrest and imprisonment (in hospital) for 5 years (from 2011 to 2016). In 2016, she was finally acquitted by the Supreme Court in a looting case, allowing her to pursue her political career by being appointed by Duterte to the Chamber of Deputies before being elected president.During her term as President, she nevertheless helped to boost economic growth (averaging 4.5%, with a peak of 7% in 2007). The peso also became stronger during her term, following a controversial VAT law extended to balance the budget deficit. She also introduced a policy of adjusting public holidays to allow long weekends to be bridged, with the aim of promoting tourism and enabling Filipinos to spend more time with their families.

Benigno Aquino III, alias Nonoy Aquino, came from a highly presidential lineage within the Philippines. The son of former president Corazon (Cory) Aquino and Benigno Aquino Jr., an opponent of Ferdinand Marcos, who was assassinated in 1983, he, like his parents, has had a full political career. Elected multiple times as a congressman in the Tarlac region and later to the Senate, he became the 15th President of the Republic on June 30, 2010, winning with 42% of the votes, succeeding Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. During his term, he had to deal with several crises, notably facing sharp criticism following a hostage-taking incident on August 23, 2010, at Rizal Park in Manila, which resulted in the deaths of 8 Hong Kong nationals. He was also criticized for his mismanagement of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) which hit Tacloban and Leyte (Pacific coast): the response to the victims was considered too slow. The Mamasapano massacre, in which 44 special forces agents were ambushed, has also been widely criticized for its failed operation. His mandate has nevertheless seen some reforms put in place, particularly at the educational level with a 12-year system (the K-12 education system adopted in the United States, Canada and Australia) which replaced the previous 10-year system. He also launched several improvements in social services and social security. He was replaced in June 2016 by Rodrigo Duterte.

How can we talk about the Philippines without mentioning its President: Rodrigo Duterte, a lawyer and statesman who has been at the head of the country since June 30, 2016. Of course, there is no question of judging his action or his methods, already widely decried by the foreign media, he has his outspokenness which has earned him serious criticism and even reprisals, but he remains very appreciated by the majority of Filipinos who see the change he has brought to the country. A lawyer by training, he worked at the prosecutor’s office in Davao (in southern Mindanao), his hometown, until 1986, when he was appointed vice-mayor following the February revolution that ousted Ferdinand Marcos. He became mayor in 1988 and implemented his policy of zero tolerance towards criminals (including the establishment of his death squads), which helped curb Davao’s reputation as the crime capital. Duterte earned the nickname ‘The Punisher’ during this time. He took a stand for the indigenous communities and Muslim minorities, and did not hesitate to appoint representatives of these minorities as deputies. On the strength of his popularity, he ended up running in the presidential elections, which he won on 9 May 2016 with 39% of the vote. He thus became the first president who speaks Cebuano, which delighted a large portion of the population (particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions). His most controversial action is undoubtedly the war he initiated against drug trafficking and police corruption, which has led to numerous extrajudicial killings… The increase in the budget allocated to public infrastructure is reflected in airport and road projects. His ‘Build Build Build’ program is bearing fruit and it shows: transportation is a priority (underground metro line, bridges, rehabilitation of the railway network in Luzon and Mindanao). He also launches social reforms, advocates for transparency in government, makes public university education free, implements a healthcare coverage system for the poorest, and aimed to reduce citizen inequalities in taxation with the TRAIN economic reform (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion). In terms of foreign affairs, he tends to distance himself from the United States to approach China and Russia. During the COVID-19 crisis, he implemented lockdown measures starting from March 16, 2020, which evolved depending on the regions but still remain at least partially in place. He remains firm on certain points, notably opposing in-person schooling until there is a vaccine. His term of office ends on 30 June 2022, after which he cannot run for re-election, in accordance with the law. He was succeeded by “Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr.“, who will be president for 6 years.