Economic Activities of the Women of Batangas Province by Tarcila Malabanan

"In Batangas the 'idle lady' does not exist" opened Tarcila Malabanan's essay written in 1916 that became part of the Beyer Collection. It celebrated the industrious women in Batangas, Philippines enumerating the role they play in education and business. How some women charted their path even besting their "good-for-nothing husbands."

The Cheese Industry of Laguna Province by Teodulo Agus

The famous Kesong Puti, a kind of cottage cheese, being sold in Laguna, Philippines turned out to be an endeavor that existed even a century before. Teodulo Agus described the cheese making process on a paper published on October 20, 1919. It found a spot in the Beyer Collection.

Effect of the Railroad in Panay on the General Economic Life of the People by Ismael Colez

The Panay Railway started operation in 1911 connecting Roxas City of Capiz to the port city of Iloilo. Along its route laid vast farm and sugar lands which Ismael Colez assessed if its farmers benefited from the brand new infrastructure. His findings included in the collection of H. Otley Beyer.

Bikol [Bicol] Folklore by Rosario Bonto

Transcribed from the Beyer Ethnographic Collection of the National Library of the Philippines this tells a Bicolano creation myth with some elements becoming popular throughout the archipelago, mainly the story of Malakas and Maganda, the first man and woman coming out of a bamboo, and how different ethnicity came to be, which in reflection sounded offensive.

Made by Jaypee Arillas
(https://www.artstation.com/artwork/oABRwq)

A Bikol Folktale From Tabaco, Albay by Esperanza F. Bonto

Transcribed from the Beyer Ethnographic Collection of the National Library of the Philippines this tells the tale of a golden mortar and pestle found in a river that alludes anyone close in obtaining it. In the Philippines, folktales about golden items being found in rivers proliferated across the country and time. Even the famous Golden Tara of Butuan and the Laguna Copper Plate were found in rivers.

Who was the Empress Dowager Cixi? - Part 2

With another 5-year old Emperor in the throne, Cixi once again played the role of regent. With the 1st regency running from 1875 – 1879, while the 2nd regency saw its course from 1898 – 1908. Her regency during the reign of the Guangxu Emperor earned her the notoriety her name became synonymous with.

What are the causes of the Xinhai Revolution of 1911?

1911 marked the end of the Ancien Regime for China. The Xinhai Revolution of 1911 put an end in to the institution that steered the country for more than a millennium. Though ideas of emperors remained alive, it had no hopes of restoration. However, what caused the Xinhai Revolution?

Who was Liang Qichao?

Ideas, like seeds, when sowed to the ground, it will take root then grow into trees. Liang Qichao’s ideas on reforming China became the seeds from which the root Mao Zedong appeared and finally grew to the tree in form of the People’s Republic of China.

Death of an Empire - 1911 Chinese Revolution

Despite Wuhan having today a terrible image as ground zero for COVID-19, it had earned a place in Chinese history as the center of a Revolution that marked the end of an era and a dawn of another.

The House of Barakzai of Afghanistan - Part 3

Nadir Khan became Nadir Shah after deposing King Amanullah in 1929. Amanullah's downfall came no surprise after the late King imposed rapid reformation of the country striking a strong core of traditionalism of Afghans. Barakzai Kings must then rule country respecting tradition yet maintain a course of reform in a slower and gradual pace or face downfall.

Kabul Railway

The House of Barakzai of Afghanistan - Part 2

After the Second Anglo-Afghan War, Afghanistan rebuild under the leadership fo Abdur Rahman. As the new century came near, new challenges confronted the Barakzai Dynasty. Other than maintaining peace with imperial powers, the Barakzai also faced the reality of change – modernization, westernization, and reformation. They must steer the country towards stable progress against a backdrop of rigid traditionalism and tribalism.

Afghan troops, 1900's

The House of Barakzai of Afghanistan - Part 1

The dynasty led Afghanistan from 1826 to 1973 and on that period it battled foreign intervention, imperialism, traditionalism, and tribalism resulting to eventful and turbulent reigns of its rulers.

Dost Mohammad, Founder of the Barakzai Dynasty

Gandhi in South Africa

Gandhi in South Africa

Gandhi used non-violence noncooperation, known as satyagraha, to bring independence to his country India. However, the satyagraha developed not in India, but in a country across another side of the Indian Ocean – South Africa. There Gandhi stayed for more than a decade and developed his most revolutionary way of fighting oppression and discrimination.

The Henry Ford

Henry Ford

One of the icons of American business and automobile industry. He revolutionize the manufacturing of cars, bringing it to the masses. His innovations gave him a sparkling name, but his later years, tarnished his reputation and became notorious in the eyes of the public. Henry Ford rose from humble beginnings into one of the greatest magnates in the early 1900's.

Dangerous Dictators: Idi Amin

Idi Amin

He ruled his country with an iron fist for 9 years. During that time, he terrorized his people and subjugated them in tremendous fear. He crushed his opponent both real and imagined. His antics surprised many and gave him the image of a “buffoon” in the eyes of the international community. He led his country through his personal taste, making his country isolated, chaotic, and bankrupt. He was one of Africa’s most brutal dictator. He was Idi Amin.

Yasuda Zenjiro: The Founder of the Fourth Largest Zaibatsu

Yasuda Zenjiro

Founded the Yasuda Zaibatsu, he came from a poor background but rose to prominence in the financial world from his money changing business. He cashed in the development of Japan and made huge fortunes that landed his company as the fourth largest Zaibatsu or conglomerate in country.

Dangerous Dictators: Mobutu Sese Seko

Mobutu Sese Seko

If someone made a list of worst dictators in history, Mobutu Sese Seko would always be a part of the list. A man who ruined his country, Mobutu ruled with brutality, corruption, and extreme case of narcissism. Served initially as a soldier in the Belgian colonial army, he became journalist and an active participant in politics. When he returned to the military, he became widely involve in the politics of the newly independent Democratic Republic of Congo. So much his involvement, he launched a coup that marked the start of his 32 year reign of terror.

Dangerous Dictators: Jean-Bedel Bokassa

Jean-Bedel Bokassa during his coronation

Known for brutality and outrageous extravagance, Jean-Bedel Bokassa showed an example of how authoritarian military rulers turning into despotic megalomania. From a soldier in the French Army to his country’s Emperor, Bokassa brought terror and poverty to his people.

William Wrigley, Jr.: Gum Magnate and Advertising Genius

William Wrigley, Jr.

William Wrigley, Jr. (September 30, 1861 – January 26, 1932) owned the biggest gum manufacturing company in the world – Wrigley’s Chewing Gum. From an energetic but a mischievous kid, Wrigley started as a labor and rose to become a salesman. His experience as a sales gave him the skills needed to advertise a product. With one his gimmicks he discovered a candy that gave him millions – chewing gum. He then establish himself a major player in the industry, took risk, and became number one. He then used his wealth to various investment and interest. Upon his demise, he left a huge wealth and a prospering company to his son.

The Nguyen Dynasty - The Last Ruling Family of Vietnam

Gia Long

They once ruled Vietnam. They were in fact, the last family to rule it as a monarchy. They faced constant threats from rivals at home and later, from abroad. It took toils in order to win and to establish their rule. It took also defiance to survive in a changing world. And it took a communist icon in order to remove them. The Nguyen Dynasty was last ruling monarchial family.