I started doing research for a tattoo I would like and ended up here. I sat and stared at this, and thought. I have these muscles somewhere in my forehead or on the bridge of my nose where my glasses sit. I call them epiphany muscles. They do something...I don't know...relax, or tense up. What ever they do, they tense up the skin on my forehead (I think) and they pull my glasses up my nose ever so slightly. As if to pull them closer so I can read, or see more clearly, thereby facilitating an epiphany. My day's going to be different today.
I understand everything that was said. It's burned away a lot of my idea of self. That really fucked my shit up.
Here I am. Searching for self and identity. My mom's puti. Pops is Gaddang. I can't speak a lick of tagalog. I was born in Oakland for god's sake. I would like a traditional sleeve tatt. Gaddangs didn't do traditional tatts from what I can find. The reasons behind that tatts aren't part of this society at all, yet the culture I'm in feels like it doesn't fit me at all. As if some force I don't like is telling me to be somebody I don't want to be. I'm unsettled with the feeling I'm left with...that I'm not happy with myself, when I know that I'm all I have and I like who I am, and I'm proud of most cultural, ethnic, and historical contributions that make me. Now, put on top of that this voice that says "Uhm, It's not over yet. In case you haven't noticed...that half of your identity your so proud of? It's not Filipino. Not Pinoy." Okay then, what? Maharlikan? I don't even know the root of the word? Malayan? Do I have enough credible pride? I mean, I'll eat pinakbit as if it's the last thing on earth. Ampalaya is the food of the gods. I'll eat dinuguan, and balut until my veins are clogged and turn to concrete. I make kare kareng buntot from S to the K to the RATCH. Really. It's not easy doing that between Katamari Damacy and being late for work. But is that enough?
Be sure, I love this controversy it's caused. But now what?
Christian
· 1 year ago
I feel you. Thanks for sharing. The hard part is acknowledgment and you've done that. As far as "now what", that's up to you.
Bugoy HalfPie
· 1 year ago
If I included myself as part...which I so deeply on so many levels want to, even with all my discrepencies...of the Maharlikan/Malayan/Filipino/Pinoy identity. I could only do so at the table. It is only there where my mind shuts the fuck up and gets down to the only equalizer I know. Eating.
Sure, one of the most common areas of imprint colonizers have left there mark is in cuisine. I don't know if anybody cares, but I think our food is flat out the best the planet has to offer. Really. When people ask me about what its like to be Filipino...and I don't have much of a solid ground to stand on...I immediately start referencing our food. All cuisines have foreign influences. All of them. Show me one where there isn't a foreign influence and I'll show you some really boring food. That aside. How should our food be described? Classified? We've got Chinese, Arab, Japanese, Malaysian influences....even european and american. But....how can I best describe the subtle joys of sucking the marinade out of the skewer that held the chicken intestine grilled? How do you want me to call it? IUD? Isaw Manok? What ever. We rock the table. At our table, there's nothing to avoid. What are the opinions we have regarding classifying our cuisine?
I would like to think that strangers to our table won't think turo-turo style. I would also like them to forget the knife and fork as well and not ask for chopsticks when they can't find any thing to eat there food with. It's Kamayan!!! Westerners should already know that this is an option with their food but unfortunately they don't and keep on asking for chopsticks.
I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet Romy Dorotan and Amy Besa. These people are the only ones I know who are working hard to make the rest of the world take notice of our food. I would like to know of more people if there are.
Ako Si Gundam
· 2 months ago
Dude, as long as you speak the Gaddang language, you're Pinoy enough for me. Your dad didn't taught you, did he?
Ge
· 1 year ago
What should they rename it to then? Have you any suggestions?
Christian
· 1 year ago
I always liked Maharlika even though there are some controversies associated with it.
Ako Si Gundam
· 2 months ago
How about these?
"Republica Rizalina"
"Ma-i Republic"
"Ang Haringbayang Katagalugan" (ayan, nagsisipalakpakan na yang mga Tagalista imperyalistiko).
Come to think about it, "Maharlika" isn't bad. We could put a giant dick in the flag. But then again, a nation-state named "Maharlika" never existed.
shulato
· 1 year ago
You want to replace the name, so what would it be?
sana mapalitan yung cross na pantanggal ng vowel...check ma proposed livana symbol,..
n0ypi pRide
· 1 year ago
hhmmm.. i think im starting to think too... u makin me think... & i like it thanks!
Bata
· 1 year ago
If I was born with a Spanish name, or American or Japanese name, I probably wouldn't want to change it, it's part of me, part of who I am, it's not my parents' fault, it's meant to be. I can have a nickname or whatever online name I want, but I don't think I'll change my name. What matters is what I do, what I can give and what we can become.
I think it's not the name but the person, not the book title but the content, that matters more.
Peace!
Maya
· 1 year ago
You can't compare your name with the name of a country because you do did not have a personal history or previous name before. If titles didn't matter then why are there titles then? What if your parents named you Adolf or Osama? You would prob would change it because of what they are attached to.
Christian
· 1 year ago
Great article on adding a 9th ray to the flag Federal Pinoy
regen
· 1 year ago
In my research before MAHARLIKA our ancestors were called YLLAYA. I would like to change our nations name to either YLLAYA or MAHARLIKA.
sounds arrogant and not based on reality, warriors who let themselves colonized 2times (3, if japan counted)...
MAOBAH
· 1 year ago
is that possible????
tintin
· 1 year ago
actually, my prof. in my art studies course said that before the Spaniards came, our chunk of land was known as "maharlika" or "noble one" some sort of that. she even said that our ancestors were pretty much rich and pride themselves, they are even very much respected by the japanese, chinese, indians and arabs in the barter era.
Jamal
· 1 year ago
I accidentally came across your website today and am pleasantly surprised. I think it is a great idea to change the name of the country. I have been an advocate of that idea for some time and have been sharing it with friends and relatives. I am not Pinoy and I do not apologize for that. I have been married to a Filipina for 14 years. We have a beautiful Mestizo child who is 12 years old. We live part of the time in Cebu and So. Leyte. I have traveled to the country 15 times in the last 15 years. I love the country and its people very much. I also understand the love/hate relationship that exists for the U.S. I am anti imperialist and consider myself an Internationalist. I am neither bragging nor complaining, simply stating facts to explain where I come from.
Before considering your task of changing the country's name I"m sure you realized what an up-hill battle you have. In my experience, when I have asked most Filipinos where the name of their country comes from, they don't have a clue. They are also unaware of the countless atrocities committed by the country of Spain and its church. I have studied the history of the country and written dozens of letters, emails and spoken in public regarding all of this. I applaud you in all that you do and wish you great success. Serve the people, jamal
Christian
· 1 year ago
Oh yeah, there are no delusions that it will be accepted. I seriously double it will happened in my lifetime but how knows. I never thought I would see someone like Obama in my lifetime as well.
a11an
· 11 months ago
Lets call it LAMBANOG. Jokes :-)
MAHARLIKA sounds good.
I prefer MALAYA.
a11an
· 11 months ago
Lambanog! Joking :)
Maharlika sounds good.
MALAYA is my choice.
Noel
· 10 months ago
I read somewhere that Maharlika is a corruption of the Sanskrit words "maha" or large and "lingam" or penis. So the term literally mean big dick. It may not necessarily be appropriate as a potential name for the Republic.
Some people wanted to use Malayan Republic which will court controversy with Malaysia. Then again, aren't the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo currently co-existing as separate independent neighboring countries in southern Africa?
Christian II
· 9 months ago
why change the country name ? escape from the chain of colonialism and mental slavery? that's BS ...let it go bro. This is a new world we live in ...this is not medieval times. Spend more time on the real issues.
alexf
· 7 months ago
I like Maharlika too... but it's uncertain historical underpinnings and the Marcos link makes it damaged goods... But the idea is right, we have to look into our history to find a term that works...
Thanks for linking me to this page Christian... maybe you can summarise, or even cut and paste the above onto the history group discussion board?
avopd
· 7 months ago
So we should not be proud of or celebrate anything? That sounds like self-oppression to me. It's not like the Spaniards are standing on a mountaintop and laughing at us. I hate it when some self-righteous folks think we're the only people in history to ever be colonized. Newsflash: 90% of the world has been colonized. Even the Spaniards were colonized themselves (by the Romans, just in case you think I'm making this stuff up). Do the Spanish mope about all day talking about how the Romans did them wrong?
We can't change the past, only the future. History is great, but let's move FORWARD, not live in the past.
BTW, "Pilipino/Pilipina" are just as "colonial" as "Filipino" -- because those words are still genderized.
Christian
· 7 months ago
Did I say there's nothing to be proud of? I'm under no delusion we can change the past or we are the only country colonized. India was colonized but changed the names of cities. Bottom line, moving forward is changing the name of the country that might help change the future. If someone were to invade the country right now and change the name to Crap Islands, should we accept it as time goes by?
Christian
Krishnakumar K.A.
· 7 months ago
Hi bro,
Your blog is so interesting. I am basically an Indian and i found in filipinos a kind of identity crisis always. Few of my friends proudly say about their spanish blood! And few of them proudly say about their chinese blood. I rarely found filipinos whom are proud about their citizenship of philippines. As you rightly pointed out it is the high time to changes the name of Philippines. It always denote the slavery and colonization of a great country. Congrats billions of times for this blog. It will boost the morale of the mahalikans.
Regards, Krishna
illament
· 4 months ago
The spanish were bastards, the Japanese were sadistic overlords and the Americans were lying arse holes. These big three were once our Tyrants and shaped us as a people today. From the darkskinned, nappy headed islander to the pale, slanty eyed islander were are a deep mix. Our food, our music, our language is a conglemerate of hate, passion and blood mixed over hundreds of years. We are mis-identified, mystified, villified and degerated. You think we are one giant island when we are really a collection of similar looking people. So what the hell are we and what are supposed to be. It's really one big island telling a bunch of smaller islands what they think is important in terms of religion, lifestyle, culture and politics. Three stars and a sun my ass. More like one big sun blinding the hell out of people. So what are we really?
Survivors??
Michelle
· 1 year ago
Never really thought about this. Thank you for making me think
All Comments
I understand everything that was said. It's burned away a lot of my idea of self. That really fucked my shit up.
Here I am. Searching for self and identity. My mom's puti. Pops is Gaddang. I can't speak a lick of tagalog. I was born in Oakland for god's sake. I would like a traditional sleeve tatt. Gaddangs didn't do traditional tatts from what I can find. The reasons behind that tatts aren't part of this society at all, yet the culture I'm in feels like it doesn't fit me at all. As if some force I don't like is telling me to be somebody I don't want to be. I'm unsettled with the feeling I'm left with...that I'm not happy with myself, when I know that I'm all I have and I like who I am, and I'm proud of most cultural, ethnic, and historical contributions that make me. Now, put on top of that this voice that says "Uhm, It's not over yet. In case you haven't noticed...that half of your identity your so proud of? It's not Filipino. Not Pinoy." Okay then, what? Maharlikan? I don't even know the root of the word? Malayan? Do I have enough credible pride? I mean, I'll eat pinakbit as if it's the last thing on earth. Ampalaya is the food of the gods. I'll eat dinuguan, and balut until my veins are clogged and turn to concrete. I make kare kareng buntot from S to the K to the RATCH. Really. It's not easy doing that between Katamari Damacy and being late for work. But is that enough?
Be sure, I love this controversy it's caused. But now what?
Sure, one of the most common areas of imprint colonizers have left there mark is in cuisine. I don't know if anybody cares, but I think our food is flat out the best the planet has to offer. Really. When people ask me about what its like to be Filipino...and I don't have much of a solid ground to stand on...I immediately start referencing our food. All cuisines have foreign influences. All of them. Show me one where there isn't a foreign influence and I'll show you some really boring food. That aside. How should our food be described? Classified? We've got Chinese, Arab, Japanese, Malaysian influences....even european and american. But....how can I best describe the subtle joys of sucking the marinade out of the skewer that held the chicken intestine grilled? How do you want me to call it? IUD? Isaw Manok? What ever. We rock the table. At our table, there's nothing to avoid. What are the opinions we have regarding classifying our cuisine?
I would like to think that strangers to our table won't think turo-turo style. I would also like them to forget the knife and fork as well and not ask for chopsticks when they can't find any thing to eat there food with. It's Kamayan!!! Westerners should already know that this is an option with their food but unfortunately they don't and keep on asking for chopsticks.
I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet Romy Dorotan and Amy Besa. These people are the only ones I know who are working hard to make the rest of the world take notice of our food. I would like to know of more people if there are.
"Republica Rizalina"
"Ma-i Republic"
"Ang Haringbayang Katagalugan" (ayan, nagsisipalakpakan na yang mga Tagalista imperyalistiko).
Come to think about it, "Maharlika" isn't bad. We could put a giant dick in the flag. But then again, a nation-state named "Maharlika" never existed.
luvano/pinoy ahehehe
thanks!
I think it's not the name but the person, not the book title but the content, that matters more.
Peace!
Federal Pinoy
http://www.topix.com/forum/world/philippines/TF...
sounds arrogant
and not based on reality, warriors who let themselves colonized 2times (3, if japan counted)...
Before considering your task of changing the country's name I"m sure you realized what an up-hill battle you have. In my experience, when I have asked most Filipinos where the name of their country comes from, they don't have a clue. They are also unaware of the countless atrocities committed by the country of Spain and its church. I have studied the history of the country and written dozens of letters, emails and spoken in public regarding all of this. I applaud you in all that you do and wish you great success. Serve the people, jamal
MAHARLIKA sounds good.
I prefer MALAYA.
Maharlika sounds good.
MALAYA is my choice.
Some people wanted to use Malayan Republic which will court controversy with Malaysia. Then again, aren't the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo currently co-existing as separate independent neighboring countries in southern Africa?
Thanks for linking me to this page Christian... maybe you can summarise, or even cut and paste the above onto the history group discussion board?
We can't change the past, only the future.
History is great, but let's move FORWARD, not live in the past.
BTW, "Pilipino/Pilipina" are just as "colonial" as "Filipino" -- because those words are still genderized.
change the past or we are the only country colonized. India was
colonized but changed the names of cities. Bottom line, moving forward
is changing the name of the country that might help change the future.
If someone were to invade the country right now and change the name to
Crap Islands, should we accept it as time goes by?
Christian
Your blog is so interesting. I am basically an Indian and i found in filipinos a kind of identity crisis always. Few of my friends proudly say about their spanish blood! And few of them proudly say about their chinese blood. I rarely found filipinos whom are proud about their citizenship of philippines. As you rightly pointed out it is the high time to changes the name of Philippines. It always denote the slavery and colonization of a great country. Congrats billions of times for this blog. It will boost the morale of the mahalikans.
Regards,
Krishna
Survivors??