What if the iconic parol wasn’t originally about Christmas? 🌟 Discover the forgotten roots of this Filipino Christmas lantern, from its precolonial spiritual origins to its evolution as a Christmas symbol. A journey through history, creativity, and the enduring Filipino spirit! 🎥 Join us! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books Related Videos & Playlists: 🌞 Precolonial & Early Philippine History https://bit.ly/EarlyPhilippines 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia - https://bit.ly/KnowSoutheastAsia 🔥 ‘Discovery’ & Conquest of the Philippines: https://bit.ly/DiscoveringPH 🌟 Pinoy Historian Reacts to Disney’s From Our Family to Yours: https://youtu.be/uYMSAK1tDrU 🎄 Why Filipino Christmas Starts in September: https://youtu.be/5lhqab60XTw Video Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:58 Growing Up Surrounded by Parols 01:49 The Parol: A Beacon of Filipino Christmas 03:35 Precolonial Roots: Light as a Spiritual Guide 05:21 Similar Lantern Traditions Across Asia 06:20 Spanish Influence: Lanterns in Catholic Rituals 07:00 Kapampangan Lubenas Processions 09:38 The Birth of the Modern Parol 11:06 San Fernando and the Giant Lanterns 12:54 Why the Parol Matters Today: A Legacy of Light and Creativity 📺 What You’ll Learn in This Video: The parol's origins trace back to precolonial Kapampangan rituals celebrating light as a spiritual guide. Spanish Catholicism introduced traditions like Lubenas, transforming lantern-making into a Filipino art form. In 1908, Francisco Estanislao shaped the modern parol, inspiring its evolution. Kapampangan artisans in San Fernando elevated it further, while the parol remains a unifying symbol for the diaspora. Today, it blends tradition with innovation, shining brightly in the Giant Lantern Festival. ☀️ About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines.

What if the Philippines was never colonized? The trailer for The Kingdom imagines an alternate history, sparking questions about precolonial culture and governance. In this video, we explore the historical accuracy behind its depictions of architecture, gold, tattoos, and social structures. Let’s dive into this reimagined history and explore the stories behind the film’s symbols. 🎥 Join us! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books Related Videos & Playlists: 🌞 Precolonial & Early Philippine History https://bit.ly/EarlyPhilippines 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia - https://bit.ly/KnowSoutheastAsia 🔥 ‘Discovery’ & Conquest of the Philippines: https://bit.ly/DiscoveringPH Video Chapters: 00:00 Intro: What If the Philippines Was Never Colonized? 01:33 Architecture: Inspired or Inaccurate? 03:34 Gold: Power and Prestige 05:44 Tattoos: Identity and Status 07:46 Social Classes: Mobility vs. Hierarchy 10:47 Governance: Leadership Structures 14:04 Women in Power: Historical Reality 16:06 Cultural Fusion: Beliefs and Traditions 17:34 Unified Kalayaan: Fiction or Possibility? 20:16 Conclusion: Your Thoughts? 📺 About This Video: This video delves into The Kingdom trailer, exploring its portrayal of precolonial Philippines. From architecture and gold to tattoos and governance, we examine the historical roots and cultural significance of these elements. Discover how the film reimagines our heritage while sparking curiosity about our vibrant past. ☀️ About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines.

Did you know Salámat means more than just 'thank you'? 🙏🏽 It’s a wish for peace, harmony, and well-being, rooted in our indigenous traditions and precolonial Muslim heritage. But over centuries, colonialism reshaped its meaning. What really happened? 🎥 Join us! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books Related Videos & Playlists: 🌞 Precolonial & Early Philippine History https://bit.ly/EarlyPhilippines 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia - https://bit.ly/KnowSoutheastAsia 🔥 ‘Discovery’ & Conquest of the Philippines: https://bit.ly/DiscoveringPH Video Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Salamat’s Forgotten Meaning? 00:53 What Salamat Means Today 02:15 The Linguistic Roots of Salamat 04:10 Salamat in Baybayin and Kulitan Scripts 05:55 Indigenous Thanksgiving Traditions 07:23 How Colonialism Changed Salamat 10:13 Salamat’s True Essence: A Wish for Peace 📺 About This Video: This video explores the deeper meaning of Salámat, a Filipino word that goes beyond 'thank you.' Rooted in precolonial Muslim heritage and indigenous Filipino traditions, Salámat represents peace, harmony, and well-being. We’ll dive into its linguistic origins, connections to Southeast Asian cultures, and its transformation under centuries of colonization. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of Salámat and what it truly means to Filipinos today. ☀️ About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines.

Was it founded in 1405 or 1450? Discover the rise of the Sultanate of Sulu, a small island kingdom that became one of Southeast Asia’s oldest Islamic powers. Explore its maritime legacy, cultural resilience, and the pivotal role of Sultan Sharif ul-Hāshim in shaping history. Let's dive into the untold journey of a kingdom that defied the odds! 🎥 Join us! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books Related Videos & Playlists: 📜 “Who Really Owns Sabah?” Playlist - https://bit.ly/SabahHistory 🌞 Precolonial & Early Philippine History https://bit.ly/EarlyPhilippines 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia: https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/seahistory Video Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:36 The Birth of the Sultanate 03:07 Sulu: A Maritime Crossroads 04:54 How Islam Transformed Sulu 07:37 Sultan Sharif ul-Hāshim and the Sultanate 10:08 1405 or 1450? Founding Mystery 12:32 Sulu’s Ties with Ming China 14:38 Uniting Sulu Under One Sultanate 18:22 The Sultanate’s Enduring Legacy About this Video & Series: Explore the history of the Sultanate of Sulu, one of Southeast Asia’s oldest Islamic powers. This maritime kingdom rose to prominence through Sultan Sharif ul-Hāshim’s leadership, the bravery of the Tausūg, Sama-Bajau, and Yakan peoples, and the spread of Islam. Learn how it transformed a small island chain into a maritime powerhouse, unified the Sulu Archipelago under Islamic governance, and connected Southeast Asia to the global Islamic world. This episode also delves into the founding debates—1405 or 1450?—and the Sultanate's enduring legacy as part of a mini-series on its rise, golden age, and twilight. About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines.

🔗 Watch the full video here https://youtu.be/9oBz9i5F7Co

Did you know ketchup began as a fish sauce in Southeast Asia? Discover its journey from Asia to America’s favorite condiment—and learn how recent FDA bans on Filipino staples like banana ketchup impact Filipino-Americans and their taste of home. 🎥 Join us! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books Related Videos & Playlists: 🇵🇭 Filipino Food History & Culture - https://bit.ly/filipinofoodhistory 🌞 Precolonial & Early Philippine History https://bit.ly/EarlyPhilippines 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia - https://bit.ly/KnowSoutheastAsia Video Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The FDA Ban on Filipino Condiments 01:13 Southeast Asia’s Fish Sauce Origins of Ketchup 03:30 The Etymology of Ketchup: From "Kê-Tsiap" to "Ketchup" 05:46 How Ketchup Traveled from Asia to Europe 08:24 Tomato Ketchup: An American Transformation 10:25 Banana Ketchup: A Filipino Innovation 12:30 Southeast Asian Fish Sauce and Filipino Food Culture 14:11 Conclusion: A Global Journey of Flavor About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines.

Is Filipino food really just "meh"? In this video, we uncover the rich layers of flavor, history, and culture behind Filipino cuisine that often go unnoticed. From sisig to kinilaw, these dishes reveal the incredible diversity and creativity rooted in the Philippines' culinary traditions. 🎥 Join us! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books Related Videos & Playlists: 🇵🇭 Precolonial & Early Philippine History https://bit.ly/EarlyPhilippines 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia - https://bit.ly/KnowSoutheastAsia 🇵🇭 Philippine Mythologies - https://bit.ly/MythologyPH Video Chapters: 00:00 Is Filipino Food Meh? 01:04 Introduction to Filipino Cuisine 02:33 Social Inequalities and Filipino Food 05:38 Filipino Food Misconceptions 07:36 Indigenous Roots of Filipino Dishes 08:52 Trade, Colonization & Cuisine 11:08 Complexity in Filipino Flavors 12:31 Exploring Regional Cuisines 15:26 Filipino Food: A Culinary Identity 17:32 Embracing & Celebrating Filipino Cuisine About the Video: In this episode, we dive into the origins and evolution of Filipino cuisine, exploring iconic dishes like sisig, kinilaw, and adobo, each carrying its own unique cultural story. Discover how centuries of trade, colonization, and indigenous traditions have shaped the flavors across the Philippines, highlighting the diversity of regional specialties and the resilience of our people. Whether you're a fan or a first-timer, this video offers a fresh perspective on why Filipino food is anything but "meh." Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights into Filipino history, culture, and everything in between! About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines.

Dive deep into the diverse ‘Day of the Dead’ traditions across the Philippines. From precolonial rituals like the Kapampangan Dáun and Ilocano Atang to modern practices blending indigenous, Catholic, and Islamic influences, we’ll explore how these customs honor our ancestors and celebrate cultural heritage. 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books 🎥 Join my channel! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join Related Videos & Playlists: 🇵🇭 Philippine Mythologies - https://bit.ly/MythologyPH 👻 "Scary" Mythical Beings in the Philippines & Southeast Asia - https://bit.ly/scarymumu 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia - https://bit.ly/KnowSoutheastAsia Video Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:06 Ancient Rituals and Heritage of the Philippines 02:40 Ilocano Atang: Food Offerings for Ancestors 03:53 Ibaloi Fire Mummies: Ancient Preservation of Heritage 04:43 Kapampangan Daun & Parol: Ancestral Offerings 07:06 Kalag-Kalag: Memory and Family in the Visayas 08:26 Lumad Traditions: Honoring Ancestors 09:26 Kanduli: Ceremonial Feast Among Muslims 10:58 Thanksgiving in Filipino Culture: Daun and Kanduli 11:30 Spanish Influence on Filipino Day of the Dead 13:13 Global Ties: Day of the Dead Traditions from Mexico to the Philippines 14:58 Honoring Ancestors: Continuity of Traditions 15:55 Share Your Stories: How Does Your Family Honor the Dead? About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines.