The Colonial Dept.

Let’s take a look at the other side of the Galleon Trade. In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we track the exchange between the Philippines and Minnan—as well as the Chinese who made it happen. (Listen to S5E13 before listening to this one!)

From 1762 to 1764, the British invaded and occupied Manila. When they left and returned the capital to Spain, the Castilians turned their wrath on the Chinese community, calling them traitors, apostates, and collaborators. But what was the real score? Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdeptFollow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept Email us: [email protected] References: Flannery,

In California, sympathetic judges allow a Filipino man to marry a white woman—at least until a new state law arrives. In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we check out the Roldan v. Los Angeles County case. (Listen to S5E12 before listening to this one!)

In the early decades of the 20th century, scores of young Filipino men began migrating to the United States to work. In their spare time, they dressed in their best suits and nattiest shoes, then hit the clubs. But when these dance-hall romances blossomed into marriages with white women, the law stepped in to stop them. Central to the plaintiffs’ legal arguments was a dazzling tr

After publishing Noli Me Tangere, Jose Rizal gets red-tagged… er, German-tagged by the Spanish authorities! In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we check out the accusations against Rizal, and how he responded to them. (Listen to S5E11 before listening to this one!)

Sea snakes and scientists, popes and Pacific islands all star in this wide-ranging episode. As Germany and Spain threaten to go to war over a chain of islands, the Spaniards feared that the diplomatic ruckus kicked up by the Caroline Crisis would also swallow up their colony next door: the Philippines! Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Follow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept Email us

During negotiations with the besieging British, an English officer loses his head to Philippine lancers! In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we zero in on this unexpected episode during the 1762 Battle of Manila. (Listen to S5E10 before listening to this one!)

When the conquistadors arrive in the Philippines, the takers of gold come face to face with the takers of heads. Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Follow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept Email us: [email protected] References: Tan, Narciso C. (2021). Púgot: Head Taking, Ritual Cannibalism, and Human Sacrifice in the Philippines. Vibal Foundation. De Raedt, Jules (2010). “T

During World War II, the Japanese-backed currency became a laughingstock in Manila! In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we take a look at wartime currency. (Listen to S5E9 before listening to this one!)

Sisid rice. “Star” meat. Loads and loads of kamote. Inside Japanese-occupied Manila, residents of the capital city must do what they can to fend off starvation. Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Follow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept Email us: [email protected] References: Doeppers, Daniel (2016). Feeding Manila in Peace and War, 1850-1945. Ateneo de Manila University Pr