PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION Philippine History traces the early beginnings of the country's natural environment, its people and culture, shaped and changed by socioeconomic and geopolitical conditions. This book intends to incorporate the notable events that took place in our country, unfurling the aspirations of the people and unfolding the possibilities of the future. Scholars of history have already written quite a number of specialized studies about the Philippines. The purpose of this book is to introduce the past, based upon recent researches. By looking at the past, we also think forward and work towards fulfillment of our dreams in having a truly fee and progessive nation that we can be proud of. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION The second edition of the book, Philippine History, highlighted more details and insights about the remote and recent past interlined with the various aspects of the country's development in transition. This venture is a response to varied comments from the academic community and interested readers that there is a need to update the writing of a textbook in history as well as to make it more comprehesible and relevant to the needs of the new generation. In time, the claims and controversies of some accounts of history have to verify and understand to reveal historical truths and dismiss mythical information gathered unintentionally in the past. People do remember things that are important. It cannot be denied that modern technology and civic order are vital to meet the country's progress. But as Dr. Jose P. Rizal once wrote in his essay, "The Philippines A Century Hence," "If you want to foretell the destiny of the Filipino people, study the pages of the book that tells of their past." - from Amzon