“Pieces of gold, the size of walnuts and eggs, are found by sifting the earth in the island of that king who came to our ships,” chronicled the explorer, Antonio Pigafetta, about Raja Siagu upon the Spaniards’ arrival in Butuan during the Magellan expedition. “All the dishes of that king are of gold and also some portions of his house as we were told by that king himself. He had a covering of silk on his head, and wore two large golden earrings fastened in his ears ... At his side hung a dagger, the haft of which was somewhat long and all of gold, and its scabbard of carved wood. He had three spots of gold on every tooth, and his teeth appeared as if bound with gold.”
One can only imagine the awe that overcame these European explorers when they discovered such a rich and elaborate society. Even today the Philippines possesses one of the world’s largest gold deposits, and there is evidence that mining began as early as 1000 BC. By the time the Spanish conquistadors reached Philippine shores, the islands had a flourishing culture that traded in the precious metal and citizens adorned themselves in gold to display status.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Master of One
Shaolin master Shi Heng Yi talks about the power of self-mastery, and how the path to wellness can be as simple as watching the clouds go
Where the Heart Is
Explorer and businesswoman, Paloma Urquijo Zobel, has found an exciting treasure trove of undiscovered heritage that she hopes to bring forth into the mainstream
The Next Chapter
Four personalities reveal how their lives, businesses and careers have been transformed by the pandemic
Health is Wealth
The world has radically changed and now more than ever, health and wellness are of the utmost priority. Here are some trends that are on the rise and here to stay this 2021.
Poetry and Purpose
As beauty and wellness become increasingly driven by values rather than value, the influence of Aesop and its pioneering concept is becoming undeniable
A Woman for Women
The advocate Christine Amour-Levar is achieving no mean feats for her favourite cause
Finding Their Place in This World
Since 2010, more than 50 transgender people have lost their lives in the Philippines. In this stirring piece by Corinne Redfern sheds light on the search for equality and rights for the thousands of trans men and women who are seeking to live their lives, without fear. This article is a partnership between The Fuller Project and Tatler.
Keep Calm and Listen to Paul
Celebrating his 50th anniversary, Paul Smith launches a foundation imparting his wisdom to young talents, in the hope of cultivating good manners and good times
From Betsy's Brush
For 60 years, Betsy Westendorp has created beautiful canvases that have brought joy to many homes. It is now time for a proper tribute.
A Secluded Oasis
One family has discovered the luxury of true relaxation at their seaside home in Batangas, which has become their safe cocoon during the pandemic
10 tools cruising sailors bring to the stay-at-home table
On March 19, as Jon and I finished setting the hook in Corong Corong Bay, Palawan, we were approached by the Philippine coast guard and told to leave. The enhanced community quarantine was newly in effect, and we were unwelcome.
IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS
Go slowly, look closely, and killer nudi shots could be your reward
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC CLAIMS ANOTHER VICTIM: ROBOCALLS
Have you been missing something amid the lockdowns and stay-at-home orders? No, not human contact. Not even toilet paper.
A good landing is one you can walk away from
No, this is not a scene from any movie where the hero staggers away from a “good landing” on Mindoro, Philippine Islands, after being shot down by a Japanese Zero; it is an actual photo of Lt. S. F. Ford walking away from a virtually new Lockheed P-38L-5-LO Lightning that he crash-landed, probably some time after January 1945.
The Philippines Faces Fiery Volcano Eruption as Year Begins
Shortly after the New Year began, on January 12, the 1,020-foot high Taal Volcano near the Philippine capital of Manila let loose.
The Chocolate Hills of Bohol
Wait, did you say, “Chocolate Hills?!” If you have mouth-watering images of mounds of chocolate ready to be munched, your taste buds will be sorely disappointed.
She Tried To Smuggle A Baby In Her Baggage!
AMERICAN FACING LIFE IN PHILIPPINE PRISON OVER ADOPTION SCANDAL.
An American Pig in the Philippines
To meet Asian demand, the U.S is sending in its best best porcine DNA.
China to donate 500,000 vaccine doses to Phl
The Chinese government has committed to donate 500,000 doses of vaccines for COVID-19, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced yesterday.
RENT A SCOOTER TO TRAVEL AROUND BGC
PSA: You can now use the Philippines’ first ever bike and e-scooter sharing platform in Bonifacio Global City