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Thursday, May 17. 2007
When I was in highschool, I used to join quiz bees sponsored by our school. Every year the school conducts science, math, english, and history quiz bees for each level. I always participate in the History quiz bee since that's my forte. I never won any award or medal for joining this competition for four years. I remember I came close to winning the first place during my sophomore year. I lost because I did not know the answer for the tie-breaker question. If my memory is right, the question asked who the father of India is. I didn't know what to write since I'm very poor when it comes to Asian History.
My opponent won the contest since he knows the answer to the question. Ever since that fatal day, the name Mahatma Gandhi, the father of India, is forever engraved in my memory. I also remember that my mom prepared a delicious scallop dish just for me since she thought I won. I didn't eat anything that day since I'm busy researching information about Gandhi in the internet. Based from my research, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a spiritual and political leader of India. People referred to him as their father. He believes in non-violence when pursuing freedom.
Mahatma Gandhi was a lawyer and freedom fighter. He used to study in Europe and help the Africans with their problems before he came back to India. He was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948. Gandhi was in a prayer meeting when he was shot. A lot of people said that Gandhi was murdered because there are extremists who didn't like his peaceful ideas. Even though Gandhi had done great achievements, he never won any Nobel Peace Prize.
Tuesday, May 8. 2007
One fatal mistake can lead to a devastating crisis and inflict endless pain. This is what I observed as I read the news in my dsl broadband internet about the Middleast crisis. I felt pity to the innocent civilians, who were killed in the Israeli airstrike in Qana. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert earlier apologized to the Lebanese for what happened in Qana. He was sorry for the pain he had caused Lebanese but quickly said that they are fighting terrorists, in reference to Hezbollah. Last Sunday, Israeli aircraft bombed Qana, Lebanon which killed at least fifty-four innocent civilians. Although, I know Israel is fighting for what they believe in. If they want to annihilate Hezbollah, they shouldn't harm any civilians. The adage, the end justifies the means is not applicable in this situation.
Monday, May 7. 2007
The word cease fire may be the last word you can ever hear Israel utters. According to the news, Israel has fifteen thousand reserve troops, which will go inside the territory of Lebanon in just a few days. Israel is very firm when they said no to cease fire, in spite of the warnings of other nations. In fact, yesterday, the cabinet has approved their offensive campaign against Lebanon. Even, United States, which is not involve in this crisis is declaring no to cease fire. How dare US butt-in, in this crisis as though, it is not part of the conflict. Instead of mediating to solve the issue between two nations, US stares and creates stand while they watch the two nations killed each other.
Sunday, May 6. 2007
 It seems like there's no hope that Israel would change their mind about attacking and pulverizing Hezbollah in Lebanon. In fact, Israeli troops have entered Aita Al-Shaab, a Lebanese town in the south. This conclude that Israel won't back down against their word to end Hezbollah. I remembered, this conflict began when Hezbollah killed two Israelis. Even though, this feud can still be patch, it seems that Israel has close its doors for reconciliation and peace talks. Israel should remember that everything in this world is relative and subjective. For the Lebanese, hezbollah is not a terrorist group because they are only fighting for their beliefs, which is also the same with Israel. They're killing and fighting because of their beliefs. If fighting for what you believe in means you're a terrorist then I can say that Israel is a terrorist as well.
Sunday, April 29. 2007
The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous building ever built in the world. It was built to protect China from the Mongol, Turkic, and other nomadic tribes trying to invade China. The wall measures 6,352 kilometers starting from Shanhai Pass on the Bohai Sea in the east, at the limit between "China proper" and Manchuria, to Lop Nur in the southeastern portion of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The wall roughly delineates the border between North China and Inner Mongolia. It was built during the reign of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi between 220 BC and 200 BC.
Saturday, April 28. 2007
 During the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the initial wall of the amazing Great Wall of China was built. It was mostly a product of several regional walls built by warring states and not by single endeavors. It was the government who ordered its citizens to build the wall. While building the wall, there were many workers who died because of enemy's attack. It was referred to as the “longest cemetery on Earth” or “the long graveyard.” It was also said that there are almost one million workers who died building the wall. The succeeding walls were built by succeeding dynasties namely the Han, the Sui, and the Ten Kingdoms.
Friday, April 27. 2007
Some portions of the Great Wall of China were opened as tourist spots for foreigners. There are also parts that were reconstructed and alloted for preservation. However, most of its locations are in poor condition right now. There are parts that became playground for children and source of stones for building houses and roads. It is estimated that only 20% of the Great Wall of China is still in good condition. Still, there are a lot of people who wants to see this amazing structure in China.
Thursday, April 5. 2007
Last February, the entire Philippine nation celebrated the 20th anniversary of the so-called EDSA Revolution or referred to as the People Power Revolution and the Philippine Revolution of 1986. It was mostly a non-violent mass demonstration in the Philippines. This revolution, according to a Filipino friend named Danny, involved a four-day peaceful action by millions of Filipinos in Metro Manila which led to the downfall of President Ferdinand Marcos' authoritarian regime. Danny even added that after Marcos vacated his position, Corazon Aquino was declared as the president of the nation. He explained to me that the revolution mainly occurred along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, a main highway in Metro Manila, that's why it called EDSA Revolution.
Danny told me also that was not the only people power revolution that happened in his country. After that, there were three remaining revolutions that happened in the Philippines although the last two were unsuccessful. Man, that was tough! When I heard that from him, my first reaction was admiration. Admiration because overthrowing a government is hard. It is not simple as eating a piece of cake. You have to have courage, determination, and most of all, cooperation from the people. After our conversation, I told myself, will United States be able to do that also?
Thursday, March 29. 2007
Israel has always been a hot topic in the world's current news. But we all know that even way before, back in the era of Abraham, Israel has always been an issue to a lot of people. This is surprising, considering that Israel is just a small nation (check with your world atlas map), with about seven million number of inhabitants.
But did you know that a lot of biblical prophecies regarding Israel has already been fulfilled? One of these prophecies can be found in Luke (section 21:24) of the King James Version of the Bible, where it is said: "And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled."
This has already been fulfilled, and it is chronicled in the world's history. All the countries of the world is witness to it, as they saw the Romans conquer Jerusalem twice during the years 70 AD and 135 AD. In this two invasions, an estimated number of 1 million Jews were killed. With this, the entire Jew population scattered around the world, in Europe and America. There are more prophecies regarding Israel found in the Bible that are already fulfilled and in the process of being fulfilled.
Monday, March 19. 2007
During my freshman year in college, my history professor extensively stressed China's golden history during the days of the emperors of each dynasties. Among China's emperors, Henry P'u Yi of the Ching dynasty was my favorite.
Pu Yi was born during the time China was dominated by the West. His life was also turned into major motion film titled "The Last Emperor", in 1987. The film perfectly portrayed the pressure, dilemmas, and concerns of Pu Yi as China's emperor. Proclaimed as emperor by Empress Dowager Tzu Hsi at the age of three. Life as a young and alone emperor is hard for Pu Yi. His life at the Forbidden City was truly monotonous and depressing. Pu Yi did not see a child like him until he was seven. Also, his mother re-appeared when he was ten years old. She eventually died, and his father rarely visited him. Such treatment resulted to Pu Yi's indifference to motherly love or any paternal affection. On the other hand, the last emperor of China was educated by a British English tutor named as Reginald Johnston. It was noted that Johnston made Pu Yi wear glasses since the emperor had some minor visual problems. Moreover, Pu Yi was also known as the puppet Emperor and the remaining details of his story is indeed a very interesting piece of Chinese historical fact.
To sum things up, Henry Pu Yi played a significant role in China's history, as the said country paved its way to Communism. Records said that Pu Yi died of a developing heart disease and cancer in 1967.
Friday, March 2. 2007
Although the center of the earthquake in Indonesia is in Yogyakarta, the strong and equally destructive aftershock was felt by the villagers in the neighboring cities. The news reached me an hour after the tragedy happened. When I learned of the casualties that reached almost 3,000, all I was able to utter was "My God."
Truly, tragedies happen. Unavoidable circumstances like volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, strong tropical storms, and earthquakes do not only pose a great threat in our lives, but causes an apparent change in our natural environment. The catastrophe that attacked Yogyakarta two days ago did not only destroy homes and roads, but made a temple surrender to its power. That must be a very traumatic incident. I could still remember how our house nearly crumbled due to an earthquake. But, compared with the 6.2 magnitude that hit Yogyakarta, the one that struck my hometown is only intensity 4. Just imagine how shocking the one in Indonesia have been.
However painful the truth was, the tragedy only made people all over unite to help the needy. The European union as well as the US and other Asian nations were already on the move to deliver the necessary aid in Indonesia. After the incident, I really thanked God that it did not happen in my country. But, in the end, I prayed that such disaster will never happen again.
Thursday, February 22. 2007
The story of the Tienanmen Massacre in 1989 is always included in the study of Asian history. It was an unexpected and morbid event in the night of June 3-4, wherein the Communist Party of China attempted to maintain its monopoly of power that resulted into a gruesome massacre. That is what our history teachers taught us about the said event. However, today's revisionists from the West contradict history by claiming that there were really no massacre in Tienanmen Square.
A research associate on China who is working for a New York based human rights organization called Asia Watch, Robin Munro claimed that there were really no massacre that took place in the big Square. He explained that it was not in Tienanmen where the massacres took place. Serious killing happened outside the city where most Journalists were present. Only a few were in square as the soldiers were surrounding the students, who were then considering a debate whether they should hold their line and die in the process or retreat. The students, according to Munro, had chosen retreat. Clearly, if the protesters indeed retreated, there was really no massacre in Tienanmen.
The absence of reliable witnesses of what really happened is the root of the wrongful facts that were reported and considered as the true account in Tienanmen. Amnesty International Asia Watch agreed that the killings did not happen in Tienanmen but some miles out from the square. Both institutions also added that the bodies shown in newspapers, magazines, and TVs were just workers and ordinary Beijing residents.
Monday, February 19. 2007
 No doubt, the most famous religion in the world is Christianism. The population of its adherents could be found in almost all parts of Asia. I just feel glad that the Word is continuously preached all over the world. Thanks to the ministries that work day and night in fulfilling their sworn duties. The task is never an easy because sometimes, the followers of the doctrine of Lord Jesus Christ must face trials and defend their faith.
It occurred to me the idea of knowing what really happened to the disciples of Jesus who walked the earth and taught the Word to those who have the ears to hear. The Bible accounts these places to be found in the Asian map. After the ascension of the Holy one, the disciples went to their designated places and did their tasks even if that meant persecution for them.
It was said in the Bible that the remaining eleven disciples scattered to all parts of the world to preach the word of God. Apparently, they were killed for their faith. The accounts of their death are not included in the Bible, of course, but in chronicles recorded by the people who witnessed the executions. According to the accounts, Matthew was put to the sword in Ethiopia; Mark was tugged by horses in Egypt; Luke was put to the noose in Greece; John was dipped in boiling oil; Peter chose to be crucified upside down; James was flung hundreds of feet from the same high peak where Jesus was tempted by the devil; the other James was beheaded; Bartholomew was whipped to death; Andrew was whipped and crucified; Thomas was thrust with spear; and Jude was slain by an arrow.
Monday, January 22. 2007
China, though dubbed as the Sleeping Dragon, seems to belong to the busiest and fast developing countries. With the different dynasties that ruled the country and famous leaders and philosophers such as Mao Zedong and Confucius, it is no wonder why China is considered as a major contributor of world history. The basis of China's popularity, is the famous Great Wall that magnificently lies in the heart of Liaoning province to north-east Beijing.
The wall was built by Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China during the Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty. It is called "Wan-Li Qang-Qeng" by the Chinese folks which means 10,000-Li long wall. It is also a famous tourist destination in Asia.
The construction workers were comprised of soldiers, slaves, prisoners, and locals of China, without the salary. The Great Wall, believed to manifests the wisdom, unity and determination of the Chinese, is also a part of the World's Eight Wonders. And in the year 1987, it was listed in the World Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). But contrary to legend that it is visible from the moon, allegedly according to astronomer Neil Armstrong, it can only be seen in the Earth orbit.
Friday, January 19. 2007
The great Babylonian empire left a very distinctive mark in Asian history. This is where most disciplines of learnings have flourished and countless tools have been invented. Truly, it was blessed with superior knowledge and wisdom that enabled its kingdom to stand out from the rest of the world.
Babylon is known for its Hanging Gardens. The gigantic palace-garden lies by the bank of Euphrates, the fourth river that flourished from Eden. Though it has been popularized by literary arts, historians and archeologists still doubt about its existence. However, though the remains of the garden can not be found, the accounts of its builder overshadow the doubts. It was a king named Nebuchadnezzar who thought of building such garden on top and each storey of the huge mansion or palace as a gift to his beloved concubine who loves green fields.
This story is also attributed to the chronicles of Nebuchadnezzar found in the legendary Holy Bible. Legend has it that the garden envelopes the palace. Flowering plants and trees could be found on the stairs, terraces, and the roof top. The soil and plants were painstakingly brought to each level using levers with wheels resembling that of a rolling pin’s that allows the easy delivery of one tree or sacks of soil from one level to another.
Sunday, January 7. 2007
Islam is among the popular religions in the world. It has become more popular when Muslims were suspected to have started bombings in the Philippines because of their aim to establish their own state in Mindanao. Though it some of the bombings were not proven to have committed by the Muslims, many people were frightened with the Muslims.
The Philippines is predominantly Catholic country but that did not prevent the introduction of Islam which was believed to have brought by traders like the Arabs in early 14th centuries. They entered the southern part of the country such as Mindanao and the islands of Sulu. During that time the people were living in a small community and they were converted immediately by the Arabs. It was also during that century that they built the earliest mosque in Simunul.
Along with their religion, the Arabs also carried their architecture and political system which started the rule of sultans particularly in Sulu. The first sultan of Sulu came from Sumatra and an Arab was known as Abu Bakr. He built the legitimacy of his dynasty by claiming that he is Muhammads descendant. Today, Sulu still has sultans but they are just ceremonial figures.
Friday, January 5. 2007
 The early Indian civilizations were formed by the first people who migrated in the land, which resulted to cultural diversity. The location of this country has also a great impact to the cultural differences, because it is located in the crossroads of China going to Europe and Africa. The colorful Indian history began at the birth of Indus Valley civilization and the migration of Aryans. The two phases of their history were described as pre-Vedic as well as the Vedic eras. It was during the latter era that Hinduism was introduced to the communities of India. But after many centuries, the Indian communities were controlled and united by Ashoka who converted them to Buddhism. And during this government, he spread the said religion to other Asian countries. However, when the Mauryas took the reign, they revived Hinduism and were able to maintain it up to now.
This was followed by the introduction of Islam. This religion was successfully established until it became a very strong force in politics that brought unity to the people of India specifically during the time of the empire of Mughal. when the Europeans entered this land the empire of Mughal was destroyed and the English ruled. But in 1857 the Indians staged a rebellion that restored their supremacy and drove the foreign invaders out from their land.
Thursday, January 4. 2007
Marvelous Asia is home to billions of people with diverse colorful history, tradition, culture, belief, and heritage. Asia boasts of amazing ancient structures, exotic allure, and finest stretch of white pristine beaches. In addition, it takes pride in its unsurpassed man-made structures and widest selection of captivating varieties of fauna and flora as manifested in natural wildlife parks adorned with flowers and plants alike.
So, when you are tired of your annual European tour, try and experience Asia. Behold its astounding wonders that are man-made and unveil its mysterious secrets. Take for instance, the Great Wall of China, the only human structure on earth which can be seen on moon. Wonderful, is it not?
Set your sights at the Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia and be mesmerized by its mysticism. Do not dare to forget another unparelled structure, the Taj Mahal in India which is a tomb for an Indian princess a long time ago. Be enthralled by historic and amazing churches in the Philippines. Discover the serenity of many temples across China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and other countries. These and a whole lot more will make your Asian travel truly pleasurable and memorable. So, come and experience the warmth, grace, and hospitality of the Asians that make this continent distinctively Asia.
Saturday, December 30. 2006
I like traveling to Singapore. It's one of the most beautiful and cleanest countries I have ever been to. Singapore has the most beautiful luxury hotels I have ever stayed in. Everything about this country is lovely. Then, I began to wonder how it became independent. There have been so many historic narratives about the rise and fall of Singapore. But when did Singapore start to stand on its own two feet?
After being under navigations for a long time, Singapore finally became independent from Malaysia on August 9, 1965. Singapore then became a democratic, sovereign, and independent nation. Taking advantage of its freedom, Singapore joined the United Nations on September 21, 1965. This stabilized the nation's independence, even more. Singapore also became a member of the Common wealth of Nations in the following month of October 1965. It then transformed into a republic on December 22, 1965. Singapore's first president was Yusof bin Ishak. After these momentous occasions for Singapore, it began to strive for what it is now, a prosperous, beautiful, clean, and rich country. It is now one of the most economically leading countries in the whole of Asia. If you have not been to Singapore, you should get those plane tickets and fly to Singapore, now.
Friday, December 29. 2006
There have been numerous references to the Tokugawa Era in animes, mangas, and motion pictures that involve samurai. The Tokugawa Era or the Edo Period lasted from 1603 up to 1867. This era marked the governance of Japan’s capital, Edo (now Tokyo), by the shogun. The first Edo shogun was a man named Tokugawa Ieyasu. Toyotomi Hideyosi was one of Japan’s daimyo, along with Tokugawa and Oda Nobunaga. When Hideyoshi died, Tokugawa saw this as his opportunity to become the absolute ruler of Japan.
After Hideyoshi’s death, Tokugawa moved in and defeated Hideyori’s loyalists and his other rivals in the battle of Sekigahara. Having achieved great power and influence, the emperor appointed Tokugawa as Shogun and founded his government in Edo. Under his reign, he had Japan under his tight control. When Ieyasu retired as shogun, he appointed his son, Hidetada as his successor. The Tokugawa Era brought 2 centuries of stability in Japan. A feudal hierarchy among the daimyos was established during this period, the closest to the Tokugawa were called the shinpan. The second class was the fudai, and the third group was called the tozama. The Meiji Restoration marked the decline of the Tokugawa Era.
Friday, December 22. 2006
 I vividly remember watching the movie "The Last of The Samurais." It certainly touched and overwhelmed me how much the samurais respected and treasured leaders. They were very much willing to offer their lives just to protect the life of their master. Even the children did their part in protecting those around them. I kept thinking about how noble the samurais are.
I decided to learn more about the ways of the samurai. I wanted to learn their history. This is what I have discovered so far.
Samurais are Japanese warriors who lived their lives based on the bushido. Bushido refers to the ways of the warriors. Respect for the master and loyalty were very much stressed in the said code of ethics. Heian Period saw the growth of samurais. Owners of lands got the services of samurais to protect the family and the properties. This period also saw the birth of two powerful military clans -- Taira and Minamoto. They were so powerful and great that they decided to fight against the other to see superiority over them.
Between 1192 and 1333, the clan of Minamoto defeated Taira clan. Minamoto Yoritomo became the shogun in this era. It means that he became Japan's ruler at the time.
Thursday, December 21. 2006
 Perhaps the most successful and fiercest conqueror of the ancient world is a man who came from a small Mongolian tribe. Known to many as Genghis Khan, Temujin founded the Mongol Empire, the largest continuous empire in written history. Temujin was the son of Yusegi, the leader of a small clan in Mongolia. Yusegi was assassinated by means of poison, which left Temujin’s family orphaned. After his father’s death, the young Temujin offered to be of service to Toghril Khan, his father's sworn bother and the most powerful and vicious leader of Mongolia.
Temujin united all the tribes in Mongolia to forge a nation. He took the name “Genghis Khan” which meant “emperor of emperors.” Under his guidance, the Mongol Nation conquered all those who opposed them. Genghis Khan was a very smart strategist and used brilliant tactics to ensure the victory of his army. His army together with his military genius proved to be a force to be reckoned with. At the peak of his Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan had conquered majority of the territories of south-east Asia and central Europe. The estimated area of the Mongol Empire extended to about 35 million kilometers, making it the most expansive land empire in world history.
Thursday, December 7. 2006
 The Indian sub-continent was home to one of the oldest civilization in the world. India has always been the cultural meeting point of East and West. India has been invaded by Aryans, Greeks, Persians, Chinese nomads, Arabs, Portuguese, British and other raiders. India.
The British, through a combination of direct military expeditions and alliance with the local rulers, has gained control of India through the East India Company in 1769. British rule lasted until 1947. India’s road to freedom was paved by a saintly man named Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was dubbed as mahatma or “Great Soul” by his people. Gandhi led a nonviolent movement that gave India it freedom from the British.
Sunday, December 3. 2006
 One of the greatest wonders of the world is the Great Wall of China. Its earliest foundations were built in 200 B.C. in order to protect the country from invasions. Then, it was developed and fortified by the succeeding dynasties until the 17th century. The long structure stretches more than 6, 352 km beginning from Shanhai Pass up to Lop Nur.
Many claim that the Great Wall of China is the only man made structure visible in the outer space. Yet until now, the subject is still debatable. According to history, thousands of people labored and died while it was being built.
The Great Wall of China, then, stands not only as a wonder, but also as a beautiful monument for the strong and brave Chinese men who have sacrificed their lives to build it.
Saturday, November 25. 2006
 There was a time in history where addictive drugs are trafficked not by organized crime groups but sanctioned by the government of a nation. The Opium Wars resulted in the most humiliating defeat of China.
The Opium Wars is perhaps the most immoral and unjust war fought by Europeans. The main issue that was involved was the sanity of a whole nation. The war broke out in November of 1839 when Chinese sea vessels attempted to blockade the entry of English merchant vessels carrying opium. Opium was then being openly traded by England in tons in exchange for Chinese manufactured goods and tea from Canton. One result of the war was England’s acquisition of Hong Kong.
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World History Comments
Wed, 25.10.2006 17:11
I don't like his non-voilence principle. For me, it's only through violence we can achieve our ends.
Wed, 25.10.2006 17:11
I am amazed by the beliefs and achievements of Gandhi.
Sat, 21.10.2006 12:33
I don't know anything about African History.
Sat, 21.10.2006 12:33
Nelson Mandela has contributed a lot to South Africa.
Sat, 21.10.2006 12:05
I watched the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany with my Korean friend. I'm not really a football fan but I decided to go [...]
Fri, 20.10.2006 13:38
When my cousin narrated his plans to travel in Qatar, I thought that he was insane and hopeless. Why Qatar? I told him [...]
Thu, 19.10.2006 17:42
Whoever says single parents are not allowed to find another mate is dead wrong. Single parents still have the right to [...]
Thu, 19.10.2006 15:34
Put some art on your photography. Shoot live blood splatters to make it more artistic at the same time realistic. Or, [...]
Wed, 18.10.2006 14:54
I want to be like Gustave Eiffel. He's a genius.
Wed, 18.10.2006 14:54
Last summer, my family went to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Sun, 15.10.2006 18:09
Part of the posted question I have read is whether the US acts fair on the part of Israel, as well as to other regions [...]
Sun, 15.10.2006 16:51
It's not practical to buy a new model of cars since they're very expensive. That's the line my parents used to tell when [...]
Sun, 15.10.2006 12:04
Jacob came from Isaac, son of Abraham. This holy family reigned in Israel for many years. Aside from that, there are [...]
Sun, 15.10.2006 11:42
Alice Walker, a renowned novelist and poet, is famous for her works that depict the struggles and trials of [...]
Sun, 15.10.2006 11:31
Steven Spielberg is one of the most admired directors of all time. I idolized him as a director because I like the [...]