Best Take Kare Podcasts (2024)

1
S6E4: When Giants Walked the Philippines 14:05

16h ago14:05

14:05

In the 1600s, a friar chronicled wild stories of titans who carried spears the size of tree trunks, waded all the way to Surigao, got slain by small warriors, or even traveled to Manila. Where did this titanic fascination come from—and what do stories of giants tell us about the world of our colonizers and our ancestors? Follow us on IG: @thecoloni…

1
Extra Credit: On kare-kare’s nutty history 4:05

7d ago4:05

4:05

One of the most fascinating dishes in the Philippines is kare-kare, which has a history as rich as its stew. (You don’t need to listen to S6E3 before listening to this one, but I’d appreciate it if you do!)

1
S6E3: Fervor, Fury, Friars 14:31

16d ago14:31

14:31

One of the most low-key and long-lived eateries in Makati’s central business district is the humble ‘jolly jeep’ known as SisigSaRada, which, as you can tell from the name, is located inside Rada Street. But who is this “Rada” the road is named after? To answer that, we travel four and a half centuries back in time. What can the story of Fray Marti…

1
Extra Credit: A short history of horses in the Philippines 4:46

29d ago4:46

4:46

Yay or neigh? In this week’s episode of Extra Credit, join us for a short and sweet exploration of equine history in our corner of the world. (Listen to S6E2 before listening to this one.)

1
Bonus: The Philippine book launch... LIVE! 31:25

1M ago31:25

31:25

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to give you this audio recording, straight from the Philippine launch of Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves: Lost Tales from the Philippine Colonial Period, which is the book version of this podcast! This event was a long time coming, and I'm happy we finally got to make it happen this August 31. Much love…

1
S6E2: The Last Cavalry Charge 15:11

1M ago15:11

15:11

One month after Pearl Harbor, the Philippine army is in tatters after the relentless Japanese assault. The 26th Cavalry Regiment—one of the few cavalry units left in the US army that still hadn’t traded in their horses for tanks or halftracks—had the thankless task of guarding the defensive lines against Imperial flank attacks. In the town of Moron…

1
Extra Credit: How did students dress in 1800s Manila? 5:01

2M ago5:01

5:01

Before they became dandies, they were students who chafed under a dress code! In this week’s episode of Extra Credit, we take a look at the suits and swag of the scholarly set. (Listen to S6E1 before listening to this one.)

1
S6E1: The Dudes and Dandies of Colonial Manila 15:49

2M ago15:49

15:49

Cravats. Top hats. Barongs. Striped pants. Wide, wide waistbands. Well-dressed men are on the prowl in Luneta, turning heads and inciting whispers. Let’s meet these fashionable fops, shall we? Follow us on IG: ⁠@thecolonialdept⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠@thecolonialdept⁠ Email us: ⁠thecolonialdept@gmail.com Audio from Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagge…

1
Trailer: What is the Colonial Dept.? 1:57

2M ago1:57

1:57

Are you ready to plunge into the archives of Philippine history?

1
Special: The book launch... live! 25:44

3M ago25:44

25:44

Last weekend, the book version of this podcast, 'Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves', was launched in a small event at Book Bar SG along Duxton Road in Singapore. Of course, I got into a funny little accident right before it happened. Listen to scenes from the Singapore book launch here! My publisher and I talk about how the book came into being, how The…

1
Special: All about the book 'Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves' 5:48

3M ago5:48

5:48

Special episodes take you behind the scenes at The Colonial Dept.! In this bonus bit, I walk you through the book version of this podcast, which is entitled Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves: Lost Tales from the Philippine Colonial Period, 1565-1946. What's inside? How did I make it? How can you get it? Hopefully, I get to answer all your questions here…

1
Special: The book version of this podcast is now live… and so are the remastered eps! 7:09

4M ago7:09

7:09

Special episodes take you behind the scenes at The Colonial Dept.! In this bonus bit, we talk a bit about my book Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves (order here). I also announce our new remastered episode initiative—take a listen at the teaser inside! Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Follow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail…

1
Extra Credit: On the Minnan-Manila Trade 4:48

5M ago4:48

4:48

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!) The book version of this podcast is called Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves: Lost Tales from the Philippine …

1
S5E13: Union Jack & Union Jade 14:22

6M ago14:22

14:22

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: @thecolonialdept Follow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@…

1
Extra Credit: On the 1933 Case That Upheld a Filipino-White Marriage…For Two Months 5:00

6M ago5:00

5:00

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!) The book version of this podcast is called Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves: Lost Tales from the…

1
S5E12: Who Can Mister Filipino Marry? 15:31

6M ago15:31

15:31

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’ l…

1
Extra Credit: On Rizal, “Agent of Bismarck” 4:23

6M ago4:23

4:23

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!) The book version of this podcast is called Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves: Lost Ta…

1
S5E11: Sweet Carolines 14:10

7M ago14:10

14:10

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…

1
Extra Credit: On the Beheading During the British Invasion 3:51

7M ago3:51

3:51

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!) The book version of this podcast is called Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves: Lost Tales f…

1
S5E10: Off With Their Heads 14:19

7M ago14:19

14:19

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: thecolonialdept@gmail.com The book version of this podcast is called Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves: Lost Tales from the Philippine Colonial Period, 1565-194…

1
Extra Credit: On So-Called ‘Mickey Mouse’ Money 4:11

8M ago4:11

4:11

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!) The book version of this podcast is called Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves: Lost Tales from the Philippine Colonial Period, 1565-1946. ⁠⁠Purchase …

1
S5E9: Manila Starves! 13:52

8M ago13:52

13:52

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: thecolonialdept@gmail.com The book version of this podcast is called Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves: Lost Tal…

1
Extra Credit: On the ‘Banyaga’ of the Southern Seas 4:34

8M ago4:34

4:34

Abducted from their homes, these slaves are plunged into their new life! In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we discuss the lives of the slaves in Sulu. (Listen to S5E8 before listening to this one!) The book version of this podcast is called Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves: Lost Tales from the Philippine Colonial Period, 1565-1946. ⁠⁠Purchase her…

1
S5E8: Defending Against the Slave Raids 14:44

8M ago14:44

14:44

The panicked cries of a watchman, the desperate tolling of church bells, the cloud of masts appearing on the horizon. In the coastal towns of colonial Philippines, these can only mean one thing: the slavers have arrived. Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Follow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.com The book version of t…

1
Extra Credit: On the Treaty Between the Ex Ex and the Sultan of Sulu 4:08

9M ago4:08

4:08

The first pact signed between the US and the Sulu kingdom! In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we discuss Charles Wilkes’ sitdown with the sultan. (Listen to S5E7 before listening to this one!) The book version of this podcast is called Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves: Lost Tales from the Philippine Colonial Period, 1565-1946. ⁠⁠Purchase here⁠⁠. (…

1
S5E7: Climbing Banahaw in the Name of Science 15:58

9M ago15:58

15:58

The “scientifics” of the so-called Ex Ex summit Mt. Banahaw in 1842, as part of their quest to survey the Philippine archipelago! What does this American scientific expedition find in our islands? Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Follow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.com The book version of this podcast is called Si…

1
Extra Credit: On the Spanish Search for Cordillera Gold 4:34

9M ago4:34

4:34

The search is on for the legendary mines of the north! In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we discuss the early Spanish expeditions to what is now Benguet. (Listen to S5E6 before listening to this one!)

1
S5E6: The Spanish Ore-cuppation 12:24

10M ago12:24

12:24

Through extortion, occupation, and “tribute”, the Spanish conquistadors in the Philippines get to work looting and plundering that most precious of all metals: gold. Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Follow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.com References: Sitoy, T. Valentino, Jr. (1985). A History of Christianity in th…

1
Extra Credit: On the Bukidnon Theater of World War II 5:13

10M ago5:13

5:13

Clashes over cowboy country! In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we discuss the conflict that raged over this Mindanao province during World War II. (Listen to S5E5 before listening to this one!)

1
S5E5: The Death March Down South 15:02

10M ago15:02

15:02

The Bataan Death March is rightly remembered as one of the worst atrocities in the Philippine theater of World War II. But it wasn’t the only death march. Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Follow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.com References: Frederick Marion Fullerton Collection (AFC/2001/001/15785), Veterans Histor…

1
Extra Credit: On the Rise of Balut 4:09

10M ago4:09

4:09

Witness the rise of the incubated duck egg! In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we present a short history of that signature Pinoy dish. (Listen to S5E4 before listening to this one!)

1
S5E4: Assembling a Colonial Breakfast 15:18

11M ago15:18

15:18

In the 1890s, a wealthy Filipino family sits down to eat a “full Filipino breakfast.” Let’s run down the history of everything on their menu, shall we? Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Follow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.com References: Doeppers, Daniel (2016). Feeding Manila in Peace and War, 1850-1945. Ateneo de…

1
Extra Credit: On the Role of Pampanga in Colonial History 4:27

11M ago4:27

4:27

Need labor, lumber, and loads of rice? The Spanish in Manila looked to Pampanga. In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we check in on one of colonial Philippines’ most important provinces. (Listen to S5E3 before listening to this one!)

1
S5E3: An Awkward Armada 15:39

11M ago15:39

15:39

Kapampangan warriors! Japanese mercs! Spanish soldiers! Portuguese promises! Let’s set sail with the grand fleet of Governor-General Juan de Silva as they face down the Dutch. Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Follow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.com References: Borschberg, Peter (2010). “Luso-Spanish Naval Interven…

1
Extra Credit: On the Later Life of Princess Tarhata Kiram 4:21

11M ago4:21

4:21

What was life like for this Sulu royal after her rebellion? In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we check in with Princess Tarhata’s life and legacy. (Listen to S5E2 before listening to this one!)

1
S5E2: Hattie the Headhunter 12:58

11M ago12:58

12:58

From princess to flapper to schoolteacher to rebel, this is the extraordinary story of Tarhata Kiram. Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Follow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.com Charbonneau, Oliver (2021). Civilizational Imperatives: Americans, Moros, and the Colonial World. Ateneo de Manila University Press. Leetaru…

1
Extra Credit: On the Policies of Carlos Maria de la Torre 5:03

12M ago5:03

5:03

Reformist… and politician. In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we look further at the legacy of the short-lived reign of Governor-General Carlos Maria de la Torre. (Listen to S5E1 before listening to this one!)

1
S5E1: The Governor-General’s Love Affair 14:24

12M ago14:24

14:24

A tantalizing wind was blowing into the Philippines from Madrid. In its wake was Carlos Maria de la Torre, who seemed determined to shock the entrenched colonial establishment.Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdeptFollow us on TikTok: @the.colonial.dept.Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.comReferences:Simpson, Renate (1980). “Higher Education in the Philip…

1
Extra Credit: On the Japanese Fight Versus Typewriters, Radios, and the News 5:00

1y ago5:00

5:00

In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we head to the frontlines of the information war gripping Manila in World War II. (Listen to S4E13 before listening to this one!)

1
S4E13: Tour de Tojo 14:46

1y ago14:46

14:46

Prime minister, general, and future convicted war criminal Hideki Tojo drops by the Philippines to see for himself if their colony is ready for independence. So how does his surprise visit go? Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.com References: Dery, Luis C. (1984) “Japan’s New Order in the Philippines, 1942-1945: A Bl…

1
Extra Credit: How the Manila Carnival Transformed Philippine Sports 4:54

1y ago4:54

4:54

In this week's episode of Extra Credit, let’s punch our ticket to the Manila Carnival as it takes local sports (and local athletes) to the next level. (Listen to S4E12 before listening to this one!)

1
S4E12: A Muscular Christianity 13:53

1y ago13:53

13:53

Civilize? Christianize? As the Americans move into their new colony, they pack an unlikely weapon in their mission to take over the Philippines: sports! Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.com References: Gems, Gerald R. (2016). Sport and the American Occupation of the Philippines: Bats, Balls, and Bayonets. Lexington …

1
Extra Credit: On the Historic Narra Table That Sold For P7.6 Million 3:38

1y ago3:38

3:38

In this week's episode of Extra Credit, take a seat at one of the Philippines' historic pieces of furniture. (Listen to S4E11 before listening to this one!)

1
S4E11: When a Romanov Visited Pampanga 14:32

1y ago14:32

14:32

Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich Romanov, uncle to the last tsar of Russia, makes an unexpected pitstop at a sprawling estate along the banks of the Pampanga River. Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.com References: Kowner, Rotem (15 June 2022). “Time to Remember, Time to Forget: The Battle of Tsushima in Japanese Coll…

1
Extra Credit: On 'La India Rica,' the Colonial Stereotype of the Ideal Pinay 4:39

1y ago4:39

4:39

In this week's episode of Extra Credit, flip through Spanish-era periodicals to get their take on the "ideal Filipina woman." (Listen to S4E10 before listening to this one!)

1
S4E10: A Flash Flood of Fast Fashion 15:55

1+ y ago15:55

15:55

It’s an intercontinental textile trade war, as Spain throws open its colony’s ports to the world, and imported cotton from Britain muscles its way into Philippine markets. Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.com References: Coo, Stephanie (2019). Clothing the Colony: Nineteenth Century Philippine Sartorial Culture, 182…

1
Extra Credit: On Why Abaca Became So Important to Philippine History 4:12

1+ y ago4:12

4:12

In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we take a brief look at why abaca became one of the Philippines' most valuable cash crops. (Listen to S4E9 before listening to this one!)

1
S4E9: The Lethal Cost of Building the Galleons 14:30

1+ y ago14:30

14:30

Native wood. Native workers. These are the foundations that made the prosperous Galleon Trade between Manila and Acapulco possible. But at what price? Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.com References: Peterson, Andrew Christian (August 2014). Making the First Global Trade Route: The Southeast Asian Foundations of the…

1
Extra Credit: On Armenian Entrepreneurs in Colonial Manila 4:37

1+ y ago4:37

4:37

In this week's episode of Extra Credit, we unearth the small but important role of Armenian trade in Philippine colonial history. (Listen to S4E8 before listening to this one!)

1
S4E8: British East India Co., Manila Branch 15:47

1+ y ago15:47

15:47

Beginning in the 1670s, the biggest, most rapacious company on earth set its sights on the great trading port of the Pacific.Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdeptEmail us: thecolonialdept@gmail.comReferences:Dalrymple, Alexander (4 March 2015). “The East India Company: The original corporate raiders.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/201…

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