The $20 Million Deal That Changed Philippine History! | Ask Xiao Ep 2

Summary

In this episode of 'Ask SH,' Shia Cha, a Filipino historian, reflects on various cultural and historical topics. She discusses the significance of Carlos Yulo's Olympic gold medals, highlighting how they symbolize the Philippines' rising international recognition. She also explores Filipino food traditions, touching on the unique habit of leaving the last piece for others. Furthermore, she delves into the spirit of the babaylan, an indigenous Filipino figure who serves as a storyteller, healer, and unifier. Through this, she emphasizes the shared history and cultural unity of the Filipino people.

Takeaways

• 😀 Carlos Yulo's Olympic gold medals are a huge achievement for the Philippines, highlighting national pride and recognition on the global stage.
• 😀 The Filipino government rewards Olympic medalists with significant prizes, such as financial rewards and real estate, making their victories monumental.
• 😀 Winning a gold medal in the Olympics instantly makes a Filipino athlete a national hero, celebrated for bringing honor to the country.
• 😀 The significance of Carlos Yulo's victory in Paris is heightened by the historical context of the Philippines being excluded from the Treaty of Paris negotiations over 100 years ago.
• 😀 Filipino history is tied to the symbolism of raising the national flag and playing the anthem in international events, making Yulo's win even more poignant.
• 😀 Filipinos have a cultural tendency to leave the last piece of food on a plate for others to grab, symbolizing hospitality and sharing, though it's not universal.
• 😀 The concept of the 'last piece' reflects Filipino values of generosity and communal bonding over food, but not all Filipinos follow this tradition.
• 😀 The Filipino indigenous spirit lives on through the role of the babaylan, who served as spiritual leaders, storytellers, and healers in ancient Filipino societies.
• 😀 The babaylan's role as a unifier of people and culture has a lasting legacy in modern-day Filipino educators, historians, and storytellers.
• 😀 Despite the diversity of languages and cultures in the Philippines, there is a common thread of shared history and struggles that unites the Filipino people as one nation.

Q & A

What makes Carlos Yulo's gold medal victories in the 2024 Paris Olympics so significant for the Philippines?

Carlos Yulo's gold medal victories are a huge milestone because winning a gold in the Olympics is rare for the Philippines. These achievements brought national pride and recognition, with significant rewards from the government and private sectors, including real estate offers and financial bonuses. His victories also symbolize the Philippines' continued struggle for recognition on the global stage.

How does the Filipino government recognize Olympic medalists, and what does this say about the national pride in such victories?

Olympic medalists in the Philippines are highly celebrated. The government awards a 10 million peso prize to each medalist, and other companies offer rewards like real estate or other incentives. This demonstrates the immense national pride Filipinos feel when their athletes achieve international success.

Why is Carlos Yulo's win in Paris historically significant beyond just sports?

Carlos Yulo's victory in Paris is particularly symbolic because it occurred in the same city where, over 100 years ago, the Philippines was excluded from negotiations that decided its fate during the Treaty of Paris. His win, where the Philippine flag was raised and the national anthem played, serves as a reminder of the Philippines' past struggles and eventual recognition.

As a historian, how does Shia Cha feel about Carlos Yulo's gold medals despite not being interested in sports?

Though Shia Cha is not personally into sports or familiar with the intricacies of the games, the historical significance of Carlos Yulo's achievements resonates deeply with them. The victory symbolizes more than just a sporting triumph—it represents the Philippines' rise and recognition on the world stage.

What does Shia Cha think about the Filipino cultural practice of leaving the last piece of food on the plate for others?

Shia Cha humorously acknowledges this Filipino trait, where many Filipinos leave the last piece of food on the plate for others. While it’s considered a sign of generosity and communal sharing, Shia Cha admits that they personally wouldn’t hesitate to eat the last piece if no one else wants it.

Is the practice of leaving the last piece of food on the plate truly a Filipino tradition, according to Shia Cha?

Yes, Shia Cha believes that it reflects a cultural characteristic of Filipinos, particularly their generosity. However, they clarify that not all Filipinos follow this tradition, and it’s more of a social practice that depends on the individual.

What role do indigenous Filipino practices, like the babaylan, still play in modern Filipino culture?

The babaylan, historically a spiritual leader, healer, and storyteller, continues to influence Filipino culture today. Their spirit is seen in modern figures like teachers, history professors, and storytellers who unite people by reminding them of their shared history, struggles, and future. Even though the traditional role of the babaylan is no longer widespread, the essence of their contributions remains alive in the Filipino collective identity.

What does Shia Cha say about the connection between Filipinos' diverse languages and cultures?

Shia Cha emphasizes that despite the Philippines having over 180 languages and cultures, Filipinos share a common experience that unites them. This shared identity stems from their Austronesian roots, their history as a colonized people, and their journey towards nationhood, despite challenges and divisions.

How does Shia Cha view the role of modern-day storytellers in the Filipino community?

Shia Cha sees modern-day storytellers—whether teachers, professors, or community leaders—as inheritors of the babaylan's role. These individuals preserve and pass on the narratives that connect Filipinos to their shared past, reminding them of their unity, common struggles, and collective future.

What does Shia Cha suggest about the Filipino sense of unity and identity despite historical struggles?

Shia Cha suggests that, despite the Philippines' history of division and colonization, the Filipino people maintain a strong sense of unity. This shared identity is reinforced by stories of struggle, triumph, and a vision for a common future. The Filipino people, despite their differences, see themselves as part of a collective journey.