Publications

More Pinay Than We Admit 2: The Filipina Emerges from the Margins
More Pinay Than We Admit 2, edited by the esteemed Maria Luisa T. Camagay, explores the multifaceted roles of Filipino women during the Spanish, American, and contemporary eras of Philippine history. This collection explores the development of Filipino women over time, from how they were perceived and controlled to the ways they resisted and redefined their identities through time. Across 13 select essays, the book examines overlooked historical narratives, from the indigenous priestesses and spiritual leaders who were systematically stripped of authority under colonial rule, to the women who were the silent backbone of the Philippine Revolution, to the advocates for women’s suffrage who challenged social constraints and succeeded within a society shaped by an enduring legacy of colonialism, war, and inequality. Fourteen years after the release of the first volume, More Pinay than We Admit 2 continues to celebrate Filipino women and how across generations they have continually navigated, resisted, and reshaped themselves within and without the cultural and societal restrictions placed upon them.
About the cover: A rendition of Juan Luna’s La Bulaqueña by an unknown artist (Vibal Foundation). The “serene portrait” of a graceful young woman from Bulacan is reimagined with a selfie stick. Her eyes discreetly avoid the camera, and her slight smile captures a moment of self-expression that reflects the shifting roles of women in the Philippines, balancing tradition and modernity in an age of digital connectivity (Digitally enhanced by Francisco dC. Mendoza).
On the frontispiece: Top to bottom, Pura Villanueva, the first Filipina beauty queen who was crowned Queen of the Orient at the 1908 Manila Carnival (courtesy of Alex D. R. Castro); portrait of a native Filipina in Álbum de Filipinas (Biblioteca Nacional de España). Size: 6" x 9" Number of pages: 272 Available in Softbound and Hardbound Publisher: Vibal Foundation Inc. Imprint: Academica Filipina+
About the cover: A rendition of Juan Luna’s La Bulaqueña by an unknown artist (Vibal Foundation). The “serene portrait” of a graceful young woman from Bulacan is reimagined with a selfie stick. Her eyes discreetly avoid the camera, and her slight smile captures a moment of self-expression that reflects the shifting roles of women in the Philippines, balancing tradition and modernity in an age of digital connectivity (Digitally enhanced by Francisco dC. Mendoza).
On the frontispiece: Top to bottom, Pura Villanueva, the first Filipina beauty queen who was crowned Queen of the Orient at the 1908 Manila Carnival (courtesy of Alex D. R. Castro); portrait of a native Filipina in Álbum de Filipinas (Biblioteca Nacional de España). Size: 6" x 9" Number of pages: 272 Available in Softbound and Hardbound Publisher: Vibal Foundation Inc. Imprint: Academica Filipina+

Dictionary of Philippine Mythology (Diccionario Mitológico de Filipinas)
Maria Bernadette L. Abrera, Ph.D.
Ferdinand Blumentritt’s Dictionary of Philippine Mythology is a landmark work that paved the way for the scholarly exploration of the mythological traditions of the Philippines. Originally published as Diccionario mitológico de Filipinas in 1895, this English-translated edition brings new life to one of the earliest and most comprehensive studies of the deities, spirits, and supernatural beings that inhabit the belief systems of the archipelago’s diverse ethnolinguistic groups.
A close confidant of José Rizal, Blumentritt approached Philippine mythology with the precision and depth of an anthropologist. The entries are carefully annotated, with sources ranging from ancient Spanish chronicles to Jesuit letters, offering differing perspectives on the other faces of Philippine culture that existed before the Spanish colonial grip was established. Blumentritt’s methodical work not only documents the gods and rituals of the indigenous peoples but also compares them with mythologies from Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, making this dictionary a rich, cross-cultural study of animist traditions.
This edition preserves Blumentritt’s original insights, making it accessible to modern readers while enriching the experience with vivid illustrations of select creatures in Philippine mythology. More than a reference book, Dictionary of Philippine Mythology is an exploration of the world of ancient Filipinos, where the gods command the forces of nature, ancestral spirits guide mortals, and ancient rituals hold the power to alter fate.
A close confidant of José Rizal, Blumentritt approached Philippine mythology with the precision and depth of an anthropologist. The entries are carefully annotated, with sources ranging from ancient Spanish chronicles to Jesuit letters, offering differing perspectives on the other faces of Philippine culture that existed before the Spanish colonial grip was established. Blumentritt’s methodical work not only documents the gods and rituals of the indigenous peoples but also compares them with mythologies from Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, making this dictionary a rich, cross-cultural study of animist traditions.
This edition preserves Blumentritt’s original insights, making it accessible to modern readers while enriching the experience with vivid illustrations of select creatures in Philippine mythology. More than a reference book, Dictionary of Philippine Mythology is an exploration of the world of ancient Filipinos, where the gods command the forces of nature, ancestral spirits guide mortals, and ancient rituals hold the power to alter fate.

A Visual Guide to Philippine Ancient History
Ancient Philippines comes to life in the engaging and colorful A Visual Guide to Philippine Ancient History. Sweeping in scope and enriched with vivid detail, the book discusses the formation and settlement of the Philippine archipelago, as well as the cultures, traditions, religious beliefs, and governmental structures of the early societies and communities that constituted what would eventually become the Philippine nation-state. Packed with photos, illustrations, fun infographics, and entertaining activities, A Visual Guide to Philippine Ancient History is the ultimate guide for history lovers of all ages to a long-vanished world that bequeathed many of the beliefs and institutions that continue to shape modern Philippine society.
CONTENTS
How It All Began: The Origin of the Philippine Archipelago and the First FilipinosMaritime Polity: Power and Social Relations in Ancient Philippines
Life of Our Ancestors: Beliefs, Customs, and Culture
Creative Hands, Ingenious Minds! Livelihood During the Ancient Times
Friendly Neighbors: Precolonial Trade in the Philippines
Answer Keys
Glossary
References
Index
Image Credits
Referencia
Copyright © 2024
200 pages; 20.955 cm x 26.67 cm
CONTENTS
How It All Began: The Origin of the Philippine Archipelago and the First FilipinosMaritime Polity: Power and Social Relations in Ancient Philippines
Life of Our Ancestors: Beliefs, Customs, and Culture
Creative Hands, Ingenious Minds! Livelihood During the Ancient Times
Friendly Neighbors: Precolonial Trade in the Philippines
Answer Keys
Glossary
References
Index
Image Credits
Referencia
Copyright © 2024
200 pages; 20.955 cm x 26.67 cm

1521 Revisited: The Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines, Volume 4
This volume focuses on the vulnerability and, at the same time, immunity of our place names through time. The 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines provided a platform to assert our ancestors’ voices and agencies embedded in the place names we inherited.
Paperback / Softbound
Dimension: 5.5 x 8 in.
Weight: 0.43 kg
ISBN: 978-971-538-377-6
Paperback / Softbound
Dimension: 5.5 x 8 in.
Weight: 0.43 kg
ISBN: 978-971-538-377-6

Traditional Medicine in the Colonial Philippines, 16th to the 19th Century, Revised Edition (2024)
From the seventeenth to the nineteenth century, Spanish missionaries collected, studied, and made records of Philippine medicinal plants and herbs that Filipino traditional medical practitioners or herbolarios had been prescribing since the precolonial period. Because the herbolarios left no writings about their practices, the missionaries’ works are our primary sources for studying Filipino traditional medicine. Based on these works, Traditional Medicine in the Colonial Philippines gives an intimate and dense portrait of a defined medical tradition, and so, documents an important component of ways of life and epistemologies that Filipinos can recuperate and benefit from.

Essential Truths Series: Martial Law Era
The complete "Essential Truths" booklets are now available for download. Gain comprehensive knowledge about Ferdinand Marcos's Martial Law, and equip yourself with well-researched information to counter prevalent myths and misconceptions surrounding that era. This ten-part series focuses on the following aspects: Declaration of Martial Law (also available in Filipino), Economy (also available in Filipino),Human Rights, Institutions of Faith, Rule of Law, Corruption, Environment, Media, Protest Art and Culture, People Power.
Educators can utilize these booklets as a concise reference guide. Download all ten booklets for free at https://hrvvmc.gov.ph/hrvvmc-publications/. Physical copies will be available for distribution soon.
Educators can utilize these booklets as a concise reference guide. Download all ten booklets for free at https://hrvvmc.gov.ph/hrvvmc-publications/. Physical copies will be available for distribution soon.

Ilaya-Ilawod: Ang Bayan sa Harap ng Hamon ng Kolonisasyon
Mauugat sa mahabang kasaysayan ng Pilipinas ang konsepto ng ilaya at ilawod kung saan nagaganap ang ugnayan ng mga komunidad mula pa sa sinaunang pamayanan. Pangunahing naging ugnayan ng ilaya at ilawod ang pagpapalitan ng produkto ayon sa kabuhayang angkop sa magkaibang sistemang pang-ekolohiya. Ang katangian ng mga pamayanan batay sa heograpikal at ekonomikal na ugnayan ay maaaring suriin upang maunawaan ang kasaysayan ng baybay-dagat at interyor sa pamayanang Pilipino na siyang dinatnan ng mga mananakop. Papaano nga ba binago ng kolonyalismo ang kaayusan ng mga pamayanan dulot ng kanilang pananakop? Anu-ano ang mga salik na nakaapekto sa ugnayang pampulitika, pangkabuhayan, pangkalinangan at pangkapaligiran sa panahong kolonyal? Sinasagot ng mga pananaliksik ang mga nasabing katanungan sa pamamagitan ng paglalatag sa naging kaayusan ng bayan sa hamon ng kolonisasyon.

AGOS: Currents of Faith in the Diocese of Kalookan
The cities of Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas have been married, geographically, to major bodies of water. The Malabon-Navotas and Tullahan Rivers, the Dagat-dagatan swamps and inlets, and the vast fishponds along the coastline of Manila Bay have been important bloodlines not only in the socio-economic life of communities but also in the growth of the Catholic faith of the people. It is in this vignette that this book tells the stories of the Catholic parishes and communities of believers in the Diocese of Kalookan, presently composed of vicariates located in the three cities. This work chronicles the long and rich history of the Roman Catholic faith in the towns of Malabon, Navotas, and Caloocan. The growth and evolution of churches and communities of believers demonstrate the enduring legacies of faith and spirituality in the people of the Diocese in the past centuries.
This book has five chapters, each one chronicles the history of parishes and communities, illustrated through the metaphor of river flow and traversing the seas. The first chapter, Pagdaong, sets the tone for the enormous task of the community of Catholic faithful emanating from the commemoration of the 500th year of Christianity in the Philippines – the writing of parish histories. The second chapter, Paglalayag, narrates the establishment of the Diocese of Kalookan in 2003, the events that culminated in the creation of a new diocese out of the Kalookan-Malabon-Navotas (KalMaNa) District from the Archdiocese of Manila, and the seals and insignias that symbolize the diocese’s aspirations as a flourishing enclave of Christian believers in northeastern Metro Manila. The third one, Pagpapalaot, chronicles the historical development of each vicariate and parish in the Diocese. It provides accounts of the significant events that shaped the Church in the Diocese and portrays the story of churches that experienced changes and continuities in the decades and centuries of their existence. The fourth chapter, Pagdaloy – paints the rich history and culture of devotion in the diocese, focusing on select stories of select devotions to patrons and collective spiritual beliefs and practices. The last chapter, Pag-Ibayo, unfolds the present theological undercurrents of the Catholic faith and their implication to the Diocese’s priorities, and charts its future by looking at the efforts to expand its programs and projects to harness more faithful towards the Church of the People.
This book has five chapters, each one chronicles the history of parishes and communities, illustrated through the metaphor of river flow and traversing the seas. The first chapter, Pagdaong, sets the tone for the enormous task of the community of Catholic faithful emanating from the commemoration of the 500th year of Christianity in the Philippines – the writing of parish histories. The second chapter, Paglalayag, narrates the establishment of the Diocese of Kalookan in 2003, the events that culminated in the creation of a new diocese out of the Kalookan-Malabon-Navotas (KalMaNa) District from the Archdiocese of Manila, and the seals and insignias that symbolize the diocese’s aspirations as a flourishing enclave of Christian believers in northeastern Metro Manila. The third one, Pagpapalaot, chronicles the historical development of each vicariate and parish in the Diocese. It provides accounts of the significant events that shaped the Church in the Diocese and portrays the story of churches that experienced changes and continuities in the decades and centuries of their existence. The fourth chapter, Pagdaloy – paints the rich history and culture of devotion in the diocese, focusing on select stories of select devotions to patrons and collective spiritual beliefs and practices. The last chapter, Pag-Ibayo, unfolds the present theological undercurrents of the Catholic faith and their implication to the Diocese’s priorities, and charts its future by looking at the efforts to expand its programs and projects to harness more faithful towards the Church of the People.

Pioneering Women’s Health: University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1900s-Present.
In celebration of Women’s Month, Professor Ma. Mercedes G. Planta reflects on the fascinating history and evolution of women’s healthcare, focusing on the vital role of obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN). For many women, their OB-GYN is not only their primary physician but often a trusted medical partner throughout their lives.
The specialty of OB-GYN emerged in the twentieth century, merging the fields of obstetrics, which focuses on pregnancy and childbirth, and gynecology, which addresses broader aspects of female reproductive health. This integration reflects a holistic approach to women’s well-being and highlights the historical significance of these practices, dating back to early medical traditions.
From midwifery to modern-day obstetrics, the care of women has undergone transformative changes, empowering both women and medical professionals alike. As we honor women this month, Professor Planta celebrates the contributions and advancements made in the field of OB-GYN, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping women’s health across generations.
The specialty of OB-GYN emerged in the twentieth century, merging the fields of obstetrics, which focuses on pregnancy and childbirth, and gynecology, which addresses broader aspects of female reproductive health. This integration reflects a holistic approach to women’s well-being and highlights the historical significance of these practices, dating back to early medical traditions.
From midwifery to modern-day obstetrics, the care of women has undergone transformative changes, empowering both women and medical professionals alike. As we honor women this month, Professor Planta celebrates the contributions and advancements made in the field of OB-GYN, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping women’s health across generations.

Mga Sasakyang Pandagat ng Pilipinas - Picture Book
Maria Bernadette L. Abrera, Ph.D.
Binubuo ang Pilipinas ng napakaraming islang malalaki at maliliit. Paano kaya naglakbay, nakipagkalakalan, at namuhay ang ating mga ninuno nang napapalibutan ng tubig? Halina't kilalanin ang iba't ibang sinaunang sasakyang pandagat na naglakbay sa ating karagatan.
The Philippines is made up of many islands, big and small. How did our ancestors travel, trade, and live surrounded by water? Come learn about the various ancient ships and boats that traversed our oceans.
ISBN: 9789715089906
Published: 2024
Language: Filipino (Tagalog)
Age Recommendation: 10+
32 pages | 150 grams | 7 by 9 inches
The Philippines is made up of many islands, big and small. How did our ancestors travel, trade, and live surrounded by water? Come learn about the various ancient ships and boats that traversed our oceans.
ISBN: 9789715089906
Published: 2024
Language: Filipino (Tagalog)
Age Recommendation: 10+
32 pages | 150 grams | 7 by 9 inches
Title | Faculty Involved | Year |
---|---|---|
More Pinay Than We Admit 2: The Filipina Emerges from the Margins | Ma. Luisa T. Camagay, Ph.D. | 2025 |
Dictionary of Philippine Mythology (Diccionario Mitológico de Filipinas) | Maria Bernadette L. Abrera, Ph.D. | 2025 |
A Visual Guide to Philippine Ancient History | Vicente C. Villan, Ph.D. | 2025 |
1521 Revisited: The Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines, Volume 4 | Ian Christopher B. Alfonso | 2025 |
Traditional Medicine in the Colonial Philippines, 16th to the 19th Century, Revised Edition (2024) | Ma. Mercedes G. Planta, Ph.D. | 2025 |
Essential Truths Series: Martial Law Era | Kristoffer R. Esquejo, Ph.D., Karl Friedrik K. Poblador, Ph.D., Janet S. Reguindin-Estella, Ph.D. | 2025 |
Ilaya-Ilawod: Ang Bayan sa Harap ng Hamon ng Kolonisasyon | Janet S. Reguindin-Estella, Ph.D. | 2024 |
AGOS: Currents of Faith in the Diocese of Kalookan | Kerby C. Alvarez, Ph.D. | 2024 |
Pioneering Women’s Health: University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1900s-Present. | Ma. Mercedes G. Planta, Ph.D. | 2024 |
Mga Sasakyang Pandagat ng Pilipinas - Picture Book | Maria Bernadette L. Abrera, Ph.D. | 2024 |
Tahanan, Tanggulan, at TagpuanL Kasaysayang Pampook ng Bayan ng Looc | Kristoffer R. Esquejo, Ph.D. | 2024 |
Kasaysayan Panlipunan ng Maynila, 1765-1898 | Ma. Luisa T. Camagay, Ph.D. | 2023 |
Medal for Valor: Courage, Gallantry, and Heroism | Rowena Quinto-Bailon, Ph.D. | 2022 |
Guerrilla Days in the Philippine South 1942-1945 | Ricardo T. Jose, Ph.D. | 2022 |
Identity and Independence: Filipino Women in Times of War and Peace | Santillan, Neil Martial R., Emmanuel Jayson V. Bolata, Francisco Jayme Paolo A. Guiang, Magallona, Diego Vicente A., Francis Justine M. Malban, Dondy Pepito G. Ramos II, Aaron F. Viernes, Patrick James B. Serra | 2022 |
Hindi Lang Basta Bata: Mga Pananaliksik at Panunuri sa Kasaysayan at Panitikang Pambata | Emmanuel Jayson V. Bolata | 2020 |
Traditional Medicine in the Colonial Philippines: 16th to the 19th Century. Quezon City, Philippines: University of the Philippines Press. | Ma. Mercedes G. Planta, Ph.D. | 2017 |