The Forgotten Filipinos of the Galleons- From My History Readings This Week
Long ago, during the time of the Spanish galleons, the Philippines was not only a trading hub but also a place where many untold stories of struggle began. One of the most forgotten chapters in history is about Filipinos who were taken as slaves and brought across the seas, far away from their homeland.
The Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade lasted for more than 250 years, from the late 1500s to the early 1800s. These giant ships sailed between the Philippines and Mexico, carrying silk, spices, porcelain, and silver. But hidden behind this story of wealth and trade is a quieter, more painful truth—many Filipinos also became part of that cargo, not as merchants, but as servants or forced laborers.
Some were taken to work on the ships as rowers and assistants. The journey across the Pacific Ocean was long and dangerous, lasting months. Storms, hunger, and disease made life on board difficult. Many never made it to the other side.
Others, however, did reach Mexico and beyond. But when they arrived, they were no longer free. They were sold as domestic helpers, farm workers, or household slaves. Many of their names disappeared from records, making it hard for us today to know their stories. Some even settled in Mexico, Peru, or Spain, blending into new communities and slowly losing connection to their Filipino identity.
Yet, there is also resilience in this story. Historians discovered that groups of Filipinos, called “Manilamen,” escaped slavery and built small communities in foreign lands. In Mexico, some lived near Acapulco. In Louisiana, USA, Filipino fishermen built stilt houses above the water, similar to the bahay kubo back home. They preserved parts of their culture—fishing skills, cooking styles, and even Tagalog words—proving that even far from their homeland, they carried the Filipino spirit.
This forgotten history reminds us that the Philippines was never isolated. Filipinos were part of a global story—of trade, travel, hardship, and survival. It also teaches us the importance of remembering those who came before us, even if their names were erased from history.
When we think of the galleon trade, let us not only remember the gold, silver, and treasures. Let us also remember the countless ordinary Filipinos who crossed the oceans against their will, whose voices were silenced, but whose strength lives on in the blood of generations today.
This story is not meant to bring sadness alone—it is also a reminder of courage, endurance, and the value of freedom. By remembering the forgotten Filipinos of the galleons, we honor their memory and keep their story alive for the future.
#PhilippineHistory #ForgottenStories #GalleonTrade #FilipinoHeritage #HistoryForKids #ManilaAcapulco #FilipinoRoots #YoungLearners @followers @topfans @highlights
Meanwhile, Did you Know that......
Unconventional Drug Shows Remarkable Potential Against Terminal Cancer Cells
In 2025 a story captured global attention when Joe Tippens, diagnosed in 2016 with terminal small-cell lung cancer and given only months to live, experienced an extraordinary turn of events. Tippens began taking fenbendazole, an anti-parasitic drug commonly used in animals, alongside supplements like Theracurmin, a turmeric extract, and CBD oil. Within three months, his PET scans revealed no detectable cancer cells. While his remission cannot be definitively attributed to this unconventional regimen, it sparked worldwide curiosity and opened a conversation about alternative approaches in cancer research.
Early preclinical studies suggest that drugs like fenbendazole, mebendazole, and ivermectin—part of a class called benzimidazoles—may interfere with cancer cell processes such as energy metabolism, cell division, and survival signaling.💚 Unlike traditional chemotherapy, these drugs are inexpensive, widely available, and have a long history of safe use in humans and animals for parasitic infections. Integrative oncologists are beginning to explore their potential under controlled conditions, reporting cases of unexpected remission that encourage further scientific investigation.
While these findings are promising, experts caution that none of these antiparasitic drugs are currently FDA-approved for cancer treatment. Comprehensive clinical trials are still needed to confirm their efficacy, determine optimal dosing, and ensure safety in combination with other therapies. This story highlights the importance of rigorous research while also reminding us that medical innovation can emerge from the most unexpected sources.
Joe Tippens’s journey inspires hope for patients and researchers alike, suggesting that breakthroughs in cancer treatment may come from unconventional places. It underscores the value of exploring new mechanisms, challenging assumptions, and continuing to investigate the untapped potential of existing drugs. The story of fenbendazole and cancer is just beginning, offering a glimpse into a future where life-saving treatments could emerge from surprising discoveries.
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