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KIRBY

ARAULLO

Kirby Pábalan-Táyag Aráullo is a distinguished Filipino historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. As the co-founder of the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, Kirby has authored numerous books exploring Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. His academic journey includes education at Harvard and UC Davis, where he developed his passion for teaching Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts. Kirby’s popular YouTube channel features a wealth of engaging content that delves into historical narratives and diverse cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to learn.

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Kirby Araullo
Was Los Angeles Founded by a Filipino? The Untold True Story
17:53

Was Los Angeles Founded by a Filipino? The Untold True Story

Did a Filipino help establish Los Angeles? Learn more about the untold story of Antonio Miranda y Rodriguez and how early Filipinos shaped California’s history. Their resilience and contributions are a cornerstone of the vibrant Filipino American community that continues to shape LA and beyond. 🎥 Join my channel! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books Related Videos & Playlists: 🌞 Precolonial & Early Philippine History https://bit.ly/EarlyPhilippines 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia - https://bit.ly/KnowSoutheastAsia 🔥 ‘Discovery’ & Conquest of the Philippines: https://bit.ly/DiscoveringPH Video Chapters: 00:00 Was Los Angeles Founded by a Filipino? 00:57 The Wildfires Impacting LA Today 01:23 Founding Los Angeles: Indigenous and Spanish Histories 02:37 The Forgotten 12th Poblador: Antonio Miranda’s Story 04:45 Filipinos in California’s Early Missions 07:02 The Colonial Caste System: Chino or Indio? 10:33 Are Angeles City and Los Angeles Connected? 13:09 The Indigenous Peoples of the Cities of Angels 13:56 The Filipino American Legacy in Los Angeles 14:42 Filipino Americans Uplifting LA During Wildfires 16:02 Final Reflections: Hidden Histories and Enduring Legacies 📺 About This Video: This video delves into the fascinating yet overlooked history of Antonio Miranda y Rodriguez, a Filipino gunsmith originally destined to be one of the founding pobladores of Los Angeles in 1781. Discover how his story and the contributions of early Luzones Indios shed light on the shared histories of the Philippines and California. From Antonio’s resilience to the role of Filipino craftsmen in California’s missions and presidios, explore this remarkable narrative of immigrant determination and colonial complexities. A must-watch for history enthusiasts uncovering the deeper connections between the Philippines and the Americas. ☀️ About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines.
The Tondo Conspiracy: How the Lakans Almost Freed the Philippines
20:38

The Tondo Conspiracy: How the Lakans Almost Freed the Philippines

Discover the untold story of the Tondo Conspiracy (1587–1588), also known as the Revolt of the Lakans. Explore how the Lakans of Tondo and Manila forged alliances with Brunei and Japan to resist Spanish colonial rule. Learn about Tondo’s rich history and the enduring spirit of Filipino resistance in one of the boldest uprisings in Philippine history. 🎥 Join us! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books Related Videos & Playlists: 🌞 Precolonial & Early Philippine History https://bit.ly/EarlyPhilippines 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia - https://bit.ly/KnowSoutheastAsia 🔥 ‘Discovery’ & Conquest of the Philippines: https://bit.ly/DiscoveringPH Video Chapters: 00:00 Intro: The Tondo Conspiracy and Revolt of the Lakans 01:23 Tondo and Manila: The Heart of Power in the Kingdom of Luzon 03:48 Meet the Lakans: Leaders of the Tondo Conspiracy 05:46 Strategic Alliances with Brunei and Japan 07:54 The Grand Plan to Liberate the Philippines 08:56 Betrayal: The Downfall of the Tondo Conspiracy 12:38 Root Causes of the Revolt: Labor Systems and Colonial Exploitation 15:30 The Lakans’ Legacy and the Philippine Revolution 18:52 Conclusion: Lessons from the Tondo Conspiracy for Today 📺 About This Video: This video dives deep into the Tondo Conspiracy (1587–1588), also known as the Revolt of the Lakans, one of the boldest uprisings in Philippine history. Explore how the Lakans of Tondo united with Brunei and Japan to resist Spanish colonial rule. From Tondo’s thriving trade networks to the leadership of figures like Magat Salamat and Agustín de Legazpi, discover the courage, alliances, and betrayal that shaped this historic revolt. Unearth the true story of Filipino resistance and the legacy it left behind. A must-watch for those passionate about Philippine history and heritage. ☀️ About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines. #PhilippineHistory #TondoConspiracy #FilipinoResistance #PrecolonialPhilippines #Filipino #KnowHistoryKnowSelf
The Real Story Behind the Iconic Filipino Christmas Lantern 🌟
16:47

The Real Story Behind the Iconic Filipino Christmas Lantern 🌟

What if the iconic parol wasn’t originally about Christmas? 🌟 Discover the forgotten roots of this Filipino Christmas lantern, from its precolonial spiritual origins to its evolution as a Christmas symbol. A journey through history, creativity, and the enduring Filipino spirit! 🎥 Join us! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books Related Videos & Playlists: 🌞 Precolonial & Early Philippine History https://bit.ly/EarlyPhilippines 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia - https://bit.ly/KnowSoutheastAsia 🔥 ‘Discovery’ & Conquest of the Philippines: https://bit.ly/DiscoveringPH 🌟 Pinoy Historian Reacts to Disney’s From Our Family to Yours: https://youtu.be/uYMSAK1tDrU 🎄 Why Filipino Christmas Starts in September: https://youtu.be/5lhqab60XTw Video Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:58 Growing Up Surrounded by Parols 01:49 The Parol: A Beacon of Filipino Christmas 03:35 Precolonial Roots: Light as a Spiritual Guide 05:21 Similar Lantern Traditions Across Asia 06:20 Spanish Influence: Lanterns in Catholic Rituals 07:00 Kapampangan Lubenas Processions 09:38 The Birth of the Modern Parol 11:06 San Fernando and the Giant Lanterns 12:54 Why the Parol Matters Today: A Legacy of Light and Creativity 📺 What You’ll Learn in This Video: The parol's origins trace back to precolonial Kapampangan rituals celebrating light as a spiritual guide. Spanish Catholicism introduced traditions like Lubenas, transforming lantern-making into a Filipino art form. In 1908, Francisco Estanislao shaped the modern parol, inspiring its evolution. Kapampangan artisans in San Fernando elevated it further, while the parol remains a unifying symbol for the diaspora. Today, it blends tradition with innovation, shining brightly in the Giant Lantern Festival. ☀️ About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines.
What If the Philippines Was Never Colonized? Historian Reacts to The Kingdom Official Trailer
23:39

What If the Philippines Was Never Colonized? Historian Reacts to The Kingdom Official Trailer

What if the Philippines was never colonized? The trailer for The Kingdom imagines an alternate history, sparking questions about precolonial culture and governance. In this video, we explore the historical accuracy behind its depictions of architecture, gold, tattoos, and social structures. Let’s dive into this reimagined history and explore the stories behind the film’s symbols. 🎥 Join us! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books Related Videos & Playlists: 🌞 Precolonial & Early Philippine History https://bit.ly/EarlyPhilippines 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia - https://bit.ly/KnowSoutheastAsia 🔥 ‘Discovery’ & Conquest of the Philippines: https://bit.ly/DiscoveringPH Video Chapters: 00:00 Intro: What If the Philippines Was Never Colonized? 01:33 Architecture: Inspired or Inaccurate? 03:34 Gold: Power and Prestige 05:44 Tattoos: Identity and Status 07:46 Social Classes: Mobility vs. Hierarchy 10:47 Governance: Leadership Structures 14:04 Women in Power: Historical Reality 16:06 Cultural Fusion: Beliefs and Traditions 17:34 Unified Kalayaan: Fiction or Possibility? 20:16 Conclusion: Your Thoughts? 📺 About This Video: This video delves into The Kingdom trailer, exploring its portrayal of precolonial Philippines. From architecture and gold to tattoos and governance, we examine the historical roots and cultural significance of these elements. Discover how the film reimagines our heritage while sparking curiosity about our vibrant past. ☀️ About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines.
The Surprising Reason Why Filipinos Say Salamat
12:04

The Surprising Reason Why Filipinos Say Salamat

Did you know Salámat means more than just 'thank you'? 🙏🏽 It’s a wish for peace, harmony, and well-being, rooted in our indigenous traditions and precolonial Muslim heritage. But over centuries, colonialism reshaped its meaning. What really happened? 🎥 Join us! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books Related Videos & Playlists: 🌞 Precolonial & Early Philippine History https://bit.ly/EarlyPhilippines 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia - https://bit.ly/KnowSoutheastAsia 🔥 ‘Discovery’ & Conquest of the Philippines: https://bit.ly/DiscoveringPH Video Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Salamat’s Forgotten Meaning? 00:53 What Salamat Means Today 02:15 The Linguistic Roots of Salamat 04:10 Salamat in Baybayin and Kulitan Scripts 05:55 Indigenous Thanksgiving Traditions 07:23 How Colonialism Changed Salamat 10:13 Salamat’s True Essence: A Wish for Peace 📺 About This Video: This video explores the deeper meaning of Salámat, a Filipino word that goes beyond 'thank you.' Rooted in precolonial Muslim heritage and indigenous Filipino traditions, Salámat represents peace, harmony, and well-being. We’ll dive into its linguistic origins, connections to Southeast Asian cultures, and its transformation under centuries of colonization. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of Salámat and what it truly means to Filipinos today. ☀️ About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines.
The Sultanate of Sulu: How a Tiny Kingdom Became a Maritime Power
22:02

The Sultanate of Sulu: How a Tiny Kingdom Became a Maritime Power

Was it founded in 1405 or 1450? Discover the rise of the Sultanate of Sulu, a small island kingdom that became one of Southeast Asia’s oldest Islamic powers. Explore its maritime legacy, cultural resilience, and the pivotal role of Sultan Sharif ul-Hāshim in shaping history. Let's dive into the untold journey of a kingdom that defied the odds! 🎥 Join us! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books Related Videos & Playlists: 📜 “Who Really Owns Sabah?” Playlist - https://bit.ly/SabahHistory 🌞 Precolonial & Early Philippine History https://bit.ly/EarlyPhilippines 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia: https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/seahistory Video Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:36 The Birth of the Sultanate 03:07 Sulu: A Maritime Crossroads 04:54 How Islam Transformed Sulu 07:37 Sultan Sharif ul-Hāshim and the Sultanate 10:08 1405 or 1450? Founding Mystery 12:32 Sulu’s Ties with Ming China 14:38 Uniting Sulu Under One Sultanate 18:22 The Sultanate’s Enduring Legacy About this Video & Series: Explore the history of the Sultanate of Sulu, one of Southeast Asia’s oldest Islamic powers. This maritime kingdom rose to prominence through Sultan Sharif ul-Hāshim’s leadership, the bravery of the Tausūg, Sama-Bajau, and Yakan peoples, and the spread of Islam. Learn how it transformed a small island chain into a maritime powerhouse, unified the Sulu Archipelago under Islamic governance, and connected Southeast Asia to the global Islamic world. This episode also delves into the founding debates—1405 or 1450?—and the Sultanate's enduring legacy as part of a mini-series on its rise, golden age, and twilight. About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines.
The Bizarre History of Ketchup You Didn't Know!
17:13

The Bizarre History of Ketchup You Didn't Know!

Did you know ketchup began as a fish sauce in Southeast Asia? Discover its journey from Asia to America’s favorite condiment—and learn how recent FDA bans on Filipino staples like banana ketchup impact Filipino-Americans and their taste of home. 🎥 Join us! - https://youtube.com/kirbyaraullo/join 🔔 Subscribe - http://goo.gl/yDgQmK 🍿Be my Patron - https://www.patreon.com/kirbynoodle 📚 Books, merch, etc. - https://www.kirbyaraullo.com/books Related Videos & Playlists: 🇵🇭 Filipino Food History & Culture - https://bit.ly/filipinofoodhistory 🌞 Precolonial & Early Philippine History https://bit.ly/EarlyPhilippines 🌏 Demystifying Southeast Asia - https://bit.ly/KnowSoutheastAsia Video Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The FDA Ban on Filipino Condiments 01:13 Southeast Asia’s Fish Sauce Origins of Ketchup 03:30 The Etymology of Ketchup: From "Kê-Tsiap" to "Ketchup" 05:46 How Ketchup Traveled from Asia to Europe 08:24 Tomato Ketchup: An American Transformation 10:25 Banana Ketchup: A Filipino Innovation 12:30 Southeast Asian Fish Sauce and Filipino Food Culture 14:11 Conclusion: A Global Journey of Flavor About Kirby: Kirby Araullo is a distinguished Filipino American historian, culture bearer, and content creator based in California. He is a direct descendant of the indigenous Paramount Kings of Luzon—Lakandúlâ of Tondo and Rája Matandá of Maynílâ—as well as the anti-colonial Katipuneros and World War II Guerilyeras who fought for Philippine liberation. His rich heritage also includes Kapampángan, Tagálog, Indigenous Áytá, Pangasinan, and Spanish-Basque-Portuguese-Irish Mestizo roots. Kirby co-founded the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he has authored works on Asian American, Philippine, and Southeast Asian histories. With education from UC Davis and Harvard University, Kirby teaches Filipino history and culture through indigenous scripts like Kulitan and Baybayin. His popular YouTube channel features educational content on historical narratives and cultural insights, attracting a global audience eager to explore Filipino and Southeast Asian histories, and the stories of revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the Philippines.
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