In the next few episodes, we’re taking a deep dive into the Manila Carnival, a two-week festival held during the early American colonial period which culminated in the crowning of the queen and her court at an elaborate formal ball. For 31 years, young women from across the country vied for the title, navigating racial prejudice and standards of beauty, and becoming an integral part of the nation-building process. This is Part One: The Queen of the Orient, 1908, which talks about the origins of the festival and the first queen, Pura Villanueva Kalaw.

Join the Patreon for as little as $1 to get a copy of the show notes with all the references, a shout out at the end of the next episode, and access to bonus episodes:

• Nyai Gede Pinateh, the Harbour Master of Gresik;
• An interview with Haldi Patra on the Minangkabau matriarchal society;
• Ma Ying Taphan and the Krom Klone;
• Queen Suriyothai and the War Elephants;
• Paz Marquez Benitez and Dead Stars;
• The Rise and Fall of the Acehnese Queens, 1641 to 1699; and
• The Women of No. 14 Lebuh Leith.

The song in this episode is Bodabil by Andre Lagoy. Bodabil is an indigenized form of vaudeville, introduced in the Philippines around the time of the Manila Carnival. Hope you enjoyed his song inspired by it. Check out Andre Lagoy’s music on Facebook and Spotify.

Thank you to our patrons: Alyssa, Beverly, Karen, Kheiro, Xiaomei BY Milish, Jennifer, Christina, Raul, Raymond, Matt, Shereen, Charli, and Yati.

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There are so many more stories to tell and we’re just getting started. This podcast was hosted and edited by Agas Ramirez.

Tracks:

• Theme Music: Goddess of War by Unicorn Heads
• Jesse's Carnival Waltz - The Great North Sound Society
• Dios te salve Maria - Christian David
• On Foot - Underbelly & Ty Mayer