In Palawan in the Philippines, ancient remains have been found, dated to 30,000 years ago. Clearly, the "Indios", as they are called today, are descended from people with an ancient claim to the land. Other peoples also contributed to (but did not eclipse!) this line of descent, due to trade with Asia and India, who introduced writing to the Philippines thousands of years ago. Arab traders later introduced Islam. Then in the twelfth century, the Spanish introduced ... well, death and dispossession.
The Spanish invaders imposed a feudal system and Roman Catholicism, but were never able to bring the entire archipelago under absolute control, due to persistent resistance by Muslim and indigenous fighters like Lapu Lapu.
By the end of the 19th century, the Filipino Nationalist Movement had established Asia's first republic, although the Spanish feudal system still remained, and persists to this day. Unfortunately the Spanish also destroyed the republic, illegally claiming ownership of the Philippines and selling it to the U.S. for 20 million dollars.
And so the Filipinos continued to fight for sovereignty, but against a new enemy. This was a secret war, and most people are unaware that 600 000 Indigenous Filipinos lost their lives in it. America also reinforced the feudal system and established a native elite, which has since been the root of massive social problems and much political turmoil, with only the rich able to access adequate education and health services.
After that, the Japanese invaded during the second world war, and imposed their own colonial ideologies and structures. Later, the US regained control through economic agreements, and so today the act of colonization continues, through "free trade".
I'm beginning to suspect that I have been much mistaken in my understanding of the terms "free" and "freedom". They seem to have a very different meaning when used by colonial governments.
