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900
Pre-Colonial
There was already a language system in the Philippines before colonization. The ancient alphabet that was discovered was called alibata or baybayin. -
Print Industry: Del Superior Governo
The very first newspaper in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. During this period, there was a divide between the uneducated lower class from those who were educated. The Spaniards during this time kept the Philippines in the dark wth regard to their ruling that even this very newspaper, which was intended for them, was written in Spanish. -
Print Industry: La Solidaridad
The literacy divide was recognized by the early Filipio revolutionaries. Due to this, they learned to read and write in their language and other foreign languages. During this time, the Filipinos began to free themselves and the first newspapers sprouted in the country. La Solidaridad was the most popular of the nationalistic newspapers that were published. -
Broadcast Industry: First Telephone System
The broadcast industry in the Philippines started when telegraph and telephone was introduced in the country. Eastern Extension, a British company was granted permission to place submarine telegraph cables from Hong Kong to Manila. This resulted to the beginning of telepohone system operations in the country. The system of information and communication exchange was enjoyed by the whole archipelago. -
European Film Import
Film is an European import. Film made its way to the Philippines through the efforts of Carlo Naquera, a Spanish soldier. -
Print Industry: The Manila Times
The Manila Times was established during the American period where Filipinos were 'abreast' of the contents of media since English was taught to them. -
Print Industry: Manila Bulletin
Manila Bulletin was also established during the American period. -
Print Industry: Magazine (1900s)
Magazines came into the Philippines during the Spanish and American colonization period when they brought samples in the country. The most notable magazine was Liwayway Magazine, a magazine composed of serialized novels and short stories, etc., written in Filipino. -
Film: Dalagang Bukid
Dalagang Bukid is the very first Filipino-produced film. It was produced by Jose Nepomuceno. -
Broadcast Industry: Radio (1920s)
During 1920s, early experiments on radio broadcasts began. The first radio station was operated by Henry Herman, an American businessman, in 1922. It was a small radio station that served as a produvt demonstration for his business. -
Print Industry: Comics (1940s)
American comics arrived in the 1940s. Filipinos loved it for it was like a 'cross' of paintings, films, and literary pieces. -
Print Industry: Media Censorship
During the Japanese colonization, only selected newspapers were allowed to run and its contents were under tight control. -
Broadcast Industry: Television
Television came into the Philippines when James Lindenberg, an American engineer, established Bolinao Electronics Corporation (BEC) on 1946. He was granted a license for his perceived television station; however, he soon abandoned his dream due to various costs and import rulings. -
Broadcast Industry: Quirino's Alto Broadcasting System (ABS)
Antonio Quirino, bought majority of the abandoned BEC's stocks from James Lindenberg. He then renamed it to Alto Broadcasting System (ABS). With the help of Radio Corporation of America (RCA), Quirino established DZAQ-TV Channel 3. It aired the very first television broadcast in the Philippines in 1953. -
Print Industry: Martial Law
On 1972, former president Ferdinand Marcos's first steps was to suppress the freedom of the press. It forced the journalists underground and some were put to jail. Some newspapers reopened but it was only allowed to publish pro-dictatorship and pro-government news. 14 years later, it was stated in the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines that the media should also be protected and remain free. -
Film: Martial Law
Like newspapers, film was also censored. Filmmakers changed the titles of their films if it was found offensive by former President Ferdinand Marcos and his First Lady, Imelda Marcos. Despite the censorship, this era is said to have produced more artistic and thought-provoking films that highlighted the drive of the Filipino people to be free. -
Local Online Media
The first commercial internet service provider was launched by Mosaic Communications (MosCom) on August 1994. Because of this, it was possible for Filipinos to go online.
