Ladies First - Inventions
To prove the paper nautilus grew its own shells, 19th-century naturalist Jeanne Villepreux-Power invented these glass containers used today to house pet fish.
What is Aquarium?
After ending a 20-year medal drought with a silver in Rio, this legendary weightlifter made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by setting an Olympic record in the 55kg category and becoming the first Filipino ever to win an Olympic gold medal.
Who is Hidilyn Diaz?
This peanut-based stew’s name is a duplication of the word for a spicy Indian dish, signifying that it is an imitation or "reproduction" of a meal originally brought to Manila by Sepoy soldiers during the 18th-century British occupation.
What is Kare-kare?
"Bakit galit ka? Bakit parang kasalanan ko?" is the iconic, emotionally charged question asked by this actress as the high-achieving sister Bobbie in the 2013 cult favorite Four Sisters and a Wedding.
Who is Bea Alonzo?
While their stings can be incredibly painful, it is a little-known fact that only the females of these buzzing insects can sting you. This is because the stinger is actually a modified ovipositor, an organ used for laying eggs, which the males completely lack.
What are Bees?
In 1914, while most households still relied on manual iceboxes and daily ice deliveries, Florence Parpart secured a patent for the first modern version of this appliance. Her successful marketing and improved designs eventually made the "ice man" obsolete by using electricity to keep food chilled.
What is the refrigerator (or fridge)?
This "Disney Legend" and world-renowned soprano made history in 1989 as the original Kim in Miss Saigon. She later became the first Asian woman to win a Tony Award and provided the iconic singing voices for both Princess Jasmine and Mulan.
Who is Lea Salonga?
Derived from the Spanish word for "milk," this iconic Filipino centerpiece was traditionally made from a suckling pig. Today, it remains the ultimate status symbol at any fiesta or celebration, even though adult pigs are now more commonly used to feed a larger crowd.
What is Lechon?
"Oh yes, kaibigan mo ako, kaibigan mo lang ako. And I'm so stupid to make the biggest mistake of falling in love with my best friend!" is the heartbreaking line delivered by this actress as Bujoy in the 1998 film Labs Kita, Okey Ka Lang?
Who is Jolina Magdangal?
These high-flying mammals take multitasking to a new level by giving birth while hanging upside-down, skillfully catching their newborns in their wings as they drop to ensure they don't fall.
What are Bats?
While preparing for a ball in 1910, 19-year-old Mary Phelps Jacob (later known as Caresse Crosby) found that her stiff, poking corset ruined the lines of her sheer gown. Using only two silk handkerchiefs, some pink ribbon, and a needle and thread, she fashioned this "backless" garment that would eventually replace the corset worldwide.
What is the brassiere (or bra)?
Featured on the 1,000-peso bill, this dedicated social worker founded the Girl Scouts of the Philippines in 1940. During World War II, she became a national hero by risking her life to provide medicine and food to prisoners of war.
Who is Josefa Llanes Escoda?
Derived from the Ilocano word kebbet, meaning "to shrivel," this vegetable medley is traditionally boiled until the ampalaya, eggplant, and okra are wrinkled and shrunk, stewing in their own savory juices.
What is Pinakbet?
"Sana tuwing umiinom ka ng alak... sana maisip mo rin kung ilang pagkain ang tiniis kong hindi kainin para lang makapagpadala ako ng malaking pera rito." This heartbreaking plea was delivered by this actress as Josie, an OFW mother struggling to reconnect with her children, in the 2000 masterpiece Anak.
Who is Vilma Santos?
While the males are often called the "kings," it is actually the females of the pride who do the majority of the hunting, using incredible speed and teamwork to bring down prey like wildebeest and zebras.
What are Lionesses? (Acceptable: Lions)
Living in a neighborhood with high crime and slow police response times, nurse Marie Van Brittan Brown and her husband Albert patented a system in 1966 that used a motorized camera and monitors to see who was at the door. Their invention laid the foundation for modern residential and commercial security using this "four-letter" video technology.
What is CCTV (or Closed-Circuit Television)?
A true humanitarian and chemist, this woman used her scientific background to develop life-saving "Soyalac" and "Darak" during World War II. She is also the culinary mastermind behind the invention of the palayok oven and the iconic Filipino condiment, banana ketchup.
Who is Maria Orosa?
Derived from the Filipino word for "secret," this colorful bread was traditionally a way for bakers to secretly recycle day-old bread into a sweet, red pudding filling. Depending on where you are in the Philippines, it might be called Bellas, Pampam, or the more scandalous Pan de Regla.
What is Kalihim?
"Walang inang hindi napapagod. Napapagod ako. Pero kinakaya ko. Hindi dahil obligasyon ko yun kundi dahil mahal ko kayo." Despite the film's many laughs, this heartfelt line was delivered by this Comedy Queen as the widowed mother of twelve.
Who is Ai-Ai delas Alas?
This animal's brain is the largest of any land mammal, supporting a legendary long-term memory that allows matriarchs to recognize hundreds of individual family members and friends even after years of separation.
What are Elephants?