After this start, the book does get lighter. The next chapter, Chapter 16, is entitled “Smoke-Eaters and Firefighters” which highlighted how fire literally restructured places and through this, also reshaped culture. At the end of the day, that is what history is—a story set in reality, with characters that lived among us. Though I am unsure of the author’s intention, Counting Filipinos is relevant to the present day. Counting Filipinos is a thought-provoking read that will certainly deepen one’s appreciation of history.

Source: Philippine Star January 23, 2026 21:06 UTC