Yesterdays in the Philippines

"Yesterdays in the Philippines" by Joseph Earle Stevens is a memoir about the author's life in the Philippines during the late 1800s. The story begins with Stevens' voyage from America to Manila, where he contrasts his native home with the unfamiliar surroundings of the island. He paints vivid pictures of Manila's landscape, buildings, and unique environment, then he shows the reader through the daily lives of residents and foreigners. As the story goes on, the reader experiences gatherings at the English Club, local traditions, shopping customs, and the complexities of Filipino culture. By sharing his encounters with both Filipinos and other foreign residents, Stevens explores the beauty and challenges of life in the archipelago.