A researcher traced the music of her Filipino ancestors. It led to St. Louis, and a story of exploitation episode artwork

EPISODE · May 12, 2025 · 28 MIN

A researcher traced the music of her Filipino ancestors. It led to St. Louis, and a story of exploitation

from St. Louis on the Air

The 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis highlighted the nation's triumphs but it also reveled in public exploitation of indigenous Filipinos, who were put on display to demonstrate the "savagery" of other cultures. In addition to the 47-acre "Philippine Village," the Philippine Constabulary Band was also a popular attraction. Piccolo player Pedro B. Navarro was a key member of the band. His great-granddaughter, Mary Lacanlale, an ethnomusicologist at California State University, shares insights about the band, the exploitation of Filipino people at the World's Fair and her ancestor's experience there. She also reflects on the recent dedication of a memorial to the Philippine Village in Clayton.

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A researcher traced the music of her Filipino ancestors. It led to St. Louis, and a story of exploitation

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