About the origin of Fake News

Fake news have become the new norm. And not only in social media, even the largest newspapers have succumb to the phenomena, but very few know that this was invented many centuries before Russia elected Trump as US President ( at least according to Hillary).

The "Black Legend" (Leyenda Negra) refers to the unfavorable image of Spain and Spaniards portrayed by some Protestants European nation that were enemies of Spain during the 16th century to weak the Spanish dominance of the World during that period and incite other potential allies to join forces to them, something that today still lasts in many history books, despite its total inaccuracy.

In those time fake news talked about the Spanish Inquisition, the impact of colonization in native american tribes. Now about the latest Kardashian boyfriend. Now I kind of understand the people that don't believe in evolution.

In Spain we have lived with this stigma for many years and resigned to the fact once the fake news is out there denying it will make it even more a trending topic.

Some people even appeal to that factor to justify why Spain has not won the Eurovision Song Contest for the past 40 years. This is a subject that I personally feel strong about it. I have witnessed Spain joining the European Union, winning the Soccer World Cup, the Basketball World Championship, the Davis Cup and even Justin Bieber "performing" in Madrid, but I am yet to see that proud moment in anybody's life when your country lifts the Eurovision Trophy.

We have been close a few times, but many more times we have been far. Far too many. I wont mentioned this year fiasco of a Barcelona singer, which name I don't what to remember as Don Quixote would say. Personally I blame the Catalan insurgents for that.

With all the Latin music topping all the charts why we cannot find a suitable song and interpreter to regain the honor of our country and erase the Black Legend forever?

A 1598 engraving by Theodor de Bry depicting a Spaniard supposedly feeding Indian children to his dogs. De Bry's works are characteristic of the anti-Spanish propaganda that originated as a result of the Eighty Years' War. Source Wikipedia.

I cannot find a suitable answer. My music knowledge is limited. My Mum always had a big disappointment about my lack of music ability, but there is little you can do when you are tone-deaf. I even restrain myself from singing in the shower out my own self-consciousness and embarrassment.

But I have a plan. If we cannot find a good singer in the Spain, lets go to the Philippines.. Many will praise the beauty of the country, still unknown for many but worth a holiday for sure, the rich colonial history and monuments, the gentle and kind character of the population, but to me the most striking fact about the country is the incredible voices that all Filippinos have. It is simply not fair. Is that genetic factor? is the infamous Balut egg (typical fertilized egg very appreciated in the islands) the secret potion for your throat?

There is no corner of the country, bar or even sometimes business dinner were you don't see the unexpected Filipino starting to sing. And as a difference to the Irish or any other drunken pub pop-up singing culture, the Filipinos know how to sing big. Don't be deceived by their gentle demeanor and average size. Their voices are absolutely stunning, as much as the legions of Misses they export to the world (their fascination for Miss contests is worth another post).

So if Spain won its only Miss Universe title in 1974 when the pageant was held in Manila ( was that a tribute to our Colonial links there?) why not Spain can finally win Eurovision with a Filipino undercover?

And and even more fundamental question, now that Australia has joined Eurovision why shouldn't the Philippines do the same, will be good to hear Philippines douze points !