* Indigenous languages: The foundation of Filipino lies in the Austronesian languages spoken by indigenous Filipinos before Spanish colonization. These languages varied across different regions and islands, forming a diverse linguistic landscape.
* Spanish influence: During Spanish colonization (1565-1898), Spanish vocabulary and grammar heavily influenced the evolving language. This resulted in a creolized language called Tagalog, which was spoken primarily in the Manila area.
* Nationalization and standardization: After the Philippine Revolution and the establishment of the Republic of the Philippines, Tagalog was chosen as the basis for a national language. This process involved codifying grammar, standardizing spelling, and promoting its use in education and government.
* Continuing evolution: Filipino continues to evolve today, influenced by English, other local languages, and global trends.
So, instead of attributing the start of the Filipino language to one individual, we should recognize it as a product of historical processes, shaped by the contributions of many people and cultural influences.