The Philippines has long been shaped by colonial forces, yet its soul, its true identity, remains deeply rooted in its rich and ancient history. In her work as Editor-in-Chief for Maharlika: In Search of Identity, Maya Verzonilla reveals the power of this journey—a quest not just for historical truths, but for spiritual awakening and cultural reclamation. This groundbreaking book by Deo Palma calls on Filipinos across the globe to reconnect with their Maharlikan roots, shedding the layers of colonial influence that have clouded their true heritage. With an unyielding passion to preserve and restore the dignity of the Filipino people, Maya offers a deeply personal and insightful perspective into the profound and ongoing quest for identity among Filipinos.

Q: Could you explain the profound quest for identity among Filipinos?

A: Maya Verzonilla: The quest for identity is perhaps the most sacred and transformative journey one can undertake. For centuries, the true spirit of Maharlika has been veiled by layers of colonial conquests, political manipulation, and historical distortions. Maharlika: In Search of Identity is not just a book; it is a clarion call to awaken the dormant soul of a nation, to reclaim a history that was almost erased.

Through years of meticulous research and spiritual revelation, Deo Palma—a dedicated spiritualist, researcher, and scholar—has spent nearly a decade restoring the authentic legacy of the land and its people. His work transcends mere historical analysis; it is a revival of a heritage rich with wisdom, nobility, and a sacred connection to the land. This is a reclamation of sovereignty, an invitation for every Maharlikan to remember their inherent greatness and build a future grounded in truth and self-determination.

Understanding Maharlika’s true identity is more urgent now than ever in an era when history is often rewritten by those seeking to shape the present for their own agendas. The name “Maharlika” is not just a term—it’s a key, a profound symbol resonating with the wisdom of ancient civilizations that thrived in the archipelago long before colonial powers arrived. By uncovering Maharlika’s history, culture, and spiritual significance, this book creates a bridge—a powerful link between the past, present, and future, calling to every Maharlikan across the globe to awaken to their original, unbroken story.

This journey is not merely about correcting historical inaccuracies; it is about reviving a consciousness deliberately suppressed. It is a call to rediscover a nation’s true spirit—one that still pulses in the veins of its people, quietly waiting to rise. Within these pages, we will unravel Maharlika’s majestic past, dispel myths, and offer a vision that honors both historical truths and spiritual awakenings.

The time has come to break free from the chains of colonial imposition and step into the identity that was always meant to be. This book is a guide to help welcome home those who have been lost in the shadows of history, offering them the light of their true identity and heritage.

Find ‘Maharlika: In Search of Identity’ on Paperback: https://amzn.to/4ip3JTE

Q: How did you become involved with the creation of this book?

A: Maya Verzonilla: I am an established author with Radhaa Publishing House, having contributed to several collaborative books and authored my own work, Infinite Cosmic Records: Sacred Doorways to Healing and Remembering. When Deo Palma’s manuscript arrived at Radhaa Publishing House, it immediately stood out. The manuscript, which delves into Maharlika’s complex and rich history spanning thousands of years, was dense and steeped in academic rigor. Due to its academic nature and the sensitive history it sought to reclaim, no one on the team felt fully equipped to handle it. The task required someone deeply connected to Maharlika’s origins—someone who could resonate with its spiritual and historical depth.

Given my roots in Maharlika and my understanding of its essence, I was entrusted with refining and contextualizing Deo Palma’s work. The manuscript needed to be made accessible to a global audience, simplifying complex narratives while preserving the authenticity of Deo’s exhaustive research. My role was to ensure the book’s structure was coherent and that Maharlika’s true history would resonate without losing its essence.

After reviewing the content, I was encouraged to add missing historical elements to provide further clarity. With Deo’s trust, I took on the role of Editor-In-Chief, ensuring this important work would reach its readers while staying true to Maharlika’s legacy.

Q: What struggles did you face while editing this book without compromising Deo Palma’s original intent?

A: Maya Verzonilla: Deo Palma is a brilliant researcher whose dedication spans over a decade of data collection. His patience and meticulous efforts included sourcing materials from international texts, as many indigenous Filipino records were destroyed during colonial rule. He referenced historical accounts from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, India, and Spain to reconstruct Maharlika’s true past. It was a challenge to synthesize his extensive research into an engaging, comprehensible format while retaining its cultural essence. The responsibility of transforming intricate historical data into an accessible format for Western readers required a careful balance.

Editing this book meant presenting information sensitively and authentically for easy reading. Filipinos (the Maharlika people) have been denied their true sovereign history, instead fed narratives shaped by conquerors and corrupt leaders—distorted versions of the truth. This stolen historical birthright must now be restored. The book aims to restore the dignity of our Motherland and its people.

Tracing the peaceful migration and conquest patterns that significantly shaped our country’s early development—and influenced its progress today—remains complex. Our tumultuous history reveals how violently we inherited conquest, devastating our land, people, and culture. This trauma planted seeds of inferiority, subjugation, slavery, poverty, corruption, and historical misrepresentation—perpetuated by those in power who delayed real change for a truly sovereign Maharlika.

This is no longer acceptable. The challenge in editing was to balance the negative impact with the positive—to highlight the greatness of our ancestors, our land, and those working toward real change. The time has arrived for Maharlika to reclaim its rightful heritage and empower its people across the globe.

Q: How did you simplify Deo Palma’s extensive research for a broader audience, and what makes this book a significant contribution to Philippine history? Can you describe your collaborative process with him and how the book is influencing discussions on Philippine history?

A: Maya Verzonilla: Deo dedicated a decade to crafting his manuscripts, but the publication process took several more years. I spent significant time absorbing his intricate research and distilling it into accessible content. Completing this book is a significant achievement—one that has inspired numerous YouTubers to explore the information I gradually released online during my editing process over the years. Philippine history has become a focal point for inquisitive content creators conducting their own research. To preserve the integrity of this work, I endorse only Deo Palma’s official YouTube channel and my upcoming Maharlika & Its Cosmic Inheritance Youtube channel. Such authentic work deserves protection from dilution. For serious researchers, this book holds invaluable historical treasures that demand attention.

My collaboration with Deo Palma involved certain compromises. He granted me the freedom to translate his manuscripts into modern way that would be accessible to Western readers. With his blessing, I used a straightforward writing style—making complex concepts digestible without compromising his original intent or historical accuracy. Deo’s extensive research needed careful condensation into manageable segments. I simplified what I could in this volume, but Deo’s original research contains enough material for future books on Philippine history.

Q: What was your most significant contribution to this book?

A: Maya Verzonilla: My primary role was to simplify and make the contents easy to digest. So I divided the book into two distinct timelines, simplifying thousands of years of migration and conquest, part 1 and 2:

• PART I: “The Peaceful Migration” — Covering Negritos, Indonesians, Malaysians, Chinese, Indians, and Arabs, who contributed to the early cultural and spiritual development of Maharlika.

• PART II: “The Era of Turmoil & Conquest” — Documenting the traumatic colonization periods led by Spain, the Netherlands, Britain, America, and Japan. By clearly distinguishing between the contributions of early settlers and the destruction caused by colonial invasions, the book presents comprehensive yet digestible historical facts. It is crucial for Filipinos to reclaim the truth about their past, rather than accepting the distorted version imposed by conquerors.

Q: You mentioned spirituality as part of Maharlika’s indigenous ways. Could you share an inspiring perspective for Filipinos?

A: Maya Verzonilla: Yes, Maharlika’s spiritual identity is deeply rooted in its cosmic history. In this book, Deo Palma includes an account from the early 1970s, when an ascended spiritual master from India visited Maharlika (the Philippines). In his unapologetic words, he shared: “The name Maharlika was inscribed in the sacred archives of the spiritual realm long before it became a meaningful landmark. This spiritual connection serves as a powerful reminder to its people of their profound heritage.” — Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji

Q: Why does this book matter now?

A: Maya Verzonilla: Maharlika: In Search of Identity is not just a historical book; it is a call to action for modern Filipinos. It challenges the accepted version and old ways and invites readers to rediscover their noble ancestry and spiritual roots.

“Maharlika stands for greatness, nobility, and freedom—in stark contrast to the term ‘Filipino,’ which was imposed as a colonial identity associated with subjugation. The term ‘Maharlika’ represents the strength of a people unbroken by colonial rule. Understanding our true identity goes beyond colonial history.” — Deo Palma

Born in Maharlika, Deo Palma is the author of ‘Maharlika: In Search Of Identity’

Q: Who is Deo Palma, and what is his contribution to the Maharlika movement?

A: Maya Verzonilla: Deo Palma is the visionary author of ‘Maharlika: In Search of Identity’ and the founder of The Confederation of Mahárliká Society (Ang KaSaMa). His work is centered on restoring the pre-colonial name Mahárliká, aiming to reclaim the country’s identity from its colonial past. Through his books and activism, he has become a leading figure in the movement to reawaken the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Philippines. In addition to his literary contributions, Deo is also deeply involved in social justice, founding the Mahal Foundation to support indigenous communities, protect biodiversity, and combat human trafficking. A seasoned Yogi monk with over 25 years of experience, he advocates for Universalism, yoga, meditation, vegetarianism and alternative medicine. Through his efforts, Deo Palma is helping guide Maharlikans back to their roots and reclaim their rightful place in the world.

“Filipino identity has failed to unify the nation, but Maharlika can, because it is founded on spiritual unity rather than imposed colonial labels.” — Deo Palma

Find Deo Palma on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maharlika.nation

Maya Verzonilla showcase ‘Maharlika In Search of Identity’ at Hollywood Oscars 2025 Red Carpet Celebration Party

Q: Can you tell us about your background and your personal passion for contributing to Maharlika: In Search of Identity?

A: Maya Verzonilla: I’m Maya Verzonilla, also known as Maya The Shaman, and I had the honor of being the Lead Contributing Writer and Editor-in-Chief for Maharlika: In Search of Identity. I was born in Maharlika, known as the Philippines, but have spent most of my life in the United States since my teenage years. As an author of several collaborative works and the author of Infinite Cosmic Records: Sacred Doorways to Healing and Remembering, my journey has always been deeply rooted in healing and storytelling.

When I was approached by Radhaa Publishing House to take on this project, I was excited to lend my expertise, especially with my personal connection to Maharlika’s rich history and spiritual heritage. The task of editing this book was both a responsibility and a passion—ensuring that the essence of Maharlika’s true identity was preserved and conveyed authentically. Through my work, I aimed to bridge the historical and spiritual significance of the Philippines, helping readers reconnect with the forgotten legacies of the land and its people. To learn more about my work, you can visit my website at https://www.lemurianshaman.com.

Q: Can you tell us more about Radhaa Publishing House and its mission, particularly in relation to your contribution to Maharlika: In Search of Identity?

A: Maya Verzonilla: First, I’d like to express my deep gratitude to Radhaa Publishing House for entrusting me with the responsibility of Contributing Writer and Editor-in-Chief for Maharlika: In Search of Identity. The dedication, patience, and persistence required to bring this important work to publication were monumental, and without the heart-centered support of Radhaa Publishing House, this book would not have been possible.

Radhaa Publishing House is a boutique publishing company dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, especially through collaborative books that inspire, heal, and empower. Their Author Incubator Program provides mentorship, professional editing, and strategic marketing, giving authors the tools they need to bring their visions to life. Many of our books have achieved #1 Bestseller status, which speaks to the depth and impact of the work we do.

Storytelling is a powerful tool at Radhaa Publishing House, one that unites communities and ignites social change. Our mission is to create a lasting literary legacy, and with books like Maharlika: In Search of Identity, we’re not just uncovering history—we’re helping to spark a spiritual and national awakening. By embracing our real heritage, we can step into the power that was always meant for us. The time to reclaim the name, the spirit, and the essence of Maharlika is now.

Through Radhaa’s inspiration, which came from a deep passion for healing and storytelling, we are able to nurture authors and uplift emerging voices. It’s a heart-centered publishing house that seeks to empower others to share their wisdom and truth with the world. You can find Radhaa Publishing House at: https://linktr.ee/RadhaaPublishingHouse.

As we move forward, the journey toward reclaiming Maharlika’s true identity has only just begun. Maharlika: In Search of Identity serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Filipino people. This book is more than just an exploration of history; it is a clarion call for a cultural and spiritual awakening, an invitation to rediscover the greatness that has always lived within the heart of Maharlika.

Through the meticulous work of Deo Palma and the dedicated vision of Maya Verzonilla, Maharlika: In Search of Identitynot only illuminates the shadows of our past but also provides a roadmap for a brighter, sovereign future. This book challenges the imposed identities, breaks the chains of colonial narratives, and empowers the Filipino people—both at home and abroad—to stand proud in their ancient roots and divine heritage.

The time to reclaim the truth is now. The power to restore the dignity of Maharlika, to honor our ancestors, and to embrace the greatness of who we truly are lies in each of us. With this book, we are invited to rise together—united in the light of our unbroken identity, ready to shape a future grounded in truth, pride, and spiritual sovereignty.

May this book inspire not just a journey of discovery, but a movement of transformation. It is time for Maharlika to reclaim its place in history and in the hearts of its people. The true soul of Maharlika, unbound and free, is waiting to be awakened—will you answer the call?

Find Maharlika: In Search of Identity on Paperback: https://amzn.to/4ip3JTE

Media Contact
Company Name: Radhaa Publishing House
Contact Person: RPH Team
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: www.RadhaaPublishingHouse.com