The notion of an "authentic precolonial Filipino" is a misconception, according to anthropologist Stephen B. Acabado, who argues that this idea stems from a nationalist desire for pure origins and an unchanging Indigenous self, a perspective often reinforced by historical and anthropological practices. Acabado explains that the Philippines, even before Spanish colonization, was deeply integrated into regional trade networks with Southeast Asia, China, and South Asia, evidenced by archaeological findings of imported materials. He contends that the concept of "pericolonialism" is more accurate, recognizing that Indigenous life was always shaped by negotiation with external forces, not a pristine past. This purity thinking is evident in discussions about food, language, and the representation of Indigenous peoples, who are frequently portrayed as static relics rather than dynamic agents. Acabado uses the Ifugao rice terraces as an example, noting that their large-scale development is more recent than commonly believed and was an adaptive response to colonial conditions, not a preservation of an ancient, untouched tradition. Ultimately, he advocates for a more honest history that embraces plurality, mobility, and adaptation, urging scholars to treat Indigenous peoples as active participants in the present rather than symbols of a mythical past.