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not as intolerant of non-Christians as many other colonial powers, the Spainiards extended thier western influence into the region regardless.
Roman Catholic missionaries worked to convert the native people to Christianity and named the islands after their king, Philip II. Talim
is said to have been born during this time of colonization to a group who clung to the native traditions. Prior to Spanish dominion, the indigenous people of the
Philippines practiced what could be called animism. Talim's people in particular revered a deity of the wind. Talim is said to be the last priestess (babaylan)
of her people.
Talim's name comes from Tagalog, the native language of the Philippines. It means something like "sharpness" or "edge," which is probably a reference to the twin blades Talim fights with, or perhaps to her swift fighting style. There is also an island in the Philippines named Talim, and it was also the name of a 2005 typhoon.
Additionally, a number of her moves are words in Tagalog . Here are a few examples (keep in mind that I don't speak Tagalog, so feel free to correct me!):
Abaniko - fan
Espada - sword
Hambalos - flogging
Hampas - strike
Handa - ready, preparation
Hiwa - cut, slice
Kamay - fist, hand
Sahig - floor
Sipa - kick
Tuhod - knee