MEANING AND RELEVANCE OF HISTORY statistical data to show that exploitation and

class conflict drove history.

History, its nature and ideals 7. HEGELIAN
● History deals with the study of past events (Torrentira, ● Intellectual movements and the progress of
2019). ideas are the driving force in historical change.
● Individuals who write about history are called historians. Hegel viewed history as a relentless
They seek to understand the present by examining what advancement towards freedom. Studies of ideas
went before. They undertake arduous historical research such as the Renaissance are often Hegelian in
to come up with a meaningful and organized character.
reconstruction of the past. 8. POST MODERNIST
● The practice of historical writing is called historiography. ● The Post-Modernist subscribe to the belief that
According to Masauwa (2018), It is a historian’s duty to all interpretations of history are valid. Foucault
draw insights from the ideas and realities that have disputed that all sources are biased, incomplete
shaped the lives of men and women and the society. and language itself has no fixed meaning,
● History was derived from the Greek word historia which therefore the past cannot be known.
means “knowledge acquired through inquiry or
investigation”. CONCEPTION OF TIME
● History as a discipline existed for around 2, 400 years and ● Time is one of the central mechanisms which history has
is as old as mathematics and philosophy. This term was for organizing information, and establishing how
then adapted to classical Latin where it acquired a new components of the past are related to each other.
definition. Historia became known as the account of the ● Helps to visualize historical period in comparison to
past of a person or a group of people through written different eras.
documents and historical evidences. That meaning stuck ● The progression of events from the past to the present into
until the early parts of the twentieth century. the future.
● History became an important discipline. History comes
from the Greek “Historia” originally meant inquiry, the act HISTORICAL METHOD
of seeking knowledge, as well as the knowledge that ● Historians have to verify sources, to date them, locate
results from inquiry. their place of origin and identify their intended functions.
● The process of critically examining and analyzing the
records and survivals of the past.
HISTORICAL METHODS AND SOURCES
HISTORICAL CRITICISM
Historiography ● The evaluation of documents is known as HISTORICAL
● A method how historians draw conclusions from evidence. CRITICISM.
● An instrument on how theories in historical research are ● Aims:
illustrated. ★ Find out whether a document or idea is
● A process used on how history is communicated. acceptable as authentic or not.
● The centrality of the narratives. ★ Eliminate errors and to know the truth. In order
● The possibility of other modes of writing. for a source to be used as evidence in history,
basic matters about its form and content must
be settled.
Schools of Thought
● In order for a source to be used as evidence in history,
1. ACCIDENTALIST
basic matters about its form and content must be settled
● Subscribes to the idea that behind every
historical event are accidents which served as a
driving force. The focus is more on why the
2 TYPES:
event happened ● EXTERNAL CRITICISM
2. HISTORICIST ○ The practice of verifying the authenticity of
● Based on the objective study of primary evidence by examining its physical
sources. Believed that the study of such sources characteristics of the time when it was
would allow a reconstruction of history “wie es produced.
eigentlich gewesen ist” – as it actually was. ● INTERNAL CRITICISM
3. STRUCTURALIST ○ Examination of the truthfulness of the evidence.
● Believes in the role of political and military ○ It looks at the content of the source and
structures in shaping history. This school of examines the circumstance of its production.
historiography emphasize that historical events
happened due to the existing political and CHECKLIST OF EXTERNAL CRITICISM
military structures. 1. Who wrote the document?
4. ANNALES SCHOOL 2. For what purpose was the document written?
● Promoted a new form of history by studying the 3. When was the document written?
lives of ordinary people and inquiries into 4. Where was the document written?
climate, demography, agriculture, commerce, 5. Under what conditions was the document written?
technology, transportation, and communication,
as well as social groups and mentalities. CHECKLIST OF INTERNAL CRITICISM
5. INTENTIONALIST 1. Is the real meaning of the statement different from its
● This school recognizes the roles played by key literal meaning?
individuals in history as they were influenced by 2. How did the author report?
their intentions and personalities thus, they 3. What was the intention of the author in reporting?
acted on a particular circumstance which led to 4. Is there inner contradiction in the document?
the unfolding of history. 5. Does the document contain bias of any sort?
6. MARXIST
● Economic forces are the main driving force in SOURCES OF HISTORY
historical change. Karl Marx relied heavily upon
 ● Sources are objects from the past or testimony concerning ● Antonio Pigafetta is an Italian nobleman who
the past on which historians depend in order to create accompanied Ferdinand Magellan in his fateful
their own depiction of that past. circumnavigation of the world. Pigafetta’s travelogue is
one of the most important primary source in the study of
PRIMARY SOURCES the pre-colonial Philippines.
● Are contemporary accounts of an event, written by ● The First Voyage Around the World is a documentation of
someone who experienced or witnessed the event in the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan and his men.
question Antonio Pigafetta travelled with Ferdinand Magellan to the
Indies to look for spices. Pigfetta narrated significant
SECONDARY SOURCES information during the voyage based on his observations
● Describe, discuss, interpret, comment upon, analyze, and experiences.
evaluate, summarize, and process primary sources. ● During the expedition he was Magellan’s assistant and he
● May have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources also kept a journal which would help him translate
in them. Cebuano dialect. He was able to collect extensive data
concerning the geography, climate, flora, and fauna of
REPOSITORIES OF PRIMARY SOURCES places they visited. He was 1 of the 18 men to return from
● ARCHIVES the voyage out of approximately 240.
○ The documentary by-product of human activity ● Pigafetta’s First Voyage Around the World shares
retained for their long-term value. (What are information about geography, economics, and trade of our
archives? 2020) ancestors, religion, and culture including a description of
○ Records can come in a wide range of formats political unit.
including written, photographic, moving image,
sound, digital and analogue
● LIBRARY CUSTOMS OF THE TAGALOG
○ A collection or group of collections of books
and/or other print or nonprint materials The Customs of the Tagalog was written by Fray Juan de
organized and maintained for use. (Definition of Plasencia, OFM as a report for submission to the King of Spain in
a Library: General Definition, 2013) 1589. The tasks of the Spanish friars at the beginning of Spanish
colonization in the Philippines was not limited to the Christianization
● HISTORICAL SOCIETY of the natives. Aside from their religious duties they were also
○ An organization that seeks to preserve and assigned to render reports based on their observations. Thus, the
promote interest in the history of a region, a Customs of the Tagalogs was written.
period, or a subject. (Historical society, 2021)
● MUSEUM Content of Customs of the Tagalog:
○ A non-profit, permanent institution in the service ● description of the life in the community of the people in the
of society and its development, open to the Tagalog region specifically their barangays, the caste
public, which acquires, conserves, researches, system, ownership of properties, marriage customs, the
communicates and exhibits the tangible and worship including the elaborate religious rituals,
intangible heritage of humanity and its superstitious beliefs, as well as on how the Tagalogs bury
environment for the purposes of education, their dead.
study and enjoyment. (Museum Definition -
ICOM, 2021) Katagalugan Social Strata
● SPECIAL COLLECTION ● Nobles – usually carried the titles Gat or Lakan; they
○ Library and archival materials in any format enjoyed more rights and at the same time were
(e.g., rare books, manuscripts, photographs, responsible for overseeing the activities in the barangay.
institutional archives) that are generally ● Maharlika – freemen
characterized by their artifactual or monetary ● Alipin – lowest social strata, classified into 2: aliping
value, physical format, uniqueness or rarity, namamahay (can buy their freedom) aliping saguiguilid
and/or an institutional commitment to long-term (remains slave until their death).
preservation and access. (King, 2018) Items in
the Special Collections are fragile, rare, and The members of the social classes are part of barangay, a
valuable. community composed of 30 to 100 families.

The nobles owned more properties than anyone else in the social
FIRST VOYAGE strata. The land area of the barangays was divided among its
people.
Magellan Expedition
● Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese who went to In case the wife opts for divorce to marry another man, all her
Spain to offer his services to the Spanish King. He had belongings will be left to her would-be ex-husband plus a certain
seen battles in Malacca and Africa for the King of amount. However, if she will not remarry, all her dowry will be given
Portugal, who ignored Magellan rather than reward him for to her.
his services to the Crown. This hurt Magellan, so he left
Portugal for Spain. With the help of his father-in-law and Adopted children reserve the right to receive valuables double the
Don Juan de Aranda, a man occupying a very high amount of how much they were paid for during the adoption.
position in the Spanish India House of Trade, Magellan
was able to see King Charles I of Spain. The meeting Tagalogs also believe in 12 priests of the devil:
between the two was held in 1518. 1. Catalonan
● chosen among its people but occupied a high
First Voyage Around the World by Magellan by Antonio rank; officiates the offering of a sacrifice for a
Pigafetta feast and the food to be eaten being offered to
the devil
2. Mangagauay
 ● pretend to heal the sick to deceive others 2. To do good for personal gain and not for its own sake is
3. Manyisalat not virtue.
● they cast spell to couples for them to separate 3. It is rational to be charitable and love one's fellow creature,
4. Mancocolam and to adjust one's conduct, acts and words to what is in
● their mouth emit fire which cannot be itself reasonable.
extinguished 4. Whether our skin be black or white, we are all born equal:
5. Hocloban superiority in knowledge, wealth and beauty are to be
● they are believed to be more powerful than a understood, but not superiority by nature.
mangagauay; they can kill anyone without the
use of medicine; they can also heal those who 5. The honorable man prefers honor to personal gain; the
are ill if they choose to scoundrel, gain to honor.
6. Silagan 6. To the honorable man, his word is sacred.
● they would tear out and eat the liver of anyone 7. Do not waste thy time: wealth can be recovered but not
they see wearing white time lost.
7. Magtatangal 8. Defend the oppressed and fight the oppressor before the
● they would go out at night headless and put it law or in the field.
back into their bodies before sunrise 9. The prudent man is sparing in words and faithful in
8. Osuang keeping secrets.
● they are believed to be eating the flesh of 10. On the thorny path of life, man is the guide of woman and
anyone they killed the children, and if the guide leads to the precipice, those
9. Mangagayoma whom he guides will also go there.
● they are capable of seducing anyone using 11. Thou must not look upon woman as a mere plaything, but
charms, potions, and accessories as a faithful companion who will share with thee the
10. Sonat penalties of life; her (physical) weakness will increase thy
● people believed they helped anyone who is interest in her and she will remind thee of the mother who
about to die; they claimed to know whether the bore thee and reared thee.
soul of the dying they helped would be saved or 12. What thou dost not desire done unto thy wife, children,
not brothers and sisters, that do not unto the wife, children,
11. Pangatahojan brothers and sisters of thy neighbor.
● they are believed capable of predicting the 13. Man is not worth more because he is a king, because his
future nose is aquiline, and his color white, not because he is a
12. Bayoguin *priest, a servant of God, nor because of the high
● they are men but deceiving appearing to be prerogative that he enjoys upon earth, but he is worth
women. most who is a man of proven and real value, who does
good, keeps his words, is worthy and honest; he who does
not oppress nor consent to being oppressed, he who loves
ANG KARTILYA NG KATIPUNAN and cherishes his fatherland, though he be born in the
wilderness and know no tongue but his own.
BY EMILIO JACINTO
14. When these rules of conduct shall be known to all, the
longed-for sun of Liberty shall rise brilliant over this
Bonifacio wrote a decalogue or 10 commandments titled
unhappiest portion of the globe and its rays shall diffuse
Katungkulang (iagawin tig mga Anak tig Bayan (Duties to be
everlasting joy among the confederated brethren of the
Observed by the Sons of the Country) to lay down the guidelines
same rays, the lives of those who have gone before, the
for good citizenship. This document in manuscript form still exists.
fatigues and the well-paid sufferings will remain. If he who
The rules include love of God; love of country and one's
desires to enter (the Katipunan) has informed himself of all
fellowmen; diligence in work; sharing of one's means with the
this and believes he will be able to perform what will be his
poor; punishment of scoundrels and traitors; and the guarding
duties, he may fill out the application for admission.
of the mandates and aims of the K.K.K.
[translation by Gregorio Nieva, 1918]
Under Emilio Jacinto's supervision, two patriotic printers, Faustino
Duque and Ulpiano Fernandez, printed the Kalayaan, the organ of
the Katipunan, to disseminate the ideals of the society. Kalayaan MGA GUNITA NG HIMAGSIKAN
had its first and only issue in January 1896, which carried a false BY EMILIO AGUINADO
masthead stating that it was being printed in Yokohama with Marcelo \
H. del Pilar as editor. This was to deceive the Spanish authorities Ang Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan
and evade arrest. ● based from the memoirs written by Emilio Aguinaldo; it
recounts his personal experiences as the Filipinos faught
Another step taken by the Katipunan to propagate its teachings was for independence from Spain.
the establishment of a printing press. In 1894, the Katipunan bought ● The book has a total of 49 chapters recounting his
an old hand press with the money donated by two patriotic Filipinos personal accounts from his birth, childhood, the start of his
from Visayas - Francisco del Castillo and Candido Iban. These two career as Cabeza de Barangay at the age of 17 years until
Katipuneros, who came back from Australia in 1895, had one the events pertaining to the experiences of the Filipinos
thousand pesos between them for having won in the lottery. The working for their quest for independence from the Spanish
types used in printing were purchased from Isabelo de los Reyes, colonizers.
and many were stolen from the press of the Diario de Manila (Manila
Daily) by Filipino employees who were members of the Katipunan. 49 Chapters of Ang Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan
Chapter 1: Kapanganakan at Kaanak
The Kartilya consisted of 14 teachings, which the members of the Chapter 2: Ang Aking Pag-aaral
society were expected to observe. The primer constituted the Chapter 3: Nahilig Ako sa Paghahanapbuhay
following: Chapter 4: Cabeza de Barangay sa Gulang na Labimpito
1. The life that is not consecrated to a lofty and reasonable Chapter 5: Ang Huli Kong Paglalakbay
purpose is a tree without a shade, if not a poisonous Chapter 6: Ang Bagong Tungkuling Capitan Municipal
weed. Chapter 7: Ang Pagkakasapi ko sa Masoneria at Katipunan
Chapter 8: Nang Ako ay Makipag-isang Puso ● The Act of the Declaration of Independence was
Chapter 9: Hidwaan sa Official na Guardia Civil prepared and read in Spanish by Ambrosio Rianzares
Chapter 10: Pulong Pangkalahatan ng Katipunan Bautista. This was his last official act. After June 12, he
Chapter 11: Cuadrillero Na Pinasapi Sa Katipunan faded from the picture and Mabini stepped in as
Chapter 12: Mahiwagang Pulong ng mga Frayle sa Hacienda Aguinaldo’s topmost adviser. The Declaration of
Salitran Independence was signed by ninety-eight persons. U.S.
Chapter 13: Capitan Municipal sa Araw, Katipunan Sa Gabi Admiral Dewey declined the invitation to the ceremonies.
Chapter 14: Natuklasan Ang Katipunan Instead, an American army officer by the name of Colonel
Chapter 15: Isang Sulat ng Supremo a. Bonifacio L. M. Johnson attended on his behalf. It was Luzon
Chapter 16: Huling Araw Ng Aking Pagka-Capitan Municipal promulgated the proclamation of independence.
Chapter 17: Pasimula ng Pamahalaang Tagalog
Chapter 18: Nabigong Paglusob sa Imus (from the Act:)
Chapter 19: Pasimula Ng Pagsalakay Namin sa Kalaban ● ...And lastly, it was results unanimously that this Nation,
Chapter 20: Isang “Juicio Sumarisimo” already free and independent as of this day, must use the
Chapter 21: Ang Una Kong Pagkabigo sa Hukbo ng Kastila same flag which up to now is being used, whose designed
Chapter 22: Nabigong Pasinayang Labanan sa Bakood, Ngunit and colored are found described in the attached drawing,
Tagumpay sa Imus the white triangle signifying the distinctive emblem of
Chapter 23: Pagkagapi ng Brigada Aguirre; Unang Tagumpay the famous Society of the "Katipunan" which by means
Chapter 24: Nanganyon ang Muralla at Sasakyang Pangdigma sa of its blood compact inspired the masses to rise in
Kabite revolution; the tree stars, signifying the three principal
Chapter 25: Nilusob Namin ang Talisay, Batangas Islands of these Archipelago - Luzon, Mindanao, and
Chapter 26: Viva ang mga Tagalog Panay where the revolutionary movement started; the
Chapter 27: Dumagsa sa Kabite ang Maraming Tao sun representing the gigantic step made by the son of
Chapter 28: Nauntol Na Paglusob sa Banadero, Tanauan the country along the path of Progress and Civilization;
Chapter 29: Inanyayahan sa Kabite ng Supremo A. Bonifacio the eight rays, signifying the eight provinces - Manila,
Chapter 30: Nagpanibagong Tatag Ang Sangguniang Magdiwang Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan,
Chapter 31: Malungkot na Balita Ayon Kay Rizal Laguna, and Batangas - which declares themselves in a
Chapter 32: Paglusob sa Tagiik at Pateros state of war as soon as the first revolt was initiated; and
Chapter 33: Lulusubin ang Kabite ng Apat-Na-Pung Cazadores the colors of Blue, Red, and White, commemorating the
Chapter 34: Tatlong Frayleng Bihag Ipinabaril flag of the United States of America, as a manifestation of
Chapter 35: Humihingi ng Kapayapaan our profound gratitude towards this Great Nation for its
Chapter 36: Makapal na Kawal Galing Espaňa disinterested protection which it lent us and continues
Chapter 37: Paglusob at Tagumpay ng Manghihimagsik sa Pasong lending us.
Santol
Chapter 38: Pagpipisan Ng Sangguniang Magdiwang at Magdalo
Chapter 39: Nagbalik ako sa Imus ALFRED MCCOY’S POLITICAL CARICATURE
Chapter 40: Kagulat-gulat na Pagdaluhong ng mga Kalaban
Chapter 41: Mahiwagang Pulong ng Haring Bayan
Philippine Cartoons: The Caricature of the American Era
Chapter 42: Ang Pagkatatag ng: Consejo De Guerra
Chapter 43: Nilusob Ng Kalaban Ang Naic
1900-1941
Chapter 44: Hinatulan ng Kamatayan ang Magkapatid na Bonifacio A political cartoon, a type of editorial cartoon, is a cartoon graphic
Chapter 45: Kahuli-hulihang Laban sa Kabite with caricatures of
Chapter 46: Paglipat naming sa Biyak-Na-Bato public figures, expressing the artist's opinion. An artist who writes
Chapter 47: Pagharap ng Kapitan Gregorio Del Pilar and draws such images
Chapter 48: Lalong Lumaganap Ang Himagsikan is known as an editorial cartoonist.
Chapter 49: Kapayapaan ang Hiling ng Espaňa ● Philippine Political cartoon gained full expressions during
the American era
● Filipino artists recorded national attitudes toward the
coming of the Americans as well as the changing mores
DECLARATION OF THE 1898 INDEPENDENCE and times
BY AMBROSIO RIANZARES BAUTISTA ● Professor Alfred McCoy is the Harrington Professor of
History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He
Independence and the First Philippine Republic specialises in the history of the Philippines, US foreign
● Aguinaldo ordered that June 12, 1898 be set aside for the policy, European colonisation of Southeast Asia, illegal
proclamation of independence. drug trade, and Central Intelligence Agency covert
● To make the event memoriable, he asked Julian Felipe, a operations. Philippine Cartoons: The Caricature of the
musician from Cavite, to compose a march which would American Era 1900-1941
be played during the Independence Day ceremonies. Six
days later, Julian Felipe showed Aguinaldo and some of Take a closer analysis on the following cartoons by Alfred
his officers the music he had composed. It was entitled McCoy:
“Marcha Filipina Magdalo.” Upon hearing the music,
Aguinaldo decided to make it the official march of the
Philippines.
● On June 12, between four and five in the afternoon,
Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippines
from the window of his home in Kawit. The Philippine flag,
designed by Aguinaldo and sewn in Hongkong by Mrs.
Marcela Agoncillo with the help of Delfina Herbosa and
Lorenza Agoncillo, was officially hoisted for the first time
to the accompaniment of the “Marcha Filipina.”

The Act Itself

Caricature 1: The selected cartoons illustrate not just the opinion media outfits
Manila: The City of Corruption about Philippine society during the American period but also paint. a
● During this time, Manila was riddled with incredible broad image of society and politics under the United States. In the
corruption, especially the periodic police scandals which arena of politics, for example, we see the price that Filipinos paid for
involved both Filipino and American Leaders. the democracy modeled after the Americans.
● The Philippines during this time had faced clear problems
in government and governance as well as the failure of the
government to respond to corruption allegations. The FILIPINO GRIEVANCES AGAINST LEONARD
cartoons also illustrated the conditions of poor Filipinos in
WOOD
the Philippines now governed by the United States. From
the looks of it, nothing much has changed. For example, a
cartoon depicted how police authorities oppress petty
Filipino criminals while turning a blind eye on hoarders
who monopolize goods in their huge warehouses

Leonard Wood
● Born: October 9, 1860, Winchester, New Hampshire
● Died: August 7, 1927 (aged 66) Boston, Massachusetts
● United States Army Major General,
Caricature 2: ● Physician, and
American Worker/ Filipino Worker ● Public official
● This refers not to a ten- fold difference among Filipino and ● He served as the Chief of Staff of the United States Army,
American manual wages within the colony, but to a more Military Governor of Cuba, and Governor-General of the
fundamental inequality – the difference in wages and Philippines.
working conditions between the two countries.
Grievances
1. Refusal to agree with laws
2. Substituted adviser to a group of military
3. Reversed the Filipinization of government
4. Obstructed the carrying out of national economic policies
5. Made appointments and payment of salaries after having
vetoed the appropriation
6. Used certain public funds to grant additional compensation
to public officials
7. Interfered in the administration of justice
8. Refused to obtain the advice of the Senate in making
appointments
9. Refused to submit to the Senate appointment for
vacancies
10. Usurped legislative power
Caricature 3: 11. Created strained relations between resident Americans
The Rich Get Richer, the Poor Poorer and Filipinos
● It shows the sugar industry feasting upon lavish credit 12. Attempted to close the Philippine National Bank
while the rice industry languishes. 13. Sanctioned the campaign of insidious propaganda
14. Adopted the practice of intervening in, and controlling
The cartoons also illustrated the conditions of poor Filipinos in the directly, the affairs of the Philippine Government
Philippines now governed by the United States. From the looks of it, 15. Sought the amendment of our land laws
nothing much has changed. For example, a cartoon depicted how
police authorities oppress petty Filipino criminals while turning a
blind eye on hoarders who monopolize goods in their huge CORY AQUINO’S SPEECH BEFORE US
warehouses (presumably Chinese merchants). The other cartoon
was depicting how Americans control Filipinos through seemingly
CONGRESS
harmless American objects. By controlling their consciousness and
Speech of President Corazon Aquino during the
mentality. Americans got to control and subjugate Filipinos.
Joint Session of the U.S. Congress, September 18, 1986 (Speech
Inequalities among laborers were also highlighted as well as the sad
written by: Teodoro Locsin, Jr.)
reality that the rich
get richer and poor become poorer.
Speech of Her Excellency Corazon C. Aquino
President of the Philippines
The transition from the Spanish Colonial period to the American
During the Joint Session of the United States Congress
Occupation period demonstrated different strands of changes and
[Delivered at Washington, D.C., on September 18, 1986]
shifts in culture, society, and politics.
Three years ago, I left America in grief to bury my husband, Ninoy Archibald Macleish had said that democracy must be defended by
Aquino. I thought I had left it also to lay to rest his restless dream of arms when it is attacked by arms and by truth when it is attacked by
Philippine freedom. Today, I have returned as the president of a free lies. He failed to say how it shall be won.
people.
I held fast to Ninoy’s conviction that it must be by the ways of
In burying Ninoy, a whole nation honored him. By that brave and democracy. I held out for participation in the 1984 election the
selfless act of giving honor, a nation in shame recovered its own. A dictatorship called, even if I knew it would be rigged. I was warned
country that had lost faith in its future found it in a faithless and by the lawyers of the opposition that I ran the grave risk of
brazen act of murder. So in giving, we receive, in losing we find, and legitimizing the foregone results of elections that were clearly going
out of defeat, we snatched our victory. to be fraudulent. But I was not fighting for lawyers but for the people
in whose intelligence I had implicit faith. By the exercise of
For the nation, Ninoy became the pleasing sacrifice that answered democracy, even in a dictatorship, they would be prepared for
their prayers for freedom. For myself and our children, Ninoy was a democracy when it came. And then, also, it was the only way I knew
loving husband and father. His loss, three times in our lives, was by which we could measure our power even in the terms dictated by
always a deep and painful one. the dictatorship.

Fourteen years ago this month was the first time we lost him. A The people vindicated me in an election shamefully marked by
president-turned-dictator, and traitor to his oath, suspended the government thuggery and
Constitution and shut down the Congress that was much like this fraud. The opposition swept the elections, garnering a clear majority
one before which I am honored to speak. He detained my husband of the votes, even if they ended up, thanks to a corrupt Commission
along with thousands of others – senators, publishers and anyone on Elections, with barely a third of the seats in parliament. Now, I
who had spoken up for the democracy as its end drew near. But for knew our power.
Ninoy, a long and cruel ordeal was reserved. The dictator already
knew that Ninoy was not a body merely to be imprisoned but a spirit Last year, in an excess of arrogance, the dictatorship called for its
he must break. For even as the dictatorship demolished one by one doom in a snap election. The people obliged. With over a million
the institutions of democracy – the press, the Congress, the signatures, they drafted me to challenge the dictatorship. And I
independence of the judiciary, the protection of the Bill of Rights – obliged them. The rest is the history that dramatically unfolded on
Ninoy kept their spirit alive in himself. your television screen and across the front pages of your
newspapers.
The government sought to break him by indignities and terror. They
locked him up in a tiny, nearly airless cell in a military camp in the You saw a nation, armed with courage and integrity, stand fast by
north. They stripped him naked and held the threat of sudden democracy against threats and corruption. You saw women poll
midnight execution over his head. Ninoy held up manfully–all of it. I watchers break out in tears as armed goons crashed the polling
barely did as well. For 43 days, the authorities would not tell me places to steal the ballots but, just the same, they tied themselves to
what had happened to him. This was the first time my children and I the ballot boxes. You saw a people so committed to the ways of
felt we had lost him. When that didn’t work, they put him on trial for democracy that they were prepared to give their lives for its pale
subversion, murder and a host of other crimes before a military imitation. At the end of the day, before another wave of fraud could
commission. Ninoy challenged its authority and went on a fast. If he distort the results, I announced the people’s victory.
survived it, then, he felt, God intended him for another fate. We had
lost him again. The distinguished co-chairman of the United States observer team in
his report to your
For nothing would hold him back from his determination to see his President described that victory:
fast through to the end. He stopped only when it dawned on him that
the government would keep his body alive after the fast had “I was witness to an extraordinary manifestation of democracy on the
destroyed his brain. And so, with barely any life in his body, he called part of the Filipino people. The ultimate result was the election of
off the fast on the fortieth day. God meant him for other things, he Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino as President and Mr. Salvador Laurel as
felt. He did not know that an early death would still be his fate, that Vice-President of the Philippines.”
only the timing was wrong.
Many of you here today played a part in changing the policy of your
At any time during his long ordeal, Ninoy could have made a country towards us. We, Filipinos, thank each of you for what you
separate peace with the dictatorship, as so many of his countrymen did: for, balancing America’s strategic interest against human
had done. But the spirit of democracy that inheres in our race and concerns, illuminates the American vision of the world.
animates this chamber could not be allowed to die. He held out, in
the loneliness of his cell and the frustration of exile, the democratic When a subservient parliament announced my opponent’s victory,
alternative to the insatiable greed and mindless cruelty of the right the people turned out in the streets and proclaimed me President.
and the purging holocaust of the left. And true to their word, when a handful of military leaders declared
themselves against the dictatorship, the people rallied to their
And then, we lost him, irrevocably and more painfully than in the protection. Surely, the people take care of their own. It is on that faith
past. The news came to us in Boston. It had to be after the three and the obligation it entails, that I assumed the presidency.
happiest years of our lives together. But his death was my country’s
resurrection in the courage and faith by which alone they could be As I came to power peacefully, so shall I keep it. That is my contract
free again. The dictator had called him a nobody. Two million people with my people and my commitment to God. He had willed that the
threw aside their passivity and escorted him to his grave. And so blood drawn with the lash shall not, in my country, be paid by blood
began the revolution that has brought me to democracy’s most drawn by the sword but by the tearful joy of reconciliation.
famous home, the Congress of the United States.
We have swept away absolute power by a limited revolution that
The task had fallen on my shoulders to continue offering the respected the life and freedom of every Filipino. Now, we are
democratic alternative to our restoring full constitutional government. Again, as we restored
people. democracy by the ways of democracy, so are we completing the
constitutional structures of our new democracy under a constitution
that already gives full respect to the Bill of Rights. A jealously
independent Constitutional Commission is completing its draft which
will be submitted later this year to a popular referendum. When it is the pressing obligation to respond quickly as the leader of a people
approved, there will be congressional elections. So within about a so deserving of all these things.
year from a peaceful but national upheaval that overturned a
dictatorship, we shall have returned to full constitutional government. We face a communist insurgency that feeds on economic
Given the polarization and breakdown we inherited, this is no small deterioration, even as we carry a great share of the free world
achievement. defenses in the Pacific. These are only two of the many burdens my
people carry even as they try to build a worthy and enduring house
My predecessor set aside democracy to save it from a communist for their new democracy, that may serve as well as a redoubt for
insurgency that numbered less than 500. Unhampered by respect for freedom in Asia. Yet, no sooner is one stone laid than two are taken
human rights, he went at it hammer and tongs. By the time he fled, away. Half our export earnings, $2 billion out of $4 billion, which was
that insurgency had grown to more than 16,000. I think there is a all we could earn in the restrictive markets of the world, went to pay
lesson here to be learned about trying to stifle a thing with the just the interest on a debt whose benefit the Filipino people never
means by which it grows. received.

I don’t think anybody, in or outside our country, concerned for a Still, we fought for honor, and, if only for honor, we shall pay. And
democratic and open Philippines, doubts what must be done. yet, should we have to wring the payments from the sweat of our
Through political initiatives and local reintegration programs, we men’s faces and sink all the wealth piled up by the bondsman’s two
must seek to bring the insurgents down from the hills and, by hundred fifty years of unrequited toil?
economic progress and justice, show them that for which the best
intentioned among them fight. Yet to all Americans, as the leader of a proud and free people, I
address this question: has there been a greater test of national
As President, I will not betray the cause of peace by which I came to commitment to the ideals you hold dear than that my people have
power. Yet equally, and again no friend of Filipino democracy will gone through? You have spent many lives and much treasure to
challenge this, I will not stand by and allow an insurgent leadership bring freedom to many lands that were reluctant to receive it. And
to spurn our offer of peace and kill our young soldiers, and threaten here you have a people who won it by themselves and need only the
our new freedom. help to preserve it.

Yet, I must explore the path of peace to the utmost for at its end, Three years ago, I said thank you, America, for the haven from
whatever disappointment I meet there, is the moral basis for laying oppression, and the home you gave Ninoy, myself and our children,
down the olive branch of peace and taking up the sword of war. Still, and for the three happiest years of our lives together. Today, I say,
should it come to that, I will not waver from the course laid down by join us, America, as we build a new home for democracy, another
your great liberator: “With malice towards none, with charity for all, haven for the oppressed, so it may stand as a shining testament of
with firmness in the rights as God gives us to see the rights, let us our two nation’s commitment to freedom.
finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for
him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and for his THE WORKS OF LUNA AND AMORSOLO’S
orphans, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting
PAINTINGS
peace among ourselves and with all nations.”

Like Lincoln, I understand that force may be necessary before

Juan Luna
mercy. Like Lincoln, I don’t relish it. Yet, I will do whatever it takes to ● Juan Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta (Spanish:
defend the integrity and freedom of my country. [ˈxwan ˈluna], Tagalog: [hwɐn ˈluna]; October 23, 1857 –
December 7, 1899)
Finally, may I turn to that other slavery: our $26 billion foreign debt. I ● was a Filipino painter, sculptor and a political activist of the
have said that we shall honor it. Yet must the means by which we Philippine Revolution during the late 19th century.
shall be able to do so be kept from us? Many conditions imposed on ● He became one of the first recognized Philippine artists.
the previous government that stole this debt continue to be imposed Regarded for work done in the manner of European
on us who never benefited from it. And no assistance or liberality academies of his time, Luna painted literary and historical
commensurate with the calamity that was visited on us has been scenes, some with an underscore of political commentary.
extended. Yet ours must have been the cheapest revolution ever. His allegorical works were inspired with classical balance,
With little help from others, we Filipinos fulfilled the first and most and often showed figures in theatrical poses.
difficult conditions of the debt negotiation the full restoration of
democracy and Fernando Amorsolo
responsible government. Elsewhere, and in other times of more ● Fernando Cueto Amorsolo (born Fernando Amorsolo y
stringent world economic conditions, Marshall plans and their like Cueto; May 30, 1892 – April 24, 1972)
were felt to be necessary companions of returning democracy. ● was a portraitist and painter of rural Philippine landscapes.
Nicknamed the "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art," he
When I met with President Reagan yesterday, we began an was the first-ever to be recognized as a National Artist of
important dialogue about cooperation and the strengthening of the the Philippines.
friendship between our two countries. That meeting was both a ● He was recognized as such for his "pioneering use of
confirmation and a new beginning and should lead to positive results impressionistic technique" as well as his skill in the use
in all areas of common concern. of lighting and backlighting in his paintings, "significant not
only in the development of Philippine art but also in the
Today, we face the aspirations of a people who had known so much formation of Filipino notions of self and identity."
poverty and massive unemployment for the past 14 years and yet
offered their lives for the abstraction of democracy. Wherever I went Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo are two of the best Filipino
in the campaign, slum area or impoverished village, they came to me painters. They lived in two different historical periods, thus, the
with one cry: democracy! Not food, although they clearly needed it, theme of their paintings are reflective of the socio- political,
but democracy. Not work, although they surely wanted it, but economic, and cultural situations in the country.
democracy. Not money, for they gave what little they had to my
campaign. They didn’t expect me to work a miracle that would Some of Juan Luna’s Paintings
instantly put food into their mouths, clothes on their back, education
in their children, and work that will put dignity in their lives. But I feel
 ● Further, the film describes the defense exhibited on Fort
Pilar by the Spaniards. This was because of the important
economic role of Fort Pilar at that time.
● The film likewise shows the free trading activities in the
Southeast Asian region as well as the possible effects if
Europeans will control the trading activities. The possible
effects were also explored of the European colonization.
● The film showcased the classic earliest seafaring vessels
such as the Lanong, Garay, and Salisipan. The
sophisticated tools and weapons of the Filipinos in the
Spoliarium (1884) southern portion of the country was also showcased in the
film. This include the Barong, Kris, and the Kampilan.

ONE PAST BUT MANY HISTORIES:

CONTROVERSIES AND CONFLICTING VIEWS IN
PHILIPPINE HISTORY

The controversial historical accounts with conflicting views are the

following:
● Where is really the site of the First Mass in the
Philippines? Is it in Limasawa like what was believed for
the longest time or in Masau like some history enthusiasts
The Parisian Life (1892)
are claiming in the contemporary Philippine History?
● The Cavite Mutiny which happened during the Spanish
Some of Fernando Amorsolo’s Paintings
era. There are 3 versions: Trinidad Pardo de Tavera,
Rafael Izquierdo, and Jose Montero y Vidal
● The truth behind the alleged retraction of Dr. Jose P. Rizal
before his execution in Bagumbayan
● The site of the first cry during the period of Philippine
Revolution. Is it Balintawak or Pugadlawin?

Figure 1: Conflicting Versions and Historical Truth

Controversial Conflicting Historical Truth

Historical Versions
Events
Planting Rice (1921)
Site of the First - It happened in - It happened in
Mass Limasawa Limasawa
- It happened in
Masau

Cavite Mutiny - It was a - It was a mere

movement to revolt labor
against the issue due to the
Spaniards. withdrawal of the
-It was merely a privileges enjoyed
labor issue by the workers in
Spanish arsenal.

Retraction of Jose -Rizal retracted - Rizal did not

P. Rizal before his retract even until
execution in his execution. The
Dalagang Bukid (1958) alleged document
Bagumbayan
was forged.
- Rizal did not
retract until his
RAIDERS OF THE SULU SEA execution.

Raiders of the Sulu Sea

Cry of Balintawak - The first cry - The first cry took
● is a documentary movie produced by Oak 3 Films.
or happened in place in
● It was first released by Q Channel Korea and distributed Pugadlawin.
Pugadlawin Balintawak.
internationally by Glass International.
- The first cry
● Its running time is 48 minutes and 43 seconds.
happened in
● The film is a historical-documentary about the slave
Pugadlawin.
raiding activities of the Sama-Balanguigul and the
Ilanun/Iranum under the Sultanate of Sulu.
● The key informants of the movie are Icelle D. Borja,
Samuel Tan, Barbara Watson-Andaya, Julius Bautista, Figure 2. Controversial Philippine Historical Events and
Margarita Cojuanco, and Halman Abubakar. Prominent Personalities Involved
 Cavite arsenal laborers/ exemption from paying annual
tribute and from rendering polo y servicios)
Controversial Factors which Prominent
3. Montero y Vidal (Spanish historian; interpreted that the
Historical paved Personalities
mutiny was an attempt to remove and overthrow Spanish
Events way to the Involved
colonizers in the Philippines)
unfolding of
Historical Truth: Cavite Mutiny was a mere labor issue.
the event
Retraction of Jose Rizal
Site of First Mass The expedition Antonio Pigafetta “retraction” means withdrawal of statement
headed by Albo ● Rizal Retracted; OR
Ferdinand Maximillian of ● Rizal Did Not Retracted
Magellan in search Transylvania It was supposed to have been signed by Rizal moments before his
of the Spice Island. death (witness: Jesuits); the
document was found by Fr. Manuel A. Garcia at the Catholic
Cavite Mutiny The withdrawal of Rafael Izquierdo hierarchy’s archive (original document not shown in public);
the privileges Jose Montero y Reproduction controversies on inconsistent dates: December 29,
enjoyed by the Vidal 1890, December 29, 189C, December 29, 1896.
workers in Spanish Trinidad Pardo de Historical Truth: Rizal DID NOT retracted.
arsenal. Tavera
Cry of Balintawak or Pugadlawin
Retraction of Jose The execution of Fr. Garcia 1. Pio Valenzuela (eyewitness of the event; Cry of Pugad
P. Rizal Jose P. Rizal. Lawin; August 23, 1896)
2. Santiago Alvarez (The Cry of Bahay Toro; August 24,
Cry of Balintawak The formal signal of Pio Valenzuela 1896)
or Pugadlawin? the start of the Santiago Alvarez 3. Gregoria de Jesus/Lakambini ng Katipunan (The First
Philippine Gregoria de Jesus Cry, August 25, 1896)
Revolution to win Guillermo 4. Guillermo Magsangkay (The Cry of Balintawak, August
independence from Magsangkay 26, 1896)
Spain. Historical Truth: Cry of PUGADLAWIN (August 23, 1896

Remember: The controversies surrounding the Site of the First

Mass, Cavite Mutiny, Retraction of Rizal, and the Cry of Pugadlawin
support the issue that in the teaching and learning of history, one
must remember that “history is not set in stone” hence, one
needs constant updating so as to continue studying history
with accuracy.

DISCUSSION:

Site of First Mass

● Limasawa (Southern Leyte; Visayas); OR
● Masau/Butuan (Northern Mindanao)

1. Antonio Pigafetta (Easter Sunday, March 31, 1521; First

Mass by Fr. Pedro Valderama; Pigafetta provided a
detailed and only surviving account of the first mass in the
Philippines)
2. Francisco Albo (navigator of Trinidad, later pilot of
Victoria under the command of Sebastian de Elcano; he
wrote that they erected a cross which overlooked 3 islands
the west and the southwest, fitting the description of
Limasawa)
3. Maximillian of Transylvania (obtained second-hand
narratives from survivors of the expedition; locates the first
mass in Butuan)
Historical Truth: The First Mass happened in LIMASAWA.

Cavite Mutiny (January 20, 1872)

● A revolt against the Spaniards; OR
● A mere labor issue

1. Rafael Izquierdo (Spanish governor; stated that the

Filipinos wants to overthrow the Spaniards that is why the
mutiny happened)
2. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera (Filipino version of the mutiny;
stated that it was a mere labor issue; Filipinos has no
intention of seceding from Spain but just of obtaining
materials and educational advancements in the country;
there was a deprivation of friar’s role in civil government;
the mutiny happened because of the privileges of the