Souza, Maria Patricia Micaela Y. GERPHIS - Activity 5.C (p.

6)

In the past, the Philippines was able to withstand numerous colonizers and was able to
rebuild itself as a nation. From these colonizers and the drastic changes from the pre-16th
century eventually leads up to the Filipinos that we have become today.

The country’s political system during the pre-16th century was mainly decentralized
considering that the country was made up of independent political units which were governed by
different leaders. As defined by Morga in his ​Account of the Pre-Spanish Filipinos and Their
Civilization, leaders during the pre-16th century were extremely powerful. The leaders or chiefs
as they were called before, could enforce whatever wishes he may have. Anyone who refuses to
follow his orders or anyone who disrespects the chief will be punished. Punishments during this
time were extreme and some crimes such as theft may even be executed.

In Morga’s account, he revealed how Filipinos developed their economy. Due to the
Philippine’s placement on the map, and it being an archipelago, many early Filipinos settled near
bodies of water. Bodies of water were heavily relied on during this time and were common
sources of food and livelihood. Chau Ju Kua’s ​Chu Fan Chi, ​relates the trading culture of early
Filipinos. Early Filipinos were able to establish trade relations with China. It was common
practice during this time that whenever a Chinese ship would dock on Phiilippine ports, traders
would take what they needed and everything would be accounted for using products that the
Chinese needed such as pearls, oysters and alike.

The social situation of early Filipinos were also give light in Morga’s account. Social
classes were of significance during this time. Filipinos were classified by social class. Chiefs and
their families stayed on top of the social hierarchy, the Timawas were considered as the
middle-class, and at the bottom of the hierarchy were the slaves. The chiefs were the wealthiest
in the community. And if a chief dies, his eldest son would be his successor and become the next
chief. A person's class may change for example, a freeman may become a slave if one commits a
crime for a certain period of time depending on his or her sentence. Upon finishing their
sentence, they may once again be a free man. Intermarriage between different social classes is
possible however, it is rare. One example is the freeman-slave marriage. During this time,
husbands were allowed to have a legitimate wife and several mistresses however, if the husband
passes away, the legitimate wife and her family would inherit all of his possessions.

Despite having a social hierarchy, early Filipinos, even the slaves were capable of
reading and writing. They made use of Baybayin, the pre-colonial way of writing of the
Filipinos. Moreover, culture was evident in the way Filipinos dress. The social constructs of that
time can be seen with the way early Filipinos dressed. The families of the chiefs would wear
plenty of gold pieces or accessories to display their social status. Furthermore, religion was not
unified and early Filipinos worshipped pantheon gods, spirits, creatures and alike. It was
believed that Bathala created earth and man and that Bathala was superior to the other gods and
spirits. Sacrifices were one of the common practices of the early Filipinos which served as a
form of worship. Filipinos settled in nipa huts which were called Arigues and these huts were
made from bamboo and palm leaves.

However, when the Spaniards came, many of these traditions and practices changed and
Filipinos were forced to live under the Spaniards’ conditions and were persecuted if they
resisted. One of the most evident and known contributions of the Spaniards was the introduction
of Christianity into the country. The union of Church and state was established by the Spaniards
and the friars had political, economic, and religious powers over the country which is why the
Spaniards were unsure on whether or not they should allow Filipinos positions in the Church.
This injustice and discrimination led to the secularization movement where they appealed to the
King of Spain. However, during the second phase of the movement, the Gomburza were
executed and this led to the birth of Nationalism in the Philippines. Many Filipinos were enraged
by the unjust death of the priests and Filipinos started to appeal to Spain for reforms. Despite the
Filipinos’ numerous appeals to Spain, reforms were still not made. Filipinos eventually realized
that appealing to Spain will not get them the reforms therefore, the KKK was established.
 Many changes occurred during the Spanish rule. Before the Spaniards came, Filipinos
were divided however, once they were aware of the unjust treatment of the Spaniards towards
them, they began to work together hence the awakening of Filipino nationalism. This brought the
Filipino nation together and Filipinos started working together towards a common goal; to
reclaim their country. Despite the many changes that the Spanish colonization brought upon the
Philippines, the most significant change that the Spaniards have given the country is the
awakening of the Filipinos’ nationalism.
Souza, Maria Patricia Micaela Y. Activity 6 - Philippine Revolution

According to Andres Bonifacio, why did the Filipinos oppose the Spaniards? How can Filipinos show their
love of country and violent opposition against Spanish rule in the Philippines? What should Filipinos do to
show their love of country?

The Spaniards ruled the Philippines for over 300 years. The Spanish occupation brought
upon many hardships to the Filipinos. For 300 years, Filipinos remained silent and succumbed to
the Spanish however, some Filipinos stood up to the Spaniards and defended the country.

Among those Filipinos who stood up for the Philippines was Andres Bonifacio.
Bonifacio narrated in his poem titled ​Katapusang Hibik ng Pilipinas t​ he hardships, hostility, and
threats that the Spaniards brought upon the Philippines. In the poem, Bonifacio compared Spain
to a mother that neglected her children. How Spain hurt its children, the Filipinos. They exerted
brute force and their power over the Filipinos and this maltreatment enraged the Filipinos. Spain
oppressed the Filipinos wherein they experienced pain, suffering, and inequality. Filipinos were
stolen of their properties, identities, and lives. They were robbed of their homes, lands, and
sources of income by the friars during the Spanish occupation. The injustice of the Spaniards
angered the Filipinos and caused them to revolt.

Filipinos such as Andres Bonifacio fought against the unjust treatment of the Spanish
towards the Filipinos. People like him are an example of a person who loves his country.
Bonifacio believed that no reforms would be achieved if force and brutal effort was not used.
Spain would never have listened to the pleas of the Filipinos. He was courageous enough to
challenge and fight the Spaniards despite the power that the Spaniards possess. He was willing to
give his life in order for the country to attain independence and freedom from the oppression. As
Filipinos, one must be able to fight for one's own country. Filipinos must not succumb to people
such as the Spaniards who are only interested in their own selfish reasons. Filipinos must not
kneel down before anyone who promises them prosperity. Reformists such as Bonifacio and
Rizal were not afraid to voice out and expose the evils of the Spaniards. Violent opposition was
the only choice left for the Filipinos during that time and many Filipinos were awakened to the
evils of the Spaniards. They too, were brave enough to join in revolting against the Spanish rule
and these were the people who possess true love for their country.

A person's true love of country can be shown in many different ways. Joining revolutions
is not necessarily the only way to show your love for the country. In this day and age, there are
other ways to show ones love of country. Each Filipino is capable of helping in the country's
journey towards progression. Progress is a collective effort of people performing their duties as
citizens of the country. Loving ones country also means that one must love its citizens and with
that, Filipinos must care for each other and not just themselves. One must sacrifice personal
interest for the benefit of the majority. The achievement of one Filipino is an achivement for all.
The different ways that a person can show their love for country is endless. Even the smallest
efforts to support ones country is a sign of love and nationalism. One must only make show
effort so that they can be a part of the progression of the Philippines.
Souza, Maria Patricia Micaela Y. Activity
7

How did the Americans deceive the Revolutionary government of Emilio Aguinaldo? How did the American
military officials view the Aguinaldo government? What were your reactions, realizations and conclusions
about the Filipino-American War and the Philippine Revolution after watching the film “Heneral Luna” and
reading the article?

The American occupation in the Philippines led to many historical events in the
Philippines. Many of which are infamous in the history of the country. Filipinos succumbing to
the sweet promises of the Americans eventually led to the downfall of the country.

Americans came to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. On April 30,
1898, American forces led by George Dewey, defeated the Spanish army in the Battle of Manila
Bay. This event started the American intervention in the Philippines. The Americans were seen
as defenders and allies of the Philippines. Aguinaldo was promised aid in attaining independence
once Spain was defeated by the Americans however, this was a strategic move by the Americans
to gain the trust of the Filipinos. American troops started taking control of Intramuros. The war
between the Philippines and the United States officially started due to the fatal shooting of
several Filipino soldiers at the San Juan Bridge by an American soldier on February 4, 1899.
Americans initially thought that the Philippines would easily succumb to them due to its
unorganization and due to the fact that Aguinaldo easily believed their empty promises.
However, General Luna saw through the Americas selfish wants. General Luna wished to
strengthen the Philippines’ military despite Aguinaldo’s orders. However, it was too late and the
war broke out.

The Filipino-American war was not just a war between the Filipinos and the Americans,
it was a war with Filipinos as well. Many Filipinos were not willing to fight for their for own
country; some were overpowered by fear. Filipinos were not willing to fight for their own
country despite the disrespect that the Americans have shown towards the country and the
Filipinos. There was no unity among the Filipinos during the time of war and this led to the
country's downfall. Despite the lack of unity and the lack of desire to defend the Philippines
among the Filipinos, General Luna still fought for the country. General Luna is an example of
how a Filipino should be. Luna was willing to fight and die for his motherland. He could not
withstand the disrespect of the Americans towards the Philippines. The history of the Philippines
should serve as a lesson to all Filipinos. Unity is important for the country to attain progress. All
Filipinos must have a common goal that every citizen must partake on. This is of importance in
building and securing a nation with a tomorrow.
Souza, Maria Patricia Micaela Y. Activity 8 - Filipino-American
War

A. ANALYZE THE PHOTOS BELOW. Describe the photos. What does it show? What do you know about
these photos? When were these photos taken? Why did it happen?

The images display the dreadful demise of some Filipinos during the war with the
Americans. These images show the Philippine genocide that was carried out by the Americans.
These photos were taken during the war with America sometime between the years 1899-1902.
The Philippine-American war started due to the fatal shooting of several Filipino soldiers at the
San Juan Bridge by an American soldier on February 4, 1899. This event was the immediate
cause of the war. It was said that the war between the Filipinos and the Americans caused the
death of over 20,000 Filipino combatants and as many as 200,000 Filipino civilians died from
violence, famine, and disease.

B. Write a short reflection about the photos and the film “Luna.” How did the photos and the film “Luna”
change your understanding about the Filipino-American war? How did it change your view/perspective about
the Filipino-American war?

The film titled ​Luna ​narrates the famous general, General Antonio Luna’s story. The film
was set during the Philippine-American war wherein General Luna had to face the American
army. General Luna strived to lead his countrymen into victory however, he was betrayed by his
own countrymen. The film and the photos paints a picture of the Philippines during the war
against America. It displays the hardships of the Filipinos and the gruesome effects of the war to
the Philippines.

The film displays how the war split the nation. It was not only a war against the
Americans; it was a war against fellow Filipinos as well. The country was at war with its own
treacherous people. Many Filipinos betrayed their own country because of their own selfish
reasons. They were willing to sell out their own country for fortune or for them to survive the
war. Filipinos were unwilling to believe that the Americans were planning on colonizing the
Philippines and were still hoping for the independence that was promised to them. Many
Filipinos were naive to the plans of the Americans, and some Filipinos like General Luna could
see right through them. This caused the division of the Filipinos once again. When the war broke
out, there was no choice but to fight for the country however, the Philippines was unprepared for
the forces of the Americans. The Filipino-American war was not only a fight between the
country and the Americans. It was a fight against our own countrymen and a fight on whether or
not fear will win over the Filipinos’ nationalism. The war brought up an important question
amongst the Filipinos and it was whether or not they were willing to die for their country’s
independence.

The photos show how the Filipinos were poorly treated by the Americans. Filipinos were
disrespected in their own lands and were treated like animals. The Filipino-American war was
not a civilized agreement between the two nations. With these photos, we see the real effects of
the war that we normally don't see. The film and the photos clearly shows the inhumane way that
Filipinos were slaughtered. The documentations serve as proof of events of the war and shows a
more truthful and unfiltered perspective of the war.

Many lives were taken during the Filipino-American war. The war impacted the country
in many different ways. The Philippines was never the same after the war. The effects of the war
on the lands and infrastructures could always be rebuilt however, the lives lost during the war
can never be brought back. Many Filipinos died defending the country and fighting for the
country’s independence and that needed courage. The Filipinos who died defending our
motherland will never be forgotten for they will always be remembered each day the Philippines
remains an independent country.
Souza, Maria Patricia Micaela Y. Activity
9
READ THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS: WHAT DO THESE DOCUMENTS TELL US ABOUT THE
NATURE OF THE AMERICAN OCCUPATION OF THE PHILIPPINES?
A. ​TREATY OF PARIS (1898)
B. ​BENEVOLENT ASSIMILATION PROCLAMATION

The Spanish-American war broke out in 1898 when a US ship docked in

Spanish-conrolled Cuba mysteriously exploded.. The war originates from the rebellion against
the Spanish rule which began in Cuba in 1895. The United States military dominance over the
Spanish fleet combined with the revolutionary Philippines forced Spain to open negotiations.
The dispute between Spain and the United States officially ended when the Treaty of Paris was
signed in 1898 wherein Cuba was given independence while the Philippines along with Guam
and Puerto Rico were ceded by Spain to the United States for an amount of 20 million dollars.
Filipinos thought that the signing of the Treaty of Paris would be the path to their independence
however, on December 21, 1898, Mckinley announced the ​Benevolent Assimilation ​of the
Philippines, claiming that they would retain control over the Philippines to help transform the
lives of its natives.

The American occupation in the Philippines started during the Spanish colonial period.
Filipinos believed that the United States were allies of the country however, this was proven
wrong by the Americans. The Americans used sweet words to gain the trust of the Filipinos.
They deceived their way into occupying the Philippines with their promise of independence and
sovereignty. Filipinos were desperate to be free from Spain and the Americans took advantage of
the Filipinos desperation. Unbeknownst to the Filipinos, the Americans were already negotiation
with Spain for ways to attain the Philippines. It was treacherous and low for the Americans to
take advantage of the desperation of the Filipinos to be freed from Spain and to lie their way into
acquiring trust from the Filipinos.
ANALYZE THE FOLLOWING CARTOONS: WHAT DOES EACH PHOTO/CARTOON TELL US
ABOUT THE AMERICAN OCCUPATION OR JAPANESE OCCUPATION? DISCUSS THE
SYMBOLISMS SHOWN IN EACH CARTOON. DOES THE CARTOON SHOW THE OBJECTIVE
RHETORIC /PROPAGANDA OF THE AMERICAN OR JAPANESE OCCUPATION? WHY DID YOU
SAY SO? EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWER.

Cartoon 1
The first cartoon depicts imperialism of the United States towards the Philippines. It
highlights Uncle Sam as the representation of the Americans and it can be seen that he is inviting
countries such as Russia and Germany into the Philippines. In my opinion, the cartoon shows the
Americans’ real objective in attaining the Philippines

Cartoon 2
The second cartoon shows how the United States only wanted to use the Philippines as a
stepping stone to get to China. The cartoon again highlights Uncle Sam as a representation of the
United States and it can be seen that he is just stepping on the Philippines to get to China. The
Philippines location on the map is ideal for the Americans to use because it is surrounded by
many nations and is closely situated to China. Americans wanted to reach China because they
had very high demands that the United States can give them. The Philippines’ location was ideal
for the Americans to make relations with China.

Cartoon 3
The third cartoon shows how the United States is trying to lead countries such as the
Philippines, China, India, and more towards civilization. Again, Uncle Sam represents the United
States and the Philippines is represented by a dark and funny looking individual. This shows how
the Americans perceived Filipinos which was natives or tribesmen. It shows the American
propaganda of them leading us towards civilization. It clearly shows that they are heading
towards the top of the mountain wherein they have to face things such as ignorance, oppression,
brutality, and such before they reach civilization.
Cartoon 4
The fourth cartoon depicts the views of the Americans before and after they came into the
Philippines. It shows that before they came, the Philippines was under Spanish oppression and
after they came, the Philippines was given education, sanitation, business prosperity, and Filipino
assembly. It was said that the United States “rescued them from their oppression.” This clearly
depicts the Americans’ propaganda for these show the empty promises that they told the
Filipinos they would give however, the Philippines was only given more oppression.

Cartoon 5
The fifth cartoon shows the Declaration of Greater East Asian Cooperation. It can be seen
that the characters in the cartoon look happy and live in harmony together. This shows Japanese
propaganda for they did not give the Philippines peace. Japan and the Philippines did not live in
prosperity with each other unlike the cartoon depicts.

Cartoon 6
The sixth cartoon also depicts a peaceful and properful Greater East Asia. It narrates how
America, England, and the Netherlands were the reason of quarrels with each other due to their
fear of the Greater East Asia would prosper. Again this shows Japanese propaganda where they
paint a picture of a peaceful Asia however, their actions towards the Philippines and other
countries says otherwise.