the change begins.

SIKAT

PRE-HISTORICPHILIPPINES

CONTROVERSIES IN PHILIPPINE PRE-HISTORY

CONTROVERSIES IN PHILIPPINE PRE-HISTORY

To look to a perhaps more imaginative perspective of the early Filipino society, oral traditions and legends abound in certain places. Due to the lack of written records in the pre-colonial Philippines, many oral accounts served to provide a colorful myth to the locality. Local folks tend to regard these stories as true accounts, due to similarities with their local culture and tradition. Some legends even made it to Filipino history books, although there were really no records or artifacts acquired to prove their existence. One long-accepted theory of populace is the Wave Migration Theory. According Dr. Henry Otley Beyer, the settlers in the Philippines came in waves of people – first were the aboriginal Negritos, then the Indonesians, and finally the Malays. The last wave, the Malays, imparted

to the early Filipinos the economic practices of boat-making and mining, and other cultural features such as clothing, jewelry, and language.

H o w e v e r , m o d e r n anthropologists debunk the theory, since there were no actual bones recovered that could point out the existence of the waves of settlers. The earliest artifact that was uncovered was the skull found in the Tabon Cave in Palawan. This proves that the “Tabon man”, which was dated 21,000 years ago, was among the first inhabitants of the island. Deduction of the Tabon man’s place of origin cannot be exacted, however, since there were no other ways in which modern anthropologists can detail out the anatomical features of the fossil.

Princess Urduja A Barangay

CONTROVERSIES IN PHILIPPINE PRE-HISTORY!

CONTROVERSIES IN PHILIPPINE PRE-HISTORY

Additionally, Malaysian records do not correlate well with the proposed wave of Malays tha t came in the P h i l i p p i n e s . D e s p i t e t h e similarity of languages, and possibly of economic style, proving that the early settlers were from Indo-Malay races is futile efforts, and thus remains a problem in history.

Another controversy is the account of the Kalantiaw Code, which is a document purportedly outlining laws of conduct in the Visayas region. Based on oral tradition, ten Bornean datus settled in the island of Panay, and their leader, Datu Sumakwel, organized a set o f h a r s h l a w s f o r t h e i r confederation to observe. This code consists of 36 offenses, with 15 punishments enlisted for e a c h c r i m e . H i s t o r i a n s p r e v i o u s l y a c c e p t e d t h i s account, owing it to the long passage of the legend.

The laws itself were severe; exposure to ants for a day, served to caymans, and capital punishments. Yet, the premises for punishment are somewha t r id i cu lous and problematic, and at times peculiar enough. Singing at

night, killing black cats during a new moon, and merely being lazy at times – those were some crimes that merited punishment. These petty crimes entailed h a r s h s u f f e r i n g s , u n l i k e traditional punishments like simple fines and to some extent, servitude.

Moreover, the writing of the code itself is problematic. The compiler of the codes, Pedro Monteclaro, a Visayan official and poet, in 1907, said that he managed to copy the sources of the code from an 82-year old man, whose writing was completely illegible. Also, Monteclaro’s free use of Spanish words such as dios, junta, negri to , and volcán in a document is contradictory since he claimed the document to be pre-Hispanic.

Recent scrutiny tells that the code is a mere document created by Monteclaro. Dr. William Henry Scott, in his doctoral dissertation at the University of Santo Tomas, p r o v e d t h a t t h e o r i g i n a l Kalant iaw Code is but a collection of oral legends and pre-Hispanic myths from elders in the Panay island compiled by Monteclaro.

Another problematic “fact” that survived through history books is the existence of a Princess Urduja in Pangasinan, regarded by many as one of the P h i l i p p i n e s ’ f i r s t h e r o . According to Ibn Battuta, a Muslim Moroccan traveler, Princess Urduja is supposedly a warrior princess coming from the Island of Tawalisi, which he passed through on his way to China. He said that Urduja was a highly skilled warrior, promising marriage only to someone who would defeat her in a duel. She impressed Battuta with her mil i tary exploi ts and her ambition to go to India. Upon departure to China, she gave Battuta a large bounty of gifts, including lemons, pepper, mangoes, rice, buffaloes, and ginger.

CONTROVERSIES IN PHILIPPINE PRE-HISTORY!

CONTROVERSIES IN PHILIPPINE PRE-HISTORY

Jose Rizal, based from his calculations, deduced that Tawalisi could mean a province in Northern Luzon. Accordingly, the products she gave Battuta are mostly native products of Pangasinan and India. Moreover, the Ibaloi people, who were natives of the nearby province of Benguet, mention in their oral tradition a woman named Udayan who ruled Pangasinan and Benguet.

Considering the Chinese perspective in the 13th and 14th century, Tawalisi might be a place near the Java (or perhaps Turkish) region, and Battuta could have misread the duchess’ n a m e a s U r d u j a . Nonetheless, D r . S c o t t

considered Tawalisi and the legend of Princess Urduja fictitious. No written records of her exist, and her existence could not be verified by any sources, except that of Battuta.

These controversies, although debunked by modern historians, serve as tools for enriching the Filipino history. They may not serve as correct accounts for pre-colonia l Philippines, but they pave an avenue for further understanding of the circumstances and happenings in those periods. Together with the characteristic t r a i t s o f e a r l y F i l i p i n o civilization, Filipinos could perhaps create a picture of how

colorful and flourishing the ancient times were.

Wave of Migration Theory Otley Beyer

PREHISTORIC PHILIPPINES!

There  were  a  lot  of  ar,facts  that  were  recently  known  to  us  because  they  were  almost  forgo6en  and  some  of  them  were  slowly  being  discovered  unexpectedly,  but  thanks  to  those  who  had  been  documen,ng  about  it  and  gathering  informa,on  about  the  ar,facts  that  our  country  have.  In  the  documentary  en,tled  “The  Philippine  Treasures”,  there  were  a  lot  of  ar,facts  that  were  introduced  namely  the  gold  ar,facts  (necklace,  earrings,  etc.),  maitum  jar,  cave,  ancient  burial  site  and  the  stone  with  the  baybayin.  

Most  of  our  ar,facts  cannot  really  be  considered  as  gone  since  they  can  be  found  in  the  care  of  the  other  countries.  The  other  countries  have  the  capacity  to  take  good  care  of  them  like  the  golden  tara,  an  ar,fact  that  looked  like  a  doll,  which  was  under  their  care  for  a  very  long  ,me.  We  should  not  worry  that  some  of  our  ar,facts  cannot  be  found  anymore  in  the  Philippines  since  they  are  already  in  good  condi,on.  There  were  a  lot  of  gold  ar,facts  that  were  found  by  some  of  the  ordinary  people  who  lived  in  the  provinces.  They  never  expected  that  they  will  be  able  to  find  those  treasures  which  they  did  not  give  back  to  the  government  to  be  kept  as  the  one  of  the  collec,on  of  the  Philippine  treasures.  There  had  

been  a  lot  of  stories  behind  the  gold  ar,facts  which  were  not  clear  because  there  happened  to  be  too  many  stories  that  were  told  by  a  lot  of  people.  The  government  did  not  know  about  the  gold  ar,facts  un,l  there  were  some  ordinary  people  that  sold  it  to  others.  And  because  of  this,  more  people  from  that  certain  place  started  to  dig  the  place  to  find  for  more  treasures.  One  of  the  interviewee  in  the  documentary  said  that  at  first  when  they  sold  some  of  the  gold  ar,facts  that  they  found,  it  was  not  sen,mental  but  they  were  able  to  earn  a  lot  of  money.  And  as  ,me  goes  by,  everything  that  they  had  invested  were  slowly  becoming  old  and  useless  and  there  also  came  a  ,me  when  they  need  to  sell  what  they  had  invested.  They  can  say  that  it  was  not  sen,mental  at  all  because  they  do  not  know  the  history  of  that  thing.  But  once  they  discover  this,  they  will  realize  that  it  is  worth  more  than  the  amount  of  what  they  had  agreed  with.  

The  Maitum  jar  was  an  anthropomorphic  jar  that  was  found  in  the  cave  by  the  people  who  were  mining  in  there.  It  sort  of  reflects  the  appearances  of  the  people  who  had  lived  in  the  Philippines  before.    There  were  ,mes  that  it  was  used  to  place  the  ashes  of  those  dead  people.  Only  a  few  were  found  in  the  care  of  the  government  because  most  of  them  

were  sold  to  the  foreigners  or  it  got  broken  before  they  were  discovered  by  the  anthropologists  or  archaeologists.  Many  na,ve  people  regret  that  they  did  not  keep  it  because  when  they  first  found  out  about  it,  they  did  not  gave  too  much  a6en,on  on  it.  They  did  not  even  know  where  it  came  from  and  what  the  history  of  the  jar  is  because  they  thought  that  it  was  just  an  ordinary  jar.  But  later  on,  the  foreigners  were  asking  them  about  it  and  told  them  that  they  were  willing  to  pay  them  around  one  hundred  thousand  pesos  for  just  one  jar.  That  was  the  ,me  that  they  had  realized  they  should  had  taken  good  care  of  it.  The  ones  that  can  be  found  displayed  in  na,onal  museum  were  the  replicated  ones  that  they  made.  Although  they  had  the  original  copy  of  it,  they  said  that  they  kept  the  original  version  in  a  safer  place  to  prolong  its  preserva,on  ,me.  But  they  had  also  said  that  there  will  come  a  ,me  wherein  they  will  be  able  to  display  the  original  one,  so  right  now  they  are  s,ll  in  the  process  of  raising  the  fund  in  order  to  build  a  be6er  and  world  class  na,onal  museum  which  will  make  every  Filipino  proud  of.  

PREHISTORIC ARTIFACTS

PREHISTORIC PHILIPPINES! ! In  the  ancient  ,mes,  the  caves  were  the  main  home  of  man  a  few  centuries  back  when  there  were  no  technologies  or  anything  that  were  discovered.  There  were  a  lot  of  hidden  things  that  can  be  found  now  in  the  caves  because  people  in  the  ancient  ,mes  used  to  live  a  very  simple  and  contented  life.  But  as  the  ,me  evolved,  people  learned  how  to  build  their  own  houses  which  were  becoming  modern  and  elegant.  The  cave  is  one  of  the  mysterious  places  that  can  be  found  in  the  world  which  contained  many  ar,facts  of  a  certain  country.  These  ar,facts  somewhat  reflects  the  past  of  their  ancestors  or  even  the  foreigners  who  had  gone  to  that  country.  Before,  the  cave  was  full  of  ar,facts  but  now  they  were  slowly  vanishing  because  people  nowadays  don’t  know  how  to  treasure  what  they  have  un,l  they  had  completely  vanished.  Many  histories  and  stories  can  be  found  inside  the  cave  which  tells  us  where  we  came  from.

The  ancient  burial  site  contains  the  fossils  of  people  who  lived  a  long  ,me  ago.  There  were  things  that  were  placed  beside  the  fossils  to  be  able  to  dis,nguish  the  roles  in  the  society  played  by  the  dead  persons  when  they  were  alive.  For  example  the  fighter,  they  hold  a  sword  when  they  die.  The  fact  that  there  was  an  ancient  burial  site  that  was  discovered  can  be  considered  an  amazing  thing  because  nowadays  there  were  none  or  only  few  burial  sites  that  can  be  found  that  is  like  the  old  days.  The  things  that  were  placed  beside  the  fossil  and  its  posi,on  will  tell  what  its  gender  was.  The  burial  sites  reflected  how  the  

people  lived  in  the  past.  Our  way  of  burying  our  loved  ones  were  somehow  the  same  as  before,  but  there  were  some  things  that  had  changed  as  ,me  passed.  For  example,  right  now  we  have  a  way  of  burying  of  our  loved  ones.  It  became  well  known  it  is  what  we  normally  call  crema,on  wherein  the  body  of  our  loved  ones  will  be  burned  and  will  be  put  in  a  jar  which  will  be  placed  in  a  small  place  known  as  columbarium.  Although  it  also  happened  in  the  past,  it  was  not  that  widely  applied  unlike  now  because  the  world  right  now  was  becoming  more  crowded  and  we  want  to  have  more  space  to  globalize  more  the  world  that  we  were  enjoying.  The  burial  site  before  was  not  the  same  as  today  because  it  was  replaced  by  the  cemetery  which  is  an  organized  placed  where  dead  people  are  buried  and  it  is  common  to  everyone.  The  cemetery  was  composed  of  people  with  different  rank  in  the  society  and  there  were  what  we  call  museum  of  the  dead  or  “museleo”  in  tagalong  wherein  those  people  who  can  afford  will  have  houses  inside  the  cemetery  where  they  will  placed  the  body  of  their  loved  ones  inside  the  coffin  which  will  be  place  in  the  tomb.  Based  from  the  way  on  how  they  buried  their  loved  ones,  before  the  burial  sites  reflected  that  they  had  lived  a  very  simple  life  because  nowadays,  before  you  bury  someone,  you  will  need  to  undergo  many  ceremonies  like  the  dead  persons,  which  will  later  on  became  fossils  when  it  had  decomposed,  was  placed  in  the  coffin  which  was  not  done  in  the  burial  site  that  was  seen  in  the  documentary.

A  stone  with  the  baybayin  was  found  by  a  group  of  students.  The  students  were  asked  by  their  teacher  to  find  something  that  they  will  use  in  wiping  their  feet  before  entering  the  classroom.  But  unexpectedly,  they  got  a  stone  with  wri,ngs  on  it.  The  principal  of  that  school  was  the  one  who  had  found  out  that  it  was  not  an  ordinary  stone  and  reported  it.  Because  of  this,  there  were  some  archaeologist  and  anthropologist  who  came  to  see  the  stone  to  confirm  if  it  was  genuine  or  not  and  they  were  able  to  prove  that  it  was  genuine.  The  stone  was  not  brought  to  the  na,onal  museum.  It  stayed  on  the  place  where  it  was  found  because  the  people  in  that  certain  place  said  that  it  should  stay  from  where  it  was  found.  But  the  handling  of  the  stone  was  not  appropriate  because  everyone  can  touch  it  and  our  hand  is  acidic  which  means  that  it  can  erase  what  is  wri6en  on  the  stone.  The  stone  should  be  brought  to  the  Manila  to  be  handled  by  those  people  who  had  the  knowledge  on  how  to  preserve  those  wri,ngs  in  it.  The  bayabayin  stones  was  one  of  the  important  things  which  has  something  to  do  with  our  history  based  from  the  baybayin  that  was  wri6en  in  the  stones.  We  could  be  able  to  gather  some  informa,on  about  our  past  on  what  had  happened  or  what  it  tells  us  but  only  people  who  understand  bayabayin,  the  ancient  wri,ngs,  will  be  able  to  understand  it.

PREHISTORIC PHILIPPINES! ! In  the  ancient  ,mes,  the  caves  were  the  main  home  of  man  a  few  centuries  back  when  there  were  no  technologies  or  anything  that  were  discovered.  There  were  a  lot  of  hidden  things  that  can  be  found  now  in  the  caves  because  people  in  the  ancient  ,mes  used  to  live  a  very  simple  and  contented  life.  But  as  the  ,me  evolved,  people  learned  how  to  build  their  own  houses  which  were  becoming  modern  and  elegant.  The  cave  is  one  of  the  mysterious  places  that  can  be  found  in  the  world  which  contained  many  ar,facts  of  a  certain  country.  These  ar,facts  somewhat  reflects  the  past  of  their  ancestors  or  even  the  foreigners  who  had  gone  to  that  country.  Before,  the  cave  was  full  of  ar,facts  but  now  they  were  slowly  vanishing  because  people  nowadays  don’t  know  how  to  treasure  what  they  have  un,l  they  had  completely  vanished.  Many  histories  and  stories  can  be  found  inside  the  cave  which  tells  us  where  we  came  from.

The  ancient  burial  site  contains  the  fossils  of  people  who  lived  a  long  ,me  ago.  There  were  things  that  were  placed  beside  the  fossils  to  be  able  to  dis,nguish  the  roles  in  the  society  played  by  the  dead  persons  when  they  were  alive.  For  example  the  fighter,  they  hold  a  sword  when  they  die.  The  fact  that  there  was  an  ancient  burial  site  that  was  discovered  can  be  considered  an  amazing  thing  because  nowadays  there  were  none  or  only  few  burial  sites  that  can  be  found  that  is  like  the  old  days.  The  things  that  were  placed  beside  the  fossil  and  its  posi,on  will  tell  what  its  gender  was.  The  burial  sites  reflected  how  the  

people  lived  in  the  past.  Our  way  of  burying  our  loved  ones  were  somehow  the  same  as  before,  but  there  were  some  things  that  had  changed  as  ,me  passed.  For  example,  right  now  we  have  a  way  of  burying  of  our  loved  ones.  It  became  well  known  it  is  what  we  normally  call  crema,on  wherein  the  body  of  our  loved  ones  will  be  burned  and  will  be  put  in  a  jar  which  will  be  placed  in  a  small  place  known  as  columbarium.  Although  it  also  happened  in  the  past,  it  was  not  that  widely  applied  unlike  now  because  the  world  right  now  was  becoming  more  crowded  and  we  want  to  have  more  space  to  globalize  more  the  world  that  we  were  enjoying.  The  burial  site  before  was  not  the  same  as  today  because  it  was  replaced  by  the  cemetery  which  is  an  organized  placed  where  dead  people  are  buried  and  it  is  common  to  everyone.  The  cemetery  was  composed  of  people  with  different  rank  in  the  society  and  there  were  what  we  call  museum  of  the  dead  or  “museleo”  in  tagalong  wherein  those  people  who  can  afford  will  have  houses  inside  the  cemetery  where  they  will  placed  the  body  of  their  loved  ones  inside  the  coffin  which  will  be  place  in  the  tomb.  Based  from  the  way  on  how  they  buried  their  loved  ones,  before  the  burial  sites  reflected  that  they  had  lived  a  very  simple  life  because  nowadays,  before  you  bury  someone,  you  will  need  to  undergo  many  ceremonies  like  the  dead  persons,  which  will  later  on  became  fossils  when  it  had  decomposed,  was  placed  in  the  coffin  which  was  not  done  in  the  burial  site  that  was  seen  in  the  documentary.

A  stone  with  the  baybayin  was  found  by  a  group  of  students.  The  students  were  asked  by  their  teacher  to  find  something  that  they  will  use  in  wiping  their  feet  before  entering  the  classroom.  But  unexpectedly,  they  got  a  stone  with  wri,ngs  on  it.  The  principal  of  that  school  was  the  one  who  had  found  out  that  it  was  not  an  ordinary  stone  and  reported  it.  Because  of  this,  there  were  some  archaeologist  and  anthropologist  who  came  to  see  the  stone  to  confirm  if  it  was  genuine  or  not  and  they  were  able  to  prove  that  it  was  genuine.  The  stone  was  not  brought  to  the  na,onal  museum.  It  stayed  on  the  place  where  it  was  found  because  the  people  in  that  certain  place  said  that  it  should  stay  from  where  it  was  found.  But  the  handling  of  the  stone  was  not  appropriate  because  everyone  can  touch  it  and  our  hand  is  acidic  which  means  that  it  can  erase  what  is  wri6en  on  the  stone.  The  stone  should  be  brought  to  the  Manila  to  be  handled  by  those  people  who  had  the  knowledge  on  how  to  preserve  those  wri,ngs  in  it.  The  bayabayin  stones  was  one  of  the  important  things  which  has  something  to  do  with  our  history  based  from  the  baybayin  that  was  wri6en  in  the  stones.  We  could  be  able  to  gather  some  informa,on  about  our  past  on  what  had  happened  or  what  it  tells  us  but  only  people  who  understand  bayabayin,  the  ancient  wri,ngs,  will  be  able  to  understand  it.

PREHISTORIC PHILIPPINES! ! !

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The   example   of   fossil   was   the  Callao   fossil,   found   in   the   Callao  cave.   The   fossil   is   the   remains  of  those   who   had   lived.   There   are  different   things   that   can   be   done  on  the  fossil  in  order  to  determine  how  old  it  is.  The  determina,on  of  the   age   of   the   fossil   was   an  important   event   in   the   history  because  it  can  let  us  trace  the  past  and   make   some   assump,ons   on  what  happened.    There  were  a  lot  of   things  that   we   s,ll   don’t   know  about  the  past  but  with  the  help  of  the   ar,facts   and   the   fossils   that  were   slowly   being   discovered,   the  puzzle  to  the  knowledge  about  our  country’s   past   were   slowly   being  connected  and  completed.  We  can  

learn   a   lot   of   things   from   the  ar,facts.   The   ar,facts   will   tell   us  who  we  are,  where  we  came  from,  and  what   important   events  in  our  past   which   resembles   to   who   we  are   right   now.     Based   from   the  ar,facts   that   were   discovered,  we  can   somewhat   know   what   were  the   things  that  our  ancestors  have  which  some  of  it  were  gone  or  was  with   the   care   of   the   foreign  country  which  will  take  a  long  ,me  before   it   will   be   bring   back   to   its  very   own   home   to   its   na,on   like  the   gold   ar,facts   which   is   very  expensive   and   had   sen,mental  va lues .   A l l   o f   the   ar,facts  contained   history,   in   the   form   of  story,  behind  it  which  s,ll  waits  for  

us  to  discover  that  will  tell  us  some  important   things   about   our   past  and   from   that   we   can   connect   it  with  the  other  known  stories  in  our  past.   Our   history   played   an  important   thing   in   our   life   and  without   it   we   will   be   useless  because  it  represents  who  we  are.                                            

Philippine Prehistoric Pottery First Settlers in the Philippines

PRE-COLONIALPHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINE PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD!

PHILIPPINE PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD!

The early government was genera l ly weak. The noticeably large number of barangays established in the Philippines implies that there was no centralized government back then. This paved way for easy entry of the Spanish, since making compacts with separate governments is much amenable compared to negotiation with a large centralized government.

T h e t e r m b a r a n g a y continues to live on in the current times, referring to the basic political unit of the country. However, the modern barangay is defined as a collection of mostly unrelated people who choose to live in a certain recognized area. Still, family-related values such as generosity, hospitality, and bayanihan manifest in the members of the community.

Aside from being the leader of the barangay, the datu holds all positions comparative to today’s executive, legislative, and judiciary. Therefore, the datu has all the capacity to enforce and justify a strict regime as he pleases. He can set up his own rules and call his own judgments, however, he

needs to seek approval with the elders first. Law enforcement is usually done through written and oral laws. Usually, tradition plays a central role in keeping the laws loyal to the barangay. People who would commit regarded mortal sins such as rape, and murder are given death sentences, and to a lesser extent, slavery for life. Crimes that are of lesser degree, such as slander, trespassing, and stealing are often given sentences that entail pain and suffering, such as exposure to ants, whipping, or swimming for hours.

However, t he ea r ly justice system is flawed, since it does not merit the degree to which the crime committed. For instance, there could be no difference between stealing sweet potatoes or important documents since both can be punished with whipping. There is no reasonable basis for establishing such punishment; those penalties could be just personal whims.Trial was done in two ways – through a jury, consisting of the datu and the elders, and through ordeal. Trial in front of the jury

requires presenting of witnesses sworn under oath. More often than not, the party who could present more witnesses to the stand entails winning of the case. The datu sides with the winner, and coerces the other party to accept the judgment.

Another trial is through ordeal. With the belief that Bathala will side with the innocent, early Filipinos would present challenges of strength and courage to determine the guilty one. One trial involves picking up a stone immersed in boiling water. Avoiding the challenge hints guilt; ridiculously, those who will get scalded is proven guilty. Another involves holding lamps for a period of time; the owner of the lamp who goes out fastest is presumed guilty. Yet another trial involves swimming for hours; the one who surfaces first is presumed guilty.

PHILIPPINE PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD!

PHILIPPINE PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD!

Although there is a distinct difference between the two trial procedures, it can be said that there is apparent bias in the judgments. To an extent, the ordeals are so ridiculous that they have no actual bases for proving a man guilty due to his lack of strength, endurance, and courage. Therefore, all those who would be proven innocent can be presumed to be close to the datu or the elders himself, so that he would be provided with more witnesses, or even given trials which would be advantageous to him. D u r i n g p r e - c o l o n i a l Philippines, agriculture was the number one source of economic w e a l t h a n d w a s t h e m a i n economic industry. The Philippine archipelago gave the natives a chance to cultivate and grow a wide variety of crops some of which include coconut, hemp, sugarcane, rice and a like. Filipinos were very skilled farmers and laborers in the field they came up with methods of cultivating the land; the first one is the kaingin system. In this method they clear the land by burning the bush, shrubs and trees covering the land, after which they dig small holes and plant seeds. The other method they use is the tillage system, were in wooden plows are strapped to the

carabaos to cultivate the land. Ownership of the land was more flexible before the Spanish colonization, mountains, valleys, and land areas, which were less occupied, were open to any m e m b e r o f t h e b a r a n g a y. However, more fertile lands were assigned to the datu, these lands could be bought at a hefty price and were inherited by the datu’s family after he dies. This system of ownership was fair because people were given the liberty to have their own land to farm as long as they are not touching the datu’s property.

Filipinos are also fond of livestock. They use to have carabaos to help them in fields work, raised chickens for poultry and meat, swine, and fish. Fishing was a good living for Filipinos living near the bodies of water, the f i shed fo r va r ious mar ine resources, fishes, and pearls. Methods of fishing also varied, from using the fishnets, bows and arrows, spears, wicker basket, hooks and lines, up to the use of some local plant extract as fish poison. The use of fishing as a living also gave birth to an industry of ship making. Boat making was considered to be a f ine sk i l l , because o f the geographic location of the

Philippines, well crafted and sturdy boats were very essential.

Barter was the key method of economics during the pre colonial times, seeing as there was no currency back then, people would trade one good for the other. Barter happened between barangays and other neighboring countries. According to a thirteen century Chinese chronicler named Chao Ju-Kua, the Philippines exchange cotton, sugar, rice, mats and fruits to China and in return got porcelain, gold, silk, needle, vase, and perfume.

Other commercial trades were done except for China, such as India and Japan were also evident. From India we got pots, iron, gold, and various glass artifacts. While from Japan we got metals and weaponry, Japan also imported raw cotton and indigo from the Philippines.

Philippines is rich of natural resources, including minerals that gave birth to the industry of mining. Our ancestors mined in the mountains of Pangasinan, Paracale in Bicol, in the mountains of Butuan and Cebu. The minerals were used to c r e a t e b r a c e s k n o w n a s kalumbigas, necklaces, armors, and embellishments.

PHILIPPINE PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD!

PHILIPPINE PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD!

Other small industries were wine making and weav ing . The production of tuba or coconut wine and lambanog or nipa wine was evident in alsmost every barangay. While weaving was done from various materials such as abaca, cotton, sinamay from hemp, medrinaque from banana and silk.

There have been standard sociocultural practices that the early Filipinos followed. For instance, the society was divided into three classes: the datu and his relatives, which comprised the highest class; the mahadlika (maharlika), the middle class comprising of free men; and the alipin, slaves which have been d e c i d e d b y f a m i l y ( b y inheritance), war (prisoners of war), or crimes (forced servitude).

There is an apparent social rift in the early times, since slaves are considered as important wealth for a certain individual; thus slavery is a common practice, and even mahadlikas can buy people to become their slaves.

Nonetheless, the whole community can demote a datu to a mahadlika if it decides that his rule is non-worthy of his title. Accordingly, the alipin can be

raised to the mahadlikas if he is proven worthy of freedom earned through courage and strength in certain battles or wars. This makes the Filipino caste system slightly subjective, and there is a slight check and balance between the classes, unlike in Europe where slaves remain slaves and royalties remain royalties.

Women were also highly regarded in the early civilization. They had equal rights in terms of p o s s e s s i o n , i n h e r i t a n c e , commerce, and ability to rule. Filipino society then recognizes the importance of women in economic and political affairs, unlike the eventual colonial society where women were regarded only as homemakers.

Interestingly, marriage is a complicated feature. Unlike today, where men and women readily find a couple among themselves, early Filipino men were required to serve the family of the women they want to engage with for months or even years. When the family deems the man worthy, marriage is then formally arrange; however, the man must first offer many gifts to the family – the dote, panghimuyat, bigay-suso, and himaraw. All of these were

given in return for the family’s daughter.

In terms of clothing and attire, Filipinos go for simple wear – putong and bahag, kamisa with short sleeves, colored according to rank (red for datu, blue or black for lower classes), and the classic baro’t saya. No footwear were worn then. Jewelries and designs were also common upon entering the Early Iron Age, such as metal necklaces, stone wristwears, and pendants. Weapons were also intricately designed, showing the ingenuity of the Filipinos when it comes to personalizing and customizing everyday items.

PHILIPPINES DURING SPANISH PERIOD

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DURING SPANISH PERIOD

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DURING SPANISH PERIOD

Maecenas pulvinar sagittis enim. Galleon trade

During  the  first  years  of  the  coloniza4on  of   Spain  in  the   Philippines,   their   major   source  of   income   was  the   Manila-­‐Acapulco   Galleon   Trade.   Only   Spanish  ci4zens  were  allowed  to  par4cipate  in  this  trade,  but  if   the   residents   of   Manila   would   also   like   to  par4cipate,  they  would  have  to  purchase  a  boleta.  A  boleta   is  a   4cket,   which   is  worth   250   pesos,   for   a  Manila   resident   to   have   a   space   in   the   outbound  ship.  Because  of  this,  only  the  elite  benefits  from  this  since   the   others   could   not   afford   the   boleta.   This  trade   also   slowed   the   development   of   the   local  industries   since   the   elites   and   Spaniards   are  dependent  on  the  traded  stuff.  This  greatly  affected  the   Indios  because  during   that  4me  they   get   their  income  mainly  in  agriculture.

  The  economy  during  the  Spanish  period  was  also   supported   by   the   taxes   paid   by   the   people.  There   were   several   kinds   of   taxes   before.   One   of  these   is   called   the   tribute   (buwis).   Each   family   is  required   to   give   8   reales   but   if   the   family   cannot  afford   this,   they   have   an   op4on   to   give   rice,  vegetables,   tobacco,   chickens,   coSon,   etc.   The  amount   of   the   tribute   was   then   increased   to   15  reales.   Another   requirement   of   the   Spaniards   was  the  bandala.  The  bandala  is  the  yearly   forced  selling  of   agricultural   products   by   the   Filipinos.   During  

1884,   Cedula   personal   was   implemented   in  replacement   for   the   tribute.   Everyone   above   18  years   of   age   was   required   to   pay   to   the   local  gobernadorcillos.  

  Forced  Labor  or  Polo  y   Servicios  was  also   in  effect  during   the  Spanish  Occupa4on.   This  requires  men  with  age  16-­‐60  years  old  to  work   for   40  days.  They   were   obliged   to   serve   in   the   community  projects.   The   elites  were  exempted   in   forced   labor  since  they  are  paying   falla.  A  falla  is  equivalent  to  ½  reales  and  this  should  be  paid  daily,  since  one  falla  is  only  equivalent  to  one  day  of  labor.  

  During  the  Spanish  Occupa4on,  it  is  evident  that   they   discriminate   the   Filipinos,   especially   the  poor   ones.   This  can   be   clearly   seen   in   the  Galleon  Trade.  They  did  not  allow  the  Filipinos  to  par4cipate  in  the  trade   if   they   do   not  have   boletas  unlike  the  Spanish   ci4zens.   The   profit   obtained   here   was  mainly   concentrated   on   the   Spaniards   and   elites.  The  tax  collec4on  was  good  since   it  gives  money  to  the  government.  It  funds  the  projects  and  programs  done  by  the  government.  Although,  corrup4on  may  s4ll  be  present  since  the  amount  paid  is  a  liSle  high.  And   the   way   of   taxa4on   was   unfair.   It   should   be  based  on  the  income  of  the  person.  

By  Filberlyn  Chua  and  Frances  Chuahiong

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DURING SPANISH PERIOD

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DURING SPANISH PERIOD

An example Bahay na Bato Manila Cathedral

by  Renniff  Cas6llo  and  Sharlene  cristobal

There  were  many  changes  with   the  way   Filipinos  lived  when   the   Spaniards  resided   in   the  country.  As  most  Filipinos  know,  the  Spaniards  were  very  controlling  –  they  controlled  everything  and  that  is  including  the  social  development   of   the   Filipinos.   There   was   a   change   in   the   way   houses   were   built   and   located   which   has  something  to  with  social  stra4fica4on.

Social  stra4fica4on  was  divided  according  to  race  and  religion.  Of  course,  the  Spaniards  were  first,  followed  by  the  na4ves,  and  then  the  Sangleys.  Sangleys  are  Chinese  people  who  reside  in  the  country  for  trade.  They  come  in  last  in  the  social  strata  for  they  were  considered  as  ‘necessary  evils’  –  ‘necessary’  because  they  sell  what  we  need  and  ‘evil’  because  they  monopolize  the  market  and  they  are  known  for  opium  addic4on.  

If   during  the  pre-­‐colonial  period  houses  were  known  as  ‘bahay  kubo’  and  were  built  from  natural  resources,  when  the  Spaniards  came  they  introduce  the  ‘bahay  na  bato’  which  was  mainly  made  of  cement.  Houses  were  supposed   to   be   seSled   near   churches   because   people  must   hear   the   Church   bell.   Peoples’   residents   and  churches  were  also  arranged  –  in  the  middle  of  the  town  would  be  the  ‘cabecera’,  the  main  church  of  the  town,  surrounding   it  is  called  the  ‘visita’  which  are  outlying   churches,   a_er  which  would  be  the  ac4ve  mission,  and  people  located  on  the  outmost  layer  are  those  that  belong  to  the  so  called  ‘unhispanized  zone’.  

Another  thing   that  we  adopted   from  the  Spaniards  and  is  s4ll  prevalent   in  some  provinces  up   to  now  is  the  arrangement  of  establishments  in  the  town  center.  As  men4oned  above,  the  main  Church  in  a  town  is  located  the  center.  Beside  the  church  is  a  school  and  in  front  of  the  Church  and  school  is  supposed  to  be  the  town  plaza  and   the   municipality.   For   the   Spaniards,   this   is   a   symbolism   that   educa4on,   the   people,   and   even   the  government  are  controlled  by  the  Spanish  friars.

CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT DURING SPANISH PERIOD

CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT DURING SPANISH PERIOD

by  Moises  Israel

The  Spaniards  have  conquered  us  for  more  than  300  years.  Because  of  the  length  of  the  4me  that  they  have  occupied  our  country,  it  is  inevitable  that  they  get  to  leave  many  influences  that  shape  our  culture,  whether  good  or  bad.  During  the  pre-­‐colonial  period,  the  Filipinos  already  had  their  own  way  of  living.  The  arrival  of  the  Spaniards  changed  our  ancestor’s  culture  drama4cally.  Spaniards  have  changed  the  en4re  system,  ranging  from  religion,  economy,  poli4cs,  clothing,  food,  shelter  and  many  more.  

The  Spaniards’  main  weapon  would  be  religion.  They  introduced  Chris4anity  to  us  and  used  it  as  a  means  to  control  the  masses.  In  a  way  they  distorted  the  truth  and  twisted  religion  in  order  to  get  their  way.  Due  to  religion,  the  names  of  our  ancestors  were  changed  as  they  were  given  names  with  Spanish  origins.  Through  religion,  the  people  feared  the  Spaniards  and  obeyed  their  every  whim,  with  the  fear  of  being  punished  by  an  omnipotent  God.  With  the  rise  of  religion,  the  friars  and  priests  rose  into  power.  They  got  to  claim  lands,  and  their  powers  spread  far  and  wide  through  the  divided  archipelago.  The  reason  for  this  division  would  be  their  concept  of  “Divide  et  Impera”.  Religion  had  so  much  power  that  it  was  even  implemented  upon  the  system  of  educa4on,  with  Spanish  as  the  main  language.  In  return,  the  students  were  punished  physically  and  verbally  as  an  act  of  discipline  while  they  were  asked  to  study  

subjects  that  they  don’t  fully  understand  due  to  the  language  barrier.  The  Spanish  language  is  only  known  by  a  few  elites,  so  it  doesn’t  help  the  commoners  who  receive  the  same  type  of  educa4on.  

In  terms  of  poli4cs,  the  Spaniards  report  to  the  King  of  Spain.  The  ones  who  rule  the  colonies  would  be  the  governor  general,  going  down  to  smaller  sub-­‐units  up  to  the  smallest  one  called  the  Baranggay.  They  changed  the  way  things  were  done.  Before  they  arrived,  the  Datus  or  Rahas  were  the  ones  who  were  in  top  posi4ons.  This  no  longer  seems  the  case  when  the  Spaniards  took  over.  

As  for  the  economic  changes,  they  used  religion  once  more,  but  this  4me  they  sell  rosaries  and  ask  for  dona4ons.  They  also  ask  for  payment  for  masses  and  other  religious  services,  which  contradicts  the  very  teachings  of  religion  itself.  Religious  ac4vi4es  should  be  not  for  profit,  but  the  Spaniards  did  the  contrary.  Friars  claimed  lands  and  acted  as  landlords  to  said  lands.  There  was  also  the  existence  of  the  Polo  y  Servicio  ,  Encomienda  and  various  forms  of  Taxa4on  wherein  they  subject  the  lowly  “Indio”  to  work  that  is  absolutely  unnecessary  and  condescending.

With  that  being  said,  the  Filipinos  were  heavily  hispanized.  There  are  also  proof  of  hispaniza4on  based  on  the  different  infrastructures  and  designs  of  shelters  that  suddenly  emerged.  The  Filipinos  

adapted  to  these  new  designs  and  le_  the  original  bahay  kubo  for  stone  made  shelters.  

Because  of  the  many  atroci4es  and  changes  that  the  Spaniards  made,  the  Filipinos  revolted.  Some  did  so  by  pen,  others  by  sword.  This  gave  rise  to  many  resistance  groups  that  baSled  the  Spaniards  to  achieve  freedom  and  glory.  Others  wrote  novels  and  made  pain4ngs  to  show  the  atroci4es  of  the  Spaniards  to  the  people  and  to  the  Spaniards  themselves.  With  this  arrived  the  sense  of  na4onalism  that  the  Filipinos  badly  needed  at  the  4me  of  oppression.  This  made  people  more  culturally  aware  of  how  proud  they  should  be  about  their  roots.  

The  way  that  the  Spaniards  changed  our  culture  is  somewhat  good  in  a  sense  that  they  played  a  big  role  in  the  advancement  of  our  na4on.  They  introduced  many  things  that  we  s4ll  prac4ce  un4l  now,  such  as  Chris4anity  and  Baranggay.  We  should  be  thankful  for  the  influences  that  they  gave,  but  we  certainly  shouldn’t  be  thankful  to  the  atroci4es  and  crimes  that  they  have  commiSed  during  their  occupa4on.  

POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS DURING THE SPANISH PERIOD

The political structure of the Spanish government was highly centralized. The King of Spain was represented by the Governor General, seated in Intramuros, Manila. He has p o w e r s o f l e g i s l a t i v e , executve, judicial, military and some ecclesiastical. He also helps in the matters of R o y a l A u d i e n c i a , t h e S u p r e m e C o u r t o f t h e Philippines at that time. The role of the court, like any other court, was to maintain justice and to check if all official including the governor general are doing their jobs. There is a set of judges known as oidores, the person

responsible for scrutinizing the acts of the officials.

The King rewarded the friars, conquistadores and native nobles in exchange of their loyalty, and could collect tribute from the people in the land. They were known as the encomendero, offering protection, security, and military aid when needed. The encomenderos, however, became very abusive, and was soon replaced by an alcalde, the provincial mayor.

The alcalde had political, financial and judicial powers. His duties were to make sure

provinces had enough food supplies, infrastructures were w e l l m a i n t a i n e d , g r a n t licensures to carry on trade, to supervise town elections, and to make sure that the C h u r c h h a d e n o u g h resources as well in their town. The town was known as pueblo, and the mayors were called gobernadorcillo. The job of the gobernadorcillo was to take charge in public works, municipal jail and manage the collection of taxes.

Intramuros Gobernador General Ramon Blanco

POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS DURING THE SPANISH PERIOD

by Sanjay Motiani

The Philippine

Revolution: Phase I

The First Phase of the Philippine

Revolution started around 1896 and ended

during 1898. This is the war between the

Filipinos and the Spaniards. The photo above is

the “Cry of Pugad Lawin” where the Filipinos

symbolically defied the Spaniards by tearing their

cedulas. 17

Filipino Leaders

Involved BY SHARLENE CRISTOBAL

Here are a number of Filipino leaders who have been involved in the first phase of the Philippine Revolution against Spain that lasted from August 1896 to December 1897.

The most significant would be Andres Bonifacio, the leader of the Katipunan. He encouraged and urged the Filipinos to step up and join the revolution against the Spanish occupation. He was also present in the famous Cry of Pugad Lawin, wherein most of the Filipinos who wanted to start the revolution tore their cedulas that signifies their separation from Spain, and their desire to start the revolution immediately. Amidst his significant achievements in fighting for the Filipino's

independence against

the clutches of Spanish rule, he also indirectly caused the death of many ilustrados when he faked their documents implying that they contributed financing to the Katipunan. In the end, Andres Bonifacio was accused of treason and sedition when he and his allies made the Naic Military agreement, stating their separation from the government in Tejeros. This prompted him to be accused of having plans of bringing down Aguinaldo's government and was later found guilty and was executed in Mt. Tala by Lazaro Macapagal.

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Another famous Filipino Leader during this phase of the revolution is Emilio Aguinaldo. He was then the president of the Tejeros Government. But before he was such, he was in the second council of the Katipunan, the Magdalo, together with Baldomero Aguinaldo, Candido Tirona, and Cayetano Topacio, who was in charge of the towns in Kawit, Imus, Bacoor, Dasmarinas, Silang, Mendez, and Amadeo. Because of his outstanding skills, he was able to force Governor-General Blanco to retreat in their fight in Binakayan and Novelta. To resolve the growing concerns of conflict between the Magdalo and Magdiwang, the leaders of the Katipunan opted to congregate in the Tejeros Convention and elect their set of officials. And because Aguinaldo was famous at that time in his military skills, he was elected president during this election. After Bonifacio was executed,

the whole Katipunan was placed in the hands of Aguinaldo. He then established the Biak na Bato Republic wherein he changed the elected officers but with him still president. At the end of the first phase of the revolution, Aguinaldo agreed to the temporary ceasefire between Spain and the Philippines in the Pact of Biak na Bato. There are also other Filipinos who played their significant part in the Philippine Revolution. They are, Melchora "Tandand Sora" Aquino who took care of Bonifacio and his men as they plan for the impending revolution; Mariano Llanera, who led two thousand rebels to San Isidro, Nueva Ecija; and lastly, Edilberto Evangelista, who studied in Belgium and went back to the Philippines to help out by building trenches as a line of defense.

OFFICIALS OF

THE ENEMY

During the Spanish occupation, Spaniards sent Spanish representatives in the form of friars and governor-generals to see through to the goals and objectives of Spain with the Philippines. In the duration of the Spanish-Filipino war, several governor generals were appointed to take care of the growing concern over the Filipino's revolution.

BY SHARLENE CRISTOBAL

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The First would be Governor-General Ramon Blanco. He created the Batallon de leales Voluntarios de Manila to capture Katipauneros suspected of joining the escalating uprising. Those who were captured were imprisoned and later executed. It was by his order the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite were executed. Loss after loss was experienced by the Spanish side under the rule of Governor-General Blanco. The most significant of which is his defeat against Aguinaldo in Binakayan and Noveleta. The governor-general then prompted to change his tactic to deal with the Filipino revolts and used a more peaceful way. The Spaniards thought less of him and he was later replaced.

Camilo Polavieja then replaced General Blanco as Governor-General of the Philippines. His term was the term where most of the executions happened, Jose Rizal being the most recognized of them all. In his term he regained control over some towns that General Blanco lost to the Filipinos. After many wars, he was later replaced by a new Governor-General due to his weakened state and he was forced to resign.

The term of Governor-General Fernando Primo de Rivera came next. During his term, he offered pardon to those who wished to surrender to Spain, and then he also took measures to regain control over the towns in Cavite and was successful. It was in his term that the Pact of Biak-na-Bato was agreed upon by both Spain and Aguinaldo representing the Philippines. This caused the delay and the temporary cessation of the war against Philippines and Spain.

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Start of the Philippine

Revolution Phase I BY FILBERLYN CHUA

The start of the revolution was a result of treachery. Can you even imagine that a fellow Filipino would sort of take the side of his enemy, even though he also experiences the hardships done to them by their enemy? This is what actually happened before which triggered the start of the revolution.

There was an increase in the wages given to the workers at Diario de Manila, the newspaper office of the Katipunan. Since Teodoro Patino was not a Katipunero, he was not given an increase. Because of this, he decided to confess everything he knows about the Katipunan movement to Father Mariano Gil, the Parish priest of Tondo. He even brought Father Gil to the headquarters of the Katipunan, the Diario de Manila. And because of this, the Spaniards raided the office. Since the Spaniards already knew about the Katipunan, Bonifacio thought that it was time to start the revolution. The Katipuneros met at the house of Apolonio Samson in Kangkong. During this meeting, Bonifacio and the other members of the Katipunan were successful in urging other Filipinos to join the revolt against the Spaniards. After this, they had another meeting in Bahay Toro. This is where the “Cry of Pugadlawin” happened. In this

meeting, they tore their cedulas and shouted “Long live the Philippines”. The act of tearing the cedula symbolically shows their rejection of the Spanish rule. This cemented the start of the Philippines Revolution Phase I.

The main reason for the sudden start of the revolution was mainly due to the betrayal of Teodoro Patino. Yes, he did not betrayed the Katipuneros since he was not a member, but he betrayed his fellow Filipinos. He sided with the Spaniards by telling them everything he knew about the Katipunan society. He knew that the objective of this society was to reject the Spanish rule by revolting because of what they are doing to them. Yet he still took the side of the Spaniards just because of his wage. Even before, there were people who are willing to betray others for money. 21

Ending of the

Philippine

Revolution: Phase I BY FILBERLYN CHUA

The end of the Philippine Revolution phase I was the pact of Biak-na-Bato. During August of 1897, Pedro Paterno talked to Governor General Fernando Primo de Rivera. He wanted to ask permission to him so he could settle the fight between the Spaniards and the Filipinos. He was permitted so he negotiated between the two. The result of what Pedro Paterno did was the pact of Biak-na-Bato.

22

The pact of Biak na Bato was signed or agreed upon by Pedro Paterno and Primo de Rivera and it ceased the war temporarily. It contained the following: 1. The surrender of Aguinaldo and all of his forces, including those who participate in the skirmishes. 2. Amnesty bestowed to the revolutionaries. 3. Aguinaldo and his associates’ exile to Hong Kong. 4. Payment of 800,000 pesos of the Spanish government to Aguinaldo after the declaration of amnesty. - 400,000 pesos upon Aguinaldo’s departure from the Biak-na-Bato - 200,000 pesos upon reaching 800 counts of surrendered arms - 200,000 pesos upon reaching 1000 counts of surrendered arms 5. The Spanish government gave and additional of 900,000 pesos for the families which are not active in the revolution against them but suffered greatly due to the war.

Aguinaldo placed the money he received from Spain in the bank. While they were in Hongkong, they only lived in one house to save money. Aguinaldo did not use the money because he was thinking of using this in case the war resumes. The pact of Biak-na-Bato was planned by Aguinaldo. At first, it would seem as if he already surrendered to the Spain, but it was actually one of his moves to make future revolts more successful. But after Aguinaldo came back to the Philippines on May 1898 after exile due to the premises of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, the hostilities resumed between the Filipino revolutionaries and the Spanish forces, now under Governor-General Basilio Davila. Then the United States Navy, under the command of Admiral George Dewey, had come to the Filipinos’ aid, and forced the surrender of the Spanish government in Manila without getting the Filipinos involved in the taking of the city itself.

Goals and Objectives

of the Leaders BY MANUEL VIDAL

Bonifacio, a staunch supporter of the La Liga Filipina, had formed the Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, or Katipunan, on July 7, 1892. That same day also saw the exile of Dr. Jose Rizal to Dapitan. He decided to establish the

23

Katipunan after realizing that there the Propagandist movement would only fall on deaf ears, and an armed conflict would be the only way to restore Philippine independence. Eventually, the revolution would see the rise of brave Filipinos to rank as leaders of the different factions of the Katipunan in the different provinces. Mariano Llanera led the forces in Nueva Ecija,

Tarlac, Bulacan, and Pampanga, while Emilio Aguinaldo rallied forces in Cavite. All of them shared a common goal – to raise arms against the Spanish government and their suppression of freedom, abuse and misuse of the natives and their resources, and create a self-governing Republic that would unite every Filipino.

Results of the

Revolution BY MANUEL VIDAL

To diminish the losses on both sides, Aguinaldo and then Governor-General Primo de Rivera sought out to a truce, known as the Truce of Biak-na-Bato. The Truce essentially called for a ceasefire between the Filipino and the Spanish troops. The clauses of the Truce include self-exile of Aguinaldo and his associates, payment of 800,000 pesos to Aguinaldo after the surrender of arms of all rebels and the granting of national amnesty, and another payment of 900,000 pesos to families who suffered in the skirmishes.

Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines on May 1898, renewing the Revolution with the help of the Americans. After the defeat of the Spanish forces on August 1898, Aguinaldo immediately called for a declaration of independence on June 12, 1898.

24

He commissioned Julian Felipe, a composer from Cavite, to write a music to be played on the day of independence. Thus, the Marcha Filipina Magdalo, which later became the national anthem, was first played, and the national flag weaved by Marcela Agoncillo was first put on display.

The Revolutionary Government, with its by-laws written by Aguinaldo’s trusted adviser Apolinario Mabini, was ratified on July 15, 1898. Following this, a convention was held in

Malolos, Bulacan for the Philippine Congress, headed by Felipe Calderon, to prepare what was to be known as the Malolos Constitution. The Constitution divides the government into three branches –executive, legislative, and judicial. However, the legislative branch was given more power than the executive branch, and was composed only of a unicameral unit.

25

Important

events and our

Achievements BY SANJAY MOTIANI

Of all the revolutions that have happened in the past, I guess the defining point of all is the revolution between the Spaniards and the Filipinos. This was the moment where in the Filipinos really decided to build an army and be strategic in their attacks. This was not a moment of revenge, selfish vendettas; this was about independence, independence from slavery and oppression. This is what the Filipino people were longing for, their own country and to have the right to do what they want with Philippines. All the blood shed, tears and lost of lives was worth because we proved a point to Spain, and that is that “we had enough, thanks for staying, start packing your bags or we will do it for you”.

A lot of arguments have been proposed to signify the day that really marked our independence, most arguments point towards the fact that a lot of historians believe that the “Cry of Pugad Lawin” was that defining moment. The symbolic defiance at the cry of Pugad Lawin showed the heart of the Filipino people that they really can rise up and fight oppressors even if they are of epic proportions. So they tore their cedulas, a somewhat

tax receipt from the Kingdom of Spain, showed that they no longer want to be a part of all this. Of course, no revolution would ever be successful if the people behind it were never united; the coordination of people from different places drove the revolution forward showing brotherhood and solidarity. After all of this revolution, the Spaniards and Filipinos made a truce, which is known as “Treaty of Biak na Bato”, in here General Emilio Aguinaldo, and other revolutionaries were demanded to withdraw their arms for an exchange of roughly six hundred to seven hundred thousand pesos. Aguinaldo saw this as a great opportunity to rebuild the country and to slowly develop it. 26

The country has had its first trial for legislation by the Malolos National Congress. This was very essential for they drafted their own constitution, laws, and bills. Of course to fully legitimize everything they held an election known as the Tejeros Convention. They elected different positions and chose Emilio Aguinaldo to be the president, however things did not go as planned for

Although there were some tragedies faced, such as the death of the Bonifacio, overall the first phase of the revolution was relatively successful. The Filipino stood up and had its head high thinking that we finally after many years are free at last.

people questioned the position Andres Bonifacio obtained, in the heat of the argument Bonifacio declared the election to be invalid. An urgency to declare independence was felt by the Filipinos so they arranged their own flag and national anthem and on June 12, 1898 the flag was raised in Kawit Cavite and people sang and rejoiced at the top of their lungs. A sense of nationalism was felt, happiness and pride when saying “Yes, I am a Filipino”.

The Battle of Manila Bay by the Americans and Spaniards was the end of the Spanish rule in the Philippines. The Filipinos thought it was the end of a revolution, little did they know that it was just a phase, that our dear old American friends had something else in stored for us.

27

The Philippine

Revolution: Phase II

The Second Phase of the Philippine

Revolution started around1899 and ended on

1902. This is the war between the Filipinos and

the Americans. The photo above is that the

Americans are in the middle of war between the

Filipinos in conquering them. 28

Filipinos at War and the Officials of the Enemy

By Renniff Castillo

American interference in the Philippines started when Comodore George Dewey, along with seven armed ships, sailed for Manila on May 1, 1898 to fight with the Spaniards. The Spaniards were defeated under the command of Admiral Patricio Montojo. Meanwhile, Americans conferred with Aguinaldo expressing their support for Philippine Independence.

They said that they have no intention of occupying the country for it is too far from the US. Despite America’s promise that they have no intention of conquering the Philippines, the Americans were already preparing to reveal their real motives. Soon after, American reinforcements arrived in three waves – first one led by General Thomas Anderson in June 1898; the second group of soldiers led by General Francis V. Greene in July 17 of that year; and the third group of soldiers under General Arthur MacArthur on July 31 of that same year.

The start of the Filipino-American War officially started when Private William Grayson, an American soldier, came across four Filipino soldiers and shot one of them as a result of uneasiness. Without further formal investigation, General MacArthur ordered attacks and General Elwell Otis officially declared war just when Aguinaldo hoped to ease the hostilities. As a result, Aguinaldo dispatched the news to local leaders so that they can prepare. Aguinaldo went from province to province to lead the revolutionaries and eventually joined the guerrillas. Americans continued to search for him. Meanwhile, a lot of Filipinos emerged to fight the Americans. 13

While resistance was happening in Luzon, there were also hostilities that happened in the Visayas and Mindanao region. Women also participated in the hostilities. America assigned General Marcus P. Miller to the islands of Visayas and Filipino revolutionaries led by General Martin Delgado prohibited Americans to get out of their ships. In Cebu, Lt. Col. Thomas H. Hamer was designated by the US as the military governor of the island. Guerilla resistance movements persisted in the leadership of Arcadio Maxilom and Leandro Fullon. In Iloilo, Teresa Magbanua, a young teacher, joined the revolutionary troops of Gen. Pacifico Poblador. In Negros, Dionisio Magbuela or more commonly known as Papa Isio led war against the Americans. Meanwhile in Mindanao, General John C. Bates of the US made negotiations with the sultan of Sulu and several Muslims opposed this. These Muslims include Panglima Hassan and Datu Ali of Sulu, and Datu Alamada of Cotabato.

General Otis led the attack in the north of Luzon while General Henry Lawton led the southern region. On the Filipinos’ side, Gen. Gregorio Del del Pilar killed Colonel John Stotsenburg and General Licerio Geronimo killed General Lawton. Several Filipinos had contrasting opinions about the Americans but Apolinario Mabini and Luna were not one of them. Mabini encouraged the Filipinos to fight for their freedom and Luna intensely despised those who advocated acceptance of autonomy from the Americans. Luna was killed by the Americans and was buried complete with full military honors as ordered by Aguinaldo. Luna had a great impact on those Filipinos who resisted the Americans.

30

General John Pershing persuaded the Muslims to separate the warriors from the civilians but many civilians were killed, otherwise. General Gregorio del Pilar was in charge in the Battle of Tirad Pass in Ilocos Sur; they fought against the 300 Americans led by Major Peyton C. March. Aguinaldo continued to communicate with his guerrilla leaders but was eventually captured by the Americans and so he was forced to surrender.

Women also joined hostilities in their own ways. Dona Hilaria Aguinaldo, wife of Gen. Aguinaldo, was the face of Red Cross which assisted the Filipino soldiers in different parts of the country who were wounded. Rosa Sevilla Alvero and Victorina Laktaw used journalism and poetry to express their opposition to American occupation. Agueda Iniquinto Kahabagan, Trinidad Tecson, Marcela Marcelo, Gregoria Montoya, and Teresa Magbanua were some of the women who were known for their bravery and gallantry during the war. Eleusteria Florentino, also known as ‘Tandang Sora ng Ilocos’ became chief in charge of the finances and supply network for the Filipino forces in Ilocos. The numerous names mentioned above only proves that as much as there were a lot of American powerful leaders, there were also a lot of Filipinos who fought for the country’s independence. Even women had a role in the revolution. It only proves that if people in the nation come together and help each other, they will eventually succeed in achieving whatever they want for their nation.

31

How Did the Philippine

VS USA Start & End By Frances Chuahiong

Even though the Philippine independence was declared on June 12, 1898 at Cavite el Viejo commonly known as Kawit, Cavite by Emilio Aguinaldo, it seemed that our desire to be free from any colonizer were far away because of the signing of the Treaty of Paris between the Americans and the Spaniards on December 10, 1898 where we had already achieved our independence and the Spaniards does not have the right to do that to us because it was considered illegal due to the fact that we had defeated them so they don’t have control over us.

33

February 1899 was considered as a crucial time for the Filipinos and the Americans. On the night of February 14 war had officially started as a result of the incident that had happened in the corner of Sociego and Silencio streets in Sta. Mesa and also due to the uneasiness and miscommunication when Grayson along with the two American soldiers came across the four Filipino soldiers while they were on patrol which had eventually led to the firing of gunshots by Grayson against the Filipinos. After the firing incident had occurred, the Americans did not do any investigation while Emilio Aguinaldo had ordered Felipe Buencamino Sr. to investigate what really transpired during the night of February 4 and after hearing witnesses they learned that the Americans planned and provoked the incident.

All the long talks and dialogues undertaken by Filipino leaders with the American counterparts had finally been answered by granting of Philippine independence which was achieved after the passage of the law that provided for a ten-year-transitional government before the formal granting of independence. This period was known as the Commonwealth. It was said that the granting of independence to the Philippines was considered unique in the history of the colonialism in the world because it was achieved through a peaceful way. During the transition the nation had encountered challenges that they need to solved which test their capacity for self-rule.

34

The Constitution of 1935 was drafted and formulated within two weeks because it needed the approval of the United States President so they had purposely made the document favorable to the Americans. It had several characteristics which were similar to the American model. General Malvar surrendered on April 16, 1902 to General J. Franklin Bell in Lipa. On May 6, 1902, three weeks later after the surrender of General Malvar, he proclaimed the end of the Filipino-American war.

Goals and

Objectives of

the Leaders of

the 2nd phase By Ryan Torres

The leaders of the 2nd Phase of the revolution had the following in mind: This was was at first a symbolic one between President McKinley and Aguinaldo where during the time, President McKinley only wanted the Luzon part of our nation but by virtue of a vision, God wanted him to conquer the whole nation and thus which led us to the situation we are in now. From various meetings, President Aguinaldo was lead to believe that he should come back to the nation and renew the war with Spain which America used as a springboard to conquer our great nation.

35

The Americans wanted to show the Philippines how much they would support our country and convince us the ultimatum of their whole conquering our nation would be to civilize us and grant us independence under the guardianship and leadership of their country hence the white man’s burden which they proclaim to be their mission for our nation and other counties which they have conquered. Americans took careful steps in order to pull off the illusion that they were here to commit a transition from savages to civilized people. They helped Americanize or westernize us so that we may be indebted to them for our freedom. They paved us with golden roads with imports of products such as Spam, coke and the like which grew interest in our eyes. They used education to entice us and gave us the freedom of religion but suggesting Protestantism. Teaching us the English language as to be more proficient and important than our Filipino language and ultimately changing our identity from a Filipino culture to a westernized one, as if we weren’t already changed by the Spanish at the time.

Another objective was to stage a mock battle at Manila to save the Spanish from further humiliation at the defeat of her nation to the hands of Americans, they did this as to sell the Philippines for 20million and who are they to put a price tag on our country?

36

Objectives of the country’s heroes were to stop the abuses and atrocities that the American soldiers did for our countrymen and even if it seems that they did not do any of the sort, the in fact hurt and abused our countrymen burning their rice fields, killing their animals and stealing our food supply. Another objective of the American government was to use the Philippines as an annex to sell their goods to Europe and China and use our nation as a stepping stone for manufacturing as to get closer to these countries and sell their products for the benefit of the United States and not of our Philippines. It was Arthur Mac Arthur with Henry Lawton against the leaders of the Philippines which included Antonio Luna, Gregorio Del Pillar and Miguel Malvar among others who were fighters in this war which seemed unwinnable for the Philippines since they were dealing with a superpower unlike any other.

37

Result

of the

Second

Phase

of the

Revolu

tion By Ryan Torres

A civil Government lead by William Howard Taft was established in the Philippines and this was to be the transition government from Civil to Commonwealth wherein the United States would transfer power or at least partial power to Filipinos as to train them on how to actually run a country in order to ready them for independence. A series of laws and acts were passed by the United States in order to dampen or destroy our urge to fight or rise up against them and the some were of the following: 1. The Sedition Law, wherein the Filipinos were not allowed to write or make announcements against the U.S. and support rebellion, was passed on November 4, 1901. 2. The Brigandage Act was passed on November 12, 1902 which states that participating and joining in a revolution is forbidden. 3. The Flag Law was also passed during 1907 wherein showing or waving flags used during the American occupation resistance is prohibited.

Filipino forces weakened and moral was crushed so the nation simply sat and waited for the transition government to come through and accepted that the country was under rule of the United States, rode on the white man’s burden and just accepted defeat. In the end, we came out as a nation ready for independence since the United States really did prepare us for such a feat more properly and gave us the ‘freedom’ if you will in our commonwealth government more than any of the conquerors gave us, namely the Spanish and the Japanese.

Important events that happened

during the revolution for the Filipinos and our

achievements by Moises Israel

The Filipinos back in the second phase of the revolution have done countless efforts in building a more solid nation. Through these efforts, they have achieved some goals that are important in establishing stability within the Filipino community. During that time, the Filipinos were quite scattered and vulnerable, and it was evident that they were unable to govern themselves properly. However, through the emergence of some events, the history and perception of the Filipinos was changed dramatically. For one, there is the Proclamation of Independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. In truth, this is merely a proclamation and not a formal grant of independence from the United States. However, it doesn’t matter since this event helped the Filipinos in achieving the sense of nationalism and unity as an entire nation as they stand to fight for what is rightfully theirs and protect what they hold most dear. This declaration reflects to our culture up to the present, since Filipinos find ways in order to get through adversity and smile through the midst of it all.

39

When Malolos was made the Capital of the Republic on September 11, the will of the Filipinos to establish a stable nation was seen. Our countrymen back in the day achieved a vision of creating a nation that will one day prosper once full independence is within reach. Unfortunately, the will and vision that was crafted by our countrymen was put to waste due to the mass corruption, poverty and disorder that can be seen in our society today. In addition to these, there is the indirect neo-colonial rule of the Americans that is still effective up to this day. As the Treaty of Paris was signed on December 10, 1898, the Filipinos were awakened to the reality that they were just being sold by nations whose power is beyond compare to theirs. Upon the Treaty’s approval on February 6, 1899, it was stated the Spaniards should give the Philippines and Guam to the United States, give up all rights to Cuba, and surrender Puerto Rico and give its possessions to the West Indies. Spain would be paid $20,000,000 in return for the Philippines. The treaty itself was a violation of the rights of the Filipinos as members of a sovereign nation, since it is simply unacceptable to sell a nation housing around hundred thousand in population in order to justify colonial rule. Upon the awakening of the Filipinos, they revolted and asked for reforms regarding the current predicament, however, the Americans merely turned a blind eye and acted deaf in regard to the current situation- a proof that they would only make decisions based on what is favorable for their interest and own prosperity.

23

There were hostilities between the Filipino and American camps on August 13, 1898. General Otis proclaimed the sovereignty of America in the Philippines on January 2, 1899 which is unacceptable. Because of this, a 3- year war raged on and spread like wildfire across the entire archipelago. The Malolos congress declared the war on June 2, 1899 with Pedro Paterno issuing the proclamation. The Filipinos in this time stood up and took arms, made sacrifices composed of the blood, sweat and tears of in order to fearlessly battle their conquerors, the Americans. This war was somewhat a way to drive the foreigners out of our homeland and a catalyst for becoming a nation which is free from foreign intervention which again did not come to fruition due to the neo-colonialism of the Americans which is still present up to this day. In the 1900s, guerrilla warfare was used by Aguinaldo instead of conventional tactics due to the obvious difference in power as compared to the Americans. This event taught our countrymen on how to fight a nation that is way bigger and more powerful, which may be comparable to an ant and a giant. The effects of this can still be seen up to this day since most rebels fight using guerrilla warfare. Not only that, American soldiers of this day and age are being trained by Filipino soldiers in terms of mountain and guerrilla warfare. The Filipinos are indeed very skilled, seeing that the Americans would actually opt to hire Filipino trainers despite the fact that they used to ridicule our race decades ago.

All of these achievements and important events happened because of one thing: freedom. In the end, can it be really said that the Filipinos have attained the freedom that they sought for ever so much. It would seem like the Americans have made their mark in our society, a mark that will hold us and will not disappear any time soon.

41

42

Motives of the Americans

By Sanjay Motiani

When sometimes

asked how one would define

the Philippine history, one

can simply say “300 years in

a convent and 40 years in

Hollywood and brothels”. We

always perceive Spain, as to

be ruthless, as the wrecking

force that ruined Philippines

and as a culprit to every

downfall we have

experienced. Why do we

consider America was the

best, among the colonizers?

Why do people say that,

“Thank God for Mother

America”? I honestly believe

that America was smart

enough to know our history,

to know our weaknesses, our

longing for proper education,

a structured government,

freedom from religious

oppression, to have equal

rights and the promise of

independence. The approach

of Americans was simple

instead of using force and

violence, used friendship,

benevolence and the promise

to obtain the life known as

the “American dream”. Like

any dream, a hefty price is

attached to it. Let us take a

look at the reason to why the

Americans were very eager to

colonize Philippines, what

was the real reason behind

the politics and facades of

our so-called friends.

The first reason

America wanted to occupy

Philippines was to control the

supply of coconut, sugar and

tobacco, basically economics.

American’s at an early stage

realize that they need to have

a strong economy, a good

trading relation with Asian

country and a good market

for their products. America is

simple terms want economic

dominance. I guess it is as

simple as if you have the

money; you roll the dice and

call the shots.

The next is to have a

naval base. The Americans

were good in military defense

and in order to reach out to

neighboring Asian countries

a military defense was

crucial. The geographic

location of Philippines was

very essential to have a naval

base it was an archipelago.

The last but not the

least was to spread

Protestantism, religion as we

all know is a great tool to

influence and manipulate the

people. So Americans had

three main motifs to colonize

as, the three D’s – dollar,

defense, and deity.

The Americans used

every trick up their sleeves to

make us into believing that

we were doing ourselves a

favor by welcoming them

with open arms, eating their

chocolates, wearing their

Arrow suits, listening to Jazz

songs, and speaking in

English.

All I can say is that

America had almost the same

reasons to colonizing the

Philippines like other

countries, but they differed in

tactics, their method proved

to be the most influential of

all. All of the effects and

influences made by the

Americans are still felt by

each and every Filipino; to

some extent we are still

paying for that dream. I guess

we are left with the mark of

history, and only time will

help us be the nation we were

ought to be.

43

Politics during the

American Occupation

By Manuel Vidal

During the

Philippine-American War,

the Americans have

established a military

government under the

authority of military

governors, namely General

Wesley Merritt, General

Elwell Otis, General Arthur

MacArthur, Jr., and General

Adna Chaffee. The main

concern of the military

government was mobilization

of American troops and hired

Filipino scouts in

counterinsurgency measures.

After President

Theodore Roosevelt declared

Philippine independence

under American rule on July

4, 1902, the Office of the

Military Governor was

abolished, and executive

powers were passed to

William Taft. This created

the first Civil Government in

the Philippines.

Accordingly, the

Municipal Government Code

and the Provincial

Government Code, both of

1901, entitles electoral

process in the selection of

municipal and provincial

officials. More and more

Filipinos were elected to high

positions – in 1912, out of

nine members of the

Committee of the Philippines,

five were Filipinos and they

were also nominated for

high-rank officers

In 1916, the Jones

Act was passed and the future

independence was insured.

The Filipino congress

became bicameral and the

suffrage was granted to all

the men who were twenty-

one years or older. Further

FIlipinization of the political

structure was pushed under

Governor-General Francis

Harrisson. Finally, the

Tydings-McDuffie Act,

passed in 1934, created the

Commonwealth Government,

the 10-year transition

government. Under the

Commonwealth, the Filipinos

knew more about the

machinery of the government

towards creating a self-

dependent political structure.

44

Economic Policies in the

Philippines during the

American Occupation

By Filberlyn Chua

Land Policies

In 1903, the

Homestead Law was passed.

In this law, enterprising

tenants were allowed to have

a farm to cultivate at least 16

hectares big. But this

program was only

implemented in some parts of

Northern Luzon and

Mindanao since these parts of

the Philippines have public

disposable lands. During

1904, the United States

brought the Friar Lands. The

friars knew that their lands

are need by the US, so they

sold it a very high price. The

US bought it at $7.2 million.

In the Free Patent Policy, free

patents were issued by the

United States to families who

can prove that they have

occupied the public land

before 1902. But due to very

prohibitive requirements, the

application for the free patent

policy was very slow. We can

see here that when it comes

to land, the management is

not good. The movements

they make are either not good

due to loss or the applications

are too slow that the Filipinos

doesn’t benefit.

Taxation Policies and Free

Trade

The US Congress

passed the Payne-Aldrich

Tariff Act in 1909. This act

enables free trade between

the United States and the

Philippines. According to the

act, the United States can

bring their products in the

Philippines without paying

for any tax. On the other

hand, the Philippines can

export their products to the

United States but there were

limitations. Some of the

limitations were exporting

only up to 300,000 gross tons

of sugar, 150,000,000 units

of cigarettes, 1,000,000

pounds of filler tobacco, and

300,000 pounds of wrapper

tobacco. And another thing

included in the Payne-

Aldrich Act was that the

goods exported by the

Philippines to the United

Stated must be in the raw

materials that they need. This

looks as if it is unfair, but in

reality, these quotas were not

reached. The quota was too

high. So in 1913, another law

was passed. This is the

Simmons-Underwood Tariff

Act.

The Simmons-

Underwood Tariff Act is the

same as the Payne-Aldrich

Tariff Act. The only

difference between these two,

are the quotas. The Simmons-

Underwood Act enables

complete free trade between

the two countries.

In 1934, another law

was passed. It was the

Tydings-McDuffie Law.

Under the provisions in this

law, it was stated that the free

trade between the United

States and the Philippines

shall continue. But the free

trade stated here was similar

to the Payne-Aldrich Act.

The quota limitations were

back. This was due to the

Great Depression that

affected the economy of the

US.

Because of this free

trade, the economy of the

Philippines rose. The

exported products of the

Philippines during 1900-1909

were only 60.9 million pesos

then this rose to 297.9 million

pesos during 1925-1930. At

first look, it would seem as if

this free trade policy is really

good. But this actually

masked the true intention of

the United States. The free

trade policy benefitted them

since our economy is now

greatly dependent on them.

They also sort of gained the

approval of the rich people in

the Philippines. The rich

people gain a lot of profit

from the free trade policies

and therefore they would

think that it would be more

beneficial if the Philippines

stayed as a US Colony. And

because of this, the free trade

act would delay the

Philippine Independence

45

Socio-Cultural-Religious-

Educational During the

American Period

By Frances Chuahiong

The Americans

brought a lot of changes to

the Filipinos one example of

this was the colonial

mentality which was adopted

by most of the Filipinos up to

now. The American had

introduced to us food such as

canned goods, hotdogs, etc.,

sports, clothes and other

products that we enjoy right

now. Colonial mentality was

the thinking of the Filipinos

about the goods and products

manufactured abroad so we

normally think that their

products are better than our

own product that’s why we

normally consumed their

products and our very own

products slowly fade away

and became gone. Although

Americans had been our

colonial master for only a

short period of time, they had

influenced us in many aspect

which we had accepted and

adopted which can be

observed in the way on how

Filipinos think, dressed,

speak and also the behaviors

that the Filipinos had exhibit

until now.

The most important

legacy of the Americans to

the Filipinos was education

by proving this they

established the free public

school system which was

considered as their most

important contribution. The

Americans was the opposite

of the Spaniards where the

Americans enforce to the

Filipinos their need to study

the English language which

became the medium of

instruction in the schools

until now and there were no

religion in education. The

Americans had started the

pensionado program wherein

a number of brilliant Filipino

students were sent to the

United States to continue

their study as scholars and

they were called pensionados.

These pensionados were

trained to assist the

Americans running schools

and government affairs.

Without our consent and

knowledge, Americans used

our funds to support their

educational purposes.

The Americans

implemented policies in order

to control the spread of the

tropical diseases like cholera,

malaria, smallpox and to

ensure the health of the

Filipinos. The government

established dispensaries,

leprosarium, and hospital to

care for the sick in order to

eradicate diseases, counteract

ignorance and superstitious

belief of the people. The

Americans had done all these

noble deeds in order to

protect their health and for

their agenda in the

Philippines not to be

compromised. Cremation of

the dead bodies was

frequently done by the

Americans especially for

those people who died from

the tropical diseases and

doing rituals to the dead

people were not allowed. The

government also established

institutions which will serve

as centers of health and

medicine.

Although the

American rule had lasted for

only 47 years, they were able

to build 20, 862 kilometers of

roads and 8, 100 bridges

while 1,395 kilometers of

railroad tracks were added

because the transportation

and communication system

are said to be vital in the

economic upliftment of the

people. They had done

infrastructures like Baguio.

From horse carts as

transportation means,

vehicles such as cars, trucks,

and trains were introduced

and added to the list to make

the transportation easier and

for the products be delivered

faster to the markets. The

government expanded the

railway service to northern

and southern Luzon wherein

the passengers were able to

go to places which were once

considered as inaccessible.

With the advancement of

transportation,

communication also

advanced by the introduction

of telephone lines, telegraphs

and radios and the number of

mail offices also increased in

various parts of archipelago.

46

Filipino Response to

American Occupation

By Sanjay Motiani

Emilio Aguinaldo

was the premier leader of the

Filipino forces against the

Americans. He led the

revolution, until his capture

in Isabela. Still, his fervent

spearheading of the Filipino

forces for almost three years

was a crucial instrument in

uniting the natives and

igniting passion for freedom.

Some of the Filipino

generals who were notable

anti-American Vicente

Lukban, was a Filipino

officer under Emilio

Aguinaldo, during the

Filipino-American war he

was centered in Samar and

Leyte. He was known to be a

part behind Balangiga

massacre, which killed about

forty American soldiers.

MacarioSakay was the

general best known as the

wall of the Philippine-

American revolution for

being one of the last people

to surrender. Antonio Luna, a

brilliant military officer,

trained guerrilla soldiers to

fight professionally in the

field. His group of men were

known to be “Luna

sharpshooters”.

Another prominent

anti-American figure was

ApolinarioMabini. Serving as

the chief adviser of

Aguinaldo, he never trusted

American intentions, and was

always on the lead to openly

criticize them. He was exiled

in Guam due to his deep

nationalistic fervor, an action

so undemocratic for the

Americans.

There are always two

side to every story, and if

there were people who were

against American occupation,

some famous Filipino figures

accepted it with open arms.

Pedro Paterno, the lawyer

who created the Truce of the

Biak-na-Bato, believed that

the Americans will bring

promising change in our

country. Felipe Buencamino

and CayetanoArrelano

claimed annexation with

America was crucial to the

young Philippines. Another

was Trinidad Pardo de

Tavera, a Filipino historian

who was biased when it came

to the Americans, for he

believed that there influence

on the Filipino people was

one of the greatest

contribution and something

that the Filipino people

should be thankful for.

47

The Objectives and Rhetoric of the

Japanese

By:Moises Israel

The Japanese had motives that are

quite similar to the Americans. Just like the

Americans, they wanted to expand their

power to other nations, but there is a slight

difference between the two conquerors. If

the Americans conquer nations because it is

important in achieving their interests, the

Japanese conquer other nations not only

because of personal interest but also for the

betterment of everyone. The Japanese

rhetoric, known as the “Greater East Asia

Co-Prosperity Sphere” wishes to de-

westernize Asia, meaning that Asia should

be for Asians only and should be void of

foreign rule. Japan wished for the prosperity

of all Asian nations with them at the top.

The rhetoric in itself is not exactly a bad

thing, however, the way they implemented it

is quite inhumane and unacceptable for

most. The brutality that they exhibited is

quite unnecessary. If they wanted co-

prosperity with other nations, they could

have done so in peaceful ways, not through

bloodshed that would waste the lives of

many.

Japan’s rhetoric in itself states a just

cause, but why is it that the Filipinos always

deem the Americans to be “more humane”

and better than the Japanese? Clearly, the

American rhetoric is more condescending as

compared to the Japanese. Maybe it is

because of the proper timing of the

Americans and their uncanny ability to enter

Philippine affairs when we are in a desperate

time of need. Or maybe it is because of the

fact that they showed us kindness and

influenced our culture in so many ways that

eventually sugar –coated the hostilities and

deceit that they have done to our nation.

The Japanese had 3 motives on why

they invaded our nation. The first one is to

attack and control the U.S. bases and prevent

opposition. This is probably deeply

connected to their rhetoric of de-

westernizing Asia. They wished for the

American bases in the Philippines to be

controlled and destroyed. In the end, this

motive didn’t turn out too well since even

after the Declaration of Independence to the

Filipinos, the Americans still had their bases

and still had control over them, and example

of which would be Subic. Another thing is

the Military Bases Agreement, which was

made during the post-war period. The

Japanese were not really successful in

driving the American bases out of the

48

Philippines since the Americans were still

able to make unequal treaties that affect the

Filipinos up to this point.

The second motive of the Japanese is

the Philippine’s strategic location. They

wished to take control of Singapore,

Malaysia and Indonesia. These three

countries were referred by them as the

“Southern Resource Area”. Singapore would

serve as their source of construction

equipment. Malaysia would serve as a

source of rubber. Indonesia would be a

source of oil for them. Japan was also

interested in our location just like the

Americans, but the Americans were slightly

different. The Americans saw the

Philippines as a stepping stone in order to

penetrate Asian markets. If the Philippines

really has a strategic location, then surely we

can use this to our advantage. Our leaders

can use this as a way to raise economy and

foster prosperity for the entire nation, but

this isn’t happening. When will we be

finally awake to the fact that other countries

saw the advantages of our location first and

utilized it before we did?

The last motive of the Japanese is

war resources. Our country for them was a

source of cotton, lumber, abaca, manganese

and other minerals. We all know for a fact

we hold many raw natural resources, but

why is it that we don’t get to industrialize?

One of the reasons would be America’s grip

to our nation up to this day, which is a big

reason why we don’t get to industrialize.

However in my opinion, our leaders should

do something about this and make use of

what our country has. The fact that we have

natural resources that caught the eye of other

nations speaks for itself. If only we get to

utilize these resources and industrialize, our

economy will surely improve. Will we

forever be used as a tool for other countries

and only export raw materials at low prices?

Or will we be able to create our own brands

that will surely turn into a huge asset for our

nation?

Political Side of the Japanese Occupation

By: Renniff Castillo

The Japanese declared martial law

and established a military administration to

govern the country. Top national political

leaders were called to collaborate with the

Japanese Military Administration to smooth

the transition to Japanese rule in order to

achieve their objectives – restore peace and

49

order, rebuild sources and infrastructure

destroyed by the war, and win over the

Filipinos. The leaders that were called were

Jose P. Laurel, Jorge B. Vargas, Jose Yulo,

and Benigno S. Aquino Sr. They were

instructed by Quezon to cooperate with the

Japanese but they must refuse to take an

oath of allegiance to the Japanese. The

Philippine Executive Commission was

created by these top political leaders and

was led by Jorge Vargas. This commission

operated under the Japanese Military

Administration (JMA).

The JMA established rules that must

be followed by the Filipinos, or else harsh

punishments will be given to those who

disobeyed. One of the things under the JMA

was the abolishment of all political parties

and instead, created a nationwide service

association called the

KapisanansaPaglilingkodsaBagongPilipinas

or more popularly known as the KALIBAPI.

It was the only socio-political organization

that was allowed to exist during that time. It

is also under the JMA that the Japanese

imposed a harsh system of justice, arresting

and torturing suspected anti-Japanese

persons, executing them without fair trial.

The Japanese also controlled the media and

schools.

To win over the Filipinos to their

side, the Japanese established the

Preparatory Commission for Philippine

Independence or the PCPI which states that

if the Filipinos understood Japan’s war aims

and sincerely collaborated with Japan, the

Filipinos will be granted their independence.

A Constitution was framed and Jose P.

Laurel was elected as President. Soon after,

the Japanese declared the Philippines

independent but the Japanese, however,

must be allowed to stay in the country and

enjoy the same rights, as well as the

manipulation of the country’s resources. The

District and Neighbourhood Association or

DANAS was also established.

Economy during the Japanese

Occupation

By: Sharlene Cristobal

During the Japanese Occupation, the

Philippine economy suffered and became a

controlled economy. Controlled bodies were

put up in different parts of the economy to

assure complete control and monopoly. This

was done to keep the economy running

during war conditions. They rationed

Filipino’s basic commodities and created the

'mickey mouse' money for the use of the

Filipinos. Japan's motives over the economy

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of the Philippines were clearly felt when the

Japanese patterned it for the benefit and for

the needs of the Japanese people. During the

Japanese occupation, a rule was also

enforced that Filipinos must provide support

to Japanese troops. Because of the controlled

economy by the Japanese, many people went

into buy and sell type of business just to

earn.

Socio-Cultural-Religious-Educational

By: Ryan Torres

The Japanese invasion not only

changed the way the country was being

controlled and the leaders that it had but it

also changed dramatically the socio-cultural-

religious-educational system of our nation.

We, a country in peril and under constant

conquer ship have seen the different cultures

and in fact lived in them over the time of our

formation as a nation, as a country who has

withstand the test of time.

From the kalesa of the Spanish to the

Broadway shows and Spam of the United

States to the Comfort women prostitution

stint of the Japanese, yes we indeed have

almost seen and experienced it all but who is

to say which was the most influential?

The Japanese set up rhetoric called the co-

prosperity sphere, which represented how it

wanted to take the south east Asia, including

the Philippines, in their effort to become a

super power of Asia to compete with the

happenings at the time of World War 2. This

masked the fact that the Japanese were in it

for domination and not to change our culture

and definitely not for the development of our

nation. We , as a country had high hopes that

these conquerors would help us in our effort

to rise from our former ones who took us

over for more than a hundred years however

false promises and wrong premises lead to

the Japanese occupation being a brutal one

riddled with problems and killings.

The way of life of the Filipino people

changed several changes in their lifestyle

included the confiscation of private vehicles

and transition of media from television to

radio broadcasts being the primary source of

news and entertainment during those dark

times.

The currency also changed but the

Japanese tricked the People in their mickey

mouse money which was virtually worthless

and was just a token to say that they

Japanese did give us a representation of our

worth but these were merely a ploy to

control us.

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The Japanese also completely tried to

remove the United States influence of our

nation by removing it in the education

system. Another drastic move they made

was changing the names of several, if not all

locations in the country to Japanese names

and streets such as Taft Avenue, and the

like. The Japanese language was also part of

the curriculum however the turnout of

enrollees showed that the Filipino people

were more determined to continue their

studies after the Japanese occupation so that

their American education would be

continued with hopes of the return of the

American Super power.

Another major problem the nation

faced under Japanese rule was that of the

scarcity of the food supply, whichleads to

the establishment of the food administration

office.

It was also evident that the nation not

only had external enemies but internal ones

as well. These included the Military police,

sicknesses that were rampant at the time,

guerillas who were fighting for freedom

underneath the noses of the Japanese, hunger

which was brought by the scarcity of food

supply and the internal spies who would

sacrifice their identity for money as

Japanese Paid Filipino spies. Kempeitai

were the Military police which were tasked

to catch guerillas and torture them to the

limit to gather information about other forms

of rebellion. Sexual abuses of women were

also a primary problem during the Japanese

Occupation.

Filipino Response (pro and anti)

By:Moises Israel

Japanese forces have changed the

ways of our country during the time of their

occupation. As stated by the previous essays

by my group mates, they have done many

things, may it be positive or negative, in

terms of political, economic and socio-

cultural changes. There were Filipinos who

were for the Japanese, and there were also

some who were against them. The entire

occupation in this light is like a belief, it is

either you are for it or against it.

There were the Pro-Japanese who

obeyed and followed whatever it is that the

Japanese would do. They were pro for

various reasons. For example, they probably

agree with the ways of the Japanese or

maybe these Pro- Japanese Filipinos tend to

gain something from the Japanese’s ways.

Francisco Dela Rama was a Pro-

Japanese who gained something from giving

52

support. There was a time during the

Japanese occupation wherein a black market

emerged, and the buying and selling of scrap

materials was very profitable. In terms of

economic growth, this is not very good, but

due to the profit that it gives, Dela Rama

supported it. Francisco Dela Rama can be

compared to the politicians that we have

right now. They would support anything as

long as it is extremely profitable, no matter

if it is illegal or not.

Benigno Ramos wanted the

independence of the Philippines . In order to

achieve this, he believed that collaborating

with Japan was necessary. He was a member

of the NACIONALISTA party and he also

set up the newspaper “Sakdal”. Benigno

Ramos was later on exiled to Japan. Upon

his return to the Philippines, he formed

MAKAPILI, a militant youth movement that

was aimed at the President at that time, Jose

P. Laurel. Among Ramos’ followers was

Artemio Ricarte, who was eventually armed

by the Japanese upon the arrival of the

Americans on December 1944. Ricarte was

one of the people who cooperated with the

Japanese in order to pacify the Filipinos.

Along with Benigno Ramos, he also helped

in the establishment of MAKAPILI.

Emilio Aguinaldo was also for the

Japanese. He cooperated with the Japanese

and supported them through the means of

speeches, articles and radio. The radio

means included and appeal to Gen. Douglas

MacArthur to surrender. Aguinaldo was

accused of collaboration with the Japanese

and was jailed for a short period of time. He

was released by presidential amnesty.

“MAKAPILI” stands for

“MakabayangKatipunanngmga Pilipino”. It

was a militant group that was made in order

to provide the Japanese military aid. It is

said to be found in November 1944 by the

remaining members of the Ganap Party.

As there were Pro-Japanese, there were

also the ones who were against them. There

were the different guerrilla groups. The

HUKBALAHAP or “Hukbong Bayan Laban

samgaHapones” staged revolts against the

Japanese, which continued until the reign of

Ramon Magsaysay as president.

The Marking’s Guerilla was formed

by Marcos Villa Agustin and Yay Panlilio.

There was also the Hunter’s Guerilla which

was the main Anti-Japanese guerrilla group

during the Second World War. The

USAFFE or “United States Army Forces in

the Far East” was created on July 26, 1941

with General Douglas Mac Arthur as the

commander. These groups were created in

order to fight against Japanese hostilities and

provide aid in order to drive the Japanese

away.

53

What can we learn from the experiences, achievements and failures of our What can we learn from the experiences, achievements and failures of our What can we learn from the experiences, achievements and failures of our What can we learn from the experiences, achievements and failures of our

presidents? presidents? presidents? presidents?

There have been a lot of problems that our nation has been facing ever since

then. Some of these problems existed since the Spanish colonial period. An

example of which would be the allocation of land which is up to now still not

resolved. The elites are the ones who get the huge chunks of land while the

commoners such as farmers don’t have a land to till on their own as a source

of livelihood.

In regard to the presidents, each of them has their own achievements and

downfalls. However, it would seem that most presidents of the Philippines

have more downfalls than great achievements. There were some times when

they deem a decision to be great, but in the end it just doesn’t work out.

What our presidents lack is the ability to view things in a long-term

perspective. Most of our presidents make projects which are good for short-

term only, such as giving out food and creation of infrastructure which

takes forever to accomplish. It would seem that most of our presidents

nowadays only sit in the throne for the sake of popularity and wealth, and

no longer for the betterment of the entire country. A president needs to be

full of heart and intelligence to guide the entire nation to the right way and

create economic prosperity. All of the presidents will be discussed (from

Roxas to Pnoy), and whatever it is that can be learned from their

experiences will be stated.

54

Manuel Roxas (1946Manuel Roxas (1946Manuel Roxas (1946Manuel Roxas (1946----1948)1948)1948)1948)

Manuel Roxas was the first president to taste the neo-colonialism of the Americans.

He had to go through unequal treaties such as the Bell Trade Act and Military

Bases Agreement. These treaties are unfair since they only benefit the Americans.

Bell Trade Act only favors importation therefore crippling our economy. Military

Bases Agreement allows Americans to have power here even after independence has

been declared. In addition, there was also the Parity rights which grants the

Americans the right to enjoy what the Philippines has to offer in the same way that

the natives do. Roxas should have not accepted these treaties, since if he didn’t, our

economy may be a lot better right now.

Elpidio Quirino (1948Elpidio Quirino (1948Elpidio Quirino (1948Elpidio Quirino (1948----1953)1953)1953)1953)

Quirino was the first accidental president of the Philippines. During his term, he

implemented the Import and Foreign Exchange Control which states that importing

is not allowed. He also wanted to create native products, which is a key to

industrialization. (Import substitution industrialization) However, the Philippines

failed to industrialize. There also came the balance of payment deficit due to the

Bell Trade Act. All in all, Quirino had goals that are beneficial, but for some reason,

it all failed. It is also probably due to the Filipinos. Since importing is not allowed in

his time, the Filipinos smuggled goods, which crippled our economy even further.

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Ramon Magsaysay (1953Ramon Magsaysay (1953Ramon Magsaysay (1953Ramon Magsaysay (1953----1957)1957)1957)1957)

Ramon Magsaysay was probably the best president. During his time, the

Malacanang Palace was open for everyone to enjoy. He was simple and didn’t

require all the exaggerated bodyguards. He came from a poor family, which is why

he was a fresh face for presidency and he also understood how the people felt. He

solved the problem regarding the HUKBALAHAP. He also tried to solve the

problems in Land Reform, which wasn’t successful. He implemented the Rizal Law

in order to educate the people in terms of the history of the Philippines.

Carlos P. Garcia (1957Carlos P. Garcia (1957Carlos P. Garcia (1957Carlos P. Garcia (1957----1961196119611961) ) ) )

Garcia was the second accidental president of the Philippines. His ideals were great

since he wanted long term industrialization. His Filipino First Policy stated that the

Filipinos should be prioritized in creating businesses that is stable and will not be

hampered. However, not all Filipinos benefitted from this. Only the industrialists

did. As a result, farmers were excluded and there was imbalance in the society.

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Diosdado Macapagal (1962Diosdado Macapagal (1962Diosdado Macapagal (1962Diosdado Macapagal (1962----1965)1965)1965)1965)

Macapagal’s reign made the problems of the Philippines a bit more irreparable.

When he made the Decontrol Policy, imports were once again flooding the

Philippines which later on resulted to more balance of payment deficits. Peso also

devaluated during his time. He tried to solve the problems in land reform, but he

failed. Due to the sudden economic downfall, foreign debts began, and these debts

continue to the present where it grows exponentially.

Ferdinand Marcos (1965Ferdinand Marcos (1965Ferdinand Marcos (1965Ferdinand Marcos (1965----1986)1986)1986)1986)

Marcos was the only president to be re-elected. He had the dirtiest election of all,

which is the 1969 elections. He used the countries’ assets as his own personal assets.

In his reign, it would seem that he has done a lot of things, but it is actually the

opposite. There were a lot of conspiracies and rumors regarding his reign, as to the

killing of Ninoy Aquino and his large network of cronies. Upon his declaration of

Martial Law, he turned himself into a dictator, stating that it was important for the

nation’s survival. He and his wife Imelda erected many centers such as the CCP,

Film Theater and Lung Center but they were all bad debts since they don’t generate

any income. Marcos also created nuclear power plants but they were also not used,

therefore resulting to more bad debts. True, Marcos truly was brilliant, and the

appeal that he and his wife has shown is unparalleled. He may also be called a

genius. Marcos was always ahead in his plans, however, because of the declaration

of Martial Law and the atrocities that he committed, his reign was a dark time in

Philippine History.

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Corazon Aquino (1986Corazon Aquino (1986Corazon Aquino (1986Corazon Aquino (1986----1992)1992)1992)1992)

She was the first woman president of the Philippines. Upon her rule, she created the

1987 constitution. Her reign was pretty much full of misfortune and problems. There

were the brown-out problems and coup de ‘etat problems. There were also the 1990

earthquake and 1991 Mount Pinatubo Eruption. Some criticized her because of her

inexperience in politics. Some even claimed that she doesn’t have the ability to rule

the Philippines. However, she has the heart to govern the people. A person with the

heart of Cory but with wisdom and intellect may be the most ideal president that we

desperately need right now. The mere fact that she had the image that could make a

bloodless revolution speaks for itself.

Fidel V. Ramos (1992Fidel V. Ramos (1992Fidel V. Ramos (1992Fidel V. Ramos (1992----1998)1998)1998)1998)

Ramos was great since he viewed the Philippines as a Tiger Economy, meaning that

he had long term plans for the Philippines. However, since his declaration of the oil

deregulation law, the price of oil rose higher. Because of this, we are experiencing

the problems in high prices with regard to oil at this point in time. If only FVR tried

to solve the problems in oil regulation in other ways other than passing this law,

then maybe we wouldn’t have that much problems in the rising prices of oil in our

country.

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Joseph Estrada (1998Joseph Estrada (1998Joseph Estrada (1998Joseph Estrada (1998----2001)2001)2001)2001)

Erap was the first president to undergo impeachment. He was quite well loved by

the masses because of the fact that he was for the poor. It is great that he was for the

poor and all, but he missed out on one important thing: sustainable development.

This is something that our presidents lack.

GloriaGloriaGloriaGloria----Macapagal Arroyo (2001Macapagal Arroyo (2001Macapagal Arroyo (2001Macapagal Arroyo (2001----2010) 2010) 2010) 2010)

Gloria imposed EVAT in order to counter the problems in economy. However, due to

the many corruptions that occurred during her time, the EVAT only served as dead

weight to the Filipinos. Aside from her small work such as little accomplishments in

infrastructure and puny economic growth, she was also known for corruption such

as the ZTE Broadband Deal and Hello Garci tape. To the eyes of the masses, it was

only her family’s economy that grew, not the Philippines’.

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Benigno Aquino III (2010Benigno Aquino III (2010Benigno Aquino III (2010Benigno Aquino III (2010----Present)Present)Present)Present)

Many would think that Noynoy was a product of a political dynasty. No matter

how good his parents were, it doesn’t mean that he would turn out to be good as

well. It is yet for Noynoy to make a big impact to our nation since all that can be

heard about him are negative things. It does, however, take a long time to make a

difference, so we’ll just see how his reign unfolds.

Choosing a president shouldn’t be based on popularity. The President should

be able to make a change, and prioritize the duty of removing the problems

of society. He should be based on the quality of the laws that he has passed,

whether or not the people will actually benefit from said law. A good

president should be able to attack the root cause of the problem and cause

long-term improvement, not the branches of the problem. Addressing the

branches would only make things harder and worse.

60

What should be the characteristics of a good and qualified president of the

Philippines?

Everyone has different opinions on who

is the best from the former and past presidents

in the Philippines. Some Filipinos look for this

president’s ability to satisfy their short term

needs, such as money and food. Some, base

their qualifications on how many structures

and buildings they have built; and some on any

other matter altogether. But, just like in

anything, one must look deeper not in the facts

but right through the facts. Since presidents

are powerful people, they control the lesser

authorities like the media, police power, and

other government officials. Because of this, the

people must therefore realize what really is the

best definition of a good and qualified president.

A good and qualified president must have

an integrity and values of a good leader and

caring father. A president must also be

trustworthy wherein he is loyal to the nation and

that the people would have the conviction to trust

his judgement and abilities to run their country.

He must also be a nationalist wherein he puts the

nation first and his personal interest last. Lastly,

he must be a president with principle and honour.

Where he has conviction and has his own word on

what he believes in.

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A president must also be able to provide long term solutions to long term

problems. He must address the root cause of the problem not just the easy way that

will eventually branch out to no problem solved and more problems to pop out. In

knowing if the president is qualified or not in his actions, one must look to the

quality of the policies and rules that he implements and who really benefited from

it. is it the people or the crooks that is under him? Lastly, to assess if the president is

good or not, one must focus on the content of the policies and laws that was

implemented by him. is it all really for the greater good, or his?

In dealing with candidates who wants to be presidents, one must look to what they

have done so far as in their former positions, and run through the criteria of a good

and qualified president. but the people may only assess this candidates more

accurately if they already hold the power to be president. we can only analyse their

platforms and former deeds to estimate their true potential to run the country.

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NEOCOLONIALISM

Are We still controlled by the

United States of America?

Sanjay Motiani

Although we have been given our independence – which was ironically what we had when we threw the Spaniards out of the country – by the Americans in July 1946, it seems that American

influence was never set off. America was smart enough to know our history, to know our weaknesses, our longing for proper education, a structured government, freedom from religious oppression, to have equal rights and the promise of independence. Add that to the fact that they became our saviors from the much-hated Japanese, and we have come to see America as perhaps the greatest nation ever.

They were not that oppressive as the Spaniards, but they oppressed us in terms of our economy and mentality. Our industries were never allowed to grow, all we did was supply raw materials. The excessive importing of American trade made the local products poor and incomparable to the native eye. American newspaper cartoons depict our nation as that of an uncivilized and barbaric one, and needs thorough washing of American culture.

However, we failed to see behind their rhetoric. That’s why the Filipinos placed Americans on top of the civilization ladder. And now, we continue to follow their steps. We have large enterprises and companies, but most of them are purely corporate in nature. We follow American capitalism, and we leave our natural agricultural resources wasted and untapped. In urban areas, lifestyle revolves around American ideals – social life, technology peevishness, and excessive spending.

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All I can say is that America had almost the same reasons to colonizing the Philippines like other countries, but they differed in tactics – their method proved to be the most influential of all. All of the effects and influences made by the Americans are still felt by each and every Filipino; to some extent we are still paying for that dream. I guess we are left with the mark of history, and only time will help us be the nation we were ought to be.