Narsico, Franchezka C.
Tuesday and Friday (2 PM – 3:30 PM)
September 17, 2019 Ms. Carmencita D. Jubas
REFLECTION: HENERAL LUNA
“Bayan o sarili?”
As Heneral Luna said this with abhor for how his fellow countrymen who gave their allegiance
with the colonizers just for the sake of power, I have formed my answer while sitting in awe at the
backseat of the class: If I was asked to choose over my country and myself, I would choose my
country. Because choosing my country is also choosing myself, if the country progresses, then I
too would progress.
What embedded in my mind the most was when Heneral Luna said that the worst enemies weren’t
the American colonizers, but ourselves alone. I strongly agree with him because it’s true that a
man’s worst enemy is himself. It’s because of his desire to power which is a big contrast to
nationalism and patriotism.
“Bayan o sarili, negosyo o kalayaan.” Numerous Filipinos died because of fighting against the
American colonizers. Numerous Filipinos sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country.
However, some of people were selfish to choose themselves.
“Ganito na lang ba ang tadhana natin, Paco? Kalaban ang kalaban? Kalaban ang kakampi?”
For me, the factor that lead to our country’s vanquishment towards the colonizers was that Filipinos
before didn’t have a strong collaboration with each other. They didn’t trust each one’s capability
because they only think of their skills in leading the army. The quarrel between the Filipinos made
a way for the Americans to settle their plans accordingly. So, in the end, our country was colonized.
The Americans, upon hearing the General’s untimely death, even expressed their disappointment
about how it was such a waste that the Philippines got rid of their one true military leader. No
matter how brave General Antonio Luna was, a country cannot be led by one. The cowardice and
naivety of the Filipino during that time had led them to be under foreign rule once again.
This movie is for those who still care, who can still think and people who still feel strong sense of
patriotism. This was made by Filipinos to Filipinos. And it portrayed the Filipino mentality
perfectly, how we are naturally fun and laid back people, how creative and good we are with
planning and carrying those plans over, how stubborn and impatient we are, how much we care
and love our families to point of ruin, how much we work for what we want in life and how innately
powerful we are. I like how much they portrayed Filipinos as humans capable of good and bad. I
love how the main focus was not just the General but also us.
Narsico, Franchezka C. Tuesday and Friday (2 PM – 3:30 PM)
September 17, 2019 Ms. Carmencita D. Jubas
REFLECTION: EL PRESIDENTE
Biased. After watching and reflecting over the movies “Heneral Luna” and “Bonifacio: Ang
Unang Presidente” and also checking for historical evidences, you can say that the movie is
heavily flawed. It is written in history books and history classes on how Aguinaldo signed the Pact
of Biak-na-Bato, creating a truce between the Spanish and Philippine revolutionaries and was
known as the President of the Revolutionary Government. But if you look closer to it, according
to Sonia M. Zaide, he sold the Philippines to the Spanish for $800,000. He agreed for a self-exile
to Hong Kong and for the dissolving of his government to Fernando Primo de Rivera in the famous
Pact of Biak-na-Bato. This is in exchange for an insanely huge $800,000 bribe.
Naïve and indecisive, it’s one of the traits that I have observed from Aguinaldo. He was young,
around 28 or 29 at the time, although great in the battlefield, but a newbie in politics. Per his letter,
it was his inner circle of “friends” and advisers, who convinced him to have the Supremo killed
for the Supremo was a threat. It made me think of how horrible it is if you own those two
characteristics. I am not against him or his administration, he is a brave leader who loved his
motherland but from what I’ve observed from the three movies, he loves his motherland but
prioritizes himself more. He doesn’t value the freedom of our country, he values friendship with
other countries. Aguinaldo definitely lacked in patriotism. It reminded me of an article that I’ve
read on how after the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in 1941, Aguinaldo once again fell into
disgrace. He became known as the First Filipino Quisling. A quisling is a traitor. During the
Japanese occupation, he cooperated with the new rulers.
It made me realize the deeper meaning of patriotism. To most, being patriotic is all about the
military and the exaltation of our troops. To some, being patriotic is simply exercising the right to
vote and elect the leaders of our nation, or to fully embrace the rights of all of us to live freely and
speak out against injustices in society. For me, it is putting the interest of one’s country first. It
means living for the betterment of the country, serving it in every possible way and willing to
sacrifice one’s life whenever there is a need.
Aguinaldo is a reminder that being a president and a countryman requires love and patriotism for
the country.
Narsico, Franchezka C. Tuesday and Friday (2 PM – 3:30 PM)
September 17, 2019 Ms. Carmencita D. Jubas
REFLECTION:
BONIFACIO: ANG UNANG PANGULO
“Kailan man marami pa rin ang sagabal sa lalamunan, traydor at walang pusong maisakatuparan
ang kalayaan”
Leadership and perseverance, the admirable characteristics of the late Bonifacio. He is a true
patriot because he works hard for the betterment of his country. He contributes his bit towards
improving the condition of his country in whatever way he can. It made me appreciate how
Bonifacio does not only work towards building his nation but also inspires those around him to do
so, thus refer to the Katipunan who grew in vast population quickly.
I have watched the movie twice to understand every scene and to think of how those actions of
Bonifacio mattered to our motherland. I noticed how Bonifacio emanated numerous values, thus
leading to my realization that our values matter to our motherland. He showed optimism and strong
sense of responsibility after the death of their parents. Instead of sulking, he rose on his feet and
worked hard to raise his sibling. It proved that being responsible isn’t a basis by one’s age; it is a
matter of learning how to act, rationalize and decide through problems. He showed his love for his
country when Bonifacio felt the social malaise as a result of oppressive Spanish colonial
administration. To make fellow Filipinos aware of the current state of the country, he sold
revolutionary leaflets. He also joined the La Liga Filipina when it was founded by Rizal. However,
the Liga Filipina died down after Rizal was imprisoned. Bonifacio founded the Katipunan in an
aim to gain independence from Spain. Through the said act, he showed patriotism.
The movie showed Bonifacio’s love for the country as a selfless love. He prioritizes his country
first and he will always be. While he may not have received higher education from prestigious
colleges, Bonifacio emanated the true meaning of heroism – one that is ready to offer his self, his
life to fight for freedom and independence.
