READING IN PHILIPPINES HISTORY - Reviewer

● History of the Philippines

○ Pre-colonial Period: This period encompasses the time before the Spanish
colonization in 1565. It is characterized by diverse indigenous cultures, social
structures, and belief systems.
○ Colonization by Foreign Powers: This period covers the Spanish
colonization (1565-1898) and the American colonization (1898-1946). Key
events include the introduction of Christianity, the establishment of colonial
administrations, the exploitation of resources, and the rise of Filipino
nationalism. The Philippines gained independence in 1946.
○ Post-colonial and Contemporary Period: This period begins after Philippine
independence in 1946. It involves nation-building, grappling with the legacies
of colonization, and navigating contemporary challenges.

● The Filipino Race

○ Predominantly Asian: Filipinos are predominantly Asian in race, with the
Malay group representing the largest percentage.
○ No Dominant Group: No single cultural or genetic group dominates the
Filipino population.

● People of the Philippines

○ Wave Migration Theory: H. Otley Beyer's Wave Migration Theory is widely
recognized for explaining the origins of the Filipino people. It proposes that
different groups migrated to the Philippines in waves.
- "Dawn Man": This group is considered similar to Java Man.
- Negritos: The Negritos arrived in the Philippines between 25,000 and
30,000 years ago.
- Malay Immigrants: The Malay immigrants arrived about 5,000 to 6,000
years ago and became the dominant cultural group in the pre-hispanic
Philippines.
○ Diverse Ethnic Groups: The Philippines has diverse ethnic groups,
including the Tagalogs, Visayans, Ilocanos, Pampangueños, Bicolanos,
Pangasinenses, Ibanags, Itawes, and Zambales. These groups are now
predominantly Christian and more Westernized due to the influence of
Spanish and American colonization.
○ Non-Christian Minority Groups: Groups like the Moros of Mindanao and
Sulu (who practice Islam) and the cultural minorities of the Cordillera (such as
the Igorot, Ifugao, Apayao, Bontoc, and Kalinga) retained their cultural
traditions and religions, as they were not fully subjugated by colonizers.

● Importance of Historical Text

○ Key Insights: Historical texts provide firsthand accounts of past events,
people, and civilizations. They offer insights into historical contexts, beliefs,
ideologies, and societal norms.
○ Historical Meaning: They help us understand the significance and nuances
of historical events, contributing to the construction of historical meaning.

● Importance of Historical Text about the Philippines

 ○ Understanding Filipino Society and Culture: Historical texts about the
Philippines are crucial for understanding Filipino society, culture, and identity.
They provide context for contemporary issues like poverty, inequality, and
political instability.
○ Learning from the Past: Studying Philippine history allows us to learn from
the mistakes of the past and work towards a better future.

● Discovery of the Philippines

○ Magellan's Expedition: Ferdinand Magellan's arrival in 1521 marked the
first documented European expedition to reach the Philippines. This event is
considered the "discovery" from a European perspective.
○ Spanish Colonization: Magellan's arrival paved the way for subsequent
Spanish expeditions and the formal establishment of Spanish rule in the
Philippines, beginning with Miguel Lopez de Legaspi's arrival in 1565.

● Issues in the Discovery of the Philippines

○ First Mass Controversy: The location of the first Catholic mass in the
Philippines is disputed. While Limasawa Island is officially recognized, some
historians argue for other locations like Masao (Butuan) based on Antonio
Pigafetta's accounts.
○ Perspective of Discovery: The term "discovery" is itself controversial, as it
implies that the Philippines was uninhabited or insignificant before European
arrival. The islands already had a rich history and diverse cultures before
Magellan's expedition.

● Antonio Pigafetta
○ Chronicler of Magellan's Voyage: Antonio Pigafetta was an Italian scholar
and explorer known for his detailed chronicle of Ferdinand Magellan's
expedition.
○ Primary Source: His account, "First Voyage Around the World," provides
valuable insights into the Philippines in the early 16th century, including
descriptions of the expedition's arrival, interactions with indigenous peoples,
cultural observations, and the introduction of Christianity.

● Juan de Plasencia: Customs of the Tagalogs

○ Spanish Missionary and Ethnographer: Juan de Plasencia was a Spanish
Franciscan missionary who documented the customs and traditions of the
Tagalog people in the 16th century.
○ Valuable Insights: His writings, "Customs of the Tagalogs," offer a glimpse
into the social, economic, political, and religious lives of the Tagalog people
before and during the early stages of Spanish colonization.
○ Key Observations:
- Social Structure: Plasencia described the hierarchical social structure of
Tagalog society, including the datu (chiefs), maharlika (nobles or freemen),
and aliping namamahay and aliping sa gigilid (different classes of slaves).
- Family and Marriage: He documented family customs, marriage practices,
dowry systems, and inheritance laws.
- Religion and Beliefs: Plasencia detailed the Tagalogs' animistic beliefs,
including the supreme god Bathala, various deities, spirits, omens, rituals, and
the role of babaylans (shaman-priestesses).
 - Economic Activities: He noted their economic activities, primarily
agriculture (especially rice cultivation), fishing, and trade, including barter
trade with Chinese merchants.
- Government and Justice: Plasencia described the barangay system, the
traditional unit of governance led by the datu, and the customary laws used to
regulate disputes and legal matters.

● Emilio Jacinto: Kartilya ng Katipunan

○ Key Figure in the Katipunan: Emilio Jacinto, a young intellectual and
revolutionary, was a prominent member of the Katipunan, the secret society
fighting for Philippine independence.
○ Brains of the Katipunan: He was known as the "brains" of the Katipunan
due to his intellectual contributions, strategic thinking, and influential writings.
○ Authorship of the Kartilya: Jacinto is credited with writing the Kartilya ng
Katipunan, a guidebook for new Katipunan members outlining the
organization's principles and values.

● Kartilya ng Katipunan
○ Guidebook for New Members: The Kartilya ng Katipunan served as a
guidebook for new members of the Katipunan, outlining the group's rules,
principles, and values.
○ Moral and Ethical Values: It emphasizes 14 moral and ethical values,
including concepts like brotherhood, freedom, righteousness, excellence,
enlightenment, liberty, and equality.
○ Ideological Foundation: The document laid the philosophical foundation for
the Katipunan, articulating its goals and inspiring members to fight for
Philippine independence.
○ Two Classifications of Rules: The Kartilya presents two sets of rules:
- Rules for Upright Conduct: These guide individual behavior and moral
development.
- Rules for Treating Fellow Men: These focus on social responsibility and
interactions within the Katipunan.

● Reflections on the Kartilya ng Katipunan

○ Legacy and Relevance: Though written in 1892, the Kartilya's principles
continue to resonate with Filipinos, inspiring patriotism, unity, and a
commitment to social justice.
○ Guide for Meaningful Life: The document's message transcends the
context of the revolution, offering guidance on living a meaningful life based
on ethical principles.
○ Historical Significance: The Kartilya provides valuable insights into the
Katipunan's ideology and its vision for an independent Philippines. It reflects
the revolutionary spirit and aspirations of the time.

● 1898 Declaration of Philippine Independence

○ Formal Declaration: The Philippine Declaration of Independence was
formally proclaimed on June 12, 1898, at the residence of Emilio Aguinaldo in
Kawit, Cavite.
○ Key Figures: Emilio Aguinaldo, a leader of the Philippine Revolution,
played a crucial role, while Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista read the declaration.
 ○ Symbolic Acts: The event included the waving of the Philippine flag and
the playing of the Philippine national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang."
○ Assertion of Sovereignty: The declaration unequivocally asserted the
Philippines' sovereignty and independence from Spanish rule.
○ Justification: The declaration cited historical and legal justifications for the
country's right to self-determination and separation from Spain.
○ Lasting Impact: The Declaration of Independence continues to hold
profound significance in the Philippines. June 12 is celebrated annually as
Independence Day, a national holiday commemorating the nation's struggle
for freedom.

● The Malolos Constitution

○ Formal Name and Period: The Malolos Constitution, formally known as the
"Constitution of the First Philippine Republic," was drafted during the Malolos
Congress from September 15, 1898, to February 2, 1899.
○ Location: The Congress took place in Malolos, Bulacan.
○ Democratic Principles: The constitution established a framework for a
democratic republic, embodying principles like the separation of powers
between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.
○ Bill of Rights: It included a Bill of Rights, guaranteeing fundamental
freedoms and rights for Filipino citizens, including the importance of
education.
○ Official Language: The constitution designated Tagalog as the official
language.
○ Structure: It was composed of 93 articles divided into 14 titles and 8
articles with provisions.

● The First Philippine Constitution

○ The Malolos Constitution is considered the First Philippine Constitution.

● 1986 EDSA Revolution

○ Ferdinand Marcos' Regime (1965-1986): Marcos was president for 21
years. In 1972, he declared martial law, giving him increased power. His
time in office was marked by claims of human rights abuses, corruption,
opposition suppression, and economic issues, leading to public
dissatisfaction.
○ Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.'s Assassination (1983): Aquino, an opposition
leader, was assassinated. This fueled anger towards Marcos and demands
for change.
○ Fraudulent Presidential Elections (1986): The election was thought to be
rigged, with Marcos declared the winner. This sparked the revolution, with
Corazon Aquino, Ninoy's widow, as the opposition leader.
○ Key Figures in the Revolution:
- Cardinal Jaime Sin: Influential religious figure.
- General Fidel V. Ramos: High-ranking military official.
- Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile: A Marcos official who turned
against him.
○ EDSA People Power Revolution (February 22-25, 1986): For four days,
Filipinos protested peacefully on EDSA, demanding Marcos step down.
Military personnel joined them.
 ○ Marcos' Exile (February 25, 1986): Facing pressure, Marcos fled to the
US. 2
Restoration of Democracy: Corazon Aquino became president, restoring
democracy.
○ National Holiday: It is celebrated annually as "EDSA People Power
Revolution."

● Pres. CORAZON C. AQUINO: The First Woman Philippine President

○ First Female President: Corazon C. Aquino made history as the first
woman president of the Philippines.
○ Legacy of Leadership: Her leadership, marked by peaceful resistance and
a commitment to democratic values, continues to inspire generations of
Filipinos and leaders worldwide.

● Pres. Corazon C. Aquino speech at the US Congress

○ Tribute to Ninoy Aquino: The speech was a powerful tribute to her late
husband, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., a prominent Filipino opposition leader
assassinated during the Marcos regime.
○ Call for Democracy and Freedom: It eloquently advocated for democracy
and human rights, highlighting the sacrifices Filipinos made in their fight for
freedom.
○ International Recognition: Aquino's speech garnered significant
international attention and support for her leadership and the Filipino people's
struggle for democracy.
○ Diplomatic Engagement: Professor Joseph T. Moraca analyzed Aquino's
speech as a catalyst for diplomatic engagement, particularly in building
strategic alliances and promoting economic cooperation between the
Philippines and the United States.

● Historical Controversies in Masao

○ First Mass Location: The location of the first Catholic mass in the
Philippines is a subject of historical debate. Some historians, including Sonia
Zaide, identify Masao (also known as Mazaua) in Butuan as the location
based on Antonio Pigafetta's diary.
○ Limasawa vs. Masao: The Philippine Congress referred this matter to the
National Historical Institute. While historian Sonia Zaide argued for Masao,
the NHI, led by Dr. Samuel K. Tan, reaffirmed Limasawa as the official site.

● First Mass in Bolinao, Pangasinan

○ Claim of an Earlier Mass: Many Pangasinenses believe that Blessed
Odoric of Pordenone, an Italian Franciscan missionary, celebrated the first
mass in the Philippines in Bolinao Bay around 1324.
○ Scholarly Doubt: There is significant scholarly doubt about whether Odoric
ever reached the Philippines.
○ Official Recognition of Limasawa: The National Historical Institute, under
the leadership of Ambet Ocampo, officially recognizes Limasawa in Southern
Leyte as the venue of the first Mass, held on March 31, 1521.

● The Two Faces of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny

 ○ Differing Accounts: The 1872 Cavite Mutiny, a pivotal event in Philippine
history, has two main perspectives: the Spanish perspective and the Filipino
perspective.

● 1872 Cavite Mutiny: Spanish Perspective

○ Sources: Spanish historians like Jose Montero y Vidal and the official
report of Governor-General Rafael Izquierdo provide the Spanish perspective.
○ Attempt to Overthrow the Government: They view the mutiny as a planned
uprising aimed at overthrowing Spanish rule in the Philippines.
○ Blame on Native Clergy: Izquierdo particularly blamed the native clergy,
who were advocating for secularization, accusing them of conspiring with the
rebels.
○ Causes: They cited the abolition of privileges for Cavite arsenal workers
(like exemption from tributes and forced labor), the influence of liberal ideas
from Europe, and the alleged manipulation of Filipinos by the native clergy as
causes of the mutiny.
○ Exaggeration and Suppression: The Spanish accounts likely exaggerated
the event's scale and significance to justify a crackdown on Filipino
nationalism and suppress calls for reform.

● A Response to Injustice: The Filipino Version of the Incident

○ Source: Dr. Trinidad Hermenigildo Pardo de Tavera, a Filipino scholar,
offers a Filipino perspective on the Cavite Mutiny.
○ Mutiny Due to Dissatisfaction: He views the incident as a mutiny primarily
driven by the dissatisfaction of Filipino soldiers and laborers at the Cavite
arsenal due to the abolition of their privileges.
○ Blame on Izquierdo's Policies: Tavera faults Governor-General Izquierdo's
harsh policies for creating unrest, including the abolition of worker privileges
and the prohibition of a school of arts and trades, which he saw as a potential
center for Filipino empowerment.
○ Friars' Manipulation: Tavera argues that Spanish friars, fearing the loss of
their power and influence, exploited the mutiny to portray it as a larger
conspiracy and maintain control.

● Retraction of Rizal
○ Disputed Document: The existence and authenticity of Jose Rizal's
retraction of his writings and his return to the Catholic faith before his
execution remain highly controversial.
○ Multiple Texts: There are four known texts of the alleged retraction, each
with variations, adding to the uncertainty. These texts appeared in different
publications and were discovered at different times.
○ Discovery of the "Original": The "original" text was found in 1935, but its
late discovery and inconsistencies with other versions raised further doubts.
○ Lack of Verification: No one, including key figures like Archbishop
Nozaleda and Father Pio Pi, directly confirmed seeing Rizal write or sign the
retraction.
○ Jesuits' Copies: Copies of the retraction held by the Jesuits differ from the
"original" and newspaper versions, particularly in wording and paragraphing.
 ○ Witnesses: The identities of the witnesses who allegedly signed the
retraction are inconsistent and were only provided by Father Balaguer years
after the event.
○ Suspicions of Forgery: The inconsistencies between the different texts, the
lack of eyewitness confirmation, and the circumstances surrounding the
retraction's discovery fuel suspicions that it might have been forged or
coerced.
○ Dapitan Retraction: Rizal had previously written a retraction in Dapitan in
1895 to marry Josephine Bracken, but he reclaimed the document before
sending it.