Sunday, August 27, 2006
Culture Study of Bulacan submitted in my History 114 (Culture History of the Philippines)
“Our national culture is not what we have in the beginning, it is what we have today”, says Fr. Horacio de la Costa as Nick Joaquin cited in his book Culture and History. As it was also mentioned in his book the saying: “You cannot step into the same river twice” because it keeps on moving and flourishing and if you step again it would be different water by then. Like what Democritus also said, “The only constant thing in this world is change”.
Similar with our culture, it is also changing from time to time. Our culture in the pre-Hispanic time is like what Nick Joaquin said which is similar to those of the Polynesians and not Asians. It terms of religion we are animist because we worship the nature. “The patadyong, our head cloth, our squatting position, our tattooing, our folktales, and our style in talking” was also from the Polynesians that we adopt. In addition to that, an internet source said that the Filipino dialects belong to the so-called Malayo-Polynesian language family, which is said to be the largest language family throughout the world. Our culture before and now is extremely different. With the coming of the Spaniards which brought not just evil but also a great part of our identity, and so the Americans, the Japanese and with the recent globalization, we are really exposed to changes. We should not expect that our culture would still be the same like in the pre-Hispanic era. For, I agree with Nick Joaquin that only a retarded has a fixed identity.
With these changes in our culture, let me quote him again, “Culture like those laboratory experiments in chemistry where the moment you add a new ingredient the original mixture becomes completely transformed into something different.”
With this simple study of my province’s culture and history, let me show how it is changed form the pre-Hispanic time up to the present.
Bulacan
Culture trait (implicit)
It is believed that flowers bloomed in the region when the Spaniards came. Because of these sprawling green orchards, vegetables and abundantly flowering plants, as well as gorgeous women, this lovely land had come to be called Bulacan as sort of shortened term for "bulak-lakan" and/or a derivative of the word "bulak" (kapok) which abound in the province even before the Spaniards came.
Culture Trait (explicit)
The western part of the province is generally flat and is drained by the Angat and Pampanga Rivers. Part of this area touches the extensive Candaba swamp along the boundary with Pampanga. The lower portion ends in the limited coastline along Manila Bay.
The eastern half rises towards the foothills of the Sierra Madre, where the province’s highest peak, mount Oriol at 1170 meters located.
Like the rest of Central Luzon, Bulacan’s climate consists of two pronounced seasons which dry from November to April and wet for the rest of the year.
1. Pre-Spanish Period
Sequence occupant
Bulacan started with small fishing settlements along the coast of Manila Bay and expanded into the interior with the coming of the Spaniards. I’ve learned in my past subjects that the considered highways before are the rivers. Their source of transportation is through the boat and their source of income is through fishing. Houses are also within the river banks.
Cultural Diffusion:
It was once a home of the Chinese who intermingled freely with the natives and brought their trade and industry to the province. It was the Chinese that brought the concept and materials of pyrotechnics which is much known in Bocaue, Bulacan until now. Chinese influences on Filipino life were mainly economic. At the same time, cultural influences were inevitable. Many words in the Philippine language have Chinese origins. The Chinese also taught the ancient Filipinos the use of gongs, umbrellas, lead, and porcelain, as well as the manufacture of gun powder, and metallurgy and mining methods. Filipinos also adopted customs from the Chinese.
Culture Complex
a. Religion - Bathala was the supreme god. They attributed to Bathala the creation of the heavens, Earth, and man. There were lesser gods and goddesses, like a god of death, a god of agriculture, a goddess of harvest, sea gods, river gods, and the like. It was also believed that things found in nature were full of spirits more powerful than man. Spirits of dead relatives were also revered. Sacrifices were offered to all of them.
The ancient Filipinos believed in the immortality of the soul and in life after death. Disease or illness was attributed to the whims of the environmental spirits and the soul-spirits of the dead relatives.
b. Institution – The Filipinos lived in settlements called barangays before the colonization of the Philippines by the Spaniards. As the unit of government, a barangay consisted from 30 to 100 families. It was headed by a datu and was independent from the other groups. The Tagalog word barangay came from the Malay word balangay, a boat used for transportation and for fishing.
c. Technology – boat making and fishing
Culture Region
a. Core – coast of Manila Bay
b. Concentric - the rivers within Bulacan
c. Far flung – the land areas or the plains
2. Spanish Period
Sequence occupant
Later on, these settlers on the coast became farmers after moving inwards as they discovered that the land in the interior part was fertile and very much drained by the network of rivers and streams. These settlers grew and flourished into large and prosperous settlement now known as the province of Bulacan.
Proxemics
During the Spanish time, San Miguel was annexed to Bulacan from Pampanga. Geographically, it could be passed by from Bulacan to Nueva Ecija.
Being close to the city of Manila, it became an important source of foodstuffs and materials needed by the Spanish colony.
17th – 18th century – the friars acquired large estates in the province that were the source of rice, fruits, livestock and vegetables that came to Manila.
The early linkages with Manila fostered prosperity in the province and the rise of educated and cultured elite called the illustrado and the blossoming of tagalong culture and arts.
Large friar estates – their existence in Bulacan spurred the development of propaganda movement that was particularly active in the province. Among the leaders that came from Bulacan were Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Pio Valenzuela, and Mariano Ponce.
In 1897, General Emilio Aguinaldo established the headquarters of the revolution in the foothills of Sierra Madre in Biak na Bato, San Miguel.
Culture Complex
a. Religion – Christianity
Acculturation: When the Spanish came, from Pagans or Animist they were transformed into Christians.
b. Institution – under the Spanish rule, friars also rule in local areas.
c. Technology – they started to tilt the land through agriculture as a source of income.
Culture Region
It the early years of the Spaniards, it was placed in the direct jurisdiction of Manila but in 1578, it was made a separate province.
Functional: nationalism and patriotism hold them together to revolt against the Spaniards.
Bulacan was one of the first eight provinces to rise against the Spaniards rule.
Core: 1st - San Miguel
2nd – Malolos – in 1898 Malolos became the capital of the First Philippine Republic.
Concentric: Manila and other towns in Bulacan
Far flung: near by provinces like for example Tarlac, Bataan
Culture System – consists of history, philosophy, environmental adaptations
Pact of Biak na Bato in San Miguel, Bulacan – the first phase of the Philippine revolution ended with this signing within the Spaniards and Filipinos.
Malolos Cathedral – It served as the presidential quarter of General Emilio Aguinaldo.
Kakarong de Sili Shrine in Pandi - A battle site where 3,000 Katipuneros died in the hands of Spanish soldiers.
San Rafael Church -Site of the bloody battle between Filipinos and Spanish forces wherein the blood that cherished the church was ankle-deep.
Malolos Congress at Barosoain Church in Malolos Bulacan – the second phase which is the drafting of the constitution in the Barosoain Church.
- it is also the capital of the first Philippine Republic.
3. American Period
Culture Complex
a. Religion – Roman Catholic and Protestantism
b. Institution – under the rule of the Americans but Filipinos rule in the local areas
c. Technology – their source of income is agriculture and domestication of animals.
Culture Region
Core: Malolos and Baliuag
Concentric: Manila
Far flung: other provinces like Cavite, Zambales, Pampanga
When the Americans established a civil government in the Philippines, they held the first election in the country in the town of Baliuag, Bulacan.
Culture System - historical
Bagbag Bridge in Calumpit, Bulacan
Site of the longest battle between the Americans and Filipinos led by Gen. Gregorio del Pilar which took place in April 25, 1899. Nowadays, the bridge still stands and serves as a reminder of the valor displayed by the Filipinos who are victorious against the American forces.
4. Modern Period
Sequence occupant: In the later years, when the country has gained its real independence until these years a lot of people from different parts of the country tends to transfer in Bulacan.
Proxemics: Because Bulacan is located in the north of Metro Manila wherein a lot of people work in, they tend to settle in Bulacan which is less polluted. As a result, Bulacan is increasing its population. According to a survey in year 2000, there are a total of 2,234,088 Bulakenos, making Bulacan the fourth most populous province in the country. Like what Nick Joaquin said before going to Manila was as if an expedition because of the complexity in terms of transportation but now it is just an ordinary matter. Nowadays, Bocaue, Bulacan where I lived, is just one hour away from Manila. You can also choose from different ways to get to Manila. From Bocaue, you can ride a jeep to Monumento via McArthur Hiway and then the LRT. Another option is through the North Luzon Expresssway.
Culture Trait
People of Bulacan also speak what they consider as the pure Tagalog. Tagalog was from the word “taga-ilog” which Bulakenos were before the Spaniards came until now.
Proxemics
Since that Bulacan is one of the places where the pure Tagalog is being spoken. From here sprung the poet Francisco Balagtas. The province is famous on his 19th century immortal work, the romance in metered quatrains called “Florante at Laura”. The Bulakenos continue this metrical tradition by holding “balagtasan” contest every fiesta and are judge according on the adept of their figures of speech and arguing a topic.
Folk culture – cultural diffusion. It was from the Spanish that we adopted the concept of luxurious festivals. It was mentioned in the novel of Dr. Jose Rizal and was carried throughout the generations.
These are their way of life. It is consistent despite the modernization. These are celebrated once in a year. Some of these are their festivals.
Sto. Nino Festival
In Malolos every last Sunday of January
The biggest expression of devotion to the Holy Child Jesus in the Luzon island.
Lenten Procession
In Baliuag every Holy Wednesday and Good Friday
A lavish display of religious fervor that only the people of Baliuag can manifest in a hundred richly adorned giant carozas depicting the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
Pagoda sa Wawa
In Bocaue every first Sunday of July
A fluvial parade in Bocaue in honor of the miraculous "Krus sa Wawa," a dramatic tradition inspired by centuries-old tales.
Fertility Dance
In Obando every May 17-19
Dance your way to finding a lover or bearing a child on the feast days of San Pascual Baylon, Sta. Clara de Asis, and Virgen de Salambao.
Horse Festival
In Plaridel every December 29-30
Herd of horses with colorful tilburies are seen parading in the streets of Plaridel in reverence to St. James the Apostle.
Singkaban Festival
In Malolos; September 8-10
A festival of arts and culture in honor of the capitol's patron, Our Lady of Victory, showcasing the traditional arts of the "Balagtasan," folk dances, and the "Kundiman" amidst the display of Singkaban arches
Culture Complex
a. Religion – Roman Catholic, Protestant, Born Again
b. Institution – Governor Josefina M. dela Cruz was the present governor in the Province.
c. Technology – the province is veering away from being an agricultural area to an industrialized one.
The craft industries are strongly established in the province. Jewelry making, textile weaving, embroidery, pottery, and inlaid furniture manufacture are still practice in the most towns.
Cultural diffusion: It was from the Spanish that we adopted the preparation of foods such as suman, puto, kutsinta, marzipan and pastilles de leche. It has been a source of income in Bulacan especially in the northern part of Bulacan like San Miguel wherein it is also known for its sweet delicacies.
Proxemics: its proximity to Manila gives it the advantage as a favored site of industrial establishments including leather tanning, cement bag making, ceramics, textiles, food processing, etc.
However, majority of the rural areas are still dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.
More to that, the existence of SM Marilao, helped the people because instead of going to Manila for shopping they just settle in Bulacan with lesser time to travel and more convient.
Culture Region
Core: Manila
Concentric: Malolos and other towns
Far flung: Pampanga and Nueva Ecija.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Reaction paper on Poverty Reduction
“…Development means increasing the capacity of people to influence their future. It thus involves being, as well as doing. It means that projects and programs not only need to accomplish physical and concrete changes, but need to do so in such a way that people have a greater capacity to choose and respond to these changes…,” as Coralie Bryant and Louise White define the word “development” in the book Managing Development in the Third World. This is the definition that I see related to the articles. Development is empowerment of the people not just through economic development wherein resources should be monitored if it had reached the disenfranchised, but also through social development so that they have the capacity to choose, and plan for them. Through involvement in the community, this will help boast their self-esteem and self worth because they will think that although they are poor, they could still help. They would have a sense of purpose. And lastly is the good quality of governance, transparent wherein the poor are allowed to interact with society and their voice are being heard. This empowerment will affect their future.
In a world where the rich continues to gain more wealth and the disfranchised, deprived of the rights and needs, continues to suffer as a victim of unequal distribution of wealth and power, it is nice to know that certain agencies are concerned in the reduction of poverty in the world. According to the article Fighting Poverty in Asia and the Pacific, almost 900 million are poor in the whole world and most of them are from Asia and the Pacific.
But, first of all, how do we say that a person is poor? How is poverty measured?
Before, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) studies on poverty relied on the income level, wherein those who endure on less than $1 a day suffer from extreme poverty but now they had redefined the meaning of poverty to generate a greater intervention in the lives of the disenfranchised. Now, poverty is measured in terms of the degree of access to the basic needs given like education, health care, nutrition, water and sanitation as well as employment and wages. It also implies that with the new definition, poverty is also measured on the deprivation from opportunities that a person is entitled.
As I see the development planning on the poverty reduction strategy, I noticed that ADB used the critical planning theory According to this theory, first, “the planners redefine the problem” (Benveniste, 1989) by reconstructing and broadening the definition of poverty. The revised definition helped to identify the needs and clears the aspect on which the poor are deprived of. If income level would only be the basis maybe economic growth would only be given and focused which is not enough. But with the revised definition, in the three pillars – aside from sustainable economic growth; social development and macroeconomic management and good governance were focused as well. Under economic growth, I learned that higher female employment decreases the population growth rate because they have now divided attentions and are now focused on their career. They see pregnancy as a barrier to their work. So, like in the developed countries, the more the educated the women, the more focused on the career and employment, the lesser in population growth rate, the lesser children to feed, the more convenient. I agree with what ADB concluded, “growth can reduce poverty by generating employment and incomes and labor intensive growth can reduce it even faster. Moreover, in terms of economic development, ADB also used neo-classical theory.
Rostow’s Modernization theory says, “The first outcome of a pure or even modified neo-classical position is that there should be as little state intervention in the economy as possible.”(Benveniste, 1989). ADB subjects that the function of private sector be increased and the government should shift from owner to regulator. It does imply that the government should lessen its intervention. Secondly, “in an ideal neo-classical world, intervention should only occur in order to remove price distortions.” (Benveniste, 1989) ADB says that however, government should still monitor the social impacts of privatization to see and to check that the programs are properly implemented. There is still a little intervention by only in the assessment stage wherein it monitors if these private sector has helped the poor, if the services have reached the disenfranchised. Lastly, “in terms of international trade, neo-classicist advocate Free Trade in line with comparative advantage.” (Benveniste, 1989) ADB explained that effective regulatory framework is important to promote competition but the services are should be monitored if they are fully delivered to the poor.
Another aspect that I see in the economic aspect is the growth in regional and sub regional cooperation which President Gloria Arroyo focused in her recently State of the Nation Address (SONA 2006).
Second, I say that ADB used the critical planning theory because it is concerned with the “distribution of power in society and the extent to which planning reflects this distribution of power” (Benveniste, 1989). The other part of the twin pillars of pro-poor is social development. I agree that human capital should be developed because the poor has no asset but their selves alone. They should be empowered. It has to be developed through education. These people should be motivated to study and improve their selves’ continuously. This has been the focus of developed countries like Korea. I’ve learned from the book The Rise of Korean Economy by Byung-Nak Song about the Confucian ethic which stresses continues self improvement through formal and informal education, training, discipline, and research and development. I had proven that this has been one of the values or norms of the Koreans when I had a Korean tutee who was already 29 years old but still wants a tutor. He was already 4 years here in the Philippines and I could say that he speaks English well but the only problem is the accent. According to him, he wants to improve his self so his salary would increase. Like him, Koreans have this mentality that’s why by improving the human and social capital, the country also improves. Social capital development is also needed through increasing their opportunities and participation in the community or society works so that power is also distributed to the poor. But this should be done in incremental steps. I consider the view on the poor on the advocacy planning theory, wherein they are incapable of planning for themselves (Benveniste, 1989) that’s why they should be oriented and also empowered. They should not be oppressed or intimidated. ADB suggests that antidiscrimination legislation, land reform, security of property, tenure rights, and accessible justice system. In Gender and Development, improving the status of women is important. Like what I’ve learned in the NGO in Sorsogon where I held my practicum, there should be Gender Awareness Program wherein the women are informed of their rights. This will lessen cases of abuses and battered wives. It is also a fact that women who have jobs have voice in the family compared to those without who are more prone to abuses. Poverty is also one of the reasons why husbands had short tempers and they can easily hit their wives and children because of certain problems like financial issues. Therefore, poor women should also be given job opportunities.
Lastly, in critical planning theory the planner works as “political actors in close partnership with those political and economic organizations that represent the interest of the disfranchised” (Benveniste, 1989), ADB says that good quality of governance is crucial to the poverty reduction. There should also be equitable distribution of resources and monitoring and assessments if the services are delivered to the poor. When it comes to project implemented there should be evaluation and follow up. It should be a cycle – construction of policy, program or project – implementation – assessment and evaluation. The cycle goes on. If a policy doesn’t work, reconstruct, implement and then evaluate again.
A triumph in poverty reduction depends on the country’s administration and policy implementation. Laws and policies implemented in the national level should be implemented more strictly in the local level. Private sectors and NGO’s that are interested in the poverty reduction are also a great help. United efforts of countries to reduce poverty would never be in vain.
Some of these things, I had learned from my Development Studies 151, Policy Formulation and Project Development.
Other sources:
Benvenister, Guy (1989). Mastering the Politics of Planning: Crafting Credible Plans and Policies That Make a Difference. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons pp.56-86
Coralie Bryant and Louise White(1982). Managing Development in the Third World. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press.p15
Holmes, Ronald(1995). Development and Underdevelopment. Manila:De La Salle University Press. Pp19-27
Song, Byung-Nak(2003). The Rise of the Korean Economy. Oxford University Press.
In a world where the rich continues to gain more wealth and the disfranchised, deprived of the rights and needs, continues to suffer as a victim of unequal distribution of wealth and power, it is nice to know that certain agencies are concerned in the reduction of poverty in the world. According to the article Fighting Poverty in Asia and the Pacific, almost 900 million are poor in the whole world and most of them are from Asia and the Pacific.
But, first of all, how do we say that a person is poor? How is poverty measured?
Before, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) studies on poverty relied on the income level, wherein those who endure on less than $1 a day suffer from extreme poverty but now they had redefined the meaning of poverty to generate a greater intervention in the lives of the disenfranchised. Now, poverty is measured in terms of the degree of access to the basic needs given like education, health care, nutrition, water and sanitation as well as employment and wages. It also implies that with the new definition, poverty is also measured on the deprivation from opportunities that a person is entitled.
As I see the development planning on the poverty reduction strategy, I noticed that ADB used the critical planning theory According to this theory, first, “the planners redefine the problem” (Benveniste, 1989) by reconstructing and broadening the definition of poverty. The revised definition helped to identify the needs and clears the aspect on which the poor are deprived of. If income level would only be the basis maybe economic growth would only be given and focused which is not enough. But with the revised definition, in the three pillars – aside from sustainable economic growth; social development and macroeconomic management and good governance were focused as well. Under economic growth, I learned that higher female employment decreases the population growth rate because they have now divided attentions and are now focused on their career. They see pregnancy as a barrier to their work. So, like in the developed countries, the more the educated the women, the more focused on the career and employment, the lesser in population growth rate, the lesser children to feed, the more convenient. I agree with what ADB concluded, “growth can reduce poverty by generating employment and incomes and labor intensive growth can reduce it even faster. Moreover, in terms of economic development, ADB also used neo-classical theory.
Rostow’s Modernization theory says, “The first outcome of a pure or even modified neo-classical position is that there should be as little state intervention in the economy as possible.”(Benveniste, 1989). ADB subjects that the function of private sector be increased and the government should shift from owner to regulator. It does imply that the government should lessen its intervention. Secondly, “in an ideal neo-classical world, intervention should only occur in order to remove price distortions.” (Benveniste, 1989) ADB says that however, government should still monitor the social impacts of privatization to see and to check that the programs are properly implemented. There is still a little intervention by only in the assessment stage wherein it monitors if these private sector has helped the poor, if the services have reached the disenfranchised. Lastly, “in terms of international trade, neo-classicist advocate Free Trade in line with comparative advantage.” (Benveniste, 1989) ADB explained that effective regulatory framework is important to promote competition but the services are should be monitored if they are fully delivered to the poor.
Another aspect that I see in the economic aspect is the growth in regional and sub regional cooperation which President Gloria Arroyo focused in her recently State of the Nation Address (SONA 2006).
Second, I say that ADB used the critical planning theory because it is concerned with the “distribution of power in society and the extent to which planning reflects this distribution of power” (Benveniste, 1989). The other part of the twin pillars of pro-poor is social development. I agree that human capital should be developed because the poor has no asset but their selves alone. They should be empowered. It has to be developed through education. These people should be motivated to study and improve their selves’ continuously. This has been the focus of developed countries like Korea. I’ve learned from the book The Rise of Korean Economy by Byung-Nak Song about the Confucian ethic which stresses continues self improvement through formal and informal education, training, discipline, and research and development. I had proven that this has been one of the values or norms of the Koreans when I had a Korean tutee who was already 29 years old but still wants a tutor. He was already 4 years here in the Philippines and I could say that he speaks English well but the only problem is the accent. According to him, he wants to improve his self so his salary would increase. Like him, Koreans have this mentality that’s why by improving the human and social capital, the country also improves. Social capital development is also needed through increasing their opportunities and participation in the community or society works so that power is also distributed to the poor. But this should be done in incremental steps. I consider the view on the poor on the advocacy planning theory, wherein they are incapable of planning for themselves (Benveniste, 1989) that’s why they should be oriented and also empowered. They should not be oppressed or intimidated. ADB suggests that antidiscrimination legislation, land reform, security of property, tenure rights, and accessible justice system. In Gender and Development, improving the status of women is important. Like what I’ve learned in the NGO in Sorsogon where I held my practicum, there should be Gender Awareness Program wherein the women are informed of their rights. This will lessen cases of abuses and battered wives. It is also a fact that women who have jobs have voice in the family compared to those without who are more prone to abuses. Poverty is also one of the reasons why husbands had short tempers and they can easily hit their wives and children because of certain problems like financial issues. Therefore, poor women should also be given job opportunities.
Lastly, in critical planning theory the planner works as “political actors in close partnership with those political and economic organizations that represent the interest of the disfranchised” (Benveniste, 1989), ADB says that good quality of governance is crucial to the poverty reduction. There should also be equitable distribution of resources and monitoring and assessments if the services are delivered to the poor. When it comes to project implemented there should be evaluation and follow up. It should be a cycle – construction of policy, program or project – implementation – assessment and evaluation. The cycle goes on. If a policy doesn’t work, reconstruct, implement and then evaluate again.
A triumph in poverty reduction depends on the country’s administration and policy implementation. Laws and policies implemented in the national level should be implemented more strictly in the local level. Private sectors and NGO’s that are interested in the poverty reduction are also a great help. United efforts of countries to reduce poverty would never be in vain.
Some of these things, I had learned from my Development Studies 151, Policy Formulation and Project Development.
Other sources:
Benvenister, Guy (1989). Mastering the Politics of Planning: Crafting Credible Plans and Policies That Make a Difference. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons pp.56-86
Coralie Bryant and Louise White(1982). Managing Development in the Third World. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press.p15
Holmes, Ronald(1995). Development and Underdevelopment. Manila:De La Salle University Press. Pp19-27
Song, Byung-Nak(2003). The Rise of the Korean Economy. Oxford University Press.
Jose Rizal - The movie
Mahusay na naganapan ni Cesar Montano ang papel na isang pagbansang bayani. Mahusay siyang magsalita ng Espanyol at iba pang wika na alam kong lubos nyang pinag-aralan para sa pelikulang ito. Mahusay din si Marilou Diaz_Abaya sa pag-director nitong pelikula. Isang pelikulang maipagmamalaki ng mga Pilipino sa buong mundo at hindi nga ba’t tumangap ang pelikulang ito ng mapakaraming premyo.
Ipinakita ng pelikula ang buhay ni Rizal, mga gawa niya at kung paano nakaapekto at nakaimplwensya nag mga ito upang lalong mag-igting ang rebolusyon.
“Itinaas ko ang tabing ng kurtina upang itambad ang nasa likod ng mapanlinglang na luning-ning na salita ng pamahalaan….Inilahad ko ang kawawang kalagayan ng aking bayan – ang aming karaingan at kalungkutan.”
Ito ang isa sa mga paborito kong winika/sinulat ni Rizal sa bandang unahan ng pelikula. Ito mismo ang kabuuan ng kanyang mga naisulat at nagawa para sa Pilipinas. Bilang isang optalmologo, doktor na gumagamot ng mga bulag upang makakita, ito rin ang naging papel nya sa bansa. Binuksan niya ang mga mata na nabubulagan sa mga pang-aapi ng España.
Ipinakita sa pelikula kung gaanong mapagmahal na anak at kapatid si Pepe. Nung bata palang siya ay hindi na siya pumapayag na tinutukso ng masama ang kanyang magulang. Nagalit siya ng tinukso siya na di pinapakain ng nanay at unano ang kanyang tatay. Isa din sa mga lubhang ikinagalit ni Rizal ay ng ipinatapon ni Pdre Damaso ang bangkay ng ama sa ilog. “Sinong anak ang hindi magagalit?” Ang sanabi nyang ito ay masyadong umigting sa puso ko. Tama si Rizal. Masakit para sa isang anak, lalo na sa isang mapagmahal na anak ang ginawa nila. Bilang kapatid, maganda ang naging relasyon ni Rizal sa mga kapatid nya lalo na kay kuya Paciano niya. Si Paciano ang nagpakita sa kanya ng pagiging makabayan, ipinakita ang pagkaapi ng bayan at siya ding mag-udyok sa kanya na pumunta ng España upang mag-aral. “Patuloy mong ilantad sa buong mundo ang ating hinaing,” ika ni Paciano. Nakakaiyak ang huling pagkakaharap ni Rizal at ng kanyang ina na hindi man lamang niya nayakap ng mahigpit at ng matagal.
Ipinakita din sa pelikula kung paanong naging mangingibig si Rizal. Ito yata ang naging kahinaan ni Rizal sa buhay niya. Pero kahit na maliit lamang itong si Rizal ay marami talagang babae ang nahahalina sa kanya. Makata din siya sa kanyang mga iniibig. Tulad nlng ng eksena nila ni Leonor Rivera. Hindi ko lang masyadong nagustuhan na naging liberal ni Rizal sa pag-ibig sa pelikula. Masyadong malapit ang pagitan ni Rizal at Leonor. Hindi napakita ang pagiging dalagang Pilipina ni Leonor at hindi ba dapat ay conserbatibo pa noong mga panahong iyon.
Madali ding maging kaibigan si Rizal, tulad nalang ng makagaanan siya ng loob ng nagbabantay sa kulungan. Maaalahanin din siya at mapangaral. Gusto ko din ng maging magkaibigan si Rizal at si Luis Taviel de Andrade. Nagalit si Taviel ng matalo ang kanilang kaso. Di umanoy mas galit pa siya kaysa kay Rizal, ikinahihiya nya daw ang mga Kastila. Nagustuhan ko kung paanong magaling na nagampanan ni Jaime Fabregas ang papel ni Taviel. Seryoso ang motibo niya na maipagtanggol ang kaso ni Rizal. Nakakaiyak din ang huling pagkakamay ni Taviel at Rizal na nagpapakita na naging tunay na magkaibigan ang dalawa. Hindi rin iniwanan ni Taviel si Rizal hanggang sa huli.
Ipinakita din sa penikula ang pananaw ni Rizal sa humanidad. Sinabi niyang kailangan mo munang irespeto ang iyong sarili upang irespeto ka ng iba. Nahahawig ito sa isinulat niya sa Mga Kababaihan ng Malolos na, “Ang iniaalipusta ng isa ay nasa kakulangan ng pagmamahal sa sarili at nasa kalabisan ng pagkasilaw sa umaalipusta.” Tinuruan niya ang mga Pilipino na wag pumayag ng basta basta na lamang na inaapi.
Nang nililitis na sya, kahit na alam ko na ang mangyayari ay nais ko parin na mapawalang sala siya. Si Rizal ay dumaan sa hindi makatarungang hukom at masyadong minadali ang kaso. Bago siya patayin, iniisip ko na baka naman maaari pa ding ibahin ang desisyon ng korte. Ayaw ko siyang mamatay tulad na lamang ng ayaw din nating mamatay ang bida sa mga iba pang pelikulang pinapanood natin. Ngunit tapos na ang historya.
Tulad ng mga Rizalista sa Banahaw, napansin ko na may pagkakahawig ang pagkamatay ni Rizal kay Jesus. Pareho silang dumaan sa di makatarungang hukom ng sila ay nililitis at pareho silang pinatay sa harap ng maraming tao. Bago mamatay si Jesus, sinabi niyang “Tetelestie” an ibig sabihin ay naganap na. Si Rizal din naman ay nagsabi ng “it is done”. Parehong may misyong natapos na. Pero, dun lang…hindi pa rin syempre napantayan ni Rizal ang mga nagawa ni Jesus.
Naging isang inspirasyon si Rizal sa mga Pilipinong lumaban pa lalo para sa kapayapaan at kalayaan. Noong nabubuhay pa lamang siya ay ginagamit na ang pangalan niya sa katipunan bilang password at ang larawan niya ay nakasabit sa ding-ding ng kanilang pinagtitipunan. Kasama rin sa isinisigaw nila ang “Mabuhay si Dr.Jose Rizal.” Tumimo din sakin ang sinabi ng gobernadorcillo ng kinukumpiska ang libro na isinulat ni Rizal. Sinabi niya, “Makukumpiska at masususnog ang lahat ng aklat na iyan subalit ang katotohanang sinasabi ng aklat na iyan ang nagpamulat sa puso at isip ng lahat ng nakabasa nyan. Hindi nyo mananakaw kahit kailan.” Eto rin ang naging epekto ng mga naisulat ni Rizal sa mga Pilipino noon. Tunay nga na nabuksan ang kanilang mga isipan at ang pagkamatay ni Rizal ang mas nagpaalab ng himagsikan, ang nag-udyok sa rebolusyon na lalong mag-igting.
Tunay nga na si Rizal ay maipagmamalaki ng mga Pilipino sa iba pang mga bansa. Wala pa ring Pilipinong nakapapantay sa kanya.
Ipinakita ng pelikula ang buhay ni Rizal, mga gawa niya at kung paano nakaapekto at nakaimplwensya nag mga ito upang lalong mag-igting ang rebolusyon.
“Itinaas ko ang tabing ng kurtina upang itambad ang nasa likod ng mapanlinglang na luning-ning na salita ng pamahalaan….Inilahad ko ang kawawang kalagayan ng aking bayan – ang aming karaingan at kalungkutan.”
Ito ang isa sa mga paborito kong winika/sinulat ni Rizal sa bandang unahan ng pelikula. Ito mismo ang kabuuan ng kanyang mga naisulat at nagawa para sa Pilipinas. Bilang isang optalmologo, doktor na gumagamot ng mga bulag upang makakita, ito rin ang naging papel nya sa bansa. Binuksan niya ang mga mata na nabubulagan sa mga pang-aapi ng España.
Ipinakita sa pelikula kung gaanong mapagmahal na anak at kapatid si Pepe. Nung bata palang siya ay hindi na siya pumapayag na tinutukso ng masama ang kanyang magulang. Nagalit siya ng tinukso siya na di pinapakain ng nanay at unano ang kanyang tatay. Isa din sa mga lubhang ikinagalit ni Rizal ay ng ipinatapon ni Pdre Damaso ang bangkay ng ama sa ilog. “Sinong anak ang hindi magagalit?” Ang sanabi nyang ito ay masyadong umigting sa puso ko. Tama si Rizal. Masakit para sa isang anak, lalo na sa isang mapagmahal na anak ang ginawa nila. Bilang kapatid, maganda ang naging relasyon ni Rizal sa mga kapatid nya lalo na kay kuya Paciano niya. Si Paciano ang nagpakita sa kanya ng pagiging makabayan, ipinakita ang pagkaapi ng bayan at siya ding mag-udyok sa kanya na pumunta ng España upang mag-aral. “Patuloy mong ilantad sa buong mundo ang ating hinaing,” ika ni Paciano. Nakakaiyak ang huling pagkakaharap ni Rizal at ng kanyang ina na hindi man lamang niya nayakap ng mahigpit at ng matagal.
Ipinakita din sa pelikula kung paanong naging mangingibig si Rizal. Ito yata ang naging kahinaan ni Rizal sa buhay niya. Pero kahit na maliit lamang itong si Rizal ay marami talagang babae ang nahahalina sa kanya. Makata din siya sa kanyang mga iniibig. Tulad nlng ng eksena nila ni Leonor Rivera. Hindi ko lang masyadong nagustuhan na naging liberal ni Rizal sa pag-ibig sa pelikula. Masyadong malapit ang pagitan ni Rizal at Leonor. Hindi napakita ang pagiging dalagang Pilipina ni Leonor at hindi ba dapat ay conserbatibo pa noong mga panahong iyon.
Madali ding maging kaibigan si Rizal, tulad nalang ng makagaanan siya ng loob ng nagbabantay sa kulungan. Maaalahanin din siya at mapangaral. Gusto ko din ng maging magkaibigan si Rizal at si Luis Taviel de Andrade. Nagalit si Taviel ng matalo ang kanilang kaso. Di umanoy mas galit pa siya kaysa kay Rizal, ikinahihiya nya daw ang mga Kastila. Nagustuhan ko kung paanong magaling na nagampanan ni Jaime Fabregas ang papel ni Taviel. Seryoso ang motibo niya na maipagtanggol ang kaso ni Rizal. Nakakaiyak din ang huling pagkakamay ni Taviel at Rizal na nagpapakita na naging tunay na magkaibigan ang dalawa. Hindi rin iniwanan ni Taviel si Rizal hanggang sa huli.
Ipinakita din sa penikula ang pananaw ni Rizal sa humanidad. Sinabi niyang kailangan mo munang irespeto ang iyong sarili upang irespeto ka ng iba. Nahahawig ito sa isinulat niya sa Mga Kababaihan ng Malolos na, “Ang iniaalipusta ng isa ay nasa kakulangan ng pagmamahal sa sarili at nasa kalabisan ng pagkasilaw sa umaalipusta.” Tinuruan niya ang mga Pilipino na wag pumayag ng basta basta na lamang na inaapi.
Nang nililitis na sya, kahit na alam ko na ang mangyayari ay nais ko parin na mapawalang sala siya. Si Rizal ay dumaan sa hindi makatarungang hukom at masyadong minadali ang kaso. Bago siya patayin, iniisip ko na baka naman maaari pa ding ibahin ang desisyon ng korte. Ayaw ko siyang mamatay tulad na lamang ng ayaw din nating mamatay ang bida sa mga iba pang pelikulang pinapanood natin. Ngunit tapos na ang historya.
Tulad ng mga Rizalista sa Banahaw, napansin ko na may pagkakahawig ang pagkamatay ni Rizal kay Jesus. Pareho silang dumaan sa di makatarungang hukom ng sila ay nililitis at pareho silang pinatay sa harap ng maraming tao. Bago mamatay si Jesus, sinabi niyang “Tetelestie” an ibig sabihin ay naganap na. Si Rizal din naman ay nagsabi ng “it is done”. Parehong may misyong natapos na. Pero, dun lang…hindi pa rin syempre napantayan ni Rizal ang mga nagawa ni Jesus.
Naging isang inspirasyon si Rizal sa mga Pilipinong lumaban pa lalo para sa kapayapaan at kalayaan. Noong nabubuhay pa lamang siya ay ginagamit na ang pangalan niya sa katipunan bilang password at ang larawan niya ay nakasabit sa ding-ding ng kanilang pinagtitipunan. Kasama rin sa isinisigaw nila ang “Mabuhay si Dr.Jose Rizal.” Tumimo din sakin ang sinabi ng gobernadorcillo ng kinukumpiska ang libro na isinulat ni Rizal. Sinabi niya, “Makukumpiska at masususnog ang lahat ng aklat na iyan subalit ang katotohanang sinasabi ng aklat na iyan ang nagpamulat sa puso at isip ng lahat ng nakabasa nyan. Hindi nyo mananakaw kahit kailan.” Eto rin ang naging epekto ng mga naisulat ni Rizal sa mga Pilipino noon. Tunay nga na nabuksan ang kanilang mga isipan at ang pagkamatay ni Rizal ang mas nagpaalab ng himagsikan, ang nag-udyok sa rebolusyon na lalong mag-igting.
Tunay nga na si Rizal ay maipagmamalaki ng mga Pilipino sa iba pang mga bansa. Wala pa ring Pilipinong nakapapantay sa kanya.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
My Sorsogon Experience
As a college student, practicum is something I am excited about and that I had been waiting for. But then, after last summer, it was finally over.
My practicum was not the typical office work or hospital internship. It was community work and research with a lot of twists.
As an adventurous person, I had greatly appreciated and enjoyed my stay in Sorsogon. I think, one of the passions that my course had implanted in my heart is the passion to travel and to go to different parts of the Philippines that we have been studying, and to appreciate the beauty of the nature that our country has.
For me, of all the practicum destinations, Manila, Isabela, Cavite and Sorsogon; Sorsogon is the best. It is worthy of all the learning and experiences I had been through. They all happened beyond my expectations and beyond what my mind could think and imagine. I had faced certain overwhelming and challenging things while I was out of my comfort zone. I was exposed to the realities of life that a particular province usually goes through. I had seen realities of life that I could say I just watched in the news, seen in movies, and read in the newspapers and books – in Sorsogon I had experienced them.
First, I had experienced how hospitable the people in Sorsogon – the Sorsoganons. One of them is Barangay Captain Neal Futalan and his wife. I appreciated how they welcomed us in their home and how they would always want to treat us food and anything they could offer. I had encountered him for only 3 times but then I and my group mates were so much affected on his tragic death. He was assassinated in a concert in their barangay which my group mates also attended. It was quite traumatic because after just few hours of being with him, actually eating with him and his family during that day’s lunch and then, he was gone. Actually, “Kap” invited us in that concert, but only my other three friends watched the concert because I wasn’t feeling well that night. For me, as what I usually say, Kap. Neal is a local Mahatma Gandhi in his own simple way. He is a leader that is peace loving and without biases. He welcomed every kind of person in his home, both the leftist and the rightist; and even the ordinary persons. Even though he was educated and intellectual; and with authority, he only dressed simple with white t-shirt and maong shorts that made him accommodating and not intimidating. Ironically, he was also killed like how Gandhi was. Sorrow surrounds their family and place because of his death but for me his death is an eye opener that shows the reality of the insurgencies in Sorsogon and in the Bicol region. His death was also quite heroic, as people also tell that he is a hero for them. Dying at his peak of service or at the peak of his life has a positive side. Well, people will remember his legacy and he will never be forgotten. The people have really good things to tell about him which is quite flattering in the after life.
Second, in relation with the frequent volcanic eruption of the Bulusan volcano, I had actually witnessed a mild volcanic eruption because the place we stayed was within the 8 km danger zone. I began to realize the importance of what we had studied in our Geology class. I also began to appreciate the importance of history. As the saying goes, “History repeats itself.” They said that we need not to worry because historically the volcano only emits ashes and those ashes falls in Juban and Casiguran, not in Irosin. They also compared Bulusan Volcano to Mayon Volcano that violently emits magma and large rocks. More to that, my photo of the Bulusan Volcano eruption was published in the May 1, 2006 Philippine Daily Inquirer issue and in another broadsheet. That time of eruption, my group mates and I were actually calm because we saw the people calm. It was as if it was something ordinary for them. They considered it a simple ash fall. But now, although I am not there in the place anymore, I am quite afraid and worried for the people I met in Sorsogon, especially now that according to news, PHIVOLCS had raised the Alert Status of Bulusan Volcano into alert level 2 which could lead to frequent ash explosions or to hazardous magmatic eruption. Even if I just met some of these Sorsoganons in our trainings, interviews, surveys and in the neighborhood where we used to stay, I cannot help but have this certain fear of what might happen to them when the Bulusan volcano continues to become violent. Since, I have communication with some of them, they informed me that they are still all right but the volcano is very different now compared last summer when our group was there. Well, maybe that’s what happens in community works, experiencing and learning to become one with the people. And now, even though I wasn’t there anymore, I still feel affected whenever I heard news about Sorsogon. Well, maybe because, I had felt their warm welcome and was treated as one of their family members.
Third, I also experienced the harshness of the typhoon Caloy – the strong winds that turned down trees and houses. I had witnessed how pitiful the Bicol region particularly Sorsogon when typhoon passed on their province considering the fact that typhoons usually passed their place before reaching Manila and other provinces because they are near the Pacific Ocean. The typhoon left ruined houses and trees and the electricity was stopped for more than a week, which I and my group mates also experienced.
The volcanic eruption, typhoon Caloy and Captain Neal’s death was quite tolerable but his death was followed by several others which happened almost everyday. This brought fear in our group that time that we already want to go back to Manila. It actually showed the reality of what happened between the NPA and military - a reality that not only happens in Sorsogon but also in most parts of the Philippines. I was also able to feel the fear that most people in that province also undergo.
It was such a wonderful feeling to surpass all these things. It was like joining the “Extra Challenge” and winning on it. Through these experiences, I felt that I had achieved something; I felt that I had gained something and it was actually overflowing.
Moreover, I and my group mates also enjoyed the local tourism in Sorsogon. We had been to San Mateo Hotspring in San Benon, Irosin, a hotspring that contains sulfur from the Bulusan volcano; to Subic Saday Island in Matnog, a virgin island with white sand and a lot of corals on the sea shore; to Bulusan Lake, a part of the Bulusan volcano and to Palogtoc Falls, the coldest point in Sorsogon. We still missed a lot like some other falls and the Butanding in Donsol. When it comes to natural resources, Sorsogon is really abundant.
Aside from learning how to conduct perception study through surveys and researches, which was actually my job on the practicum, I had learned a lot more. I had experienced many things that I would not forget in my entire life.
Irosin, Sorsogon particularly that NGO where we held our practicum has been special to our group. Our stay with them was really memorable and fruitful despite the unusual circumstances our group had been through. They treated us as “kapamilya” and shared with us their own experiences and knowledge. Our group saw their dedication and heart to serve the people and for that we salute them. They trained us not only to attain our academic purpose but most importantly to improve our inner us. Our group also saw the importance of NGO in the community and how noble job it is. I am looking forward to meeting them again and to another Sorsogon experience.
***
Here's are video presentation for the practicum.. kame gumawa nyan.. pinagpuyatan.. kahit birthday ko nun gumagawa pa din kame..
My practicum was not the typical office work or hospital internship. It was community work and research with a lot of twists.
As an adventurous person, I had greatly appreciated and enjoyed my stay in Sorsogon. I think, one of the passions that my course had implanted in my heart is the passion to travel and to go to different parts of the Philippines that we have been studying, and to appreciate the beauty of the nature that our country has.
For me, of all the practicum destinations, Manila, Isabela, Cavite and Sorsogon; Sorsogon is the best. It is worthy of all the learning and experiences I had been through. They all happened beyond my expectations and beyond what my mind could think and imagine. I had faced certain overwhelming and challenging things while I was out of my comfort zone. I was exposed to the realities of life that a particular province usually goes through. I had seen realities of life that I could say I just watched in the news, seen in movies, and read in the newspapers and books – in Sorsogon I had experienced them.
First, I had experienced how hospitable the people in Sorsogon – the Sorsoganons. One of them is Barangay Captain Neal Futalan and his wife. I appreciated how they welcomed us in their home and how they would always want to treat us food and anything they could offer. I had encountered him for only 3 times but then I and my group mates were so much affected on his tragic death. He was assassinated in a concert in their barangay which my group mates also attended. It was quite traumatic because after just few hours of being with him, actually eating with him and his family during that day’s lunch and then, he was gone. Actually, “Kap” invited us in that concert, but only my other three friends watched the concert because I wasn’t feeling well that night. For me, as what I usually say, Kap. Neal is a local Mahatma Gandhi in his own simple way. He is a leader that is peace loving and without biases. He welcomed every kind of person in his home, both the leftist and the rightist; and even the ordinary persons. Even though he was educated and intellectual; and with authority, he only dressed simple with white t-shirt and maong shorts that made him accommodating and not intimidating. Ironically, he was also killed like how Gandhi was. Sorrow surrounds their family and place because of his death but for me his death is an eye opener that shows the reality of the insurgencies in Sorsogon and in the Bicol region. His death was also quite heroic, as people also tell that he is a hero for them. Dying at his peak of service or at the peak of his life has a positive side. Well, people will remember his legacy and he will never be forgotten. The people have really good things to tell about him which is quite flattering in the after life.
Second, in relation with the frequent volcanic eruption of the Bulusan volcano, I had actually witnessed a mild volcanic eruption because the place we stayed was within the 8 km danger zone. I began to realize the importance of what we had studied in our Geology class. I also began to appreciate the importance of history. As the saying goes, “History repeats itself.” They said that we need not to worry because historically the volcano only emits ashes and those ashes falls in Juban and Casiguran, not in Irosin. They also compared Bulusan Volcano to Mayon Volcano that violently emits magma and large rocks. More to that, my photo of the Bulusan Volcano eruption was published in the May 1, 2006 Philippine Daily Inquirer issue and in another broadsheet. That time of eruption, my group mates and I were actually calm because we saw the people calm. It was as if it was something ordinary for them. They considered it a simple ash fall. But now, although I am not there in the place anymore, I am quite afraid and worried for the people I met in Sorsogon, especially now that according to news, PHIVOLCS had raised the Alert Status of Bulusan Volcano into alert level 2 which could lead to frequent ash explosions or to hazardous magmatic eruption. Even if I just met some of these Sorsoganons in our trainings, interviews, surveys and in the neighborhood where we used to stay, I cannot help but have this certain fear of what might happen to them when the Bulusan volcano continues to become violent. Since, I have communication with some of them, they informed me that they are still all right but the volcano is very different now compared last summer when our group was there. Well, maybe that’s what happens in community works, experiencing and learning to become one with the people. And now, even though I wasn’t there anymore, I still feel affected whenever I heard news about Sorsogon. Well, maybe because, I had felt their warm welcome and was treated as one of their family members.
Third, I also experienced the harshness of the typhoon Caloy – the strong winds that turned down trees and houses. I had witnessed how pitiful the Bicol region particularly Sorsogon when typhoon passed on their province considering the fact that typhoons usually passed their place before reaching Manila and other provinces because they are near the Pacific Ocean. The typhoon left ruined houses and trees and the electricity was stopped for more than a week, which I and my group mates also experienced.
The volcanic eruption, typhoon Caloy and Captain Neal’s death was quite tolerable but his death was followed by several others which happened almost everyday. This brought fear in our group that time that we already want to go back to Manila. It actually showed the reality of what happened between the NPA and military - a reality that not only happens in Sorsogon but also in most parts of the Philippines. I was also able to feel the fear that most people in that province also undergo.
It was such a wonderful feeling to surpass all these things. It was like joining the “Extra Challenge” and winning on it. Through these experiences, I felt that I had achieved something; I felt that I had gained something and it was actually overflowing.
Moreover, I and my group mates also enjoyed the local tourism in Sorsogon. We had been to San Mateo Hotspring in San Benon, Irosin, a hotspring that contains sulfur from the Bulusan volcano; to Subic Saday Island in Matnog, a virgin island with white sand and a lot of corals on the sea shore; to Bulusan Lake, a part of the Bulusan volcano and to Palogtoc Falls, the coldest point in Sorsogon. We still missed a lot like some other falls and the Butanding in Donsol. When it comes to natural resources, Sorsogon is really abundant.
Aside from learning how to conduct perception study through surveys and researches, which was actually my job on the practicum, I had learned a lot more. I had experienced many things that I would not forget in my entire life.
Irosin, Sorsogon particularly that NGO where we held our practicum has been special to our group. Our stay with them was really memorable and fruitful despite the unusual circumstances our group had been through. They treated us as “kapamilya” and shared with us their own experiences and knowledge. Our group saw their dedication and heart to serve the people and for that we salute them. They trained us not only to attain our academic purpose but most importantly to improve our inner us. Our group also saw the importance of NGO in the community and how noble job it is. I am looking forward to meeting them again and to another Sorsogon experience.
***
Here's are video presentation for the practicum.. kame gumawa nyan.. pinagpuyatan.. kahit birthday ko nun gumagawa pa din kame..
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