REOMALES, Gian

OLANO, Franchesca

1. Characterize the following:

 1.1 Heneral luna - Heneral Luna showed a great leadership to our country, he was the
most brilliant and bright, he was the only one capable of leading us to independence.

 1.2 Emilio Aguinaldo - Emilio Aguinaldo is the President of the First Philippine Republic
and thereby General-in-Chief of its Revolutionary Army, who led the Filipinos during the
Philippine-American War in 1899. He is also the spouse of Hilaria Aguinaldo; during the
span of their marriage, Aguinaldo is knowledgeable about the relationship between his
favorite, Gregorio del Pilar and his sister up until their separation, presumably earning the
dismay of Hilaria towards Gregorio for separating with Emilio's sister.

 1.3 Gen. Tomas Mazcardo - was a Filipino general during the Philippine Revolution and
Philippine-American War. He joined the fight against the Spaniards since the start of the
revolution. He later became a one-term governor of Cavite from 1910 to 1912. He was
born in the town of Cavite to Valentín Mascardo and Dolores Echenique. The affluent
couple, a landowner and a rice dealer, respectively, had a total of seven children. Tomás
finished his teacher's diploma from Escuela Normal in Manila and became a teacher at the
barrio school of Halang in Amadeo, Cavite.

 1.4 Felipe buencamini - Felipe Buencamino is one of Emilio Aguinaldo’s trusted

ministers. He started on the other side of the fence, worked for Manila’s Audencia (courts),
became a fiscal and later a judge. He fought against the Filipinos (which he claims at the
beginning were mostly brigands, disorganized and had no political goals) during the
outbreak of the revolution.

 1.5 Pedro paterno - Paterno was one of the greatest "balimbing" in history (perhaps he
was the original "balimbing" in Philippine political history). He was first on the Spanish
side, then when the declaration of independence was made in 1898, he "wormed his way
to power" and became president of the Malolos Congress in 1899, then sensing the change
in political winds after the establishment of the American colonial government, he became
a member of the First Philippine Assembly
  1.6 Col. Francisco “Paco” Roman - was a Filipino-Spanish soldier and later became a
revolutionary during Philippine Revolution and Philippine–American War. Roman had the
rank of a colonel in the revolutionary army, and served as the close aide of General Antonio
Luna. When Luna was assassinated in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Román attempted to save
him but he was also shot to death by Emilio Aguinaldo's presidential guards.

 1.7 Joven Hernando- He was one of the characters in the story, like the narrator. I don't
know if you notice the weight and size of his character in the story. Joven represents the
new generation. The new generation that needs to be protected. The new generation needs
to listen and act. The new generation of Filipinos who need to learn history to know what
is true and worth fighting for.

 1.8 Kapt. Eduardo Rusca - He was loyal to heneral luna and one of the trustworthy one.

2. Give three favorite scenes and explain why?

1. My favorite scene in Heneral Luna came in 16 minutes at the start of the film. When they
were having the battle scene at Kawit. To be particular, the part where everyone was
already running away even Guencamino’s son, but this brave soldier stayed and urged
everyone to stay. However he was shot fatally and Antonio Luna approached him and
raised his rank. He urged him not to speak anymore, but the soldier thanked him in his last
words. Luna called him tinyente, if I remember correctly. And then raised his rank because
of his “katapangan sa larangan ng digmaan.” And like I said, this soldier died. I can’t
express how much I find this scene crucial for the film. It showed me the bravery of the
Filipinos, how Luna is a great leader because he knows who to give respect and praise to,
and how the good die early in films.

2. the battle scene in which despite the odds. Luna tried his best to rally and keep the men
together. And yes, true leader not only his known for stern decision and discipline but also
recognizes who deserves recognition like a young mortally wound lieutenant who was
raised to colonel rank on the spot. Knowing, he will survive his wounds but he passes.

3. Spoliarium scene- The scene is remarkable because one, the Spoliarium was made by the
general’s older brother. Two, it is a most appropriate allusion. In Roman history, the
Spoliarium was the basement of the colosseum where the dead and dying gladiators are
brought to be stripped of their last few remaining possessions. What the Kawit soldiers did
to the bodies of Luna and Roman maybe likened to what the Romans used to do with fallen
gladiators. The Spoliarium scene in Heneral Luna is pure genius.
3. What do you think is the most applaudable about the film?
 For us, when Heneral Luna died, die in hands of his fellow soldiers. They killed him like
an animal, worst than that. He faced them alone, those cowards and assassins without the
help of others. Saying that there is no conspiracy and threats about the cause of his death,
that thought deal the truthiness of what Heneral Luna said at first time that we have an
enemy bigger than the Americans; Ourselves. Also deal that we are the Filipino was an
epic cowards. Why Filipinos kill Filipinos? In killing the general, they also killed all the
hope for freedom. "It is always better to fall on the field of battle than to accept any foreign
rule. If progress is just a dream then let us dream on until death." The last he stated.

4. heroes are also humans

 Heroes are those who stand by what they believe in despite what others think. They are
willing to sacrifice for their cause. It also talks about how heroism can come from the most
unexpected time, place and person as Heneral luna and the rest. We also believes how
heroes are also human who are not perfect but also make mistakes.

5. Analyze the following scene:

 5.1 Joven being shot and his hand and ear were stricken. (symbolism) Why do you
think luna was so affected and why he protecting joven? How important is joven’s
character? Heneral luna is protecting joven because the character of Joven represents the
new generation. The new generation that needs to be protected. The new generation needs
to listen and act. The new generation of Filipinos who need to learn history to know what
is true and worth fighting for. Many are saddened by the corruption of the system and the
thinking of its leaders. It is heartbreaking to think that Filipino traitors are fellow Filipinos.
It is difficult to find a solution, even the best general is about to give up.

 5.2 luna’s mother visited him.

His mother wanted to know what is happening to him and how he was doing despite being
involved in the war. She tried convincing luna to quit what he was doing and find a job that
is far from danger. Luna answered that serving the country is what his heart desires.

6. Realization
6.1 Political problems at that time that are apparent today
 Politicians getting involved in crime. Up to the present day, most politicians are the ones
breaking the law. They bribe anyone to hide the illegal things that they have done. They
commit crimes to compete with one another and be on top. Most of them do not really care
about the country, they only care for the money no matter how awful the situation is here
in the Philippines.
6.2 Why do the same social ills continue to plague us until now? What are we going to do
about it?
 The same social problems are still happening now because the government and the people
are not helping each other to make the country better. Instead, they compete with one
another. Everyone wants to lead but does not know how to follow. That is why the social
problems never ends. Us Filipinos should be united in making the Philippines better again.
Some things have improved but some people are being left behind, that is why we should
not compete with each other but instead, rise as a country.

6.3 Who are we as a nation?

 As a Filipino nation, despite of our differences, we feel unity among each other. Years ago
people fought for the freedom of our country, and now we should give justice and pay
respect to the peace that we have right now. We Filipinos are mostly Christians although
we celebrate holidays for other religions, as a nation we accept each other. No country is
perfect, and despite all of the problems happening in this country, we stand tall and united
for the Philippines.

6.4 Heneral Luna’s message for you.

 The movie taught us to Battle for your beliefs however don't give egotistical reasons a
chance to overpower you. Beside the gallant demonstrations of Gen. Luna, the film is
likewise equipped for giving the crowd a look at the political quarrel among Filipino
pioneers. The film helps us to remember the hour of the Spaniards and later of the
Americans when Filipino pioneers and other noticeable figures put a premium to improving
themselves as opposed to battling for our opportunity against our colonizers. During that
time, numerous rich men were reluctant to unrests on the grounds that having Americans
rule the nation would involve accomplishment to their organizations. They in fact battled
for such conviction yet that was one conviction that destroyed our battle for freedom.

6.5 interpret: hindi lamang tayo ayon sa tanong sa dulo ng pelikula “MGA NA NAG-
AALIMPUYO, TAYO’Y MGA DALUYONG NG PAG-ASAT PAGBABAGO. TAYO’Y
FILIPINO”
 This statement is telling us that there is hope in us Filipinos. We can still improve and make
better changes for our country and for our self. No matter what problems we are facing
today, better days are coming and we will rise again. We have space for growth and hope
in the future.
7. What’s your favorite Heneral Luna quotes?
1. “No one is above the law. Not even the President”
2. “May mas Malaki tayong kalaban sa mga Amerikano – ang ating mga sarili”
3. “Para kayong birheng naniniwala sap ag-ibig ng isang puta”
4. “Mas magandang mamatay sa digmaan kaysa magpasakop sa dayuhan”
5. “Mas madali pang pagkasunduin ang langit at lupa kaysa dalawang Pilipino tungkol
sa kahit na anong bagay”
6. “Negosyo o Kalayaan? Bayan o sarili? Pumili ka!”
7. “Ganito ba talaga ang tadhana natin? Kalaban ng kalaban. Kalaban ng kakampi.
Nakakapagod”
8. “Malaking trabaho ang ipagkaisa ang bansang watak-watak”
9. “Mas mahalaga ang papel natin sa digmaan kaysa sa anumang nararamdaman natin
sa isa’t isa’
10. “Ang taong may damdamin ay hindi alipin”

8. Identify scenes which are facts and fiction.

FACTS
1. Gen. Antonio Luna was a good guitarist in real life – in the movie there was a scene where
he was playing the guitar intensely with a specific beat like he was ranting the things that’s
been bothering him lately through the use of instrument, then he stopped when his mom
arrived.
2. The train station scene was based on a real event – most of the scenes in the movie were
based on real event including the train scene. The General was disappointed that some
soldiers had confidence to put their families first above their obligation and even ride with
them on the military train.
3. General Tomas Moscardo’s mustache has a hidden meaning – His incomplete mustache
symbolizes the frustration and insecurity he felt towards his rival, General Antonio Luna,
who was known for his distinct facial hair.

FICTION
1. Isabel is a composite character – Truly, Isabel is a composite character, a blend of the
various ladies who could conceivably have been impractically engaged with Antonio Luna
2. Joven Hernando is a fictional character – Joven was a writer, he represents as the new
generation in the movie.
3. All the ships on the port scene were added digitally