Reflection paper on Lights and Sound Museum

The lights and sound museum is one of the main attractions in Intramuros Manila because it
showcases the history of the Philippines and the journey of Filipino’s to its freedom and sovereignty. There
were more than a hundred mannequins, artworks, paintings that represent the history of the Philippines
during the Pre-colonial Period, Spanish regime, and the life of Rizal. The show was about an hour long and
during the walk-through, there is a voice over with background music that narrates the events that
occurred and the lights are showcasing each and every artwork that represents a certain event in our
history. The dioramas were very realistic as some of it was mechanically built that makes it move. In my
opinion, the 150 pesos charge in order to watch the amazing lights and sound show and learn a lot about
the history of the Philippines is well worth it.

During the Pre-colonial era, the sculptures represents the lifestyle of the Filipinos before the
Spanish colonization. The Philippines already have a form of government during those times which is
called Barangay. In a barangay, it is composed of families and their leader is called Datu. One of its
highlights during the walk in pre-colonial era was the introduction of Lapu-Lapu who fought Magellan in
Mactan, Cebu in order to protect their territory and families. Also, the Filipinos are self-sufficient because
the Philippines is rich in resources. The forests, rivers, and seas have supplies of meat, fish and other food.
The Filipinos produced items such as pots, jewelry and clothing that were highly-sought in other countries.
The trading system during that time was called barter system wherein Filipino’s during that time already
traded their goods to other countries even before that Spaniards came. I can say that during this time,
Filipino’s are already civilized and their life was better than today’s life of Filipinos.

During the Spanish Regime, the highlight of it was Rizal’s life and works. Rizal was born June 19,
1861 in Calamba Laguna. He was a brilliant student who became proficient in multiple languages, and
studied medicine in Manila. We were brought to Europe in an instant where Jose Rizal became part of the
Propaganda Movement, connecting with other Filipinos who wanted reform. In Europe, he wrote his first
novel, Noli Me Tangere, which depicts the dark aspects of Spain’s colonial rule in the Philippines. It gave
focus on the role of Catholic friars and one example of it was Padre Damaso. The book was banned in the
Philippines and because of this novel, he was targeted by the police during his return in the Philippines.
When Rizal went back to Europe, he wrote the follow-up novel, El Filibusterismo in 1891. He also published
articles in La Solidaridad which is a paper aligned with the Propaganda Movement. During his return to
the Philippines in 1892, he was exiled in Dapitan, on the island of Mindanao. During the four years of Rizal
being exiled, he studied medicine. In August 1896, Katipunan was formed and it is a nationalist Filipino
society which aims for revolution which was founded by Andres Bonifacio. Jose Rizal was sentenced to
death by firing squad. The public execution was in Manila on December 30, 1896, when he was 35 years
old.

The heroic act of Jose Rizal was an eye opener for every Filipino because the way Rizal wanted to
show the immoral actions and happenings during the time of the Spanish colonization was through writing
novels which was a work of art and it did not include any violence. The reforms of Rizal advocated equal
treatment to Filipinos, limiting the power of the Spaniards especially the friars. For me, the life and works
of Rizal still have an impact in my life because I also believe that in order to change something, it doesn’t
have to include violence. His bravery of stating the wrong doings of the Spaniards helped Filipinos know
the truth and about was is right for us Filipinos. The hope that he brought to the country made us achieve
our independence and freedom. In today’s modern society, I can show my love for the country by
following the laws, policies and my duty as a student. As a student, being able to graduate and contribute
to the society will be one of my ways to make a better Philippines today and in the future. We should also
learn to practice our rights without interfering with other people’s rights. Respect should be earned and
not given.