THE UNTOLD STORY OF GENERAL LUNA

A QUALITATIVE THESIS

presented to the

Senior High School Department of King Thomas Learning Academy, Inc.

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Senior High School

Humanities and Social Sciences

EVALYN T. ASMA

BARON DR. BAUTISTA

CHRISTIAN JESS P. MARBIDA

KRYZEL JAN ELIZABETH MOJICA

DANICA PANGANIBAN

ROCHELLE ANN R. TAPALLA

NICOLE D. TEMPLONUEVO

JANUARY 2020
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

This chapter introduced and presented a review of related literature and related

studies upon the present pursuit of knowledge. The clear understanding and ideas

procured from this review provided the researchers useful and worthy insights to uphold

and support the present investigation.

Based from the study entitled “’Heneral Luna’ Review: A Rousing War Epic

From the Philippines” (2015), It’s clear from the outset that “Heneral Luna” is a very

different proposition from the majority of Filipino historical epics, which paint fawning

portraits of the nation’s founding fathers. The rasping dialogue by Tarog and co-scripters

Henry Francia and E.A. Rocha presents a government wracked by chaos, disunity and the

readiness of key players to place personal interest ahead of the national interest by

accepting U.S. domination without a fight. With the volatile political landscape well

mapped out, “Heneral Luna” thunders into action. Given command of a motley collection

of troops that could barely be called an army, Luna whips them into shape with

inspirational speeches about nationhood and brilliant tactics that bring about several

stunning victories on the battlefield. While paying full due to Luna’s military genius,

Tarog does not shy from showing his weaknesses. Most glaring are his fanatical

insistence on absolute obedience and moments when he lacks understanding and

sympathy for peasants and farmers on whose land the war is being fought. While

following the traditional trajectory of a war movie, “Heneral Luna” is more

fundamentally concerned with examining how internal rivalries proved the undoing of
Luna and destroyed any chance of the Philippines gaining genuine and lasting

independence. Tarog achieves the primary objective with distinction, but isn’t as

successful when U.S. forces are center-frame; the momentum drops noticeably, and the

dialogue between American characters including Gen. Arthur MacArthur Jr. (Miguel

Faustmann) and Gen. Elwell Otis (Rocha) is frequently clunky and unconvincing. But the

name of the game here is Gen. Antonio Luna, and for the overwhelming duration of its

running time the film delivers on its promises.

According to Alnaser S. Sarab (“Heneral Luna: A Critique”, 2016), The

message of the movie is that we need to save ourselves from our own selves. In other

words, we must never give our trust easily to the people around us. This is because we are

not sure if they our enemy or our friends. That is the ultimate truth of the society then and

now. In addition, as this was something that in our present age still prove to be rampant.

Useless and mostly greedy leaders make their way to the top while the altruistic leaders

remain in the background and they do not last very long. You see, the people who aren’t

shiny or are strict law observers rarely acquire any higher position. In the movie we saw

how President Aguinaldo comes incomparable to the patriotic Antonio Luna. For one to

be advocated in the Philippines you play a game of favoritism that involves businessmen.

You let your money, given by them to work for you and that is how you retain power and

status. As if all of these is not enough, greedy leaders secure their future generations with

corrupted money from the government. When can we finally learn the lesson of skipping

media brainwash? In the next election we hope to exercise choosing wisely. There is an

aesthetics scene in the movie. That is when Heneral Luna was being shot by his fellow

filipino. When a pack of presidential guards assassinate him in broad daylight. And while
American newspapers are quick to point the blame to Aguinaldo, the mystery has never

been completely solved and the General’s killers were never put to justice.

According to Carizza Villasista (“Heneral Luna: A Critique”, 2016), The

movie “Heneral Luna” revealed the richness of our history and who are the Filipinos

during the Philippine-American war .The flow of the movie is more on the main points of

Heneral Luna’s Life. It also reflects the current Philippine society. In fact, there are

quotable lines that will portray some of the situations today. For example,“Para kayong

birheng naniniwala sa pag-ibig ng isang puta”, we can deduce from this line that it is a

reminder for voters who easily believe poiliticians’ flowery promises during campaigns.

Another is “Negosyo o kalayaan ? Bayan o sarili ? Pumili ka!”, we can deduce from this

line that this should be asked to people who steal from the national funds. One last is

“Mga kapatid mayroon tayong mas malaking kaaway kaysa mga Amerikano. Ang sarili

natin .”, it reflects the undisciplined behavior of Filipinos especially on road signs.

Another thing, Joven is a Spanish word which means youth, so Joven Hernandez

jr. represents the youth today. Joven is a journalist here in the movie. He was shot in his

ears and hands, and if we will observe, Heneral Luna is very protectice to Joven. It’s an

implication that youth should be protected and the youth should learn to listen and take

action to what is right. In the last part the Heneral recite the first part of his poem while the

last part of the poem was recited by Joven. It’s an indication that the youth will continue

the mission that was started by the ancestors. Thus, youth holds the hope of the future.

Acording to Des'ree Lechuga (“Heneral Luna: A Critique”, 2016), As a

viewer, perhaps I was not able to get the exact message that the director wanted to convey;
but obviously, the movie is about the willingness of our Filipino ancestors who fought and

willingly sacrificed for the country. In particular, Heneral Antonio Luna, the main

character, was depicted as the nationalistic leader of the Filipino soldiers. Here, the

filmmakers were able to create a character somehow similar to us, something which we

can relate for. The author wanted us to show the true meaning of patriotism. Selflessness

and fearlessness as well were represented very well by General Luna, but the problem was

that the government lacked in unity, causing him to face more formidable enemy than the

American army; which was in fact his own treacherous countrymen. The movie shows

how selfishness and having no collective unity and loyalty in the society greatly affects the

country. The movie reminds us of the sacrifices and the blood wasted, just to achieve the

freedom and independence that we have long been aspiring for.

The movie fulfilled the functions of art for it can be a commemoration to Antonio

Luna because the movie showed its viewers of his patriotism and heroism. It emphasized

the history of our country under the jurisdiction of then President Emilio Aguinaldo as

General Luna lead the Philippine army for the freedom of our country. It also shows the

political hierarchy in his time. Watching the film, it expands our knowledge about our

history and at the same time it is also entertaining.

The way how the director created the film is fascinating. Here, the director and his

team blend humor and war, making it more interesting and not boring. I am not usually the

person fascinated with historical movies but the film Heneral Luna helps me to appreciate

more of this types of movies and also to study our country’s history. It made me think that

there is something behind the war more than what we know and what has been told us.
The way they give flavor to the characters is amazing since they act just like the typical

Filipinos. There are lots of lines that is truly remarkable for Filipinos, like what Luna had

said, “Negosyo o kalayaan, Bayan o sarili, Pumili ka!” and figurative lines

like “Nasubukan mo na bang huliin ang hangin?

In the movie, there was this young man named Joven Hernandez, Jr, who served

as the narrator in the movie. With his character, understanding the film was made easier.

However, after watching the movie twice, it makes me puzzled out why the General

keeps on protecting him in the middle of the war. I mean, is it really important for the

General to keep him safe just for the interview? Looking at this matter, I think that he

[Joven] represents new generations, us. Antonio Luna strives to gain the freedom of our

country and to win the war against foreign colonizers not only for them, but for the

succeeding generations as well. But whoever Joven represents, his character makes the

movie flow smoothly.

Based from the news article, Inquirer.Net (Ambeth Ocampo, “Letters from

Antonio Luna”, 2019), Tragedy is the spice that has kept us engaged with Juan and

Antonio Luna well over a century since they died in 1899. The General was assassinated

by Emilio Aguinaldo’s bodyguards in Cabanatuan, while the Painter died of a stroke in

Hong Kong that his brother, a noted toxicologist, believed to be foul play.

A blockbuster film has been made of the General, and an opera and an unstaged

play inspired by the Painter. I have been on their trail for three decades, and stray

material continues to slip through from various sources, the latest being a lot of Luna

material on the block at Leon Gallery tomorrow: a letter from Juan to Antonio from June

1899 stating that he is traveling to London, he is bored and requests news from home
regarding their mother, his son Luling and others; a very clear photograph of the Luna

brothers crossing swords in their Sala de Armas on Calle Alix in Sampaloc (Antonio’s

handlebar moustache led to misidentification in the auction catalog as M.H. del Pilar!);

and a long, breathless love letter from “Paquita” to Antonio. Paquita has been identified

as Francisca Sabas, a former contender as the model for Juan Luna’s “La Bulaqueña,”

until the sitter was definitely identified from photographs as Emiliana Trinidad.

Based from “General Luna is Murdered by Aguinaldo” by Wes Keat on San

Francisco Call, 1899, 86 (14), General Antonio Luna, one of the bitterest foes of the

Americans in the Philippines, has been assassinated by order of Aguinaldo. Luna has

recently found himself in opposition to the chiefs views, and has not only disobeyed

orders, but at one time stopped Aguinaldo's Peace Commissioners while on the way to

treat with the Americans.

Aguinaldo ordered his death, and these orders were carried out by the Dictator's

fanatical followers.

The report of the assassination caused great excitement among the Filipinos in

Manila, which was added to later when the report was confirmed. The assassination of

Luna occurred on June 8, at Kabanatuan, to which place he had gone to confer with

Aguinaldo. He had just been promoted to the rank of major general by the Filipino leader.

By a preconcerted plan, he was kept waiting at the door of Aguinaldo's headquarters until

his patience became exhausted. After demanding admission several times he attempted to

force his way in. He drew a revolver, but before he could use it was seized by

Aguinaldo's guards, and one of them, named Ney, stabbed him several limes. General

Luna's aid. Colonel Ramon, who was near him. rushed to the general's rescue, but was
seized and disarmed and cut to pieces with bolos. Luna and Ramon both died a few

minutes after being stabbed.

It is said Luna had become so importunate in his demands on Aguinaldo for

power and increased authority that the Filipino leader decided Luna's death was

necessary for his personal safety and the Filipino cause. The major general's commission

was merely a bait to throw Luna off his guard and render the assassination comparatively

easy.

There is open rejoicing among the Filipinos here that Luna is no longer capable of

making trouble. They realize that he was a menace to peace and the complete pacification

of the islands could hardly have been accomplished while he was alive and at liberty. He

was noted throughout his career for producing discord and mischief wherever he was. On

May 4 Luna was severely wounded in an engagement between his troops and those of

General Funston, before San Fernando was captured.

The Filipino Junta here confirms the story of the assassination of General Antonio

Luna, and says it was the result of a long contest on the part of Luna against Aguinaldo. It

is also said at the Junta that Agoncillo has returned to Paris from Rome, where he had an

audience at the Vatican, and was told that a Filipino bishop might be appointed if the

Filipinos would release the imprisoned Spanish friars.

 Synthesis

The similarities of the present study in the related articles are how internal rivalries

proved the undoing of General Luna. This will benefit the students particularly in

expanding their knowledge in the history of Philippine-American war and it will enrich

their understanding about the patriotic and heroic life of General Luna.

However, it made us puzzled out why some articles only focuses on the minor

events on the history of the Philippine-American war where they didn’t mention the most

detailed part, especially the life of General Luna who was the one who lead the Philippine

forces.

In the present study, it stated the major events like where General Luna portrayed

his braveness, kept a guy named Joven Hernandez safe just for the interview. He [Joven]

represent new generation, us. Antonio Luna strives to gain freedom of our country, not

only for them but for succeeding generations as well. Finally, this study is unique because

of its content are informative.

Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework of this study presents theories which supported the idea

about The Untold Story of General Luna.

The Realism Theory by Hans J. Morgenthau (1904) is significantly related to

the study since realism emphasizes more about the truth than beauty and aims to reveal
real life that shows corruption, poverty and discrimination. It is also often focused on

society and government. Realism is the belief about reality that is taking place in this

world. It may change or may remain in its original place or position. Realism believes

that a definition of something is not enough because a definition has much more broad

meaning.

The Great Man Theory by Thomas Carlyle (1901) is bind with this study since

great man according to history can be largely explained by the impact of great men,

or heroes; highly influential and unique individuals who, due to their natural attributes,

such as superior intellect, heroic courage, or divine inspiration, have a decisive historical

effect. The Great Man Theory espouses that great leaders are born, not made. These

individuals come into the world possessing certain characteristics and traits not found in

all people. These abilities enable them to lead while shaping the very pages of history.

Under this theory, prominent leaders throughout the course of history were born to lead

and deserved to do so as a result of their natural abilities and talents.

The Transformational Leadership Theory by James McGregor Burns (1978)

is another significant of this study. According to David Burkus (2010), Transformational

leadership is a relatively new approach to leadership that focuses on how leaders can

create valuable and positive change in their followers. The concept of transformational

leadership is now used when studying organizations as well. Transformational leaders

focus on “transforming” others to support each other and the organization as a whole.

Followers of a transformational leader respond by feeling trust, admiration, loyalty, and

respect for the leader and are more willing to work harder than originally expected.
 Realism Theory Great Man Theory
Hans J. Morgenthau Thomas Carlyle
(1904) (1901)

THE UNTOLD STORY OF

GENERAL LUNA

Transformational

Leadership Theory

James McGregor Burns

(1978)

Figure 1: Theoretical Framework

 Conceptual Framework

To make the present study congruent to the foregoing theories, the researchers

design the conceptual framework shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 showed the conceptual framework that shows the structure of the

study. The study aims to figure out the possible effects if we know the Untold Story of

General Luna. The framework sets the stage for the presentation of the particular research

questions that drive the investigation being reported based on the statement of the

problem. This framework shows the overall outline of the study as it serves “researchers

map” in pursuing the conducted research.

As shown in the first frame, the input consist the identified problem used to

conceptualize the research. The second frame is the process which is referred to as the

transfer or transformation function. This includes all the process which is the

representation of evaluations that will be used for the proceedings of inputs. Lastly, the

third frame is the output which will be filled by the outcome or results as the researchers

go through the entire research investigation.

 THE UNTOLD STORY OF GENERAL LUNA

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. To know the essence of 1. Movie analysis and

observation as well as
the movie “Heneral Luna”.
collection of data from the

2. To find out how internet.

General Antonio Luna 2. Collection of data from

the internet and also use of
showed his nationality?
documents.

3. To know why the

3. Collection of data from
director chose the untold the internet as well as use
of documents.
story of General Antonio

Luna over other Philippine

heroes.

FEEDBACK

Figure 2: Conceptual Framework

 Definition of Terms

For further understanding, the researchers defined the following terminologies

conceptually and operationally.

Untold

It defines as not told or not narrated or unrevealed. In this study, this term was

used to find out the hidden or unexplained story of General Luna.

Nationality

It defines as a legal relationship between an individual person and a state.

Nationality is the status of belonging to a particular nation, wheter by birth or

naturalization. In this study, this term was used as a basis on how did General Luna

showed it in his country.

Philippine-American War

It refers to the war between the United States and Filipino revolutionaries from

1899-1902, an insurrection that may be seen as a continuation of the Philippine

Revolution against Spanish rule. In this study, Philippine-American War referred as a

historical event where General Luna showed his heroism.

Acknowledge

It pertains to admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of. In

this study, this term was used to open the eyes of Filipinos and express gratitude to

General Luna.
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter will be discussing how the study will be conducted and how the

researchers gather the informations that will be used in this research. This chapter will

also discuss the Research Design and Research Procedure.

Research Design

In the present study, Descriptive research design with qualitative approach will be

used. Descriptive research is a method of research which trying to picture out and

interprets the object as in the fact. So, in this study descriptive research is conducted in

the purpose to describe systematically about the fact and characteristic of the object or

subject accurately. Descriptive research is also called as non-experiment research,

because in this research the researcher does not need to give control and manipulate the

research variable. It is useful when not much is known yet about the topic or problem.

Research Procedure

Within this study, the process started with the researchers making a problem

statement. We coped with this research by the use of internet by browsing different sites

in order for us to deeply understand our topic. After that, we, the researchers somehow

watch the movie of “Heneral Luna” so can we can get to know what we will about to

study. Next, we come up with the first chapter, Introduction of the Study. Followed by

the Review of Literature that consists of Related Literature and Related Studies. Lastly,

we started the Chapter III which tackles about the research design and methodologies.