History refers to the study and interpretation by a historian on the data and other source of the

past human activity, people, societies and civilizations leading to the present day. There are
three important concepts in the definition. First history as we all know is based on past events.
Second it is interpreted by someone usually by historian. They gather, discard and interpret the
sources that they encounter. And finally and the most important history rely on data and
documents which historian call as historical sources.

Kinds of Bias
There are two kinds of bias: either it is strongly positive (strongly in favor of) or strongly
negative (strongly against).

Categories of primary sources

There are five main categories of primary sources. It includes written sources, numerical
records, oral statements, relics, and images.
How to determine significance of the event? We have to follow the acronym NAME or Novelty,
Applicability, Memory and Effect. Novelty or when something is new or never been seen before.

Content and Contextual Analysis of the Parisian Life

Background of the Author -Juan Luna (1857-1899)
He was born on October 24, 1857 in Badoc Ilocos Norte. He is the third among seven
children of a well to do couple Joaquin Luna ad Laureana Novicio. He took the Bachelor of Arts
in Ateneo de Municipal and Marine Transportation (sailor) from Escuela Nautica de Manila. He
took drawing lesson from Lorenzo Guererro and Agustin Saez. He went to Europe in 1877 and
took painting lessons in Escuela de Bellas de San Fernando (Madrid) but dropped out to work
with the painter Alejo Vera. With the opening of Exposicion National de Ballas Artes 1878, his
artistic talent was established. From them on, Luna became engrossed in painting and produced
a collection of painting that he exhibited from several expositions from 1881. He won a gold
medal from Madrid Exposition for his Spoliarium while after his death in 1904 The Parisian Life
won the silver medal at the St. Louis (USA) Exposition. In 1883 Luna started the painting Blood
Compact to fulfill his pensionado obligation from the Ayuntamiento (Manila Council). He also
developed a friendship with the king of Spain so that the Spanish Senate commissioned the
painting La Batalla de Lepanto. During this period he became part of propaganda movement
and befriended several members of the organization like Jose Rizal and Trinidad Pardo de
Tavera. He married Maria de la Paz Pardo de Tavera. They had one son Andres and a daughter
Maria de la Paz who died when she was three year old. After the death of his daughter the
couple had marriage difficulties. It culminated in the killing of his wife, mother in law and
wounding of Felix, one of his brothers in law. On September 16, 1896, he and his brother
Antonio were arrested by Spanish authorities for being involved with the KKK. He was pardoned
by the Spanish court on May 27, 1897 and he travelled back to Spain in July. In 1899 he was
appointed by the Malolos Republic as a member of Paris delegation which was working for the
diplomatic recognition of the Republic. He travelled back to the Philippines upon hearing the
death of his brother, Antonio. He travelled to Hongkong but died there aged 42 on December 7,
1899 from a heart attack.

Historical Background of the Primary Source.

The Parisian Life is also known as Inside a Café. It is 1892 oil on canvas painting that
measures 22”x31” which was made in Paris, France. Considered to be one of the last major
works Luna has done during his post academic and life in Paris. The painting is housed in the
National Museum. Provenance of Dr. Ariston Bautista Lin, one of the three audience to the
woman pictured in the painting. It is now owned by the GSIS (brought from Christie’s Hong
Kong in 2002 for Php 46,000,000) Apparently the painting is for European audience. The
woman in the painting is a Caucasian and this work of art belong to the impressionistic
movement originated with the group of Paris-based artist whose exhibition brought them to
prominence during the 1870’s and 1880’s. But some interpretation points that the painting is
really for Filipino’s. The first owner of this primary source was a Filipino and the woman
symbolizes the Philippines. What is the motive of the painter? If we look at the historical
context, the year 1892 was the year when Rizal went back to the Philippines to established La
Liga Filipino because he was disappointed with the Propaganda movement. Juan Luna also
experience personal difficulties at that time with his insulares wife Paz. Soon after the La Liga
foundation, Rizal was arrested and deported to Dapitan. Thereafter Juan Luna must be affected
by what happened to his best friend and his disappointment with his wife so that the subject
matter of this masterpiece must had been the result.

Content Analysis of the Important Historical Information Found in the Painting

One interpretation claims the lady as the mirror image of the Philippine archipelago.
Superimposition of the Philippine map’s mirror image on the lady highlights the following: the
contour of Northern Luzon follows the same contour of the lady’s bodice; the distance between
Infanta, Quezon and San Antonio, Zambales is exact to the small waistline of the lady ; all
islands of Visayas and Mindanao are evenly spread out within the pink gown of the lady; the
island of Palawan has exactly the same incline and shape as the arm of the lady; the mountain
range that separates Surigao from Agusan and Davao is exact to the dark fold of the lady’s
gown from north to south; the site of the birth of 1898 Philippine Independence, Kawit Cavite,
is exact on the lady’s womb, site of a woman’s birthing; the site of the declaration of 1899
Constitution, Malolos, Bulacan, is exact on the navel of the lady. Constitution is the bloodline of
the nation and the umbilical cord is the infant’s bloodline to his mother; and Cebu covers a
knee of the lady. Cebu is the site of the first Christianization in the country. Simply the
interpretation contends the lady as our motherland. The motherland is awkwardly poised,
disturbed with a blank stare, unsure whether to stand up or remain seated. With this
contention, it integrates cohesively other elements in the painting. ORDER FORM The three
heroes are discussing the disturbed state of the motherland in 1892. It is the exact year when
La Liga Filipina was formed (July 3); when the Katipunan was formed (July 7) and when Jose
Rizal was banished to exile in Dapitan (July 7). The year 1892 was the eve of the Philippine
Revolution. The newspaper L’Echo De Paris is folded behind the lady. The newspaper signifies
the Cry of Bastille or French Revolution, inspiration of the Philippine Revolution. The French
aspirations of Liberty, Fraternity and Equality were identical to the longings of the Filipinos.
Thus, the French revolution, the echo of Paris, figures clearly behind the disturbed state of
Philippine motherland in 1892. https://philippine-trivia.com/trivia/trivias-about-the-parisian-
life-by-juan-luna/

For more interesting interpretation watch Xiao Time: Mga interpretasyon ng Parisian
Life ni Juan Luna Part 1 and 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUDbg_QEy2M
And https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_8M4qYmPgU

Contribution and Relevance of the Document in Understanding the Grand Narrative of

Philippine History
(Juan Luna) was able to convey multitude of message in a very limited space in an otherwise
simple subject. (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317329012_Parisian_
Life_Luna's_Call_for_Temperance) Although his character was not heroic for he has many
character flaws. But then he used his great talent to advance the Filipino cause. This painting
and
other visual arts can be use as a primary source to motivate our students to do move for our
nation. The message of this painting can be a cause while a simple compliance of the new
normal
can be the consequence

Relevance of the Document to the Present Time

The significant of this work of art is that it is one of the products of the genius of Juan Luna. He
was one of the first international celebrities that highlight Filipino talent. He was the Manny
Pacquiao and Hidelyn Diaz of the 19th century. The year of 1892 is one of the turning point in
our history. The failure of the propaganda movement and the establishment of the Katipunan
are very important in our history. Many of the propagandists like Juan Luna and Rizal
contributed their talents to advance the Filipino aspirations. In doing so many of them suffered
personal tragedies (download Xiao Chua blog about Marcelo H. del Pilar and Graciano Lopez
Jaena). As to the Katipuneros, many of them died in their quest for freedom. Today 2020 is
another turning point in our history, the Covid 19 pandemic cause death and economic
downturn never seen in our history. If the Katipuneros and propagandist gave their lives for our
freedom, we can contribute by cooperating with the guidelines of government agencies. The
painting causes controversies when it was purchase by GSIS in 2002. Many members of GSIS
accused Winston Garcia (then President of GSIS) of corruption. Now 2020, another government
own and controlled corporation is in the midst of scandal. Philhealth President Ricardo Morales
was forced to resign because of the so called Mafia inside the agency. The painting is not the
most recognize of Juan Luna many painting. But by spreading its massage, the painting could
encourage us to be patriotic and nationalistic. And maybe the message of this painting can also
influence students to understand history better and love it as well.

How to write a position paper.

In a position paper assignments, your charge is to choose a side on a particular topic,

sometimes controversial, and build up a case for your opinion or position. You will use facts,
opinion, statistics, and other forms of evidence to convince your reader that your position is
the best one. To do this, you’ll collect research for your position paper and craft an outline in
order to create a well-constructed argument. https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-write-a-
position-paper-1857251

Collect Supporting Evidence

Once you’ve determined that your position is supportable and the opposite position is (in your
opinion) weaker than your own, you are ready to branch out with your research. Go to a library
and conduct a search, or ask the reference librarian to help you find more sources. You can, of
course, conduct online research as well, but it’s important to know how to properly vet the
validity of the sources you use. Ensure that your articles are written by reputable sources, and
be wary of singular sources that differ from the norm, as these are often subjective Try to
collect a variety of sources, and include both an expert’s opinion (doctor, lawyer, or professor,
for example) and personal experience (from a friend or family member) that can add an
emotional appeal to your topic. These statements should support your own position but should
read differently than your own words. The point of these is to add depth to your argument or
provide anecdotal support.

A position paper can be arranged in the following format:

1. Introduce your topic with some basic background information. Build up to your thesis
sentence, which asserts your position. Sample points:
* For decades, the FDA has required that warning labels should be placed on certain products
that pose a threat to public health.
* Fast food restaurants are bad for our health.
* Fast food packages should contain warning labels.
2. Introduce possible objections to your position. Sample points:
* Such label would affect the profits of major corporations.
* Many people would see this overreaching government control.
* Whose job is it to determine which restaurants are bad? Who draws the line?
* The program would be costly.
3. Support and acknowledge the opposing points. Just be sure aren’t discrediting your own
views. Sample points:
* It would be difficult and expensive for any entity to determine which restaurants should
adhere
to the policy.
* Nobody wants to see the government overstepping its boundaries.
* Funding would fall on the shoulders of taxpayers.
4. Explain that your position is still the best one, despite the strength of counter-arguments.
This
is where you can work to discredit some of the counter-arguments and support your own.
Sample
points:
* The cost would be countered by the improvement of public health.
* Restaurants might improve the standards of food if warning labels were put into place.
* One role of the government is to keep citizens safe.
* The government already does this with drugs and cigarettes.
5. Summarize your argument and restate your position. End you paper focusing on your
argument and avoid the counter-arguments. You want your audience to walk away with your
view on the topic being one that resonates with them.
When you write a position paper, write with confidence and state your opinion with authority.
After all, your goal is to demonstrate that your position is the correct one.
https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-write-a-position-paper-1857251

How to determine historical context

iTo determine historical context, we must look when the source is made (preferably the exact
date). Next is where was it created. Third, what event occurred at the time and then read the
source to identify specific language.

External Criticism
This type of criticism looks for the obvious sign of forgery or misrepresentation. This type of
criticism tests the authenticity of the sources. It is interested in the writing styles of the
eyewitness and his ignorance of the facts. The historian also analyzes the original manuscript;
its integrity, localization and the date it was written. To ascertain if a particular data is
fabricated, forge, fake, corrupted or a hoax, that source must undergo the test of authenticity.
Since external criticism is concern with the explicit sign of misrepresentation, it is the first test
the historian employ to ascertain sources validity.

Test of authenticity
The first step to test a source is to determine the date of document to see whether it is
anachronistic. Anachronism means out of time or order, something that could not have been
there at that particular time. It could be a person, thing or idea placed in a wrong time. Being
able to spot anachronism is important because it helps us test the reliability of a source. If a
source is unreliable then we probably should not use it .Example can be found in Rizal’s
allegedly first poem “ Sa Aking Mga Kabata” where we could find the word “kalayaan”. Rizal
admitted that he first encountered the word though a Marcelo H. Del Pilar’s translation of
Rizal’s essay “ El Amor Patrio”. Rizal wrote this essay in 1882 while the poem supposedly was
written by him in the year 1869.
The second step is to determine the author’s handwriting, signature or seal. We can compare
the handwriting of particular author to his other writings. Obvious sign of forgery in include
patch writing, hesitation as revealed by ink blobs, pauses in the writing, tremor causing poor
line quality and erasures. However, some people are highly skilled in imitating others
handwriting. Even a skilled forger can be caught because the act of writing is a skill is learned
through repetition until it becomes a habit. Thus, there is natural variation in everyone
handwriting. In addition, no one can duplicate all of the intricate subconscious writing habits of
another in an extended writing sample. Example of this is the handwriting in the alleged
retraction letter of Jose Rizal.

The third test in determining the authenticity of the source is by looking for the anachronistic
style. In this test we will examine idiomatic expression or the orthography used in the
documents. An idiom is an expression, word or phrase that has a figurative meaning
conventionally understood by native speakers. When we say ‘break a leg’ we all know that it
means good luck. Orthography is a set of conventions for writing a language. It includes norms
of spelling, hyphenation, capitalization, word breaks, emphasis and punctuation. When the
poem Sa Aking Mga Kabata was allegedly written in 1869, most Philippine language was widely
written in a variety of ways based on Spanish Orthography:

Early Tagalog System (taken from Doctrina Christiana,)

Ama namin, nasa Lan͠gitca,
Ypasamba Mo ang N͠galanmo.
Mouisaamin ang pagcaharimo.
Ypasonor mo ang loob mo
Dito sa lupa para sa Lan͠git.
Modern Filipino orthography
Ama namin, sumasalangit Ka,
Sambahín ang Ngalan Mo.
Mapasaamin ang kaharián Mo.
Sundín ang loób Mo
Dito sa lupà, para nang sa langit.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_orthography

Internal Criticism
This type of criticism looks for deeper or more intense study of sources. Usually historians first
apply external criticism before undergoing the test of credibility because of internal criticisms
implicit character. It is important that the document must be verisimilar or as close as what
really happened from a critical examination of best available resources. It refers to the accuracy
of the content of a document. Internal criticism has to do with what the document says. It
investigates the content or substance of a document and the author’s point of view. This type
of criticism tests the credibility of the source.

Test of Credibility
The first step is the identification of the author. It determines if the witness is reliable or if he is
consistent by comparing his other works. In this steps historian also examine the mental
processes of the witness, if he is capable of telling the truth, or if he is mentally challenge.
Finally we will look for his personal attitudes, if he is telling something beyond what he saw or
bragging about it. Many historian use some kind of rubric to test the credibility of the author.
The second step in testing the credibility of the eyewitness is to determine the approximate
date. Example of this is again Rizal’s poem “Sa aking mga kabata.” He wrote that poem when he
is only eight years old and that poem is with rhythm and meter. To think that when Rizal was 8
years old the primary education in the Philippines was nonexistent.

The third step in testing the credibility of the source is its ability to tell the truth. Historians
examine how near an eyewitness is to the event. The closer a source is to the event which it
purports to describe, the more one can trust it to give an accurate historical description of what
actually happened Historian also look for the competence of the eyewitness. Basically they look
for the background of the author like education, health, age or social status. The last test for
this step is the degree of the attention of the eyewitness. Whether the sources witness the
event only partly or if he witnesses the event from the start to finish.

In this test we will examine idiomatic expression or the orthography used in the documents. An
idiom is an expression, word or phrase that has a figurative meaning conventionally understood
by native speakers. When we say ‘break a leg’ we all know that it means good luck.
Orthography is a set of conventions for writing a language. It includes norms of spelling,
hyphenation, capitalization, word breaks, emphasis and punctuation