Chapter 7: Simoun

Basilio visited the grave of his mother. As he was about to leave, he noticed a

shadow of a man approaching. When he showed himself, he found out that it was

Simoun who was actually Crisostomo Ibarra in disguise. Simoun condemned Pro-

Hispanism because it will lead to a future of people without character, a nation without

liberty. Basilio opposed to this and entertained the idea that if the knowledge of Spanish

can unite the Filipinos with the government, then it could unite all the islands as well.

Simoun tried to convince him to join his plans of revenge because he could use his

influence on the youth to fight the yearnings of Hispanization. After all, they both thirst

for justice. However, Basilio politely refused, saying that vengeance will not bring back

the life of his mother and brother.

Simoun put an emphasis on the need to embrace one’s culture. Until now, this is still

very important because Filipinos are very obsessed with patronizing foreign products

rather than local ones regardless of the quality. This behavior could be attributed to the

prestige linked with these products. We often complain about the poverty in the country

without knowing that we are also instruments in aggravating this problem by choosing

the international corporations over our local manufacturers. At the same time, we lose

the Filipino touch in our day-to-day items. Thus, it is important to be reminded that

change will only happen if it starts from us. If we want to boost our economic

development, then we need to support local businesses which offer products that are

uniquely Pinoy. Also, the chapter pointed out that vengeance is not the answer to one’s

pain. This is true before and until this day. Unfortunately, it is undeniable that Filipinos

are very fond of revenge. We even have a saying, “Lintik lang ang walang ganti.”

Moreover, Filipino’s love of revenge is also reflected in the themes of our favorite

dramas. This chapter reminds us that nothing good results from vengeance.