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Aira Dela Vega - Angela Realda - Jacey Uy - Kristine Ronatay CURATORIAL THESIS The Cavite Mutiny was a failed attempt of 200 Filipino soldiers to overthrow the Spanish government. It was interpreted by the Spanish friars and Governor-General Izquierdo as a full-fledged attempt involving not only military personnel, but also the native clergy and civilians in Cavite and Manila. The National Hero, Jose Rizal dedicated his book, “El Fili” to the three priests who were persecuted for being accused of instigating the Cavite Mutiny. Despite the fact that the mutiny failed to establish a truly free nation, it is presumed to have influenced the 1898 revolution where the Philippines finally declared independence against the Spaniards. A democratic society requires dismantling decades of social inequality, exploitation, and other types of oppression. We can only achieve a social change through a collective impact and sociohistorical awareness. Thus, this monument, along with the virtual exhibit, aims to give recognition to the Cavite Mutiny that is seldom addressed despite having a significant impact in the Philippine history. As we strive to immerse ourselves in the essential aspects of the past through these initiatives, it will help awaken the Filipino consciousness and nationalism. HISTORIGAL BACKGROUND The Cavite Mutiny or the event that preceded the Gomburza execution in 1872 transpired on January 20, 1872, 28 days before the happening that inspired one of Rizal's prominent writings, “El Filibusterismo”.’ According to Governor-General Izquierdo’s letter to the Overseas Minister or the Ministro de Ultramar ’, the revolt was triggered by the removal of the Cavite arsenal workers’ privilege such as tax (tribute) and exclusion from forced labor.* In addition to the following, Izquierdo claimed that the revolution was also powered by the arrival of malicious propagandas from Spain to the Philippines and the ardent support of the native clergy towards the rebels and enemies of Spain — all in hopes of overthrowing the Spanish government.* The revolt was not planned in a haste as a confession from Sgt. Bonifacio Octavo, a suspected Cavite Mutiny leader, expresses that he was approached as early as the November or December of 1871 and was supposedly spearheaded by a Cavitejio civilian, Francis Zaldua.’ The process of joining the revolution was as simple as signing your name on a paper to showcase your willingness to fight against Spain.’ Influential and prominent people in society such as mestizos, abogadillos or native lawyers, educated leaders, people residing in Cavite and Manila, as well as the native clergy, were all thought to be part of this big conspiracy.’ They were set to attack in the wee hours of the morning and their scheme included setting fire to Tondo and taking over Fort Santiago while the authorities were busy extinguishing it, ultimately ending the uprising by killing all Spaniards, except for the women, and declaring the country’s independence.’ However, despite the early preparedness of the insurgents and the methodical planning, the revolt ended in vain. ‘1*The Martyrdom of GomBurZa | Presidential Museum and Library,” Malacanang.gov.ph, 2013, hitp://malacaneng gov ph/7695-the-mertyrdom-of-the-gomburza/ 2 John N. Schumacher, “The Cavite Mutiny Toward a Definitive History," Philippine Studies 59, no. 1 (2011): 55-81, it} jstororo/stable 2638001 3Xia0 Chula, Xiao Time: Ang pag-aaklas sa Cavite (Cavite Mutiny," YouTube video, 3:45, June 4, 2020, hitps/wwwyoutubecom/wateh?v=scwmeVCwuv8 4 Ghris Antonette Pledad-Pugay, "The Two Faces ofthe 1872 Cavite Philippines, September 4 28% hitps//nhcp gov ph/the-two-Taces 1 Cavite Mutiny Toward a Definitive History, 61 " National Historical Commission of the 12-1872-cavite-mutiny/ 7 Piedad-Pugay, “The Two Faces of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny” 8 Schumacher, “The Cavite Mutiny Toward a Definitive History’, 58, HISTORIGAL BACKGROUND There were two main reasons as to why the mutiny met an unfortunate ending. First, the conspirators decided on firing rockets from within the walls of Intramuros as a sign to seize the Fort. Coincidentally, the district of Sampaloc was celebrating the feast of the Virgin of Loreto and had the usual display of fireworks to commemorate, which the rebels mistook as the sign and thus striking at a wrong time.® 200 men led by Sgt. Fernando Lamadrid fought a battle that was set up for failure, as the reinforcements from Manila that they were expecting were nowhere to be found.’ Second, reports of an anonymous tip of the insurgent already fell in the hands of Governor-General Izquierdo on January 19, detailing that there was an uprising happening that night and to be on guard for attacks in both Manila and Cavite. Already on high alert for the revolt, he gathered the troops and generated fear that their plans had already been discovered, causing three regiments to remain loyal to Spain and prevent Bacoor from joining the rebellion. ° Despite the adverse ending of the Cavite mutiny, the rebels did not go without a fight. It took two days before the uprising was officially declared “a win” for the Spaniards,’ much longer than what was expected due to the decrease in the mutineers and the fact that there was a tip-off given for the opposition to prepare. Governor-General Izquierdo believed that the mutiny was instigated by no other than Fr. José Burgos and Fr. Jacinto Zamora, and later on Fr. Mariano Gomez and Fr. José Guevara were added since Octavo reported that Zaldua repeatedly pointed them out as the masterminds. Due to the previous implications of Gomez, Burgos and Zamora, the three were picked out and were then executed, commemorating what the Filipinos know now as Gomburza. 9 Piedad-Pugay, “The Two Faces of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny” 10 Schumacher, “The Cavite Mutiny Toward a Definitive Hse. 58-59, 11 Piedad-Pugay, “The Two Faces of the 1872 Cavite Mutin 12 Schumacher “The Cavite Mutiny Toward a Definitve History’, 65-66 PUBLIC HISTORY EDUCATION COMPONENT QJECT DESCRIPTION A virtual exhibition will be held to commemorate the Cavite Mutiny based on the account of Governor-General Rafael Izquierdo y Gutiérrez. Similar to an actual physical exhibition, a virtual exhibition is a digitized version of a physical exhibition, similar to virtual museums like the Smithsonian National Museum. Through this set up, viewers from all around the country, or even the globe, can see the exhibition whenever they please. This will allow the exhibit to cater to a bigger audience. Furthermore, the virtual exhibition will come with an audio guide that would help in narrating the story behind the Cavite Mutiny to allow viewers to feel the emotions of the said mutiny. The audio guide will come with two language options, English and Filipino, so that it would be more inclusive. In addition, the audio guide will also provide an option to skip or sensor parts that may contain sensitive topics, since some parts of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny may be triggering. At the end of the virtual exhibit, the audience will be presented with an option to find out more about the mutiny. They will be redirected to a page where they can view the different accounts of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny, aside from the commonly used account by Governor-General Rafael Izquierdo y Gutiérrez. Moreover, a page that compares and contrasts the Spanish accounts of the Mutiny with the Filipino account by Dr. Trinidad Hermenigildo Pardo de Tavera, in order to show them the difference between both. In partnership with different local artists in the Philippines, the exhibition will display commissioned art pieces that portray the happenings of the Cavite Mutiny. Local artists are given certain parts of the audio guide's script to help inspire them to come up with a piece reminiscent of that part. Through this, the exhibit is able to give value to local artists and give them a platform for their art while commemorating the Cavite Mutiny at the same time. Together with these locally sourced art pieces, the exhibit will also display memorabilia from the Cavite Mutiny such as the different photographs taken from this event. ee | pd Cn = oe a. MOCK-UPS & mo ae a oe a Made up of granite nd bronze, the figures depicted in the monument are composed of the Philippine flag and the Filipino soldiers and troops who partook in the Cavite Mutiny in an attempt to overthrow the Spanish authority and attain Independence. a, o ANG PAG AALSA SA KABITE INILAAN ANG PAMPUBLIKONG LUPA NA ITO SA ALAALA NG PAG-AALSA SA KABITE NOONG PANAHON NG _ KASTILLA. KABILA NG PAGKABIGO NITO. NAGBIGAY ITO NG DAAN PATUNGO SA 1898 REBOLUSYON KUNG SAAN IDINEKLERA NA ANG PILIPINAS NA MALAYA SA NY CC7S Ot oN Mee ee | pd Cn = oe a. FLOOR PLAN & mo ae a oe a a ad ee | pd Cn = oe a. OBJECTIVES & mo ae a oe a LEARNING OBJEGTIVES The 1872 Cavite Mutiny is an event in Philippine History that is often not discussed in history classes. Usually, only the story of the execution of the GomBurZa is mentioned, along with a brief background of it. However, the mutiny is seldom mentioned. Through the activity, the audience will be able to understand the events that transpired prior to the execution of the GomBurZa. This virtual exhibit seeks to shed light on the events that inspired the awakening of Philippine nationalism. In addition, the virtual exhibit also seeks to inform the audience about the importance of giving local artists a platform to showcase their artworks, so that they may be given more avenues to express their creativity. EMOTIONAL OBJECTIVES Introducing an event in history which isn't often discussed in history classes will help make people realize that there is more to Philippine history. This in turn will entice them to read and find out more about the country’s past. Moreover, recognizing this significant event in history will allow the audience to feel moved due to the will of the native Filipinos to fight for what they believe was right. By highlighting the historical events about resisting oppression, we expect them to be more aware and actively participate in societal issues. This virtual exhibit will also help them appreciate the creativity and passion that local Filipino artists contribute to their craft and pave way for more platforms for local artists to exhibit their artworks. wn | ae Tr epee ee REFERENEES is mo ae ‘ ee oar _ REFERENGES Piedad-Pugay, Christ Antonette. “The Two Faces of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny - National Historical Commission of the Philippines.” National Historical Commission of the Philippines, September 4, 2012.https://nhcp.gov.ph/the-two-faces-of-the-1872-cavite-mutiny/. Presidential Museum and Library. “The Martyrdom of GomBurZa | Presidential Museum and Library.” Malacananggov.ph. Accessed March 29, 2021. http://malacanang.gov.ph/7695-the-martyrdom-of-the-gomburza/. Schumacher, John N. "The Cavite Mutiny Toward a Definitive History." Philippine Studies 59, no. 1 (20m): 55-81. http://www,jstor.org/stable/42635001. Xiao Chua, “Xiao Time: Ang pag-aaklas sa Cavite (Cavite Mutiny),” YouTube video, 3:45, June 4, 2020, https://wwwyoutube.com/watch?v=5CwmcUCwuv8

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