THE LIFE AND WORKS OF JOSE RIZAL (GE 112)

ACTIVITY 3
Make a Graphic Organizer/ table mapping on the changes in Political, Economic, Social
and Cultural aspects in the nineteenth century Philippines. (20 pts.)

Changes in Nineteenth Century Philippines

Political Economic Social Cultural

The availability The demand The Chinese The

of elective municipal
positions after 1786
and active mestizo
participation in
provincial economy as
middlemen,
inquilinos, etc.,
enabled this ethnic
subgroup to infiltrate
the principalia.
-Liberalism
-Bourbon Reforms
-Cadiz constitution
for Philippine sugar mestizos were an limited higher
and abaca (hemp) important element of education in the
grew apace, and the Philippine society in colony was entirely
the 19th century. They under clerical
volume of exports
played a significant direction, but by the
to Europe expanded role in the formation
even further after 1880s many sons of
of the Filipino middle
the wealthy were sent
the class, in the agitation
to Europe to study.
completion of the for reforms, in the
1898 revolution, and Out of this talented
Suez Canal in 1869.
in the formation of group of overseas
-End of the galleon what is now known as Filipino students arose
Trade the Filipino what came to be
nationality. known as
-Opening of the the Propaganda
Suez Canal -Education
Movement.
-Rise of the Chinese
-Rise of the export
mestizo
crop economy and
monopolies -Rise of Inquilino

-Opening of ports to
world trade
Search for the movie “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?”
a. Describe the nineteenth century as presented in the film movie “Ganito Kami Noon,
Paano Kayo Ngayon?”
During the 19th century, The Philippines was under the colony of Spain as represented in
the film "Ganito kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon". The film interpreted the situation of the
Philippines during the 19th century, the maltreatment of the Spaniards on the Filipinos, the
conflict between the rich and the poor, the ignorance or lack of education of the Filipinos in the
provinces during those years, and most importantly, the varying definition of the word
“Filipino.”
Filipinos were living in fear because of the cruelty of the Spaniards so that is why, some
of them were living in mountainous area to hide and protect themselves against the Spaniards. In
this film, priest were powerful that time for having a close connections with the Spanish
government as well as they have enough wealth. So, having a friend like a priest or a member of
the government is a great advantage for they could help you in trouble. Just like Nicolas "Kulas"
Ocampo a boy from the mountain or an indio met a priest “Padre Gil Corcuera”. The priest ask
him to bring his son “Bindoy” to him and as a reward “Padre Gil” gave his house along with the
housemaid to him. So I can say that it is your advantage if you are close to the priest back in 19 th
century. In this time also, slavery is very evident as well as abuse of authority was there. It is a
suicidal act if you are against the government. Revolutionary groups are very careful with every
actions that they are planning to do. They are very cruel to those people who are against the
government. Some prisoners are being taken to a parade and some are murdered publicly. In
those times also, the way of transportation are done by horses or “Kalesa” and also The way of
entertainments are done by Theatres or “theatro” which is a drama done on stage and some are
done by singing similar to opera. Schools are being done in the churches so the church can teach
the child limited knowledge, and punishment to the students back in the time are allowed. Just
like what happened to “Bindoy” when he put a “holen” to the floor of the room of one of his
teacher so he got a punishment by kneeling on the floor.
I can really say that in those times money really matters because “Diding” a woman who
“Kulas” fell in love with choose “Don Tibor”, a Spanish mestizo and attorney of “Padre Gil”
because of the wealth and its status in life unlike “Kulas” who is an indio. The language that are
used during that time are mostly Spanish and some tagalogs arevery deep to understand trade are
also done oversees and foods are also Spanish inspired during the day because most of the food
during that time are done by Spanish. The occasions are also different and the way of their
communications are through letters.

b. What is your own reflection based on the film and your understanding?

The film, “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?” by Eddie Romero, presented the
state of the Filipino independence during the Spanish Colonial Period up to the American
Colonial period. In this film, I realize that we in today’s generation are very lucky for having a
free country, a human rights, and we can do whatever we want without hesitation that someone
might hurt us without doing anything wrong. It is presented in the film that Spaniards are very
cruel to those people who are against the government and some prisoners are being taken to a
parade and some are murdered publicly. Even if you are innocent or did nothing wrong, they will
put you in jail. There’s no such word as justice back then and we are very lucky. In this film,
they presented the maltreatment of the Spaniards on the Filipinos, the conflict between the rich
and the poor, the ignorance or lack of education of the Filipinos in the provinces during those
years, and most importantly, the varying definition of the word “Filipino.” I just don’t
understand why is it that the main character “Kulas” doesn’t know that he is a Filipino. Kulas,
the main lead in the movie, always asked who the term “Filipino” was referring to and he always
got different answers. At one point, Father Gil Corcuera and Lim stated that the Spaniards were
the Filipinos. On the other hand, Don Tibor mentioned that the Filipinos were those who were
ready to accept responsibilities. But for me, my attitude, my love for the country, my habits
makes me a Filipino identity and I know that our heroes fight for it and we need to take care of
this identity for our country. Sometimes, I can feel that I don’t deserve this freedom because I
did nothing for the country but I hope that being a woman who is proud to be a Filipino will be
enough for all the sacrifices that our heroes done for our country.
In this film also, I realize that you need to choose a man that truly loves you not a man
who has money and power because at the end, it is love that matters the most. Just like “Diding”
who left “Kulas” for money and fame and at the end, she regret her decision and “Kulas” left her
for good and find his own way away from Manila. I think, if “Diding” stayed with “Kulas” they
will have a happy life together because even if “Kulas” is an indio, he is very hardworking and a
loving man.
This film shows the cruelness of the Spaniards but we the Filipinos also shows that
whatever happened we will fight for our country and after hundreds of years of colonization,
sacrifices, pain, loses of lives and everything we experienced under the Spaniards, we finally
achieve freedom.