RIZAL’S LIFE AND WORKS

NAME John Emanuel S. Duldulao

YEAR AND SECTION IV – 21, BSA
PROFESSOR Ms. Mari-Cris Tan-Perez
LESSON 2. THE PHILIPPINES IN THE 19TH CENTURY AS RIZAL’S
CONTEXT

“Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?”

REFLECTION PAPER

The film “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon” follows a naive peasant as he takes
a leap of faith to join an imaginary community. It is was set around the start of the twentieth
century and follows the exploits and misfortunes of a modest, provincial young man named
‘Kulas'/Nicolas Ocampo inside a setting when people are struggling for Philippine
independence. The film depicts the latter stages of Spanish colonization. The “gwardya sibil”,
the unexpected exchange of bullets, the relentless anxiety among Filipinos wherever they are to
stay, and the obvious abusive superiority of the Spanish race over Filipinos were all faithfully
depicted. Because it was the end of Spanish colonization, it was a time when petty feuds arose,
however it wasn't particularly apparent in the narrative because the attention was on the main
character, Kulas. If one looked closely, one would notice that there were no children on the
streets and that ladies were always inside their homes. Despite the fact that the latter was
regarded normal at the time. This demonstrates once more that barangay feuds exist.
Historically, Filipinos had been so accustomed to oppression and abuse that this
overpowering and frequent experience in society had become a societal norm. Traveling and
transportation were controlled. They can not really travel without being stopped at a variety of
checkpoints. Social class systems served as models for determining one's own identity. They
were judged according to their riches and status, and justice was only available to those who
could afford it. Most individuals were greatly influenced by the appalling conditions of the
society, ultimately becoming cruel, egotistical, deceitful, and opportunistic like Diding and her
fraud of a father. Even though Filipinos now have sovereignty and democracy, the marks of
colonization remain instilled in us, whether via culture or through deeds. This is where
Neocolonialism enters the picture: the use of economic, political, cultural, or other forces to
dominate or influence other countries, particularly former colonies. Corruption persists, but it is
now caused by fellow Filipinos legally selected and elected by the public, rather than by foreign
invaders. In the Filipino community, social stratification is still obvious. People are still treated
and identified based on their money and social status. Manipulative, greedy, and abusive
persons can still be found on the edges of the Filipino socioeconomic and political system.
People who are continually striving to be better than everyone else and are willing to give in to
their petty demands. Nevertheless, despite many of these drawbacks, there is also an
opportunity to this situation. The Philippines is now home to an increasing number of thinkers
and technically literate people. Even though some of them only use their abilities for their self
gain, there are still a few who reflect our predecessors' beliefs. They are indeed the ones that
are continuously reminding us we're all Filipinos and that we all must never overlook that.
The film brings to life the element for the creation of Filipino identity; "struggle." Kulas'
fortunes and misfortunes include societal challenges encountered during the Spanish
administration. Because of ignorance and uncertainty, the concept of being a Filipino
developed. People used to be uncertain of who they were and what they should call
themselves. It could be due of the mentality that the Spaniards imposed on the Filipinos,
combined with its oppressive governance. Perhaps still, many individuals are unaware of what it
truly means to be a Filipino. The movie depicted the truth that if you asked Filipinos at the time,
they would all have different responses, and many of them are inconsistent with one another.
This uncertainty and mistrust compelled Filipinos to forge a shared national identity. Then, with
the advent of colonialism, nationalism arose, which eventually led to the establishment of a
Filipino identity. Finally, the movie made its audience realize that becoming a Filipino means
more than just the tangible connections we have to the land, our heritage, or even our family
members; it also means acknowledging and implementing the obligation that we have as
guardians of this land and protectors of our countrymen, being capable of fighting for a greater
cause, fighting and living for the greater good of our fellow Filipinos.