ACTIVITY 2.

2
TAKAHASHI, AICHIN S.
BSTOUR-1 ALPHA

I. The Insider: Reading through the Eyes and Mind of Aguinaldo 

Instructions: Read Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan and summarize the important events mentioned
in the following chapters.

1. Chapter 28: My Bloodiest Fight

This section is all about Emilio Aguinaldo's triumph upon this field of battle, where he
was able to withstand the assault of the Spanish Colonial Troops stationed in Cavite,
subsequently relieving the entire province. According to his collection of essays, the war in
between Spaniards and the Filipino forces seemed to last approximately two days (August 31 to
September 1, 1896), throughout which they imposed disastrous deaths and injuries, particularly
on the Spanish military leadership, which also included General Candido Tria Tirona and
Captain Simeon Alacantara.

2. Chapter 30: Magdiwang Council Reorganized

This Section discusses the divided existence of the KKK, which has been divided into
two groups called "Magdalo" and "Magdiwang," where the Magdalo was led by Aguinaldo and
Magdiwang was led by Bonifacio. In this Section, Aguinaldo made a comparison between the
Magdalo and the Magdiwang, stating that they were an absolute monarchy group of people led
by their "king" which is Bonifacio, while claiming that his group (Magdalo) represented
Republican ideals. In Following the rearrangement of the Magdiwang congress, they focused
their efforts on separating the territories. They had also unshackled themselves by utilizing
provincial assemblies.

3. Chapter 38: My Election to the Presidency

This section focuses on the assembly negotiations between the two groups (Magdalo and
Magdiwang) as well as one ‘s hard work to simplify the revolutionary government's governance
by nominating a widespread head of state among the opposing groups. The campaign went in
Aguinaldo's favor as he was elected President of the Republic, so while Bonifacio was
reassigned to a lower position, despite the fact that it is also extremely important. So, when
election took place, Aguinaldo has been away from Tejeros, receiving only been informed of the
outcome of the election by his brother (that also convinced him to take pledge of allegiance at
Tejeros). With that, Bonifacio held talks in which he proclaimed the Tejeros campaign
invalidated.

4. Chapter 42: Military Court 

The political consequences in Tejeros urged the two opposing groups to meet to discuss
instantly and prosecute the Bonifacio Brothers in a military court ruled over by Colonel Lipana.

5. Chapter 44: Death of the Bonifacio Brothers

The military court convicted the Bonifacio Brothers to execution after they were charged
with treason against the republic. Aguinaldo stated that he hoped the sentence reduced to deport,
but two of his generals (Mariano Noriel and Pio Del Pilar) persuaded him to not change his
plans.

II. An open letter to the First President 

Instructions: If you were to talk to Aguinaldo, what would you like to tell him? What would you
ask him? Write an open letter addressed to the President of the First Philippine Republic Emilio
Aguinaldo.
Dear Mr. President Emilio Aguinaldo,
To start, I'd like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to speak with you. To be
honest, this is a huge privilege. But there are some concerns which have been disturbing me. One
is about your memoirs, that were published in 1967 as Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan. Nevertheless,
there seems to be conversation of a second volume, which you appear to have written. Would
there be any validity to this? Is it kept secret in any chamber or route in Kawit's
Cavite Aguinaldo Shrine?
With all greatest regard, Mr. president, some such historians claim you to be such a
betrayer in Philippine history. Is your oath of loyalty to the United States in 1901 a sign that
you've had enough of trying to fight again for Filipino citizens and would like to live
comfortably similar to the ones you once had? But, more importantly, are all these allegations
true?
Eventually, with the first and youngest head of state in Philippine history, do you have
such an advice for something like the present government? Such a perceptions or suggestions, as
a veteran with in political world, that you might share to aid your nation's present situation?
Becoming president and wielding of this kind authority does not really imply that most of
your fellow citizens will agree with your methods and techniques of running the government.
And I'm still impressed that you're a part of our history, and your bravery in combating against
with the Spanish colonial rule will indeed be remembered for the rest of your life. I always get
goosebumps thinking with the first time you waved the Filipino flag on your balcony in Imus,
Cavite.
Again, Sir, this was a great honor. Thank you very much for your time.

III. Assessing the importance of Primary Sources in Understanding the Grand Narrative of
Philippine History 

Instructions: Give three reasons why Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan is important to the grand
narrative of Philippine history.
1. The Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan, by Emilio Aguinaldo, is a true masterpiece. This is
considered important to the grand narrative of Philippine history since it consists past data
regarding our historical record, including such documentation concerning Filipino lineage, in
addition to Emilio Aguinaldo's memoirs. Likewise, it demonstrates how our government's people
have fought back against the Spaniards with eagerness in hopes of gaining our freedom.
2. The document, Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan, might also provide the folks with a lot of
information and knowledge more about strength and bravery and efforts made by our ancestors
throughout that period of time. Correspondingly, it includes an introduction of the people's
patriotism and nationalism for their own country, which sends a clear message for everyone to
have that very same aspect too.
3. There is another factor which would consider the Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan an excellence. 
An important component of the grand narrative of Philippine history was indeed the capacity to
recognize successfully and comprehensively through the history data provided by the document
itself on how well the general Philippine state actually worked throughout that specific era of
Philippine history.