The Similarities and Differences of “Tanikalang Ginto” and “Walang Sugat”

By Kareen A. Inog

To address and appreciate more the literature of our country, it is a better idea
to dig deeper, analyze, compare, and contrast its masterpieces’ unique features and
styles. The two literary works used in this comparative essay are "Tanikalang Ginto"
by Juan Abad and "Walang Sugat" by Severino Reyes. Both plays were written by
Filipino writers under The American Regime (1898-1941) and deal with
independence and nationalism. The aforementioned writers left and stamped their
name and contribution to Philippine literature and history during the said time frame.
Tanikalang Ginto and Walang Sugat were somehow alike and different when it
comes to its genre and elements such as theme, plot, characters, moral lesson and
etc.
The author's thoughts, fantasies, and experiences resulted in amazing and
magnificent literary works. Severino Reyes, the author of "Walang Sugat," has been
born in Sta. Cruz is a neighborhood in Manila. He was a well-known playwright and
director. He was renowned as the "Father of the Tagalog Zarzuela" under the pen
name Lola Basyang. Lola Basyang is a phrase that refers to a grandmother who
enjoys telling strong moral stories and tales to her grandkids. Walang Understanding
of a concept (No Wounds) is one of Reyes' most famous works of literature, focusing
upon this Philippine Revolution as well as the difficulties, sufferings, and valor of the
Philippine revolutionary army. His literary works have had a lasting impression on
Filipino culture. On February 8, 1872, Juan Abad was born. He was a playwright and
journalist from the Philippines. His patriotic zarzuela "Ang Tanikalang Ginto" which
led to his imprisonment and prosecution, was his most significant contribution to
Filipino theatre. Others claim Abad with introducing symbolism to Tagalog theatre, a
claim that has yet to be verified, despite the fact that he may have become one of
the earliest Tagalog playwrights to do so. Both Juan Abad and Severino Reyes have
written and directed theatrical plays.
Zarzuela is the genre of Reyes and Abad's dramatic play. The Philippine
Zarzuela depicts the culture and many life scenarios of Filipinos who were inspired
by Spaniards during their colonization of the nation. It eventually had become a part
of Philippine literature and culture. The male and female lead players, as well as
auxiliary actors, are clothed in different clothing based on the story's topic and the
roles of the characters in the Philippine Zarzuela. The zarzuela's narrative revolves
around Filipino life both in positive and negative elements, such as families, politics,
feasts, values, government corruption, and so on. This idea effectively resonates
with the Filipino audience because they can relate with the events in the film. It also
teaches the audience about Filipino values and culture, emphasizing the importance
of doing the right thing as they watch the play.
Both literary masterpieces show love stories and nationalism in their storyline
elements. The love tale of Kaulayaw and Liwanag is told in Tanikalang Ginto
(Golden Chain). As a symbol of his love, Kaulayaw presented Liwanag with a
handkerchief. Maimbot, the other man, admired Liwanag and offered him a present
which is the golden chain. Liwanag fell back in love to Maimbot since he is wealthy,
but she soon recognized that he does not merit her affection, but she's still in love to
Kaulayaw. Maimbot and his brother Nagtapon were supposed to divide Kaulayaw
and Liwanag. Nagtapon was enraged and hated Kaulayaw, so he murdered him.
Liwanag tried to commit suicide due to her melancholy and sadness, but Diwa
intervened. Walang Sugat (No Wound), on the other hand, concerned with politics
and romanticism at the conclusion of Philippine Revolution. Tenyong abandons Julia
in order to join the Katipunan. Julia's mom is always urging her to marry Miguel, who
is affluent, while he is gone. When she no longer receives news from Tenyong, she
succumbs. Tenyong reveals his dying request to Julia during a wedding, but the play
has a "unexpected twist" that demonstrates Tenyong's ability to outsmart the guy
isolating him from his cherished Julia.

The zarzuela Walang Sugat or No Wounds employs standard roles for each
character. Tenyong, a loving man to Julia who battled against Spanish friars; Julia,
Tenyong's sweetheart; Lucas, Tenyong's friend and right hand; Putin, Tenyong's
mother; Kapitan Inggo, Tenyong's father; Juana, Julia's mother; Teban, the catholic
priest who helped raise Miguel; and Miguel, Julia's rich suitor are the minor and
major characters. Abad, on the other hand, used symbolism in his play's main
character, the Golden Chain. Kaulayaw represents revolution, Liwanag represents
nationalism, Maimbot represents Americans, Dalita represents the Philippines,
Nagtapon represents betrayed and enslaved Filipinos, and Diwa represents heroism.
Furthermore, the conventional love narrative and nationalism are major ideas
or themes in Tanikalang Ginto or Golden Chain and Severino Reyes' Walang Sugat
or No Wounds. Golden Chain, on the other hand, represents the inequities of Filipino
experiencing under Spanish colonial control, oppression, and politics, although
there's no wounds portray the inequalities of Filipinos struggling during Spanish
colonialization's oppression, and politics. During the zenith of Philippine revolutionary
struggle against the Spanish conquerors, it depicts the romantic drama of Julia and
Tenyong, whose illicit romance was further impeded by their social rank, political
ideas, and religious beliefs.
The "Golden Chain" symbolizes the United States' promise to the Philippines
of democracy and money, according to the story's meaning. Kaulayaw and
Liwanag's marriage also exemplifies liberty. As a result, "Walang Sugat" is a symbol
of the national endeavor to keep the zarzuela movement alive, as well as perhaps
the most optimistic support of zarzuela as a dramatic art form.

Story's message enlivens literary and historical works of art. Tanikalang

Ginto's message is buried. Every character in the novel, as well as every event in the
plot, has a symbolic meaning. It explains what was going on in our nation during the
period when the Americans occupied it. It teaches that real love triumphs over all
obstacles, including death.
 The author wishes to sensitize readers' minds to the fact that if we truly love
someone, something, or a place, we must never give up hope and struggle for our
independence. Furthermore, Severino Reyes' literary masterpiece "Walang Sugat"
depicts the sad destiny of the childhood sweethearts Tenyong and Julia with comedy
and melody, while also highlighting the unfairness of Spanish control. It's a Filipino
adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."
Actually, the two important works of literature of Philippine literature conveyed
the same objective and experience of our forebears (authors) who were carried to
Philippine shores by invaders who left a mark on our race's history. Both zarzuelas'
love tale themes reflect the current state of Filipino couples' relationships and
experiences. Furthermore, the stories' nationalistic concept reminds us to inculcate it
in our thoughts and hearts as a key to inspiring many of us to struggle for our rights
and freedom using pen and paper as a peaceful manner to be inscribed in fresh
empty pages of literature in the Philippines for this generation.