Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan: A Discussion

By: Felerie G. Vallega

Background of the author

Emilio Aguinaldo was born in Kawit, Cavite, on March 22, 1869, the second to youngest of eight children
of Carlos Jamir Aguinaldo and Trinidad Famy- Aguinaldo. The Aguinaldos were a wealthy and influential family
with Carlos being gobernadicillo(municipal governor) for several terms. He studied at Colegio de San Juan de
Letran but wasn't able to finish his studies due to outbreak of cholera in 1882. Aguinaldo followed his father,
Emilio became the "Cabeza de Barangay" of Binakayan, a chief barrio of Cavite el Viejo, when he was only 17
years old to avoid conscription. In 1895 the Maura Law that called for the reorganization of local governments
was enacted. At the age of 25, Aguinaldo became Cavite el Viejo's first "gobernadorcillo capitan municipal"
(Municipal Governor-Captain) of Kawit in 1894. Months later, he joined the Katipunan by choosing the Magdalo.
Aguinaldo was elected as a president in pamahalaang panghihimasikin Bario Tejeros, San Francisco de Malabon
on March 22, 1897. He studied at Colegio de San Juan de Letran but wasn't able to finish his studies due to
outbreak of cholera in 1882. Emilio Aguinaldo was the 1st president in the republic of the Philippines the year of
January 20, 1899-April 1, 1901.He proclaimed Philippine independence at Kawit on June 12, 1898. Aguinaldo
was the first and youngest president of the Philippines. In addition to that, he was also a noted general who played
a key role in the country’s revolt against its Spanish rulers as well as fighting against the occupation by the United
States. His military abilities saw him featured heavily in the Philippine-American War that eventually led to the
country’s independence. His time in power remains controversial as he was both a renowned freedom fighter and
a dictatorial leader. Unlike many of the other Katipunan rebels, Aguinaldo’s men had the ability to meet the
colonial forces in pitched battle. As a result, they were able to repel them from Cavite. This, though, brought them
into conflict with supporters of Bonifacio, who was by now the self-proclaimed president of the Republic of the
Philippines. An election was held between the two factions in Tejeros in March 1897. Alguinado claimed victory,
although there were suggestions of ballot fraud and Bonifacio rejected the result. Aguinaldo responded by having
Bonifacio and his brother arrested. He died on February 6,1964 (aged 94)

Summary of the background of the document

The First volume of his memoirs were produced between the year of 1928-1946 which contains account
of his birth until early years until signing of Treaty of Biak-na-bato in the year 1897 which was based on the
documents like diaries, preserve documents and family lore personally gathered from his relatives. Including the
situations of Filipino people under the hands of Spaniards. Stated that how Katipunan probably fought the
Spaniards for the Freedom of the country and how he leads Filipinos for revolution until the Independence
achieved. There is a lot of happenings are written such as Philippine revolution, the battle of Manila bay, and the
Philippine Independence. It also shows how Filipino people portrayed under Spanish regime and hi presidency.

Content analysis of the important historical information found in the document

The content of the text showed the first attempt of the Filipinos to attack against the Spaniards. It was not so
successful. “Pagsimula ng pagsalakay namin sa Kalaban”. It also displayed the Magdalo and the Magdiwang faction of the
Katipunan. It was also told that they had the plan to save Dr. Jose Rizal from execution. Yet the Don Paciano Rizal, the
brother of Dr. Jose Rizal came to them and confirmed his sentence of death and asked them to not bother saving him
anymore to spare the lives of many Katipuneros who risk their lives for the salvation of his brother. Then, the fire between
the Spanish colonizers and the people of the Philippines and so onwards, Aguinaldo tells the every happening that he has
remembered during their fight for Philippine Independence.

The contribution and relevance of the document in understanding the grand narrative of Philippine history
This document displays the account of General Emilio Aguinaldo, himself, who has been one of the most important
people in the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonizers. This might be of one person’s experience, the
connections between thehis account and of others unveil the truth behind their lives before.

Learning experiences while doing the aforesaid activities

With everything that I have read and reflected upon, this reading is one off the most heart-touching
document as it shows how a fighter, a leader, and a hero exerted his actions, talents, wit, and will to get the
independence that we enjoy today. This is one reason that we, Filipinos, must build a more patriot community as
to show gratitude to the brave souls of the Philippine Revolution.