Barnedo, Meejhay Leigh H

Rizal (7:30-9:00am) MW

Maria Clara at Ibarra

Episode 3, where Crisostomo Ibarra together with his friends are in a restaurant; conversing
about women's ability and how they should behave. In their conversation one of them said
”pagka't ang babaing masunurin at tahimik ay biyaya ng langit, at ang mga babaing nagtapos sa
isang unibersidad ay magiging sakit lamang sa ulo ng mga lalaki". Also, they all laughed
afterwards implementing their agreements in that kind of argument. These phrases caught my
attention as this kind of thinking is still being applied in our present generation. Men and women
still portray these stereotypes about them.

For example, women are pictured to be prim and proper if you possess this kind of trait you
perceived to be a good daughter and a normal person. While wearing liberated clothes and
arguing with a man or an elderly person you perceived to be bad and a rebel. Moreover, like the
list of our presidents there are only two women who were privileged to govern our country as the
society perceived that men are still stronger and can have good leadership than women. But as
the world evolves, the rights of women are also changing. Slowly, society is making rooms for
women and treating everyone equal, as laws and regulations are being implemented while all of
us are slowly being open minded.

The discrimination agaisnt women rights in Noli Me Tangere is one of the eye opener of people.
In my opinion, it serves as our reflection that needs to be slapped in our faces on how we treat
women. Because, change is really hard if the person you want to change is not even aware of
what he or she is doing. For example, Ibarra in the story because at first he also perceived
women like that but after meeting Klay, he found her fascinating and re-thinking of a woman's
ability and capacity.

Episode 8, Klay and Fidel are arguing about where to start change; should it be in below average
people or in elites. While Ibarra became their mediator where he said “Ngunit hindi lahat ng may
kaya ay may kapangyarihan, kaya't siguro naaakmang sabihin na dapat nasa kamay ng mga
nakakataas o makapangyarihan ang simulan ng pagbabago. Ngunit sino namang
makapangyarihan ang may bukas na loob na magbigay ng karapatan na makakapantay sa isang
indio?” But Fidel argued that if all businessmen are generous and always help people they would
also be going down as well as their employees. Because Klay argued that her manager is being
unfair to her.

This kind of argument peaks my attention as they both have points about who should start the
change. But Ibarra is right, even if you have the money, influence, and means to help other
people it does not change the fact that you do not have the power to change as you do not have
the political power to decide. For example, youtubers help other people by giving money. Yes,
they have the means in helping people but they do not have the power to give what is right to the
Barnedo, Meejhay Leigh H
Rizal (7:30-9:00am) MW

people they are helping. Because change should start in our government, but if you will think it
deeper, I guess change should start in both below average people and in elites. It is because of
their common right to vote, this kind of power is where the change can start.

In the past episodes, the characters still strongly hold their beliefs about where change should
take place. But in my opinion, this kind of belief will take time to change as their reasons are like
their fundamentals in values and perception in life.

Episode 20, Basilio and Ibarra are having a conversation about Basilio's innocent dream in
becoming a server of a wealthy man yet kind. Also, his dream is helping his brother Crispin to
finish his studies and giving his family a comfortable life. This kind of thinking is natural to any
eldest child. It became their responsibility to be the second breadwinner. I remember the movie
in Encanto where Luisa expressed how being the eldest pressure her and how heavy the burden it
put her. That kind of pressure is an untold burden of all eldest that even though they are not
obligated it is like society dictated them to be.

For example, I myself am the eldest and my mother always says that I am the one who will be
helping her in the future. I should always take care of my younger brothers and support them
financially. Slowly, it became my dream that I lost my dream for myself. Therefore, until now, I
still can't picture myself who I want to be other than supporting my younger brother and helping
them in life.

The development of Basilio in the story is that he became kind yet his heart is full of hatred as
his younger brother Crispin died. I think because he thought that his dream vanished and there
are no other dreams that can be made as what he pictured will never happen.