GED103 – READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

MODULE 1 EXAM

CE-1

Narrative and Reflective Essay on the Dilemma of Primary Sources based on the 9
Readings. 3 to 5 sentences only.

 Customs of the Tagalogs

The natives of the country that is to be named Philippines have varying cultures and
traditions for every territory or tribe. These were slowly replaced or forcefully forgotten
when the Spaniards began to enforce their own culture to the natives. The integration of
Spanish traditions, culture, and religion brought positive and negative effects to the
Indio’s way of life.

 Raiders of the Sulu Sea

For centuries, Catholicism and Islam ideologies have mixed and melded within the
country due to various races that came and influenced our ancestors. Thus, the
conflict between the two ideologies have further divided the cultures in the country
especially in the Mindanao area, creating chaos and prejudice. Peace talks and
ceasefires have been made to preserve order, but eventually conflict will break out
every often so.

 Kartilya ng Katipunan
The Kartilya played an important part in this country’s history, especially so when
we were colonized and controlled by the Spanish. This radical group inspired the
oppressed masses to offer their hearts and convictions to free their country from
these invaders. They also made various important rules to go by as it reflected their
ideology to make the country a peaceful land for us Filipinos again.

 The Works of Luna and Amorsolo

Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo were a few of the patriots back then that were
widely known for their great skill in their art and were also aiming for the liberation of
this country. They used their talents to draw paintings and arts that send a message
to the Filipinos and Spaniards alike. Their work continues to inspire and wonder
people at this era, further cementing their presence in this country’s history.

 Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan

 The memoirs of Aguinaldo contain the documented struggles of the Filipinos who
desperately fought the Spaniards during the revolutions. It not only tells the story of
our fights for independence, this book was also a way or excuse for Aguinaldo to
show that he had no hand in Bonifacio’s execution. Whatever was written in there, we
can conclude that is indeed a detailed part of our country’s history.

 The Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence

This momentous event changed the country in various aspects. The country has
now achieved its independence and will stand on its own feet, but somehow the
Americans have started their own version of invasion through manipulation and
coercion. This event may have saved us from the tyrannical reign of the Spaniards,
but it opened to more threats in the future.

 Philippine Cartoons
This is one of the earliest forms of protest, caricatures and drawings. These
allowed even simple people to criticize the government in their own art style. Even to
this day, they help the young ones to express their thoughts and individuality.

 Filipino Grievances against Governor Wood

The distrust and hatred against Governor Leonard Wood was well deserved for all
his lies and bravado. He created laws that will compromise the citizens in his territory.
Governor Wood is an example of a corrupted person in power, one that wants the
laws to bend to his wishes and does not care if he violates certain laws.

 Corazon Aquino’s Speech

This historical event has inspired many countries to further purse the wonders of
Democracy. Corazon Aquino’s speech reached out to all families who lost their loved
ones during those dark times, to those who were tortured and captured by the military
under martial law, and to those who fought the good fight. Various oppressed
countries emulated this power to overcome their own troubles and succeeded to
overthrow their own despots. It was akin to an eagle’s cry when it is finally able to
spread its wings once more.