NAME: Patrick James P.

Repaso SECTION: BSDA – 2

Anth 211 – IKSP Sept. 20, 2023

There’s too much to learn. That’s the thought I had while watching Facebook
Live about what the people of Subanen did when the Spanish tried to invade them in
the past. First of all, I was grateful that the host, Xiao Chua, of the said live was very
energetic and very accommodating to the viewers; it makes us as watchers attentive
to what it all about. I was even specially mentioned since I commented in the live.
The introduction was kind of boring since it only included the host endorsing books
from Vibal, but then the brilliant guest speaker, Doctor Felice Noelle Rodriguez, was
introduced. That was when I thought that it would already start, but it didn’t really
delve into the topic directly. They talked about a lot of things since the host keeps
questioning the speaker. One thing that made me think is that when the host, Xiao
Chua, mentioned that documentaries are really important in terms of researching
facts, it made me reflect as a future anthropologist on how important it is to rely on
documentaries as to how we should approach our studies.

The Zamboanga Peninsula in the Philippines is home to the indigenous

Subanen people. They have a long history of resisting off outside influences and
Spanish colonial aspirations. The Subanen were one of the indigenous communities
that resisted the Spanish attempts to invade and dominate the Philippines in the late
16th century. Like many other indigenous groups in the Philippines, the Subanen
opposed Spanish colonization by a variety of tactics, such as avoidance and armed
resistance. In comparison to lowland areas, the Subanen people who lived in the
hilly and isolated parts of the Zamboanga Peninsula were less subject to direct
Spanish control. Due to their advantageous location, they were able to maintain
some autonomy and hold off attempts by the Spanish to completely subjugate them.
They made it challenging for Spanish forces to penetrate their territory by utilizing
their understanding of the local geography to their advantage. The Subanen retained
their cultural practices and traditional way of life and avoided being compelled to
convert to Christianity, despite the fact that they, like many indigenous people, were
unable to entirely resist off Spanish influence and its growth. Some Subanen groups
would have seen varied degrees of absorption and changes to their way of life as
Spanish influence grew over time. It's crucial to remember that the Subanen and
other indigenous people in the Philippines participated in bigger resistance
movements against Spanish colonization across the entire archipelago. Throughout
their centuries-long rule in the Philippines, the Spanish experienced opposition from
a number of indigenous populations.

The "Reducción" in Zamboanga, which is the title of the live, refers to a

historical event that took place in the city of Zamboanga in the Philippines during the
Spanish colonial period. The Reducción of Zamboanga was carried out in the 17th
century as part of the Spanish efforts to colonize and evangelize the Philippines. The
term "reducción" was used in that context to refer to the relocation and conversion of
indigenous communities to Christianity, as well as to establish a stronger Spanish
presence in the region. The Spanish founded a series of reductions in different parts
of the Philippines, and Zamboanga was one of them. In the case of Zamboanga, the
Reducción's main objective was the conversion of local indigenous communities to
Christianity and the consolidation of Spanish control in the area. Franciscan
missionaries played a crucial role in this process, working to convert the local
inhabitants and establish a church in the region. The Reducción of Zamboanga is an
example of how Spanish colonization in the Philippines involved not only military
occupation but also the spread of the Christian faith and Spanish cultural influence
among the local population. This historical influence has left a lasting imprint on the
region and its culture.

In conclusion, it made me reflect that having an interest in history like our

guest speaker is crucial as it provides a profound understanding of the past. This
knowledge fosters cultural appreciation, strengthens our sense of identity, and
nurtures critical thinking skills. It equips us to make informed decisions, engage
actively in civic life, and preserve our cultural heritage. Furthermore, history offers
inspiration through the stories of individuals who have shaped our world, and it helps
us appreciate the progress humanity has achieved over time. History is a vital lens
through which we gain valuable insights, promoting personal growth and benefiting
society by guiding us toward a more informed, empathetic, and hopeful future.