ANNEX A

NAME: __________________________ GRADE & SECTION: ________________

SUBJECT: APP 1-EAPP DATE SUBMITTED: OCTOBER 18, 2023

PERFORMANCE TASK #2: CRITIQUE AND REACTION PAPER WRITING

CRITIQUE PAPER ABOUT THE FILM GOYO: ANG BATANG HENERAL

Exploring the historical pieces that described Philippine society in the most crucial years
was still a relevant topic to several people, specifically students who wish to unleash the true
story of the past. The film “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” is a notable movie that mirrors the event
specifically during the Philippine-American War and gives us viewers a wide understanding of
the Filipino people who bravely fought and strongly stood firm against the powerful colonizers.
The film offers a wide exploration of the past, and for some people, it gives them a difficult time
understanding the meaning behind the life and environmental setting of the Philippines during
those years. To better comprehend this film, this paper will give a thorough discussion about the
movie through the use of the Marxist literacy approach, specifically highlighting social class of
bourgeoisie and proletariat.

It was evident that this film was inspired by the life story of one of the notable heroes of
the Philippines, Gregorio Del Pilar, who was known to be a soldier built on courage and
principle. By viewing the life of Gregorio Del Pilar as a prominent figure in the revolution
through this lens, it can be concluded that his life is a product of social class and historical
circumstances. In consideration of his early social status, he was evidently known to come from
a wealthy landowning family. Basically, he belonged to the capital class of the bourgeoise, which
was the ruling class of Philippine society during the late 19th century. The inspiration for this
film was driven by the life of Gregorio Del Pilar and how his life manifested the events depicted
by Goyo. Through this lens, the film can be interpreted as a portrayal of the Philippine
Revolution, where the ruling elite, represented by General Goyo, serves as the bourgeoisie,
exploiting the labor and sacrifices of the lower classes, specifically the proletariat. Goyo’s rich
lifestyle and his detachment from the struggles of ordinary Filipinos exemplify the bourgeoisie's
exploitation and the class divide prevalent in Philippine society. Furthermore, the film also
reveals the inherent contradictions within the ruling class, specifically Goyo, in which his
internal conflict mirrors the moral dilemmas faced by the bourgeoisie, which also pull apart the
personal desires and societal responsibilities.

The film “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” shows the Philippine Revolution in a complex
way. It reveals that social change doesn’t just depend on oppressed people’s actions; it is also
influenced by conflicts within the ruling class. Upon looking at the film from a film perspective,
it gives a deep commentary on Filipino struggles, misconceptions, and the complicated factors
that drive social change. This lens illuminates the perspective of how unfair it is when rich
people have all the power, making life difficult for poor people. It also highlights the urgent need
for fairness and justice in society. Overall, the use of the Marxist literary approach as a lens for
exploring the societal considerations of the film serves effectively as it gives us as viewers a
wide understanding of the societal background of the film. This consideration is important
because several authors and writers created their individual literary pieces from societal
inspiration. Thus, understanding the life and societal background of this movie enabled me, as a
reader, to better appreciate the film, as I understood that it was driven by past Philippine
experiences and environments.
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REACTION PAPER ABOUT THE FILM GOYO: ANG BATANG HENERAL

Historical films have always been a fascinating exploration since they give me, as a
viewer, an adequate idea and visualization of the important events that happened in the early
Philippine years. The film “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” tackles the life of one of the important
people who contributed to the nation's freedom and liberty, and he is Gregorio Del Pilar. In the
film, Gregorio Del Pilar is one of the youngest battlers who bravely fought against the
Philippine-American War during the Philippine Revolution. In fact, I discovered that this film
was a continuation of the story “Heneral Luna,” wherein the Philippine environment at this time
was still in battle against the American colonizers. Going back to the story, Goyo, the main
character, was described as the president’s favorite soldier due to his immense loyalty and
patriotism. However, despite these privileges, Goyo was known in his town as a womanizer.
Regardless of these negative notions given to Goyo, it was undeniable that he possessed the
bravery to battle and face the American enemies, not just to please President Aguinaldo but most
of all for the country’s freedom. Due to his loyalty, he was promoted by the President to become
General, who will lead the revolutionary battle forces in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. Together with
his soldier, they went to Bulacan and started an assault to win against the Americans, followed
by an attack in Quingua. Goyo and his soldier were forced to retreat to the north the moment that
they realized that the American enemies attacked in different areas. The film ended in the battle
of Tirad Pass, when Goyo was in between the battle with the Americans and was killed by the
enemies.

Goyo as the main character of the story enables me to realize that not all leaders and
heroes that I usually look up to are brave and strong enough to carry and fight for the country’s
burden. As a matter of fact, I discovered that several of these well-known leaders only use their
powers to manipulate the minds of the innocent to fulfill their evil plans. In the present years, I
have observed that these concerns and issues are still evident in Philippine society. Many
privileged individuals use their power over the unprivileged to satisfy themselves, even though it
may risk the lives of many. Moreover, I somehow feel pity for Goyo’s character in the film
because I felt that he was repeatedly reminded of “how we were perceived by many as strong
and brave,” despite the fact that there are nights when he is haunted by the trauma of his past
experiences. This film also reminded me about how the Filipino people lived their lives during
those days. Considering that it was an environment full of uncertainty, doubt, death, and war, I
think that it feels too much to carry and understand, especially since this movie was inspired by
true-life and realistic events.

Nonetheless, this film allows me to realize that I was lucky enough to live in a
democratic society where everyone is able to live their life according to their will. Considering
the Philippine environment before, wherein men were perceived to be dominant over women and
women were known to be incapable, weak, and incompetent. However, the people who lived in
these days were far beyond the lives of the Filipino people during the time of General Luna.
Many women of this generation were able to prove themselves in different areas and fields,
which have been successful in building progress for the nation. Many people of this generation
were finally breaking the stigma surrounding men and women. However, there are still people
who abuse the freedom that was given to us by the people who genuinely fought for us to live in
liberty. Many Filipino people of this day are living in darkness, doing inhumane violence against
other people. Thus, the most important discovery I learned in this film is that the treads of liberty
and freedom that I am enjoying today were derived from the stories of resilience, courage, and
triumph of the Filipino heroes. With these, it gives me an implication to live a life that would
make my country proud, embracing the spirit of unity and flourishing liberty.

lead the revolutionary forces in Bulacan and Nueva Ecija against the Americans. He
and his soldiers made an assault in Bulacan to get rid of the Americana, followed by an
attack in Quingua. They were forced to retreat heading north when Americans attacked
different areas. He also led the battle in Tirad Pass he then was killed by the Americans
in this battle.
Goyo was promoted by the President to become General that would
lead the revolutionary forces in Bulacan and Nueva Ecija against the Americans. He
and his soldiers made an assault in Bulacan to get rid of the Americana, followed by an
attack in Quingua. They were forced to retreat heading north when Americans attacked
different areas. He also led the battle in Tirad Pass he then was killed by the Americans
in this battle.
Goyo was promoted by the President to become General that would
lead the revolutionary forces in Bulacan and Nueva Ecija against the Americans. He
and his soldiers made an assault in Bulacan to get rid of the Americana, followed by an
attack in Quingua. They were forced to retreat heading north when Americans attacked
different areas. He also led the battle in Tirad Pass he then was killed by the Americans
in this battle.