Of National Struggle over Neocolonial "Benevolence"
(or: Notes after seeing some some upsurge in those watching period films
but still contented in neocolonial dependence)
Sometimes, it is hard to understand why Filipinos, unlike any other Asian, continues to insist the benevolence of the United States despite its actually-existing oppressive nature.
For in a time when movie producers, artists, and literary enthusiasts alike afforded to cultivate again Nationalism such as "Heneral Luna" and "Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral", Filipinos, despite recognising the patriotism brought about by these fallen people and its struggles, still insisting, if not clinging to the idea that these are already past and therefore be disregarded in favor of a "present" where the United States, like any other coloniser, did left a semblance of hope in a form of development, if not modernity.
But as to recall the outbreak of the Philippine-American War and subsequent struggles against the Americans during the occupation, it is ought to say that one must drew inspiration from its revolutionary forebears, honor those who persevere in the struggle, learn lessons from the past and present circumstances, and define the tasks for realising the unfinished tasks for national liberation and democracy.
Sounds radical isn't it? Knowing that as today's Filipino enjoys the modernity left by its colonisers, it appears to be "natural" that the colonisers "did made good" to its subjects, regardless of its oppressive, interest-seeking acts that made some, if not most express its angst even in this present-day setting. True that the United States brought modernity such as education, health, even governance and a series of reinforced concrete-made public works; but, what made Filipinos be indebted to the Americans was and is the materialism the latter showered upon to its subjects like appliances to automobiles, instant food to electronic gadgets, even the culture itself hath becoming more American than the Americans themselves; after all, these Yankees wanted a market if not a place to dump their products and a source of materials for it's mainland needs.
That until today this legacy continues to "creep" in everyone's thought that these once foreigners made the Philippines progressive no matter how they exploit resources and people. Americans did create a positive impression such as automobiles or liberal democracy the way Spain brought Catholicism and the rudiments of classical civilisation; that the Japanese occupier did afford to provide "independence" even for the sake of realising, or the Chinese merchant who provides cheap goods even it puts down local enterprises.
That until today this legacy continues to "creep" in everyone's thought that these once foreigners made the Philippines progressive no matter how they exploit resources and people. Americans did create a positive impression such as automobiles or liberal democracy the way Spain brought Catholicism and the rudiments of classical civilisation; that the Japanese occupier did afford to provide "independence" even for the sake of realising, or the Chinese merchant who provides cheap goods even it puts down local enterprises.
Yet to think that Filipinos benefited greatly from its coloniser be it the uprightness of democracy or the wonders of electricity, or the system's alleged role as a nation builder, it forgotten its other nature such as an exploiter, an oppressor, a disenfranchiser whom stunted a country's growth for their own interest.
But come to think of this: Movies like what this post stated showed that there are heroes, driven by concern showed its best to have a nation despite those preferring to look after their interests, that men like Antonio Luna and Apolinario Mabini showed to the world that the country as capable of being independent given its struggle and therefore it hath to protect its independence by any means. Even during the American and Japanese occupation wherein men like Macario Sakay, Lucio San Miguel, the Pulahanes, to those of Isabelo de los Reyes, Crisanto Evangelista, Pedro Abad Santos, and the Hukbalahaps, these people asserted independence by any means necessary: be it by the ballot box, by the protest march, or even by the gun.
But come to think of this: Movies like what this post stated showed that there are heroes, driven by concern showed its best to have a nation despite those preferring to look after their interests, that men like Antonio Luna and Apolinario Mabini showed to the world that the country as capable of being independent given its struggle and therefore it hath to protect its independence by any means. Even during the American and Japanese occupation wherein men like Macario Sakay, Lucio San Miguel, the Pulahanes, to those of Isabelo de los Reyes, Crisanto Evangelista, Pedro Abad Santos, and the Hukbalahaps, these people asserted independence by any means necessary: be it by the ballot box, by the protest march, or even by the gun.
Nowadays, people from all walks of life rather forgot that significant part of history altogether, let alone it is being learnt in school about these Spanish, American, and Japanese occupations. True that there are legacies that mold the modern-day Filipino be it the ideal studious and hardworking being being appreciated by many or the actually-existing materialistic whose drivel for work is to buy something to brag on.
And to think that this post deals with the need to revisit its history and reclaim patriotism, then for sure apologists would even ask this post that if people have to have to disagree on American interests towards the Philippines, then how about the Chinese? The latter hath occupied the disputed islands near Palawan, and even trying to claim part of the Philippine Sea such as the Benham Rise; quite agreeable to oppose it so is the United States's interests particularly those of it's unjust socioeconomic affairs.
From these unlikely outcomes, whether it is American, Chinese, or even a fellow Filipino, the existing unjustness means resistance. To think that Eternal Vigilance means the Price of Freedom, defending a country's patrimony, and supporting its desire to forge its destiny meant upholding a country's survival. But in a subservient order such as this, is this freedom? Then no wonder not all are interested in History, let alone their favorite throwbacks such as their childhood memories if not how they reduce historical or period films as for the sake of watching and appreciating actors and actresses.
And to think that this post deals with the need to revisit its history and reclaim patriotism, then for sure apologists would even ask this post that if people have to have to disagree on American interests towards the Philippines, then how about the Chinese? The latter hath occupied the disputed islands near Palawan, and even trying to claim part of the Philippine Sea such as the Benham Rise; quite agreeable to oppose it so is the United States's interests particularly those of it's unjust socioeconomic affairs.
From these unlikely outcomes, whether it is American, Chinese, or even a fellow Filipino, the existing unjustness means resistance. To think that Eternal Vigilance means the Price of Freedom, defending a country's patrimony, and supporting its desire to forge its destiny meant upholding a country's survival. But in a subservient order such as this, is this freedom? Then no wonder not all are interested in History, let alone their favorite throwbacks such as their childhood memories if not how they reduce historical or period films as for the sake of watching and appreciating actors and actresses.
But as long as the Filipino people remain under the tutelage of American and Chinese interests, then it will not cease to wage all forms of revolutionary struggle for national liberation and democracy. As the enemy never gets tired of oppressing and exploiting them, then the people can never get tired of resisting oppression and exploitation and fighting for national and social liberation. For remember: the absence of genuine national independence and the continuing reign of greed, terror, and mendicance in the country as the bitter consequence of the successful US war of aggression.