TOHO: Age Old Goodness

TOHO: Age Old Goodness

It was few days ago when this person went to one of the most familiar old restaurants in Sta. Cruz district in Manila.

Founded in 1888 and considered as one of the oldest Restaurants in the Philippines, Toho, originally known as Antigua, is known for its old style Chinese cuisine people for generations indulge and talked about. And one of which is that Toho is still referred by the people by its original identity: Antigua.
Despite officially founded in 1888 by five Chinese immigrants with love for cooking (one of them was Tai Tang, the great grandfather of the current owners), its "alleged" roots were started in 1866 by Manuel “Po Kong” Bautista as according to the book "The Governor General’s Kitchen." Bautista named his restaurant "Antigua" because he was said to value things whose qualities have proven their worth over time (Antigua means Antique). As for its current name, the owners say that it is the English translation of the Hokkien word "just enough.” Historical personalities who have dined here include four Philippine presidents, actor Fernando Poe Sr, actress and singer Katy de la Cruz and Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson. But If Travel Time host Susan Calo Medina is to be believed, Jose Rizal had even ate here while he studying in Intramuros.
New Toho’s history, however, is not without challenges: that in 1984, the original Toho establishment was burned down after its neighbouring restaurant caught fire resulting to some old pictures burned save one which is featured in every food blog. The restaurant was eventually rebuilt along, hence the “new” in New Toho.

From its well-made Pork Asado to Lechon Macau (or as what they called, Lechon Kawali), it somehow made people to come and go despite its smallness and its old appearance different from typical Chinese restaurants of the present. The Asado is cooked fresh daily without any use of artificial coloring; and according to the owners, it is beautifully sweet, tender, and spicy with a subtle scent of smoked wood. The Asado is usually sold out in the afternoon.

However, this person served the food he ordered such as  Toho chicken and Yangzhou Fried Rice. Toho chicken is more of Fried Chicken that has been served with sauce reminiscent of pata tim, with Chinese Cabbage and chopped Carrots. Quite delicious though especially if it is served alongside Yangzhou fried rice which is commonly known as "Yang Chow". And by the way, even the small serving is plenty for two.

Admittingly speaking, this person somehow recalled his childhood as he entered the place, especially when he first entered Toho many years ago with his parents, eating Toho if not Fried Chicken and Yangzhou Fried Rice as well as Nido Soup, Pancit Canton, and Beef Brocoli that time. And it somehow took many years to rethink about entering Manila's oldest restaurants until he afforderd to enter and enjoy again the decades-old Chinese Cooking Toho Antigua has trying to make about.

New Toho Food Center
422-424 T. Pinpin Street, Binondo, Manila Philippines
(02) 241-4208, (02) 242-0294
Operating hours: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; closed on Sundays

Of Shutting Down, Letting go, and Rage

Of shutting down, letting go, and rage

Notes after Leandro Locsin's Hotel Intercontinental Manila to be closed at Yearend, 

its eventual demise (same as Mandarin Oriental which was earlier closed), 

and opposition from conservationists and nostalgics

At first, this person wants to thank the owners of the Hotel Intercontinental Manila, its employees, and even people who had come and go, all for its years of outmost hospitality. 

For as news reports tackled about its soonest closure, it seems that the well known hotel that had brought development in the newly-developed Makati likely to end up in the wrecking ball, knowing that old edifices nowadays are to be abandoned and eventually demolished no matter how prominent it was through the years. As Ayala Land Inc. president Bobby Dy said that the property giant is looking to develop another mixed-use development at the InterCon area.

"In 2016, we're going to be looking at the InterCon area, that's a 2 hectare parcel, to have another mixed-use development. The cost would be around P15-billion," he said."

According to Paulo Alcazaren's article, A press was released in 1958 on the building which then dubbed as "Rizal InterContinental Hotel", and lists Rizal Development Corporation and Pan American Airways as developers of the hotel. However, the initial 1958 design of the hotel was not followed and shelved. Construction of the hotel would be completed ten years later in 1969, and was inaugurated as InterContinental Hotel Manila.

Makati Commercial Center (with Hotel Intercontinental as background), 1973
source: PinoyExchange

The edifice had witnessed every building that had come and go for years: Rizal Theatre, Sulo Restaurant, the old Rustans, Shoe Mart, Gillarmi and Monterey Apartments, anything that made Makati developed until became the Philippines's Financial District and eventually a First Class City in 1995. It had wittnessed important events, such as the Oakwood coup, the Peninsula siege, or even the rallies at Ayala wherein its windows, acting as eyes, had wittnessed the rolling of armoured cars if not people assembling in their protest site. 

And as the hotel is planned to cease operation by December 31, 2015 and paved way to its "redevelopment" according to a recent report, this person would say that it is really quite saddening. In seeing such familiar edifices this person would say that why need to let it go despite its recognisable beauty? True that development is good but how about side by side with heritage and identity? Call it strange but heritage is more than old houses, it also includes made by those whose idea of development has brought the district well known until today; and "just letting it go" comes criticism after it.
For sure everyone had heard news about Locsin's Mandarin Oriental being closed down few years ago and soon to meet its fate amidst criticism from most conservationists. Much more that Circuit at Makati is situated at the once grand old Sta. Ana Park (Manila Racing Club) whose art deco architecture was worthy of being preserved and readapted. Sad to say but Sta. Ana Park was lost for "development" the way its San Lazaro counterpart was demolished for Henry Sy's familiar commercialised edifice.

Anyways, being a person who use to go Makati would say "what the fuck" in seeing such changes without any recognition of the building (especially coming from a National Artist), or any other edifice's relevance. That in every picture and in every sightseeing, this person remembers Quad, the old Greenbelt, the old Philippine Savings Bank main building, Shell Maya, Rizal Theatre, and even Powerbooks Pasay Road where he used to visit and read various books. Sorry for being nostalgic though as other nostalgics do, especially those whose idea of heritage is beyond Spanish-style houses and Baroque Churches.
And to those who would say "move on" and "letting go" all for chrissakes, haven't they recalled that both Mandarin Oriental and Intercon are made by the National Artist Leandro Locsin? Nostalgics afforded to say that those times were those of making the Filipino "world class" that is much dignified than today's so-called "Pinoy Pride" that is 60% mockery and nonsense; and according to the Heritage Conservation Society, The 38-year-old Mandarin Oriental and 45-year-old InterCon are described as two of the finest works Leandro Locsin had created and are protected by Republic Act No. 10066. RA 10066 is the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, protecting structures older than 50 years old. The law also protects works of art by National Artists and gives the government-run National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) jurisdiction over their disposition.

And although the well-known Insular Life has been almost subject to demolition rumors only to be redescribed as "renovation", while on the other hand waiting Leandro Locsin's Mandarin Oriental to its unlikely fate (hope that HCS and NCCA continues to counter ALI as possible since the building remained intact for a time being), and today's Intercontinental sharing the possible same fate as Mandarin's, this person as well as others expressed hope that there are edifices which are worthy to be preserved, to be cherished, to part of today's fast forward growing society and be adapted in its redevelopment. Such as those which are truly relevant and brought really existing respect through the years.

That's all for now. 

Notes on the Posters of the Japanese occupation And its sponsored "Philippine Republic"

Notes on the Posters of the Japanese occupation
And its sponsored "Philippine Republic"

“Have no fear anymore! Fighting is now over! 

American forces who have been squeezing your land and your people with honey words and threatening swords for a long time have now entirely been driven away, by Protecting God of Asia, the Japanese forces. 

The only aim of the Imperial Japanese forces is to free the Filipinos from the oppression of the white men and establish a paradise for Filipinos on this beautiful land of Philippines.”

-Sebald, William J. "Dear Filipinos!" 

 World War II. 10 Nov. 2011. 

Web. 20 May 2012.  

At first, it seemed to be unusual to make a writeup that features anything that comes from the other side of the second world war, specifically those from those supported by the Japanese. This person may have tried its best to take some pictures of what was shown to the Filipinos that as if appearing their hated enemy as a friend, a redeemer, a liberator whose intention was to break the dominancy of both American and European power the Japanese described as maligning and oppressing Japan and its Asiatic kin.
But to its victims, it shows the contrary to Japan's assertions with all its actually existing impunities especially in countries Japan considered as enemy subjects, hence liable to be persecuted to the point of collective punishment. 

Mostly consists of posters, pamphlets, if not front covers of Japanese magazines made during the "Est Asia War", it seems that those rarely-shown works was trying to invoke a sense of new-found Filipinoness as "encouraged" by the Japanese in pursuit of a redeemed and renewed East Asia alongside Größdeutschland and Italy's revived Roman Empire. Quite interesting to see those featured works as expected, and also made this person think that how come mainstream historians rarely shown those "propaganda" especially those coming from the Filipinos themselves if not from the Japanese occupiers during the Japanese-sponsored "republic"?

Sounds traitorous though for Filipinos who are aware of the atrocities made by the Japanese during that tumultuous periods; of massacres, comfort women, looting, and bombings  coming from both friend and foe in Manila and other major urban enclaves of the archipelago.

But come to think of this: how come these posters were made in an impression that the Philippines was redeemed by the Japanese and was given "independence" that was controversial in character? Yes, it was controversial in a sense that so-called "independence" was sponsored by most people called as their enemy, worse, it failed to justify independence that makes itself existing in paper and certain ceremonies enough for people to consider the legitimacy of Philippine "independence". What more of its other terms such as "peace and order regained", "Moral Regeneration", and even "liberation"?

Remember, most Filipinos were loyal to the Commonwealth, to the Stars and Stripes, and its Materialism that made "Peace Time" really "Peaceful" in most Filipino's  yearning eyes.



Defending the Country at all costs

The "Bureau of the Constabulary" as shown by the Japanese war magazine "FRONT"

Trying to invoke the existence of independence, the Japanese occupiers, through its spnsored "republic" afforded to create a "Bureau of the Constabulary" to serve as the country's gendarmerie, if not an official armed force. In its creation, a handful of former members of the American-trained Philippine Constabulary were being indoctrinated, trained and worked in that outfit in exchange for their freedom. 

And in it includes Posters urging Filipinos to join that said outfit, maybe as an expression that the Philippines should be defended as an independent nation as well as volunteer in the struggle for East Asia. Some of which were those made by well known artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco, who featured much a sense of "new-found patriotism" such as men waving the flag of the republic if not guarding for peace and labour such as farmers harvesting their rice.

Poster made by Botong Francisco
depicting the Constabulary as "defenders of the Republic"

Another poster made by Botong Francisco

Most of the uniforms featured in the posters (as well as the front cover of "FRONT") were similar to those of the commonwealth-era Constabulary: from pith helmets, khaki coloured shirts and pants, even pockets for bullets. The difference was the adoption of the seal of the republic as featured in their helmets. 

However, the Constabulary was all but a showcase, and most members escaped and became guerrilla fighters, that somehow the Japanese didn't trusted as such.  Besides the constabulary, here were armed Filipinos loyal to the Japanese forces itself. Groups like the PALAAK "Bamboo Army", the Pambansang Pag-Asa ng Mga Anak ni Rizal (PAMPAR), the Japanese armed and trained "United Nippon", and the dreaded Makabayang Katipunan ng Pilipino (MAKAPILI) which was known for its collaboration and "rooting out" spies, including those of innocents unjustly killed by the enemy. 

In fact, coming from a court statement made during the Liberation, it stated that collaborators did afford "to arm with a 1903 Springfield rifle, caliber .30, undergo 10 days training, consisting of military drill, manual of arms, and a target practice," enough to consider having a paramilitary group supported by the enemy and be considered as legitimate "volunteers of the republic" than the "constabulary" that was supposed to be mandated by law.

An illusion of productivity 

amidst actual poverty

During the Japanese Occupation and its sponsored republic, means of production were controlled by the Japanese and be redescribed as a "planned economy" by the propaganda units. Rice, Corn, Cotton, Manila Hemp, to those of Minerals like Copper were produced to support the war effort instead of proving the demands of the populace. Cotton, for instance, were planted and harvested in once-sugarcane fields for it was used for making Nitrocellulose, an ingredient for explosives, besides those of cloth needed for the military such as uniforms and bandages.

And although it was true that "Production bears Prosperity", and "To Plant Rice means Survival", and other various phrases exhorted by propganda units, it did not alleviate the problem on food for the masses as the production itself were directly allocated to the enemy. Attempts to support the masses, such as the "Bigasang Bayan" (People's Granary) and the "Rice and Corn Administration" (RICOA) failed to resolve issues on malnutrition and its serious effects besides Japanese control of production and distribution (stressing the military over the civilian populace). Worse, outbreak of epidemics such as dysentery, malaria, and Tuberculosis were prevalent. Starvation was rampant that somehow equated the occupation to misery as compared to the American-sponsored "Commonwealth" with its facade of prosperity.

But besides agriculture, some pictures did encouraged industry. In fact, similar to the Germans and its occupation of vital industries in occupied Europe, the Japanese did occupied and transformed factories and farms to produce needed materials. As an example, the Japanese Imperial Forces occupied the Tanduay Distillery compound with the intention of converting it into an alcohol fuel factory, and it had applied Filipinos working for a worthless currency. 

Moral reform, the use of National Language,

and the desire for National Survival

Apart from meeting immediate ends, the occupation as well as the "republic" tried to make the vision for the "New Philippines" work through a series of moral regeneration programs. These programs somehow required reorganisation, be it those of abolishing useless offices and creating new ones more responsive to immediate needs as well as long term planning.

On the moral front, the "republic" reestablished the prewar code committee in order to create a civil code in which to strengthen Filipino civic and moral character. Ideally, the code may reflect the Christian and Hispanic, as well as Asiatic character of the independent nation especially those of emphasising the role of the family as the country's basic social unit, the role of the community, and other various ideals that sadly, were not being published.

But one of the legacies left during the "republic" was the ides of developing a nationalist-oriented and relevant education in pursuit of developing a Filipino character through the "National Education Board". Traditional values, establishing love for the flag and the language, as well as building schools intended to impart the wartime youths the desire for independence as well as forces that makes a nation capable to stand on its own, if not "making it great." The language of instruction, Tagalog, was highly recognised and used as the national language according to "Military Ordinance no.13" that concerns the use of the native tongue in public use which was enacted in 1942. In it, the occupation and its sponsored "republic" pushed programs to spread the use of the language to the extent of Filipinising titles, public ordinances, and names of offices at the beginning of 1943. Those who wrote in English soon trying to study and write stories and various forms of literature in Tagalog in which few were continued to write even after the war.

However, there were also attempts made by the Japanese to use the language of the occupiers also as its "official language." Similar to Spain and the United States in introducing their language and culture, the Japanese wanted to instill its culture, particularly through its language as the "Language of East Asia" as well as means to "open Filipinos" in Asiatic culture. 

With the same enthusiasm as the Tagalog language, pamphlets were distributed about basic Japanese, followed by magazines that has sections on basic study of the language. It was also made a basic course in both primary and secondary schools when it was reopened during the new regime.

Defending the "republic" and East Asia at all costs

As the Japanese continue to fight against the Americans, it even produced posters showing the "republic" as a belligerent force willing to fight against the invader. With posters "challenging the Americans" to those of a renewed conflict, it tries to show that the "republic" was supportive of the efforts made by the Japanese in defending "Newly-Liberated" East Asia against the Anglo-American, French, and Dutch invaders, as well as its domestic allies fighting as guerrillas. 

Some posters even provoke fear especially when American forces bombed vital installations such as in Manila. Others tend to assert Japan's goal of "building the New Philippines" from the ashes of Anglo-Saxon repression. 

In this poster featured above, the war against the Americans was also depicted by the occupiers as a renewed conflict. First was the Philippine-American war which was happened in 1899, and the 1944 which declared the Philippines under a state of emergency. However, Jose P. Laurel was reluctant to declare a state of war (and even not mobilising the Constabulary), thus, creating mistrust from the Japanese occupiers with the latter shifting support from the rabid collaborators like those of Makapili, PAMPAR, and PALAAK paramilitary groups.

Conclusion

The Japanese occupation bear much scars than illusions. Scars in a sense that people from all walks of life sought the actually existing repression made by the enemy, regardless of the latter's illusion of redeeming its fellow Asiatic kindred, specifically the Filipinos from its Anglo-Saxon occupiers, and to regain peace, order within a sphere what they called "Co-Prosperity". 

Through its so-called "republic", it was described as Japan's "gift" to the Filipino people knowing that the Filipinos had really desired for it yet denied from its Anglo-Saxon occupier. Complete with a constitution, certain laws and decrees, legislature through the National Assembly, and even a president through the person of Jose P. Laurel. Laure did tried his best to put things in order amidst chaos and instability, both from the occupiers, guerrillas, corrupt officials, and the common people themselves whose motives were those of survival. His administration did tried to insist moral reform and spritiual regeneration the way his predecessor, Manuel Quezon did.

And like Quezon, he used both Tagalog and English in his statements and speeches, that somehow trying to keep Filipinos together knowing that through unity, solidarity, cultivation of values justifies self-determination on the Filipino's behalf, no matter how it was described "puppet" by its detractors and be criticized for its negligences that brought death and suffering to most Filipinos during the occupation. "Peace Regained?" Maybe, for that peace wasn't based on justice as what the "republic" insist, but "Fear" as the occupier continues to remain in every place, field, or even a path likely for a Guerillero ambush.

Personally, it may deem strange to post what comes from the other side of the fence. But to think that those posters and pictures were rarely seen, why not let it show and see every scene that is much described as an illusion, delusion, propaganda, or even a fraud as it tries to downplay the actually existing repression that made most Filipinos really yearned for an Independence that was fought, rather than given from the occupier. Be it from the Anglo-Saxon, or a fellow Asiatic.


Source:
Kasaysayan: The Story of the Filipino People, Asia Publishing Co. Ltd. 1998
Japanese Cultural Propaganda in the Philippines, Asian Studies, University of the Philippines

Darkness remains, Freedom in flames

Darkness remains

Freedom in flames

As this person observed, attachments to anything the system has offered, particularly those from its "state of the art" foreign master will find the desire to break free from the old order impossible for todays people.

Ranging from infrastructure to modern goods in nice packages, the system has trying to make everyone blind, deaf, and mute from the realities the system has badly done to its constituents. And for today's people, increasingly consumerist in character, rather cannot "bite the hands" that has been feeding their minds with various forms of fantasies. The system, however, is trying to cling as possible by means of adapting and modifying change into something that emphasises much of its own interests. 

That sometimes it may described as "reform" or even "revolution from above" for as the system "remolds" and "modernises" while keeping firm in its age old exploitative "traditions" rooted in interests; but to think that the system's character has nothing to do with the aspirations of the people except to exploit, of what are these remoldings then? The system's intention to "change" is to keep in its own interests ranging from adapting modern methods to parroting patriotic sentiment in case of what people currently expressed.

Quite strange to think that the intention to make "change" in pursuit of keeping firm in its interest doesn't even pave way to upliftment, particularly to the labouring people. For the system can't provide "truly and really serious" support for 11.1 million unemployed (or underemployed) masses and 1.2 million farmers having tenancy agreements. Of having "really existing" low wages (2-5%) regardless of rising productivity rates (26%) with 66 million relied on 125 pesos per day, and 67.2 % admitted being poor regardless of the system afforded to say a growing economy and a developed society. Hence, likely to describe that word "Change" as all but rhetorical for the system via its press releases if not "justified" by a series of half-hearted projects, that are obviously attempts meant to "appease" the clamouring people be it those having gadgets (yet burdened with higher taxes) to those working overtime for enough wages (yet burdened with higher prices). 

But whatever the system tries to assert their statements, the people's expression is more than just flag waving sentiment or a praising of old and new heroes clamouring for freedom alone, but also a clamour for real development that is based on the people's demand, be it justice, peace, land, and bread. It may deemed age-old for it was clamoured in the past, yet knowing that the present system has shrugged the people's demand and at the same time sensing a growing poverty and discontent, of what is change if it is not for the people? Remember: China has been threatening its neighbours particularly in the disputed islands including the Philippines, while the United States has been brewing conflicts in the middle east as well as in the Philippines itself through the present system; the neighbouring countries in southeast Asia has trying its best to stand up on its own with all the knowledge they inherit or acquired being used to practise their self-reliance and devlopment; but how about the Philippines? 

Well, based on observations, it is "natural" for the Filipinos to run towards Uncle Sam to fight against Fu Manchu, and tell the world that the country as weak and incapable of fighting against a stronger foe, calling for help from its neighbours whom likely to have half-hearted statements as they're also trying to keep their own national interests; but come to think of this: since the Filipinos also afforded to take pride in its struggle with its heroes like Rizal, Bonifacio, and Antonio Luna, of being industrious in the eyes of the west and east, and even babbling about self-reliance in case of the armed forces, then how about start making serious in its struggle for existence, of asserting the demand for national independence through self reliance than relying to a sly entity that has been assuming both as a savior and a rapist? There are less factories yet more commercial establishments controlled by the compradores; there are even more farmlands yet its peasants remained chained to its feudal pasts; several attempts for development coming from patriotic-minded individuals has been diluted, reduced to rhetorics, if not trashed altogether by the system whose perspective emphasised keeping firm in its compradore-feudal interests; and for decades the Philippines has not escaped from its indebtedness caused by loans from moneylenders like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, so is the decades-old benevolent assimilation whose legacy is a generation of Filipinos whose minds failed to break free from the dictates of the United States. Quite inconvenient though to read this post, knowing that Philippines, although situated in a southeast Pacific side of Eurasia, has not yet left from its Atlanticist "character" like any other repressed tributary self proclaimed as the free world.

Again, thanks to that benevolent assimilation that has created a generation of dependents and vassals to a developed superpower. The system benefited so much that they rather let multinationals and its own vassals exploit resources and labour for export as well as letting cheap imports take over every market, crippling local establishments and threatening jobs; than protecting its own enterprises, undertaking agrarian reform, undertaking a serious social welfare program, and urging everyone to roll their own sleeves and set new foundations of a developed state. Although it is appreciative to see contributions and benevolence coming from once colonisers be it those of Spain and the United States, its negative effects continues to linger with everyone yearning for social justice and self determination. "Plough, Work, Build the Nation, work and learn as ever yet" as one passage says to having a nation that is truly independent. But no! What people may ought to describe the present situation under the decadent dilapidated system is that "darkeness remains, freedom in flames."

Admittingly speaking, in seeing a renewed sense of patriotism, especially after watching movies like "Heneral Luna" and other related works, somehow lies a clamour for breaking free from its dependent past. It may take years, decades, even centuries with the system trying its "best" to negate that idea and reduce into a mere legacy like any other textbook summary only few ought to understand. Yes, true that the country has been weak for years up till the present, failing to confront bigger enemies and crying for outside help like everybody sees of it; but what makes it weak if not having a system being dependent from a so-called superpower, obedient to a retroactive policy, and repressive to those who are asserting national independence, dignity, peace, justice, land, and bread? Well, for sure everyone hears about terms like "unfinished revolution", "social volcano", "revolt of the poor", calling for a "moral recovery", upholding a "righteous path", anything populistic yet those who afforded to speak are also scared on those words as people, sick and tired of repression and crisis has been awaken and willing to make fire as possible! The system has been trying to put things under control from its own armed thugs to social media, from online trolls harassing the aware to prison cells full of those committed to the stuggle. Yes, that system who has afforded to talk about "blood and honour," "soil and freedom" to those of "revolt of the poor" is actually aggravating an existing issue, be it those of centuries-old feudalism, corrupt bureaucracy, a vassal of a foreign entity masquerading as a protector of the free world against its enemies.

***

Well, thanks to the book "Kasaysayan: History of the Filipino People" to feature posters made during the Japanese-Sponsored "Republic", for those works even reflect the aspirations such as a truly independent nation capable to stand up for themselves. True that darkness remains under the present order, and the people continues to rage against the dying of its own cherished light those who fought cherishedly given to them.

"One last message for this month"

"One last message for this month"

(Or a post-Heneral Luna message 

to those willing patriots of today)

This person knows that most people felt a renewed sense of patriotism especially after watching Heneral Luna.

 With all the comments, memes, quotes specifically pointing against modern day Paternos, Buencaminos, as well as culprits feigning innocence like Aguinaldo, it seems that todays people felt sense of dismay, hatred against an incompetent system repressing its own kind as well as willing to be submitted to someone else's wishes as if can guarantee "protection" or provide "development" no matter it is deemed fraudulent if not illusory as it was in the past.

This person, like those whom are concerned, knows that most people may felt dismayed if not offended for saying that the country needs to deemphasise its ties on those who exploit and repress everyone, be it the Americans, Chinese, even the system that controlled the Philippines for centuries that keeps the nation backward and dependent amidst its showcase of pride both in places, resources, and even heroes whose messages end diluted. Why offend? Is it because those countries like the United States has given bette education, development, anything that even a Filipino can make it better on its own? So much for benevolent assimilation in having a generation of mendicants yearning for economic aid and second hand trash if not series of loans that at the same time complaining as most of the national budget has been allocated to debt servicing if not in one's purse or pocket. And perhaps only few who has benefited from American-style education and culture who able to insist that the Philippines should be on its own way.

Maybe these few are like those of Luna and others who seriously adhere to preserving independence, that they are willing to give a damn just to assert the goal of breaking away from its "cherished contentments", such as keeping firm on its vested interests to the extent of giving up people's aspirations as done by his fellow Ilustrados in his time; and also willing to jump into the abyss, struggle in raging against the dying of the light the nation has carried for generations. For sure everyone has sought modern day Aguinaldos, Paternos, Buencaminos, Mascardos, and Janolinos underestimating and making hell out of today's Lunas, Sakays, Bonifacios, Nakpils, and Bernals just to keep firm in their interests. The latter needs everyone's help to so as overcome their adversaries' stupidity and assert further the aspirations that has long fought for its realisation.

Sorry for the sketch but people knows that the lunatic, the so-called "General Articulo Uno" would have expressed the vulgar expression as what everybody says (such as that dirty finger Luna's showing in that drawing), especially towards the still rotten system and the order that has been perpetuated. 

And maybe a reason enough to make hell out of them. Inconveniently true isn't it? 

That's all for now. ¡Adelante Compatriotas, Hasta la Muerte!

To the groom of death

"To the Groom of Death"

A poem Inspired by the movie Heneral Luna 

and the song "Novio de la Muerte"

All was but tragic after Kabanatuan

As you are being killed not by white-skinned foes 

But by your compatriots fueled by discontent

If not loyal by clique of traitors

Tired of seeing a "crazed lunatic" screaming out of truth and justice

That you wished freedom and independence finds appealing

Amidst calls for assimilation the prominent sees it good than fraud

That as if for the sake of peace and plenty

If not tired for blood and fire from places so many

All was but tragic at Kabanatuan

To see blood stained bolos

If not heated barrels in their revolvers and mausers 

Coming from the disgtuntled men in rayadillos and khakis

All loyal to a once-Kapitan del Barrio Synonymous with power

The affluent yet traitorous has rejoiced over your death

Hidden in their silence as your coffin marches on its way

While the patriotic yet silent sees the coming dismay:

"He is dead, the revolution is dead" as what it say

And days passed lies all but defeat

Minor victories not enough for days tragic as people weep

Of seeing houses burned and everyone to concentration camps

If not brutally raped or murdered in the name of the flag

Of a country once synonymous with freedom

The empire of liberty has devoured its children

That until today justice clamoured from its victims

While the traitors embraced a sugar coated fraud 

Enough to keep their interests firm with different names and moves

Strange those times for a nation trying to live

As the "benevolent" foe from the west marches in its way

Passing from trenches and mountains

Underestimating the struggle as barbaric brigands

To be educated by schoolbooks and krags

Of what were the three hundred thirty three years of bondage

The Hispanists called as a legacy of civilisation and ripe for independence

To be disregarded by the star sprangled gringos 

Whose slander is called benevolent exploitation?

Well, since war was his mistress from Manila to Kalookan, 

Lady death was his bride as he swore fighting till end in Kabantuan

As he told to the world must jump into the dark abyss 

Disregarding life for freedom amidst crisis

Willing to stay in hell tormenting foes such gore

So as for his country to live in paradise 

All is but silent in Kabanatuan

Waiting for an unlikely fate such as a bloodied flag 

Soiled by its foe's boots until night. 

And I am praying that freedom comes

Over apathies, anything unenlight

For my prayers were also once his

And others who died in the endless fight

They all married to death

If not war as its mistress

As they jumped into the dark abyss

For they knew their fates has been set

Just to bring freedom for a long suffering nation's bliss

An upsurge of "patriotism?"

An upsurge of "Patriotism?"

Notes after people taking interest in history

After watching Jerold Tarog's "Heneral Luna"

By Lualhati Madlangawa Guererro 

It's been days passed as Jerold Tarog's Heneral Luna has been shown in cinemas around the country, and in it lies hundreds, if not thousands of individuals becoming "patriots" if not "nationalists" overnight after seeing a movie about a hero whose love for country costs his life, worse, from a fellow Filipino or rather say, from a fellow Ilustrado.

At first, it deemed strange as this person knows that in the middle of continuous Yankee-isation of the Filipino mind, of favouring selling one's patrimony to vested interests, it seems that the movie has almost changed everyone's minds, if not swaying away from the typical chick flicks commonly shown both in movies and in TV. That through comments on social media sites, isn't it that amazing for a patriot to see an upsurge of patriotism over those of consumeristic fantasies that is commonly peddled in Television and in the Internet? How amazing.

However as the trend continues, this person also thinks that despite these "upsurge" does it also mean these people watching and commenting in social media sites "serious" in being patriotic citing Jerold Tarog's movie as its reference? Or simply just joining the bandwagon all after watching Rayadillo-clad men raising the battle standard if not well-known artists venting the human side of textbook demigods? Are they willing to lessen their usual Yankee-ness, Pseudo-Korean fantasies and the like, and instead harnessing their acquired skill and knowledge for the betterment of their Compatriots? Well, this person, like the others concerned, knows that certain Filipinos are actually Filipinos out of convenience if not easy to give up their own country all for "greener pastures" as they equate their homeland with those of poverty and despair. A few of those who left for developed countries maybe trying to resuscitate their patriotic fervor as they recall their origins, as others unjustly threw their origins altogether and simply "move on" as if everything as irrelevant in favour of a new life abroad.

But on the other hand, certain Filipinos at home has forgotten its own history especially those of its revolutionary heritage; maybe because with fads such as those of a distorted interpretation of "moving on", studying history has nothing to do with themselves, irrelevant besides part of one's schooling like any other subject like Mathematics and English. Yet with the "Heneral Luna" fad, these same people eventually put questions if not laughing every scene, particularly those of Epy Quizon's role as Apolinario Mabini doing nothing except sitting down and telling Aguinaldo (played by Mon Confiado) if he can able to "catch the wind" or drinking brandy with Felipe Buencamino and Pedro Paterno. 

Sorry to say this, but are these people ridiculing (rather than questioning the person or the scene) didn't know that Apolinario Mabini was the well-known "Sublime Paralytic" working hard for his country despite afflicted by Polio? Perhaps these people whom are just disregarding history for chrissakes reminds of those who listen to rumours about Mabini striken with Syphilis (according to his enemies) and mistaken for a whole truth! Quite worrying to some including yours truly, to think how existing educational policies if not the intentional apathy of most people resulted to such questions people may deem it as unworthy of a question and instead criticisisable because of its statement.

Well, despite all these problems be it those of shallowness and really existing apathies, it is the duty of Filipinos to educate people in spirit of rekindling heritage and reencountering one's identity as a Filipino. True that it is easier to malign them for being stupid rather than ignorant after seeing such ridiculous "questions", of disregarding their heritage in favour of today's shallowness commonly featured in Television and in Social Media. But also come to think that this person finds it amazing, especially in watching every scene enough to make everyone applause, of "becoming historians overnight" after watching that movie with all its cast, storyline, as well as cinematography, compared to the past ones that were as if these viewers were compelled by their teachers to watch: like Romnick Sarmenta's "Tirad Pass", Robin Padilla's "Alab ng Lahi", or even Jorge Estregan's "El Presidente" that made everyone even question Aguinaldo as a leader, a revolutionary, or even as a person driven by power. 

Sadly, "Heneral Luna" is not even encouraged by the Education Department compared to those earlier movies stated, while the Board of Censors rather gave the movie rated "R-13" that limits viewers to 13 years of age and above, that somehow one would ask "of what is enlightening the children then if the Education Department did not encourage watching Jerold Tarog's work?" In fact, that movie, despite its political incorrectness featured (foul language et al.) as well as graphically bloody scenes, is ideally for all audiences given its call for rekindling patriotic consciousness! 

A scene inspired from Juan Luna's Spoliarium
(Via Facebook)

Anyways, admittingly speaking, it would take years for everyone to be educated, and be inspired by the lessons of the past in order to rekindle their almost forgotten Filipinoness. If not mistaken, Imelda Marcos was right to say that culture has to be cultivated in pursuit of making the "New Filipino" regardless of its mediums knowing that in their respective work lies the intention of instilling a cherished value, the so-called force that makes a nation great and lasting as what today's "Heneral Luna" tends to invoke. 

Hope that the quest for reviving one's patriotism via today's "upsurge" of having most taking history for an interesting topic is more than just a trend, for the really concerned knows that anything has been treated like any other fad, and after these series of patriotic fervor that has been tempered with words be it those of "love" and "forever" these past few months, everyone will return to their frustrated illusions such as what commonly shown on their idiot screens. 

That's all for now. ¡Adelante Compatriotas!