Coleen G.

Marquez ABM 12A September 18, 2019

UCSP Assignment

Las Viajeras is a fictional play that mainly focuses on the conversation of Josephine
Bracken, who was known as Jose Rizal’s common-law wife and Gregoria De Jesus, the wife of
Andres Bonifacio. The setting of the play happened in a ship that is travelling from Ilo-ilo to
Manila. The conversation of the characters revolves around their personal lives and their love
stories. Josephine Bracken, was called by many as Rizal’s mistress right after his exile in
Dapitan. Many people shamed her but she remained strong.

Josephine’ life was full of lies. She lied to most of the people who tried to know her
including Gregoria. She lied about her parents and Jose whom she said she married and lost the
papers when in fact, they were not married at all. Despite not being married for real, Josephine
still cared for Jose like he is her own real husband. On the other hand, Gregoria’s life was not
easy. Months after the death of Andres, she was promised to marry Julio, a very good friend of
her. She was torn between marrying Julio and still mourning for Andres’ death.

These two characters have both similarities and differences. They have been both a great
part of the lives of Philippine’s dearest heroes. They may have different situation but the fact that
both of them have somehow undergone the same level of pain, they are both on the same page.
Their conversation in the ship opened a new perspective for everyone who watched the play. We
have known Josephine Bracken and Gregoria De Jesus more than what the books and internet
may tell us. Their lives back then were the proof that it was not really easy to fight for not only
your love ones but also your country. They have taken part on the revolution to fight for the
rights of every Filipino.

Josephine, who was not a native of the country, has taken part because she met Jose
Rizal. Gregoria joined the Katipunan to help Andres fight for what he believes in. Both of the
characters have possessed great value on the welfare of the country that they live in. On the
middle part of the story, Josephine tried to persuade Gregoria to come with her to Hong Kong
and start a new life. However, Gregoria refused for she believes that the country needs her.

These women’s love and determination have brought them to where they were back then.
Their sweats and efforts were paid off and they were recognized for those things they have done
for the country. The play was full of heavy emotions, a sprinkle of laughter and a ton of lessons
learned. I have realized that these people who took an effort to protect the country and fight for
the rights of Filipinos have been dealing with their own personal problems too. But nevertheless,
they still have the courage to prove that women are not just mere house wives, they are more
than that. They are more than what the society asks them to be.