Darienne C.

Trespeces BSA1-B

Direction: Watch the Film: "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?" directed by Eddie

Romero (1976) and answer the following questions:

1. Describe the nineteenth-century Philippines as represented in the film. (5 pts)

 As depicted in the film, the Philippines was under the Spanish colony throughout the nineteenth
century. It was demonstrated that the priests were powerful at the time because they had close
ties with the Spanish government and a large amount of riches. Because to the savagery of the
Spaniards, Filipinos were living in fear. Some of them chose to live in a mountainous area in
order to hide. It was also a period of Frailocracy, or the marriage of the church and the state,
which resulted in Friars owning Haciendas, which meant Filipinos who had occupied those lands
prior to the arrival of the Spaniards became tenants with expensive land rentals. Despite the
fact that the Guardia Civil was tasked with maintaining domestic peace and order, the officers
were poorly trained and disciplined, resulting in widespread abuses and mistreatment.

2. Based on your readings and class discussions, what can you say about the film's representation of the
nineteenth century? (5 pts)

 The film depicted the situation of Filipino independence from the time of the Spanish colonizers
to the time of the American colonizers. Despite the fact that the picture dragged at times, it was
able to approach essential yet sensitive themes in a very imaginative, funny, and symbolic way
that allowed little room for boredom; these include the Spaniards' mistreatment of Filipinos, the
strife between the rich and the poor, and the Filipinos' ignorance or lack of education in the
provinces during those years.

3. What is the main question that the film seeks to answer? What is your reflection based on the film
and your understanding? (10 pts)

 Kulas, the film's primary character, was constantly asking who the term "Filipino" referred to,
and he always got different responses. Father Gil Corcuera and Lim both claimed that the
Spaniards were Filipinos at one point. Don Tibor, on the other hand, stated that Filipinos were
those who were willing to take on duties. Kulas didn't care who he asked because there was no
one way to characterize a Filipino. He would always get diverse responses because we all
represent the Filipino people; all of our habits, attitudes, and misfortunes make up the Filipino
identity, which is why we must protect it and ensure that it serves the betterment of our
country. This concept appealed to me because it not only depicts an ordinary farmer attempting
to figure out what it takes to be a true Filipino, but it also represents everyone in the globe
today who is searching for his or her role as a Filipino citizen. They all contribute to the Filipino
identity, whether it's through service in healthcare-related areas or planting enormous amounts
of rice for the Filipino people's sustenance.
 . Another topic that piqued my curiosity was how Kulas' satisfaction levels plummeted as he
learned more about the world. Even though he loses his house, horse, and all of his other goods
at the beginning of the film, you can clearly see his happy-go-lucky attitude, but as he began to
study books and learn more about the social difficulties and feuds in the Philippines, his
happiness began to evaporate. It also made me wonder if I was a Filipino back then, when I
didn't give a damn about what was going on in my country, especially after watching the movie
and hearing Don Tibor say that Filipinos were people who were willing to take on responsibilities
and serve their country. Kulas' pagkamang-mang (ignorance) may have amused us during the
film, but laughing at him is no different than laughing at the province's farmers who had access
to education during the Spanish and American colonial periods. Because of his lack of expertise,
he may have had some disputes with others, but he never quit up. Nothing could possibly keep
him from knowing more than he already knew. I believe he personifies the Filipino identity, with
his never-ending quest for knowledge, deep respect for each person, and readiness to fight for
the country. These are the attitudes and ideals that should drive our future endeavors since they
are the same attitudes that helped us, Filipinos, break free from our colonizers and prove our
national worth as more than the Indios we were dubbed.