GROUP 5

Annotation of Antonio Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas

Dr. Jose Rizal was a young doctor-writer

and the most outstanding member of the
Propaganda movement. He was born in 1861 to a
prosperous Chinese mestizo family from the
Province of Laguna, he displayed great intelligence
at the early age. After several years of medical
study at the University of Santo Tomas, he went to
Spain in 1882 to finish is studies at University of
Madrid. During the decade, Dr. Rizal’s name soared
and had been popular among small communities of
Filipino students in Madrid and other European
cities, became a leader and eloquent spokesman.

 On a wider scope, he had been geared in science and receive scholarship on that
field, particularly in Germany, where he formed close relation with prominent
naturalist and social scientists. As a brilliant individual with high respect to his
country, in his letter, “Mi Ultimo Adios”, he mentioned that the Philippines is a
“Pearl of the Orient Seas” as the described name of the Philippine Island which was
originated from the idea of the Spanish Jesuit missionary, Fr. Juan J. Delgado in
1751.

 His love for his country gave him an edge to write and criticize the Spanish
government in his two novels, drummed up the sentiments of the oppressed, but
called for peaceful reform under colonial rules. The published two novels are Noli
Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) in 1886 and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of the Greed)
in 1891.

 In his writings, Rizal drew on his personal experience and depicted the conditions of
the entire citizenry under the Spanish rulers, particularly the abuses of the friars.
Even the novels were banned by the friars, but the eagerness of the Filipinos never
ceased and much long to possesses it, a piece were smuggled and spread quietly
among Filipino enthusiast or nationalist and rapidly gained a wide audience and
readers.

 Dr, Rizal was arrested and executed on December 30, 1896 at the of 35. The death
sprang awareness and brought to a revolt. After the life offering, the neighboring
 countries recognized Dr. Rizal as the first nationalist that was hailed in the Pearl of
the Orient Seas.

Closes friend gave tribute to the national hero such as:

 Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, a rector of the Imperial Atheneum of

Leitmetritz, considered a brother to Dr. Rizal, verbatim mentioned that, “Rizal
was the greatest product of the Philippines and his coming to the world was like
the appearance of a rare comet, whose rare brilliance occur only every other
century”.

 Dr. Adolf B. Meyer, a German Director of the Dresden Museum, he remarkably

said that “Rizal’s many-sidedness was stupendous”.

 Moreover, our very own, a Resident Commissioner from the Commonwealth of

the Philippine Islands, Senator Camilo Osias pointed that Rizal is a “versatile
genius”.
 Every Filipino should know his absolute contribution to our country, and he
dreamt that every Filipino in his country has an equal playing field, master of his
own country and a cultivator of good deeds.

 For Dr. Jose Rizal, according to the well-respected national hero of the
Philippines, “the pen is mightier than the sword”. Through his literary
masterpieces, he voiced strong opposition on the abuses of Spaniards and
conveyed messages that he hoped would inspire his fellow countrymen. We
round up his best works and uncover the underlying meaning behind his
literature as follows:

1. To the Filipino Youth

 Rizal wrote this literary poem when he was still studying at the University of
Santo Tomas (UST). Originally written in Spanish “A la juventud Filipina” (To the
Philippine Youth), Rizal submitted this piece for a poem contest organized for
Filipinos by the Manila Lyceum of Art and Literature. At the age of 18, his work is
beaming with strong messages to convince readers, the youth in particular, that
they are the hope of the nation. He also stresses the importance of education to
one’s future. Rizal won the first prize and was rewarded with a feather-shaped
silver pen and a diploma.

2. Goodbye to Leonor

 This literary piece gives an insight into the romantic relationship of Rizal and his
beloved, Leonor Rivera. They met in the province of Dagupan, Pangasinan when
Rivera was only 13-years-old. Rivera’s parents were not in favor of their
relationship and though distance separated them, the two kept in touch by
sending letters and photographs to each other. Rizal later found out that his
loved lady would soon tie the knot with Henry Kipping, and the news definitely
disheartened him. The lonely, heartbreaking feelings, resulted in melancholic
poem.
3. To the Young Women of Malolos

 Addressed to the Filipino women. It reflects the inheritance values and a

reminder to all Filipino women - mothers, wives, and even the single women.
Throughout his literary piece, he highlights the qualities that Filipino mothers
should possess, the duties of wives to their husbands and children, and a
counsel on how young women should choose their lifetime partners. The idea
behind this letter sparked after he was impressed Rizal advised the women to
educate themselves, protect their dignity and honor, and live with good manners
- setting as a role model.

4. Kundiman

 A kundiman traditionally refers to a love song where a man serenades the

woman he loves. For scholars, this word was derived from the Tagalog phrase
“Kung Hindi Man” (if it should not be so) which suggests that people put their
faith in a Higher Being who decides whether or not something is meant for them.
But in Rizal’s literary work, he wrote a kundiman to profess his intense love for
his motherland. This piece reflects his high hopes that one day, the Philippines
would be free from treachery and injustice.

5. Junto Al Pasig

 It means beside the Pasig River, an English version of a play. In response to the
Jesuit’s request, Rizal wrote this one act play in Spanish language for the
“VELADA”, which is a night gala variety program during the principal feast days.
The story revolved to Leonardo (a young Filipino who has a strong faith in
Virgin), and the Diwata/Satan, who symbolize the Spanish oppression towards
the Filipinos. The theme gives highlights on the Christianity, good vs evil, and
paganism. December 8,1880, was the actual viewing of Velanda and he
dedicated it in the honor to Our Lady of Peace and Voyage of UST.

6. Noli Me Tangere

 It is one of the most valuable literature in Philippine literature until today, with
the English version, Touch Me Not. Driven by his undying love for his country.
Rizal wrote the novel to expose the sufferings of the Philippine society during the
Spanish colonial era. In his time, the Spaniards prohibited the Filipinos from
reading the controversial book because of the unlawful acts depicted the cruelty
of the colonial rules. They attempted to suppress the spreading of the novel but
they were not able to ban it completely.

7. El Filibusterismo

 This is Rizal’s sequel to his first book, Noli Me Tangere. In El Filibusterismo (The
Reign of the Greed), the novel exhibits a dark theme in which it depicts the
country’s issues and how the protagonist attempts a reform. Rizal dedicated his
second novel to the GOMBURZA - the Filipino priests named Mariano Gomez,
Jose Apolonio Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora who were executed on charges of
subversion.

 The story takes place 13 years after Noli Me Tangere, where revolutionary
protagonist Chrisostomo Ibarra is now under the guise of Simon - a wealthy
 jewelry tycoon. Because the novel also portrays the abuse, corruption, and
discrimination of the Spaniards towards the Filipinos, it was also banned in the
country at the time. The two novels of Rizal, now considered as his literary
masterpieces, both indirectly sparked the Philippine Revolution.

8. Mi Ultimo Adios

 During the final days in Fort Santiago of Manila, Rizal bid farewell to his motherland
and countrymen through his poems. Eventually, his co-reformist, Mariano Ponce
titled Dr. Rizal’s last poem, “Mi Ultimo Adios” or My Last Farewell. Some historical
accounts say he wrote it on the eve before his execution, while others claim that he
wrote the poem a few days before his death in Manila on December 30,1896.

The influence of Dr. Jose Rizal in his literature gave way to our own brilliant
writer to learn to express themselves thru their writings rather than resisting the colonial
rulers. He believed that the power of the minds is very important in expressing one’s
feeling.

SUCESOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS (Events in the Philippine Islands)

SUCESOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS tackle the history of the island, Philippines. The
history covered 1493-1603, from the first datus of King of colonizers and the discovery
of the islands from 1565.

 The author consequently touches more on the practical affairs of the islands and his
narratives and described the strength and weakness of policies of the government.
Including the political, social and economic phases of life of both native’s aborigine
and the conquerors. He described the true historic spirit and the various event that
occur in described islands, respectively. The futility of the Spanish policy in making
external expeditions; the internal affairs were neglected; the growth of trade which
the Chinese introduced; Japanese intention in colonization; missionary movements
from the islands to neighboring countries; the jealous and envious opposition of the
Portuguese; the dangers of sea-voyages; all these are portrayed vividly, yet
soberly.
 As being one of the first of published books regarding the history of the Philippines.
Morga’s position in the state allowed him to have access to many documents.
Having the access to all documents, it gives him the freedom to restudies and
benefited him in all aspects.

 In the latter, he declares his purpose to formalize his observances and comments
as mentioned, “the deeds achieved by the Spaniards in the discovery, conquest,
and conversion of the Filipinas Islands - as well as various features that they have
had from time to time in the great Kingdoms and among the pagans, the people
surrounding the islands’ may be known.

 The greatness of the monarchy of the Spanish kings is due to the care with which
they have defended within their hereditary kingdoms, the Holy catholic faith taught
by the Roman church, against all enemies who oppose it, or seek by various errors
to obscure its truth which the kings have disseminated throughout the world. Thus,
by mercy of God, they preserve their Kingdoms and subjects in purity of the
Christian religion, meriting thereby their glorious title and renown of “Defenders of
the Faith”.

 Moreover, by the valor of their indomitable hearts, and at the expense of their
revenues and possessions, they have ploughed the seas with Spanish men and
discovered and conquered vast kingdoms in most remorse and unknown parts of
the world. They have led the inhabitants of these regions to a knowledge of true
God, and into the fold of Christian Church, in which those peoples now live,
governed with civil and political matters with peace and justice, under the shelter
and protection of the royal arm and power, which were wanting to them when
weighed down by blind tyrannies and barbarous cruelness on which the enemy of
the human race had so long reared them for himself.

 For this reason, the crown and scepter of Spain had extended themselves whenever
the sun sheds its light, from its rising to its setting, with the glory and splendor of
their power and majesty, and the Spanish monarchy have excelled the other princes
of the earth by having gained innumerable souls or heaven, which has been Spain’s
principal intention and its wealth.

 These, together with great riches and treasures which Spain enjoys, and the
famous deeds and victories which it has won cause the whole world to magnify and
extol its lofty name and the energy and valor of its subjects, who in accomplishing
these deeds have lavished their blood.

 Having won America, the fourth part of the earth, of which the ancients knew
naught, they sailed in the course of the sun until they discovered an archipelago of
may islands in the eastern ocean, adjacent to father Asia, inhabitants by various
peoples, an abounding in rich metals, precious stones, and pearls and all kind of
fruit. There raising the standard of the Faith, they freed those peoples from the
yoke and power of the demon, and placed them under the command and
government of the Faith.

 Consequently, they may justly raise in those islands the pillars and trophies of Non
plus ultra which the famous Hercules left on the shore of the Cadle Sea, which were
 afterward cast doen by the strong arm of Carlos V, our sovereign, who surpassed
Hercules in great deeds and enterprises.

This is Morga’s interpretation and observation on the event and experiences of the
natives in the island when the Spaniards had conquered the entire country and
government. And another conquest, the American won the battle and gain the power,
eventually the Filipino people had this chance to have democracy.

DR. JOSE RIZAL’S ANNOTATIONS TO MORGA’S 1609 PHILIPPINE

HISTORY

This era and almost all of us, brought up in ignorance of our country’s past
history. It is deemed necessary to quote the testimony of an illustrious Spaniard who in
the beginning of the new era controlled the destinies of the Philippines and had personal
knowledge of our ancient nationality in its last days.

Governor Antonio de Morga was not only the first to write but also the first to
publish Philippine history. This statement has regard to the concise and concrete in
which our author has treated the matter. Father Chirino’s work printed in Rome in 1604,
is rather a chronicle of the Missions than a history of the Philippines, still it contains a
great deal of valuable material on usages and customs. The worthy result in fact admits
that the abandoned writing political history because Morga had already done, so one
must infer that he had seen the work in manuscript before leaving the islands.

Dr. Jose Rizal, make clarification on the observation made by the Dr. Morga in
his manuscript:

 Christian religion, Doctor Morga appears to commented on the Roman Catholic

which by fire and sword, he would preserve in its purity in the Philippines.
Nevertheless, in other lands, notably Flanders, these means were ineffective to
keep the church unchanged or to maintain its supremacy, or even to hold its
subjects.

 Kingdoms were indeed discovered and conquered in the remote and unknown
parts of the world by Spanish ships, but to spanish who sailed in them, we may
add Portuguese, Italians, French, Greeks, and even Africans and Polynesians.
The expedition captained by Columbus and Magellan, one a Genoese Italian and
the other a Portuguese, as well as those that came after them. Although Spanish
fleets, wtill were manned by many nationalities and in them went negroes,
Moluccans, and even men from the Philippines and Marianes Islands.

 Three centuries ago, it was the custom to write as intolerantly as Morga does,
but nowadays it would be called a bit presumptuous. No one has monopoly of
the true God nor is there any nation or religion that can claim, or at any rate
prove, that to it has been given the exclusive right to the creator of all things or
sole knowledge of His real being.
  The conversion by the Spaniards were not as general as their historians claim.
The missionaries only succeeded in converting a part of the people of the
Philippines. Still there are Mahometans, the Moros, in the southern …

 Malate, better Maalat, was where the Tagalog aristocracy lived after they were
dispossessed by the Spaniards of their old homes in what is now the walled city
of Manila. Among the Malate residents were the families of Raja Matanda and
Raja Soliman. The men had various positions in Manila and some were employed
in the government work nearby. “They were very courteous and well-mannered”,
says San Agustin. “The women were very expert in lacemaking, so much so that
they were not at all behind the women of Flanders”.

 Morga’s statement that there was not a province or town of the Filipinos that
resisted conversion or did not want it may have been true of the civilized natives.
But the contrary was the fact among the mountain tribes. We have the testimony
of several Dominican and Agustinian missionaries that it was impossible to go
anywhere to make conversions without other Filipinos along and a guard of
soldiers. Otherwise, says Gaspar de san Agustin, there would have been no fruit
of the Evangelic Doctrine gathered, for the infidels wanted to kill the Friars who
came to preach to them. An example of this method of conversion given by the
same writer was a trip to te mountains by two Friars who had numerous escorts
of Pampangans. The escort’s leader was Don Agustin Sonson who had a
reputation for daring and carried fire and sword into the country, killing many,
including the chief, Kabadi.

 “The Spaniards, say Morga, were accustomed to hold as slaves such natives as
they bought and others that they took in the forays in the conquest or
pacification of the islands”. Consequently, in this respect the “pacifiers”
introduced no moral improvement. We even do not know if their wars the
Filipinos used to make slaves of each other, though that would not have been
strange, for the chronicles tell of captives returned to their own people. The
practice of the Southern pirates almost proves this, although in these piratical
wars the Spaniards were the first aggressors and gave them their character.

Dr. Jose Rizal did not hesitate to share Morga’s historical reports about the Pearl of the
Seas and to his fellow countrymen. He himself indeed want to know the forgotten
history from several colonizers. He published the book for the consumption of his
comrades