Guide Questions

1. What are the factors in the political, economic and intellectual awakening of the Filipinos
in the 19th century?

• Democratic movement in Europe at the beginning of the 19th century

• Revolution of Spanish Colonies in America
• Spread of liberalism movement
• Opening of the Philippines to World Trade
• Boom of the Sugar Industry and Export Economy
• Flourishing economy
• Refusal of the Spanish government to give rights to the Filipinos
• Discrimination and abuse of Spaniards against native-born Filipinos and Mestizos
• Discrimination of Spanish priests towards Filipino priests and abuse of power
• Secularization of the Church
• Rizal’s writings that contain themes of nationalism and exposes the crimes of the
Spaniards

2. How did the 19th century liberal ideas influenced Rizal’s life, writings and consciousness?

The 19th-century liberal ideas influenced Rizal to be critical and conscious of the
sufferings and grievances experienced by Filipinos at the hands of the Spaniards. It
encouraged him to step as a leader and be the voice of a suppressed nation deprived
by its supposed rulers of rights to live freely in their motherland. The Philosophy
of Enlightenment nurtured Rizal’s mind and transformed it into one that is moved
by reason, scientific method, and progress. Rizal’s intellect grew parallel with his
nationalistic thoughts. As he gained more knowledge, his desire of creating a nation
where Filipinos are on equal terms with Spaniards grew. With the influence of
Krausism, Rizal decided that writing his current reality in the form of a novel story
was the best way to spread the word of the Spaniard’s misdeeds and evoke the civic
consciousness of his fellow countrymen. His works narrated the horrifying tales of
abuse, corruption, discrimination, and cruelty committed by the Spanish
government and priests.

With the influence of Deism, Rizal lost his faith in the Spanish friars completely.
He reproached them for tolerating and participating in the acts of debauchery
committed against Filipino people when they should have been their refuge. From
then on, Rizal became a realist believing only in the things that unfolds before his
eyes. He refused to believe in objects that can't be defined by reason such as the
bible, religion, and miracles, which he considered false and man-made.
Furthermore, Rizal strongly believed that education was the key to the country's
prosperity and freedom. He dreamed of educating his countrymen, ridding them of
their ignorance, and training them how to use their minds properly. By doing so,
the Spaniards would see the Filipinos as less tolerant of tyranny, and would be the
first ones to give the Filipino their long sought freedom. Unfortunately, his dream
of a peaceful revolution did not come true. As Rizal’s influence soared, Spain’s
 desire to dispose him grew more. Later on, he was arrested and executed for
grounds of treason. Eventually, his spirit of nationalism and patriotism was passed
on to his countrymen. And his death became the fuel that drove all Filipinos to
unite and revolt against the Spaniards.

3. How did the Chinese mestizos gain influence in the history of the Philippines?

• Chinese mestizos used their innate talent in business and economics to build their
influence and reputation in the Philippines. After the Spaniards restricted the
Chinese from doing trade in the Philippines, Chinese mestizos emerged as the new
head of the economic sector and steadily built their way towards complete
dominance over the Philippines’ economic and commercial activities. They
engaged in landholding, wholesale trading, money-lending, and agricultural
activities. Through these things, they garnered immense influence, riches, and
lands. By the 19th century, the position of the Chinese mestizos in the Philippines
was firmly established. And they were seen by the Spaniards as an indispensable
element for the economic prosperity of the Philippines.

4. What are the gender specific implications of the 19th century changes in the Philippine
economy?

• Men compared to women were more supervised by the State because of their
likelihood to be involved in travel, smuggling, and violent crimes. They were lesser
strict to women because they believe women were traditionally confined to areas
where they can be overseen by existing authorities. Because of this, women were
relatively freer to commit crimes and still go undetected by the authorities.
• Women were now able to register property transactions with provincial scribes and
notaries. They were also more affected with the regulation of the industrial labor
and professions.
• Schools for women where established and curriculum for girls were made, which
emphasized needlework, religion, and music. Women were able to learn how to
read and write.
• The increase in commercial activity and economic boom opened several job
openings for Filipinos. There was an enormous growth in the number of official
positions available to Filipino men. By this time, women were allowed to be part
of the workforce, which decreased there time of staying at home. They were
allowed to have official responsibility this time, especially in the education sector.
Some women were also employed as cigar makers, domestic servants, store
vendors, seamstresses, school teachers, midwives, embroiders, and prostitute.
• There was a subtle shift in gender roles and family dynamics. Since women were
now able to work, they depended less on their spouses. Some women, whose
spouses were always away from home, became the head and main support of their
families.

5. How did these implications change the life of women in Spanish colonial Philippines?
• Women were given some degree of autonomy and rights to participate in activities
they were typically not allowed to join in the past. They were presented with a
chance to work in different industries, which provided them with the opportunity
to support themselves and become less dependent on their spouses. Because of
these changes, women are now able to support their families without any help from
men. They also became the head of their families since their husbands were always
away from home. During this time, women were now able to stand on their own
two feet and be free to do their own bidding.