1. Recognize the Historical Background of Filipino Nationalism.

2. Relate the other concepts of Filipino Nationalism.

3. Evaluate the different ways to show Filipino Sense of Nationalism.
4. Recall the Philippine Symbols that Promotes a Sense of Nationalism, the Important Dates
and Persons in the Rise of Filipino Nationalism, Three leading Reformists in 19th Century
and Other Filipino Reformists.

Filipino nationalism refers to the establishment and support of a political identity

associated with the modern nation-state of the Philippines, leading to a wide-ranging campaign for
political, social, and economic freedom in the Philippines. This gradually emerged out of various
political and armed movements throughout most of the Spanish East Indies but which has long
been fragmented and inconsistent with contemporary definitions of such nationalism as a
consequence of more than three centuries of Spanish rule. These movements are characterized by
the upsurge of anti-colonialist sentiments and ideals which peaked in the late 19th century led
mostly by the “ilustrado” or landed, educated elites, whether peninsulares, insulares, or native
(Indio). This served as the backbone of the first nationalist revolution in Asia, the Philippine
Revolution of 1896. The modern concept would later be fully actualized upon the inception of a
Philippine state with its contemporary borders after being granted independence by the United
States by the 1946 Treaty of Manila.

Historical Background of Filipino Nationalism

In the years before the 11th century, the Philippines was divided into numerous
principalities known as barangays, a name derived from Malayan boats called balangays. These
small political units were ruled by datus, rajahs or sultans.

In 1565, European colonization began in earnest when Spanish explorer Miguel López de
Legazpi arrived from Mexico and formed the first European settlements in Cebu. Beginning with
just five ships and five hundred men accompanied by Augustinian monks, and further strengthened
in 1567 by two hundred soldiers, he was able to repel competing Portuguese colonizers and to

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create the foundations for the Spanish colonization of the Archipelago. In 1571, the Spanish
occupied the kingdoms of Maynila and Tondo and established Manila as the capital of the Spanish
East Indies. This Spanish colonization united the Philippine archipelago into a single political
entity.
Luzon has been the dominant island since the era of Spanish colonialism and played an important
role in the national movement. While predominantly Christian, the southern islands (Mindanao,
and the Sulu Archipelago) have a significant Muslim population since the 14th century, having
arrived in the island with traders and missionaries along the routes that follow Borneo's coast.

The start of Filipino nationalism (1760s–1820s)

The term "Filipino" originally referred to the Spanish criollos of the Philippines. During their 333-
year rule of the Philippines, the Spanish rulers referred the natives as indios.

Also, during the colonial era, the Spaniards born in the Philippines, who were more known as
insulares, criollos, or Creoles, were also called "Filipinos." Spanish-born Spaniards or mainland
Spaniards residing in the Philippines were referred to as Peninsulares. Those of mixed ancestry
were referred to as Mestizos. The Creoles, despite being regarded by the Peninsulares as inferior
to them, had enjoyed various government and church positions, and composed the majority of the
government bureaucracy. The sense of national consciousness came from the Creoles, who now
regard themselves as "Filipino". It was brought to its advent by three major factors:

1) economy,

2) education and

3) secularization of parishes

These factors contributed to the birth of the Filipino Nationalism. The opening of the
Philippines to the international or world trade, the rise of the middle class, and the influx of Liberal
ideas from Europe were only a few examples of how the Philippines developed into a stable
country. "The first manifestation of Philippine nationalism followed in the decades of the 1880s
and the 1890s, with a reform or propaganda movement, conducted both in Spain and in the
Philippines, for the purpose of “propagandizing” Philippine conditions in the hopes that desired
changes in the social, political and economic life of the Filipinos would come about through
peaceful means."

OTHER CONCEPTS OF FILIPINO NATIONALISM

Nationalism, in the context of Philippine experience, initially develops as a consciousness

of the belonging to one people-the Hispanic and Catholic Community all over the Spanish empire.
This sentiment was quite limited, based on the political, religious, social and intellectual
perceptions of the archipelago as an integral unit co- equal with the other peoples of the empire in
Spain, America and elsewhere.

The assumed cultural unity, though universalistic in aspirations, was modestly nationalistic
in program and goals. It conceived of the unity of the colonies and the mother country, and stressed
the Hispanism of all peoples composing the imperial cosmopolitan society. In short, the basic
concept of nationalism was oneness and identification with a universal and imperial Spanish
society. In reality though, when first conceived and disseminated, certain objective facts were
gleaned over or ignored.

The cultural integration of the Philippines was quite incomplete. Politically and territorially
Spanish hegemony was only limited to Luzon, the Visayas and the coastal areas of Mindanao.
Even in those places, two problems at least were never resolved by Spanish power- in the interior
and remote areas peopled by the ethnic Filipinos and the remontados who represented a counter-
culture were never integrated; and, the administrative dilemma presented by the struggle between
localism and centralism continued to pester the Spaniards.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO SHOW FILIPINO SENSE OF NATIONALISM

1. Respect the Philippine flag and value the Filipino identity.

2. Be productive citizen.
3. Be aware of the issues of the country.
4. Patronize and support our product.
5. Preserve the Filipino culture.
6. Stand proud for every Filipinos achievement.
7. Respect everyone and value our traditions.
8. Speak out our own language
9. Remember and commemorate our heroes' sacrifices in our country.
10. Love our family, our neighbors and our compatriots.

A. SYMBOLS THAT PROMOTES A SENSE OF NATIONALISM 2

1. The Philippine Flag

The Philippine flag carries the colors and elements that symbolize the country’s struggle
to gain its freedom after almost 400 years of oppressive Spanish domination and subjection. The

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band of royal blue should always on top the crimson band to signify the prevalence of peace,
justice, freedom.

Otherwise, hoisting the flag in a manner that places the red band, which symbolizes valor
and patriotism, over the blue band, signifies that the country is in state of war.

a) Evolution of Philippine Flag3

33 Goggle-Evolution of Philippine Flag; malacanang.gov.ph/wp-content/up[0ads/poster-flags-0617.png

 b) History of Philippine Flag

2. Lupang Hinirang

Caviteño Julian Felipe composed the music to our national hymn. Jose Palma wrote the\
poem entitled Filipinas. It became the words of our anthem. We sing our national hymn to signify
our unity as a nation. It is sung during flag-raising ceremonies and whenever there is an official
and important event. We stand proud when we sing it, placing our right hand on our left breast,
and we remember our heroes who gave their lives for our independence.
3. Philippines Pearl4

“Pinctada maxima” is a species of pearl oyster, a marine bivalve mollusk in the family
Pteriidae, and the pearl oysters. There are two different color varieties: the Silver-lipped oyster
and the Gold-lipped oyster. These bivalves are the largest pearl oysters in the world. They have a
very strong inner shell layer composed of nacre, also known as "mother of pearl" and are important
to the cultured pearl industry as they are cultivated to produce South Sea pearls.

The South Sea pearl or Philippine pearl was declared by Philippine President Fidel Ramos as the
national gem in 1996 through Proclamation No. 905. The oyster and pearl are depicted on the
reverse side of the Philippine New Generation Currency Series 1,000-peso bill.

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 The Philippines are the traditional pearls and shells. At present cultured pearl farming is
important. The Philippines are known as an important source of golden South Sea Pearls. White
South Sea pearls are also produced. Most pearl farming activity is located in the island of Palawan.

4. Sampaguita5

The Philippine national flower is the “sampaguita”, which was declared as the national
flower in 1934 during the American occupation of the Philippines under the administration of
General Frank Murphy. The closest derivation of the name sampaguita is the Sanskrit word
sampenga for champaca, legends have it that the name was derived from the words sumpa kita (I
vow to you). Hence, the sampaguita flowers symbolize the Filipino’s sense of commitment to a
vow or duty to always keep a promise no matter what. However, in today’s more practical context,
the sampaguita flowers symbolize hope for some of the poor Filipino folks.

Sampaguita, the National Flower of Philippines, is grown in the tropics, mostly for its rich
fragrance. Its complex chemical composition makes it a worthwhile option for medicinal and
ornamental purpose. Here’s a detailed look at the prominent attributes and uses of this intoxicating
flower.

According to Filipino legend, a jasmine shrub grew on the grave of an ill-fated lover who
waited for the other to fulfill a promise. Thus, the name Sampaguita is derived from the words
“sampal kita”, which means “I promise.”

Sampaguita is the common name for Jasmin Sambac in Philippines. A native of

Southwestern and Southern Asia. It is believed to have first originated in the Himalayas. It was
being brought to the Philippines by some travelers in the 17 TH Century. However, it is now a part
of the country’s landscape and also its culture.

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 Unlike other species-of jasmine, Sampaguita is a tropical ever-green shrub that flowers
throughout the year. Although the size of its flowers is smaller than some other species, it is much
more flagrant than the other.

5. Narra tree6

The Philippine national tree is the sturdy and durable narra, which symbolizes the Filipino
people’s indomitable spirit and strength of character. The tree is agriculturally useful as a
windbreaker to protect vegetations food crops and as natural fencing for pastures. The narra tree
was officially declared as a national symbol by Gen. Frank Murphy along with the sampaguita’s
declaration in 1934.

Pterocarpus indicus is a specie of Pterocarpus naïve to the Southeastern Asia, Northern

Australasia and Western Pacific Ocean Islands, in Cambodia, Southernmost China, East Timor,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, The Philippines, the Ryukyu, the Solomon Islands,
Thailand and Vietnam.7

6. The Philippine Eagle

In 1992, one of the eggs rescued by the Philippine Eagle Foundation had hatched
successfully and the chick was given the name “Pag- asa”, which means hope. Since then the
Philippine eagle has symbolized the nation’s concerted effort to rebuild and save the remaining
rainforest. Although Filipinos are largely known for their differences in religion, language and
ideologies they have always manifested the willingness to unite as one nation if it means working
for the good of all.

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 With The impressive plumage and majestic stance, the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga
jeffereyi) is one of the world’s most iconic birds of prey. It stands out, even among its fellow
eagles, for more reasons than one. Endemic to the Philippines, it has been officially recognized as
the country’s national bird since 1995, as per Proclamation No. 614. This gryphon-like hunter is
one of the three largest eagles in the world (alongside the Harpy Eagle and Steller’s Sea Eagle. It’s
the only bird of prey (or raptor) known to have blue-gray eyes (as opposed to other species with
brown, orange, or yellow eyes).

Along the Philippine Eagle’s bright blue-gray eyes comes remarkable eyesight. Raptors
need this to survive, as they must be able to find food while in flight or from the distance. The
Philippine eagle is said to be able to see eight times as far as human beings can, and is able to spot
prey from up to 2 km (1.24 mi) away.

The Philippine eagle is among the rarest raptors in the world and not just because of its
unique traits. Based on statistics from the Philippine Eagle Foundation, there are only about
300,400 pairs of critically endangered bird left in the wild. This estimate was based on the average
distance between known nesting sites. Despite being protected by law, this proud eagle sadly
remains a victim of deforestation and illegal hunting.

7. Arnis

Republic Act 9850 of 2009 is the official declaration of arnis, as the country’s national
sport and form of martial art, signed by then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Arnis refers to
one or two sticks made from rattan, and used as weapons for defending one’s self by way of
striking, thrusting and parrying techniques to immobilize an attacker. The Department of
Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) proposed its official recognition as a national weapon for
martial arts to reawaken the country’s sense of nationalism and patriotism, as well as pride for the
country’s historical development. The objective is to instill among the Filipino youths, the
appreciation of a national heritage being recognized by foreign countries.
 ARNIS is the Philippines’ national sport and martial art which is also called Kali or
Eskrima/Escrima. It is a form of martial art focusing on weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives,
bladed weapons, and different improvised weapons. It also includes techniques like hand-to-hand
combat, grappling, joint locks, and weapon disarming.

HISTORY8

• Arnis is a form of martial arts that was developed by the indigenous peoples of the
Philippines, although the modern form is influenced by 15th-century Spanish fencing.
• They fought for combat and self-defense during conflicts between the various Prehispanic
Filipino tribes or kingdoms using different weapons, mainly bladed weapons or sticks, and
in some places, the emphasis was on hand-to-hand combat.
• However, most practitioners of the system lacked the necessary education to create any
form of written record or documentation.
• A record of Arnis exists only from after the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines.
• In 521, the use of Arnis was first recorded when the chieftain of Mactan, Datu Lapu-lapu,
and his tribesmen, equipped only with bladed weapons and fearsome Arnis abilities,
successfully defeated the Spaniards and killed Ferdinand Magellan when they tried to
invade.
• The Spaniards prohibited the traditions of Arnis when they successfully conquered parts of
the Philippines.
• However, it was still preserved with the use of sticks in the forms of ritual dance,
performance, and mock battles.

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 • Despite the presence of guns during the Philippine revolutions against the Spaniards, blades
also played a huge part as most of the wounded Spanish soldiers seen in the streets had
knife wounds.
• The Americans first encountered Arnis during the Philippine-American War in events such
as the Balangiga massacre where a vast number of American units were hacked to death or
gravely injured by bolo-wielding guerrillas in 1901.
• During World War II, several Filipino battled hand-to-hand against the invading Japanese
and also used blades as guerilla fighters or as military units under the USAFFE such as the
Bolo Batallion (known today as the Tabak Division). The guerilla waged by the Arnisadors
was so sufficient that the Japanese Empire controlled only 2 out of 48 provinces of the
Philippines.
Other Names and Filipino Martial Arts

• Some peple say Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali are different words. However, they are all
effectively the same and are all part of FMA (Filipino Martial Arts).
• The term Arnis comes from a Spanish word meaning “armor” and is the term used in the
northern parts of the Philippines. It refers to the warrior’s ability to protect themselves with
their weapon.
• Escrima/askrima, from the Spanish term esgrima which means ‘fencing’, is more
influential in the central part of the Philippines.
• The term Kali is possibly derived from K”Calis”, (Spanish spelling), the pre-Hispanic
Filipino term for blades and fencing, which is commonly used in the southern part of the
Philippines.
• These are the here umbrella terms for Filipino martial arts or FMA.
• FMA focuses on the use of bladed weapons in defensive positions including empty-handed
striking and grappling based on the movements used while practicing with weapons.
• To train safely, they use a stick as a sword but the Philippines has a blade culture, thus,
everything they teach translates back to blades.
WEAPONS

• The baston (Spanish and Filipino for “cane”) is the primary weapon used in this traditional
martial art and usually measures 28 inches long. They also considered this weapon sacred
by ARNISADORES.
• Aside from tis, they also use knives, blades, spears, bolo, the Indonesian dagger Kalis and
the single-edged sworn kampilan from Mindanao for the sport’s sharp-edged weapons.
• They also include hand-to=hand combat, grappling, and weapon disarming techniques.
IMPORTANCE AND LEGACY

• The blade culture of the Philippines that was birthed from tis sport, and made the Filipinos
known globally.
 • Arnis is important to martial arts as it focuses not only on the basics of fighting and self-
defense but also has a clear learning line to the advanced level that can be used in any
martial art.
• Arnis was one f the most significant advantages the Filipino people had over the Spanish
colonists who invaded their lands. Southeast Asian Games.
• The Philippine Arnis Team received 14 gold medals in the 2019

B. UNOFFICIAL NATIONAL SYMBOLS OF THE PHILIPPINES:

1. National Dance: These are the “Carinosa” for grace and refinement of movements and the
"Tinikling” for poise and dexterity as dancers try to avoid getting caught between two bamboo
poles.
2. National Animal: Carabao (water buffalo) which symbolizes the Filipino’s willingness to
perform hard work with diligence and forbearance.
3. National Fish: The bangus (milkfish) symbolizes the Filipino’s versality, since there are many
ways by which the milkfish is prepared and cooked.
4. National Fruit: Philippine mango is acclaimed as the sweetest variety of its kind on a global
scale. The dried mango is one of the most in demand products being exported to other countries.
5. National Dress- Male: The barong tagalog is another widely acclaimed Philippine product
because its intricate embroidery and crisp elegance make it suitable as well as comfortable for
formal gathering, in lieu of the tuxedo ensemble.
6. National Dress – Female: The "baro't saya" is the traditional white loose-fitting blouse with
bell shaped sleeves used to overlap an equally loose-fitting long skirt that often comes in plaid
or checkered prints of red, yellow and orange.
7. National Leaf: Anahaw (Livistona rotundifolia) is another indigenous material, which
symbolizes the resourcefulness and craftsmanship of the Filipino people.

THREE (3) LEADING REFORMISTS IN 19TH CENTURY9

1. JOSE P. RIZAL (1861-1896)

- The Philippines national hero, a martyr executed by a Spanish firing squad at the onset
of the movement for national independence, has been memorialized in numerous ways.
He expressed the growing national consciousness of many Filipinos who opposed
Spanish colonial tyranny and aspired to attain democratic rights. The day Rizal’s
execution, December 30, 1986, signifies for many Filipinos the turning point in the

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 long history of Spanish domination and the rise of a revolutionary people desiring
freedom, independence, and justice.

2. MARCELO H. DEL PILAR (1850-1896)

- He grew up to ne one of the greatest propagandists who sought Philippine freedom
through his pen. In 1882, he became editor of the newspaper Diariong Tagalog which
strongly criticized the way the Spaniards ran the government and treated the people.
Using his name, Plaridel, he wrote satires against the Spanish friars, notably “Dasalan
at Tuksuhan” and “Kaiingat kayo”. In Spain, he took the place of Graciano Lopez Jaena
as editor of the La Solidaridad, the mouthpiece of the propagandists working for
reforms for the Filipinos. But illness kept his from holding the position for a long time.

3. GRACIANO LOPEZ JAENA (1856-1896)

- He was a Filipino journalist, orator, revolutionary, and national hero who is well-known
for his newspaper, La Solidaridad. Philippine historians regard Lopez Jaena, along with
Marcelo H. Del Pilar and Jose Rizal, as the triumvirate of the Filipino propagandists.
Of this three ilustrados, Lopez Jaena wasthe first to arrive in spain and may have begun
the Propaganda Movement which advocated the reform of the then-Spanish colony of
the Philippines and which eventually led to the armed Philippine Revolution that begun
in Manila in 1896.

OTHER FILIPINO REFORMISTS

1. GREGORIO AGLIPAY CRUZ y LABAYAN

- He was a former catholic priest, a nationalist, a patriot, a guerilla leader, and the first
Supreme Bishop of the Iglesia Filipiniana Independiente.

2. PASCUAL POBLETE
- His real name was Pacual Hicaro. He was not equally famous to known propagandist
such as Marcelo H. Del Pilar and Jose Rizal but he joined the Philippine Revolution
using his pen and wisdom as his greatest weapons.

3. JULIO NAKPIL
- This man was known in history for his being the second husband of the young widow
of Andres Bonafacio, Gregoria de Jesus, following the very untimely death of the
supremo of the Katipunan. Strange to many of the Filipinos, Nakpil was not a mere
husband of the Lakambini of the Katipunan but a revolutionist, and a man endowed
with great talents being a musician and composer.

4. JUSTO LUCBAN
 - A physician, revolutionist, and politician, he rendered his services as medical officer
in the revolution against Spain. He was one of those who signed the pact of Biak-na-
bato. He subsequently became the editor of the “La Independencia”, a newspaper
advocating for Philippine Independence in 1906.

5. ANTONIO LUNA
- He commissioned Pedro Serrano Laktaw to secretly organize Masonic Lodges in the
Philippines to strengthen the Propaganda Movement. Also he wrote in la solidaridad, a
newspaper published by the propagandist in spain. He wrote under the penname “Taga-
Ilog”.

6. APOLINARIO MABINI
- He was the first prime minister of the p Philippines. Known for his powerful
intellect, political savvy, and eloquence. Mabini was called the brains and conscience
of the revolution. Before his untimely death in 1903, Mabini’s work and thoughts on
the government shaped the Philippines’ fight for independence over the next century.

7. ANDRES BONIFACIO
- He was a revolutionary hero who founded the Kataastaasan Kagalanggalang na
Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) or Katipunan, a secret society devoted to
fighting the Spanish occupation of the Philippines. He was the first one to have a clear
vision of what a Filipino nation should be, the father of the Filipino Nation. He would
later be known as Supremo; destined to change the history of the Filipino people.