Muring, Gette-Yzek D.

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In the eighth section of Morga's literary compendium, a nuanced depiction unfolds, elucidating the

sociocultural panorama of the indios, commonly denominated as "pre-Hispanic Filipinos," against the

historical tableau of Spanish colonialism. Rizal's annotations embark upon a comprehensive exploration,

probing into multifaceted dimensions including geographical topography, climatic idiosyncrasies, literary

achievements, religious tenets, gastronomic customs, martial accoutrements, and customary rituals. Rizal's

intentional selection of Morga's oeuvre for annotation is underpinned by its conspicuous impartiality and

the discernible absence of religious predisposition, thus affording a nuanced and erudite perspective on life

in the Philippines. This exposition endeavors to delineate the recognizable classifications within Rizal's

judiciously articulated annotations.

Rizal's initial classification in his annotations centers on an in-depth exploration of the Geography

of the Philippines. Within the introductory passages, he meticulously delineates the country's geographical

positioning, situated along the Tropic of Cancer, spanning a latitude of twenty-four degrees North (page

240). Contrary to the initial perception that certain islands were desolate and uninhabitable, Rizal astutely

dispels this fallacy by emphasizing the conducive climate, burgeoning population, and abundant resources

that sustain thriving communities. The islands' climate exhibits regional variations, with coastal areas and

beaches basking in a warm ambiance, while central locales like Manila boast milder temperatures. Notably,

regions such as Cagayan are characterized by a cooler climate, providing a welcome respite from sweltering

conditions (page 242).

The diversity of flora and fauna across the archipelago contributes to its ecological richness. A

dietary mainstay is rice, locally referred to as morisqueta, forming the daily core for the entire country. It is

commonly complemented with boiled fish or the meat of wild buffalo or carabao. Further enriching the
culinary landscape are sweet potatoes, quilitis, and an assortment of fruits such as bananas, guavas, and

pineapples. Of particular interest is the mention of potent or mild alcoholic beverages derived from the

fermented tender flowers of coconut trees and nipa-palms, underscoring the resourcefulness of the local

population (page 248). Rizal's comprehensive portrayal encapsulates the multifaceted aspects of geography,

climate, and ecology, providing a profound understanding of the Philippine archipelago's diverse and

vibrant characteristics.

Rizal's second classification delves into the intricate tapestry of Philippine society. The narrative

unfolds with the Spanish conquest of the island of Cebu, home to the Visayans, colloquially known as the

"tattooed ones." Here, significant individuals adorned themselves with tattoos from a young age, a practice

involving the application of black powder to induce bleeding, resulting in permanent markings (page 241).

The Visayans, in contrast to their Luzon counterparts, exhibit a more refined demeanor, boasting both

physical attractiveness and amiable dispositions. This is mirrored in their attire, with men donning vaquero

shirts and women adorning themselves with vibrant blankets (pages 268-269). Luzon, on the other hand,

introduces a spectrum of diversity within its native population. Some areas are inhabited by individuals

with black complexions and kinky hair, leading a nomadic existence devoid of fixed settlements. These

communities are often deemed as possessing limited intellectual capacities, in stark contrast to the

sophistication observed among the Visayans (page 243). Linguistic distinctions also emerge, with Luzon

showcasing various languages across regions like Cagayan, Ilocos, Zambales, and Pampanga. However, in

Manila, Tagalog prevails as the predominant and easily learnable language (page 272).

The governance structure is characterized by the absence of kings or kingdoms in each region.

Instead, principles are paramount, with recognized figures holding significance and authority within their

respective localities. The hierarchical system extends to barrios and families, where leadership is passed

down through generations from fathers to sons and inheritors (page 277). Marriage customs among the

natives involve a dowry contribution from the groom's parents, a practice integral to the marriage ceremony.

Marital unions typically occur between principals or nobles, while instances of inter-class marriages,
including those involving slaves, are not uncommon (page 282). In essence, Rizal's portrayal encapsulates

the nuanced social intricacies, cultural variations, and governance structures prevalent in the diverse fabric

of Philippine society during this historical period.

The final classification examined by Rizal pertains to the Economic landscape of the Philippines

during the historical period in focus. In this context, the archipelago engaged in a significant trade network

with other nations. Notably, China received carabao horns, while Japan traded for redwood. Locals

harvested shiny pearls and cowries, known as siguey, from the coast, which were then exchanged with

foreign traders. Another trade commodity was perfumes derived from the musk of civet cats. The

indigenous people of the Philippines were actively involved in the production of cotton, which they spun

into threads and traded with the Chinese and other interested nations. Furthermore, the craft of weaving

blankets and clothes from banana fiber emerged as another avenue of trade for the Filipinos. The economic

pursuits extended to mining activities, with certain regions of the islands being abundant in valuable

minerals (page 264).

This depiction by Rizal provides valuable insights into the economic dynamics of the Philippines

during the period, showcasing the diversity of trade commodities, the entrepreneurial endeavors of the

locals, and the varied economic activities that contributed to the overall economic landscape of the

archipelago. It reflects a society engaged in commerce, both regionally and internationally, contributing to

the broader understanding of the historical economic intricacies of the Philippines.

In Rizal's examination of the pre-conquest era in the Philippines, he delves into Morga's insights,

providing a comprehensive exploration of indigenous life, nature, and the inhabitants of the archipelago.

Rizal skillfully compares aspects of pre-conquest culture with contemporary standards, offering a nuanced

perspective on the historical evolution of the Philippines. His annotations, characterized by factual, critical,

and fearless commentary, drew the ire of the Spanish authorities of his time. Rizal's meticulous study serves

as a valuable source, furnishing specific details about the general history of the Philippines. Notably, he

challenges prevailing narratives, such as Morga's assertion that Filipino civilization and knowledge were
primarily shaped by Spanish influence. Rizal counters this by presenting evidence of the pre-existing

sophistication and capability of Filipinos before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers.

This divergence in viewpoints, exemplified in Morga's book, underscores the importance of

multiple perspectives in understanding historical truths. Rizal's courage to challenge prevailing narratives

contributed to the exposure of concealed aspects of Filipino history, illuminating a more accurate depiction

of the nation's past. The passage emphasizes the significance of sharing diverse perspectives, even when

faced with potential opposition or criticism, to ensure a more comprehensive and truthful understanding of

history for future generations. It also serves as a call to action, urging individuals to overcome fear and

contribute to a more accurate historical narrative that will guide future generations with clarity and

authenticity.