Universidad De Manila

Republic of the Philippines

College of Health and Sciences
National Capital Region
Division of City Schools1
Manila

NAME: LOISE DANIELLE T. ODULIO 03/08/24

PT-32 MODULE 2

1. Describe the 19th Century Philippines as represented in the film.

The Philippines as shown in the film are decent, if you had a connection with the
Spaniards or if you are a part of a family of Spaniards you are considered rich, as well as being
a servant of the church. Convicted persons or prisoners are being taken to a parade and some
are murdered publicly, also the way of transportation is done by horses or “Kalesa”. The way of
entertainment is done by Theatres or “theatro” which is a drama done on stage and some are
done by singing similar to opera. The languages that are used during that time are mostly
Spanish and some tagalogs are very deep to understand Trade are also done overseas,
Philippines loves to trade to other countries such as food and other consumables and materials.
Foods are also Spanish inspired during the day because most of the food during that time are
done by Spanish Courting during that time is very interesting too, unlike today almost no
courting is happening like asking permissions to the parents of the female and doing chores for
the family of the one you are courting, some are still being done today yet, very rare to see
nowadays . Schools are being done in the churches so the church can teach the child limited
knowledge, and punishment to the students back in the time are allowed. It was shown that the
priests were powerful that time because they have close connections with the Spanish
government as well as they have enough wealth. Filipinos were living in fear because of the
cruelty of the Spaniards. That is why, some of them were living in mountainous area to hide
themselves.

2. What is the main question that the film seeks to answer?

I believe the film's major goal is to address the question, "Who are Filipinos?" ", in this
film, Kulas always asks and questions who are the Filipinos, because Filipinos are called
"Indios" or "low-class of people" in this era, so Kulas didn't know who will be a true Filipinos at
that time, and other people have their own definitions of who are the Filipinos, such as "Filipinos
are the people who were born in the Philippines" and "Filipinos are the people who are ready to
do a responsibility” like Eddie Garcia said. Because Kulas is a naive man, he didn't care at first
because all he wanted was to live freely and have a penny. That is, until he discovered some
 Universidad De Manila
Republic of the Philippines
College of Health and Sciences
National Capital Region
Division of City Schools2
Manila

people struggling and thirsting for independence from the Spaniards. Kulas witnessed the
situation of some people who were imprisoned and tormented by the Spaniards, and he himself
became a victim and was sentence to death when he refused to assist the Spaniards soldier in
suspecting Kidlat for his crime. Fortunately, they were scrapped. It is a time when Kulas realized
that they are the real Filipino who have a courage to fight and freed by colonization.

3. What is your own reflection based on the film and your understanding?

I learned a lot from this movie, such as being grateful for what we have now because if
we go back in time and look at the condition in the 19th century, we will see how dreadful the
period of Spanish colonization was. We'll see how Filipinos in the Republic of the Philippines
abused, suffered, and killed at the hands of the Spaniards. But as we look at its other side,
those challenges have just unraveled that Filipinos have the idea of what's right for them and
they were able to withstand it. Those unrighteous actions of the powerful people pushed the
Filipinos to revolutionize and to put an end to the system of life they had during that time. With it,
the Filipino people united for a common goal and were able to capture the freedom from the
Spanish colony that they have been fighting for so long. I have found out that the 19th century
was not just about a challenge from a cruel ruler, but rather, it is also about the challenge for
nation building. I'm also saddened by how many people are unaware of their own identity as
Filipinos, ignorant, and are perceived as low-level individuals. The finest aspect is that we
watched some Filipinos (Katipuneros) band together and fight for independence from
colonialism, they are heroes to us for granting us freedom. However, colonization did not cease
with the arrival of the Americans, who colonized our country.

4. Analyze the various social, political, economic changes that occured in the 19th
century.

"Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?" is a Filipino historical film that sheds light on
the social, political, and economic developments that happened in 19th-century Philippines. Set
during the Spanish colonial period, the film provides insight into the complex dynamics of
society at this time of transition.

Socially, the film depicts Philippine society's hierarchical structure, with disparities between the
ruling class, made up of Spanish colonizers and rich Filipinos, and the subjugated masses,
 Universidad De Manila
Republic of the Philippines
College of Health and Sciences
National Capital Region
Division of City Schools3
Manila

which include peasants and indigenous people. The tight social stratification is visible in the
interactions between characters and their distinct roles in society.

Politically, the film depicts the tensions and battle for independence from Spanish colonial
power. It emphasizes the rise of nationalist sentiment among Filipinos, as well as Resistance
movements aimed to fight Spanish power while asserting Filipino identity and autonomy. The
protagonist's transformation from a naive observer to a patriotic revolutionary represents the
political awakening and activism that marked the period.

Economically, the film portrays the colonial administration's exploitative methods, such as forced
labor and discriminatory taxation, which contributed to the Filipino people's economic distress.
The differences in wealth and opportunity between the ruling class and the general public are
sharply depicted, emphasizing the economic inequities present at the time.

Overall, "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?" is a moving analysis of the many
transformations that shaped 19th-century Philippine society. The film's narrative and characters
illuminate the social, political, and economic transformations that shaped the country's history
and continue to influence its trajectory today.