The Tragedy That Was the Revolution, The Tragedy that Was Andres Bonifacio: A Short Book Review

Adrian Cristobal’s “The Tragedy of the Revolution” immediately begs the question: what was the tragedy all about? More than being a mere object of curiosity, the book starts out with the assertion that Andres Bonifacio was the heart of the Revolution (the Revolution being the 1896 revolution against the Spanish colonial government in the Philippine Islands) and that Andres Bonifacio is the Revolution. It seemed that what eventually happened to Andres Bonifacio was also the fate of the Revolution.

In six concise essays which formed the bulk of the book, Cristobal set to unravel details (however scant and fragmentary) of Bonifacio’s life starting from his childhood to his life as a leader of the secret society KKK or Katipunan. What is surprising is that most of the details elaborated in the book are not seen in our traditional Philippine history books. These certainly made the reading from one chapter to another engaging.


The tragedy from my reader’s viewpoint started in the form of small friction between the two widely known councils of the Katipunan, Magdiwang and Magdalo. Such friction inevitably grew into internal political differences culminating in the fracas in the Tejeros Convention. It must have been the start of Bonifacio’s falling out with the Katipuneros under Magdalo. But Cristobal retraced other accounts and laid down the fact that differences went back earlier than the Tejeros assembly.

Somehow it must have been Bonifacio’s destiny to be the embodiment of the Revolution’s tragedy, but that makes him more deserving of honor from us, his descendants. It may have been simply part of the ‘politics’ during the time of the Revolution but we must see through it and give what is due to the Katipunan’s founding father.

Rereading of Cristobal’s book would be good before Bonifacio Day in order for one to be reminded of the details and worth of the Supremo’s life and achievements as a Filipino fighter and hero.

Reference: Cristobal, Adrian E. The Tragedy of the Revolution. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press, 2005.

My Copy of “Remembering Rizal: Voices from the Diaspora” Book Finally Arrives

Due to work schedule, I had to leave to my sister the registry notice from the post office informing me of a package sent to me. I was wondering what package it might be for I have not requested any catalog from the internet in the past few weeks. It was with excitement that I learned that it was the complimentary copy of the “Remembering Rizal: Voices from the Diaspora” book in which two of my poems have been included for publication.

* the package sent by the editor himself, Mr. Edwin Lozada

* view of the book cover

* the title page

* part of the table of contents

Published by the Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. (or PAWA, Inc.), the book is mainly a collection of writings on and/or about Rizal by Filipinos either studying or living abroad. The introduction part made me realize how fortunate I was to have this chance to share two works on Rizal: only two poets from the Philippines were included in the collection.

Content wise, the book is definitely a rich source of new thoughts about Rizal, ranging from re-imagining parts of Rizal’s novels to translating some of his works from their original Spanish forms into English. One interesting write up is the analysis of an alleged photo of Jose Rizal in a Masonic garb. The position of the writer is that the man was not Rizal based on the analysis of the man’s facial and body features.

* “Ode to Usman” poem

* “Stove Flames” poem

* a short bionote

The book has a total of 320 pages and can be ordered online (see pawainc.com/rizal.html for purchase details). My hope is that copies of the book can be readily available here in the country. After all, the book is all about a Filipino. It should be read by fellow Filipinos.

Batis ng Kasaysayan 2011 Book Launch

The Philippine National Historical Society and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts are set to launch Batis ng Kasaysayan 2011 – The Movement for Independence in the Philippines (1896-1898): Calendar of Documents in the Archives of the Cuerpo de Vigilancia de Manila. Its Executive Editor is Bernardita Reyes Churchill. Associate Editors are Eden Manalo Gripaldo and Digna Balangue Apilado.

Date: September 5, 2011
Time: 4:30 pm
Venue: Tanghalang Nicanor V. Locsin, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 633 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila.

RSVP: 921-4575 / 926-1347

General Miguel Malvar Essay Writing Contest

In preparation of the commemoration of the 100th year of the death of General Miguel Malvar, a nationwide essay writing contest has been launched by The Extra Mile Production. The contest carries the theme “Gen. Miguel Malvar – National Hero for Modern Times” and is open for grade school, high school, and college students. For more details visit the website malvar.net.

As I can no longer join the contest, I think it is better for me to share some information about Miguel Malvar. The book “Miguel Malvar and the Philippine Revolution: a Biography” is a good material for the student who wishes to join the contest. It is authored by Doroteo Abaya and Bernard Karganilla, and edited by Edberto Malvar Villegas (the son of Dr. Isabel Malvar Villagas, the youngest daughter of Miguel Malvar.) One has to pardon some parts that should have been edited but were unfortunately overlooked. The tone of the book is semi-polemic and aggressive. But that is understandable as it is a book about an equally aggressive and courageous general of the Philippine-American War. It must be noted however that the term ‘Philippine Revolution’ used in the title pertains to both the Revolution of 1896 and the Philippine-American War. The same description has also been made by Apolinario Mabini.

As for the contest, the deadline for the submission of entries is on August 31, 2011.

Contributions to "Remembering Rizal, Voices from the Diaspora" Book

* book cover of "Remembering Rizal, Voices from the Diaspora"

Rizal@150 celebration is still in the air. It was only yesterday that I found out about “Remembering Rizal, Voices from the Diaspora” book in which two of my poems have been included. It is an honor to be part of the contributing authors as most of them are prominent Filipino and Filipino-American writers.

My poem “Ode to Usman” is placed under the Youth subheading while the poem “Stove Flames” is placed under the Fable and Legend subheading. What is more interesting with this book is that it was published abroad and is now being launched in different places in the United States.

"Remembering Rizal, Voices from the Diaspora" is published by the Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. (PAWA, Inc.) and was edited by Edwin A. Lozada.

For more information about the books (the other works and authors) and purchasing details, you can visit www.pawainc.com/rizal.html or you can send an e-mail to pawa@pawainc.com.

[Next Book launch as of this writing: Thursday, July 28, 2011, 6PM, Philippine Consulate General, San Francisco, 447 Sutter Street, Social Hall, 5th Floor]

“The Philippine Revolution” by Apolinario Mabini: An Appreciation

I am seated here inside a hall in Manila Hotel as I write this, glad to have finished another book, this time of a Filipino intellectual – Apolinario Mabini.

Mabini’s La Revolucion Filipina, translated into English by Leon Ma. Guerrero, is a compact analysis and commentary on the Philippine Revolution which was referred to in the book as the revolutions against Spain and the United States of America. The book can be read in just one seating, being composed only of 11 chapters and an introductory manifesto.

Introductory Manifesto

This part is a summary of his reasons for surrendering to the American government. It was a clean cut defense, devoid of any literary garnishes and I believe has successfully defended his position at that time.

Contents

The bulk of the book is a concise narrative of the country’s history – from the pre-Spanish (during the time when the literal distance between the Philippines and Europe prevented new thoughts to reach the Filipinos) to the execution of the GOMBURZA in 1872 (explaining all along the coming of the liberal thoughts in the country and the spark/fire of agitation caused by the seeming innocent desire of some Filipino priests to return the administration of the parishes to the Filipino secular priests.

The revolution of 1896 and the events leading to this event were also clearly discussed. It was believable to a certain extent as he was part of the group which hoped to continue the original objectives the La Liga Filipina.

The account of the start of the Philippine-American War was quite credible, as it was known that he was involved in an advising capacity to the blooming revolutionary/dictatorial government at that time. His extensive commentaries on this part show the extent of his participation in these events (excluding military activities, of course). He openly criticized the seeming premature declaration of Philippine independence, the actions of the Congress at that time as if they were not living in a period of war and the eventual failure, so he says, of Emilio Aguinaldo to effectively take command of the military activities of the Filipino forces against the invading Americans.

His narration of Antonio Luna’s fate almost bordered on being personal and he castigated Aguinaldo for failing yet again to see the true worth of Luna in the context of the ongoing war. (Of course Aguinaldo answered this allegation through his book “Saloobin: Sagot ni Hen. Emilio Aguinaldo sa mga Paratang ng Dakilang Lumpo,” Anotasyon at Pagsasalin ni Emmanuel Franco Calairo; pratically distancing himself from the incident)

With those severe criticisms he ended his book, placing in the end his high hopes that Aguinaldo would soon redeem himself. But I don’t think he was really able to do it, having lost in an election later and having lived longer than any other participants of the war.
Towards the last lines, we see another piece of optimism, with Mabini hoping for “…the mutual reconciliation of Americans and Filipinos.” He did not live long enough to see the eventual fall of the American government with the coming of the Japanese. Whether he actually foresaw these is another story.

Traveling to the Past via “Friars in the Philippines”

In the absence of literal travels, reading materials are my travel alternatives. And last week, such travel came in the form of downloaded books about the Philippines thanks to Project Gutenberg (visit the website here). I was able to download several volumes of “The Philippine Islands” by Blair and Robertson along with “Friars in the Philippines.”

Written by Rev. Ambrose Coleman, O.P. and published in 1899, the book elaborates on works of the religious orders in the country from their arrival with Magellan in 1521 up to the time of the “insurrection” in the late nineteenth century. Much of the later chapters deal with the defense of the religious orders against the accusations and the allegedly motivations of the insurrectos. I say that the discussions are subject for debate. But I shall not dwell on it; I was only able to read the book once. A thorough dissection of the contents must be done first before any opinion can be issued about them.

What I would like to discuss is the introduction part, where a short description of the structures built by the Spaniards were made.

“For Nature, bountiful there almost to prodigality, revelling in all the luxuriance of tropical vegetation, has always at hand, as a set-off to her gifts, terrible manifestations of her power. The seventeenth-century navigator, William Dampier, in his own quaint and amusing way, describes how the natives and the Spanish colonists of Manila strove to guard against the double danger of earthquakes and typhoons, and how they both failed ignominiously. THE SPANIARDS BUILT STRONG STONE HOUSES, but the earthquake made light of them, and shook them so violently that the terrified inmates would rush out of doors to save their lives; while THE NATIVES FROM THEIR FRAIL BAMBOO DWELLINGS, which were perched on high poles, placidly contemplated their discomfiture. All that the earthquake meant to them was a gentle swaying from side to side. But the Spaniards had their turn when the fierce typhoon blew, against which their thick walls were proof. Then, from the security of their houses, could they view, with a certain grim satisfaction, the huts of the natives swaying every minute more violently in the wind, till, one by one, they toppled over—each an indescribable HEAP OF POLES, MATS, HOUSEHOLD UTENSILS, AND HUMAN BEINGS."
(page 8; emphasis mine)

Such stone houses have become part of our cultural heritage. Their dwindling numbers have made their preservation more important today. The construction of churches in the same manner may have been done for the same purpose together with the aim of making them imposing to project an image of awe and power.

If the horrors of World War II have not touched the country especially the period of liberation in 1945, much of the structures from the Spanish and American era may have been preserved. Those that survived must be treasured. Seeing them is like travelling to the past, like being in the Spanish and American periods yourself.


The Cathedral, Then and Now

First stop is the Cathedral in Lipa (see my earlier entry about it by clicking here). The eruption of Taal Volcano in 1754 forced the relocation of the Lipa Parish to the church’s present site. The cathedral was built from 1865 to 1894. Shown above is the depiction of the cathedral from Coleman’s book, but it was not indicated when the image was made. A photo is shown next, shot using a relatively cheap cell phone last year. No substantial renovations were made, at least on the exterior. You visit Lipa Cathedral, you are almost back in the past.

But I have misgivings regarding this. For during the return of the American forces in 1945 to drive the Japanese out of the Philippines, the whole of Lipa was literally destroyed by American air and artillery bombardments. I don’t think they have exempted the cathedral. Perhaps the best thing I could do is to revisit the cathedral and make some inquiries.


Retracing the Street

Next is a retracing activity. Shown above is another depiction from Coleman’s book, this time of a Street in Manila. The diminishing radius of the church tower in the background made me suspect that it was Santa Cruz Church. Upon making a Google Map search, the street orientation from the book makes it more likely the present-day Dasmariñas. As I am not a resident of Manila, I cannot fully vouch for this amateur investigation.


Follow the Clue

This last part is more of a future challenge. The caption of the photo found above says “Tagalocs [corrected already as ‘Tagalogs’] planting rice to the sound of music.” The planters and the musicians are definitely natives and they could have been found anywhere in the southern parts of Luzon. But the mountains can be taken as clues to find where this rice field is found. This may seem a bit too childish but I take delight in finding out little details such as this.

I still have a number of downloaded books at hand and I hope I can still find the occasion to read them despite the growing number of self-imposed works and deadlines. Let us celebrate our rich past!

Día del Libro 2011 and Bersong Europinoy 3

The summer did not prevent us from braving the Manila heat and joining other book enthusiasts in Día del Libro 2011. Translated as Book Day, this activity traces its roots from the Catalan region in Spain in celebration of St. George’s Day. In these celebrations roses are given in exchange of books (information from Bersong Europinoy booklet).

And this exactly happened at Día del Libro 2011 which was organized by Instituto Cervantes – a book fair, jazz concert, workshop, food fair, poetry reading, and contest rolled into one highly-charged affair. Roses flowed as each purchase of a book entitled the customer to one rose. Some of the bookstores and groups who sold books were Anvil, Goodwill, Solidaridad, Powerbooks, Instituto Cervantes, National Historical Institute (or National Historical Commission of the Philippines), Benito Legarda, among others. Spanish dishes were also sold as well as wines, although I was not able to see if they were of Spanish origins too.

Bersong Europinoy 3

* the cover of the poem compilation given to those who attended the recital

One of the features of Dia del Libro was the third year of Bersong Europinoy. The goal of this poetry reading “is to put Filipino poetry in parallel wit the European canon of poetry” (Bersong Europinoy booklet). Besides that, it seeks to strengthen harmony between European nations and the Philippines through literature, or poetry for that matter.

From Europe, the following poems were recited:

B’ MYKHNEΣ by Giorgos Seferis (Greece)
Einsamkeit by Rainer Maria Rilke (Austria)
Vodník by Karel Jaromír Erben (Czech Republic)
Biografía by Gabriel Celaya (España)
Palau by Gottfried Benn (Germany)
Nic Dwa Razy by Wislawa Symborska (Poland)
Ho Sceso Dandoti Il Braccio by Eugenio Montale (Italia)De Eenzamen by Jacob Johan Slauerhoff (Netherlands)
When We Two Parted by Lord George Gordon Noel Byron (United Kingdom)

The foreign language poetry readings made me realize that there is more to poetry than merely reading it by eyes. Listening to these poems being recited was far livelier. The emotions of the poems when recited were really there. English translations were also provided. Some of them were read by the event staff, although some of the readings failed to capture the emotions of the original poems.

I particularly enjoyed listening to the poems from Greece, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Netherlands. The two people who recited in German were superb – not only did they practice; they also listened and watched the performances of the poem’s author to get the real feel of the piece.

From the Philippines, the following poems were recited:

Ngiti by Enrico Torralba
Absence X: Calligraphy at Mag: Net Café by Alice M. Sun-Cua
Swansong of the Sea by Saniago Villafania
The Great Experiment by Shirley Lua
Kulibangbang by Cles Rambaud
Ganito Nga Pala by Abdon M. Balde Jr.
Engkantada Rebecca Añonevo
Song of María Clara by Jose Rizal

* my poem compilation signed by Jun Balde himself!

There were two other poems to be recited supposedly. But perhaps the lack of idea as to what the event was really about prevented their authors to do the readings. And thus I decided to omit them here first because they were not really read at the event and second, to express my contempt in making a clown show out of an otherwise cultured recital.

I understand however the sentiments of the two poets. But I do think that it was not the best time to do it. The first did a jingle; the other almost made a war cry. The second one was commendable – the poem was in fact written well written. But the message of the poem he recited was well outside the objective of the recital. I am making this unnecessary discussion to share my realization that every thing (sentiment, opinion, etc.) has to be made or delivered through proper forums. In the presence of other nationalities, it was indeed a bad shot, really bad shot. I was about to walk out actually were it not for the other poems to be recited.

And I was not wrong in my decision to stay, for the rest of the poems were really moving – from poems about loss and love to poems about the aspirations of the Filipinos. The best recital came from Abdon Balde Jr. whose poem spoke of the hardships of getting old. The translation paled in comparison to the original Tagalog poem. It was simply hilarious yet the poetic nature of the piece was still there. In the end, we became one of those instant Jun Balde fans.


Jose Rodríguez, the director of Instituto Cervantes, was correct in saying that books will be around forever. Not even the most expensive e-book reader can replace the pleasure in touching the book pages, in memorizing the page textures, and having something that you can still carry around and read at your own pleasure. And thus Día del Libro is now another addition to my list of book-related affairs besides the Manila International Book Fair.

My First History Research Paper

I have loved written words (or typewritten/computerized ones) since I was in the fourth grade. And I think this passion moved me to write my own, however naively. Science papers, poetry, essays. Even just the thought of writing any one of them fires me up. Drafts? I love drafts. Especially if those drafts find their way into printed and published forms.

And such is the story of my first history research paper, the core motivation of which was to learn more about a particular period in our city’s history. The published material is a reward in itself. It fuels me to do more, to dig more about our city’s past.

But beyond the personal gratification, my inspirations must not be forgotten. Two individuals witnessed my labor for this one, and for that I am grateful for seeing through my desire to work on this history-related paper. This work is for them.

The joy of the moment is here but we must move on: back to research work!

(See the paper at E-Journals.ph here entitled Familia Guerilla: Ang Pamilya Eseo at mga Pagbabagong Panlipunan sa Lunsod ng San Pablo, Laguna Noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigidig.)

Trek to Tanauan, Batangas: The City Proper

* a map showing some of the barangays of Tanauan; I took this one to have a general idea of the distance of Mabini’s Shrine from the Poblacion

* behold, the church of Tanauan

* if one doe not know he is looking at the entrance of Tanauan, he would think this is part of a European church; indeed, this is looks so elegant; sorry if I cannot make an architectural description, I am yet to equip myself with a bit of knowledge about that

* view inside the church

* the old Tanauan town hall, now the city’s museum

* a monument for Mabini; notice that he is standing here

* Abogado!

* a view of the house of Jose P. Laurel; I have always wondered why it is always close whenever I go there; one bad experience there was when we almost became victims of the premises’ attack dogs!

The names Apolinario Mabini and Jose Laurel are always associated with Tanauan. But literature-wise, I always recall that unforgettable character in El Filibuterismo by Jose Rizal.

He was Placido Penitente. As I write this, I am looking down a Virgilio Almario edition of the El Fili. The chapter about him relays his desire to go back home in Tanauan and stop schooling. A certain Padre Valerio was mentioned and at the back, a note was made about him. He was, in fact, a real person.

Padre Valerio Malabanan was a native of Lipa, Batangas and was a graduate of UST. He became a parish priest of Lipa but chose the vocation of teaching. In 1865, he opened a school in Tanauan named Colegio del Padre Valerio. And, incidentally, Apolinario Mabini enrolled in his school. I wonder if Rizal was somehow making a sketch of Mabini through Penitente. Although Tanauan is already gearing up for modernization, it is still good to see old houses still standing around the city proper.

I am yet to visit a new church built along the main highway which houses a certain Our Lady.

* one big house found along P. Ornate Street

* three-storied tower-like part of a house; the lower ground houses a Pantoja store

* small yet sooo beautiful

* Gov. Modesto Castillo Memorial Cultural Center; this one will open soon

* found along the street leading to the church

* one old house found along one of the busiest thoroughfares of Tanauan

* an entrance to the municipal cemetery; shot on the way back from the Mabini Shrine

The Tanauan Church

The administration of the church of Tanauan was accepted by the Augustinians on May 5, 1584. Its first parish priest was Fr. Antonio Roxas. The first church which was made of wood was first erected along the shores of Lake Bombon (Taal Lake) in the year 1690. The concrete church was later erected in 1732. In 1754, Taal Volcano erupted submerging virtually everything along the lake’s shores including the church. The reconstruction of the church was led by Fr. Jose Diaz in 1881. World War II came and in the year 1944, the church was completely destroyed. Reconstructions were made in 1946 by a certain Monsignor Mariño.

The Personal Belongings of Apolinario Mabini

* this handkerchief was Mabini’s present to a friend named Florentina Cesario of Tanauan; she was at that time a teacher in Lipa; this handkerchief was eventually donated by Florentina’s daughter; isn’t it good to note that they have probably kept this one because Mabini was already an important figure in the cause of freedom during the Philippine Revolution?

* a glass of Mabini, together with some buttons

* a trunk of Mabini

* the usual banga or jar; probably used for keeping water

* a mirror (the side frames are reconstructions already) and a cabinet

* marvel at Mabini’s handwriting!

Let me share with you some of the belongings of Apolinario Mabini displayed at the Mabini Shrine. They are varied. Most were obtained from his home in Nagtahan. The transfer was done during the administration of President Macapagal, if I am not mistaken. One was a donation from a friend (or was it a loved-one?).

The existence of these things was the reason of my remark that Mabini is one of the more ‘human’ heroes we have. One can imagine him sitting in that big chair, contemplating the Philippine Revolution and the entry of the Americans to the Philippines. One can imagine him looking up that elegant clock, realizing the lateness of the day after hours of writing.

* a book owned by Mabini

* a Walker’s Dictionary

* El Sol – The Sun; his clock

* mga muebles

* the Sublime Paralytic’s chair; sorry,
but this is not the one seen in one of his most prominent photos

* finally, his coffin; during my first visit, it was not still covered in glass, and so the cloth covering it was…well...a good souvenir it seemed to me…so…
(no one should do that again, tsk)

Visiting shrines like this is one step forward in knowing our heroes. This one needs no reiteration anymore, but our heroes are not just names on books and magazines. They are humans and they lived particularly during those important periods in our history. If you think that studying and knowing heroes is baduy or corny, then I don’t think you should wear stuffs with Philippine flags or with lines “I am Filipino.” Kailangang pangatawanan natin ang pagiging Pilipino. And one way to assert this is to at least familiarize ourselves to those historical figures (I am beginning to believe that the term ‘hero’ is quite limiting) who contributed in molding our nationalistic consciousness.