The film 'Ganito kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon' portrays the struggles of Filipinos during the 19th century under Spanish colonial rule, highlighting the fight for independence and the loss of identity. It effectively illustrates the harsh realities of that era, serving as a mirror to the experiences of Filipinos and answering the question of what it means to be Filipino. The reflection emphasizes the progress made since then, acknowledging the ongoing challenges while appreciating the sacrifices of ancestors for the freedom enjoyed today.
The film 'Ganito kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon' portrays the struggles of Filipinos during the 19th century under Spanish colonial rule, highlighting the fight for independence and the loss of identity. It effectively illustrates the harsh realities of that era, serving as a mirror to the experiences of Filipinos and answering the question of what it means to be Filipino. The reflection emphasizes the progress made since then, acknowledging the ongoing challenges while appreciating the sacrifices of ancestors for the freedom enjoyed today.
The film 'Ganito kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon' portrays the struggles of Filipinos during the 19th century under Spanish colonial rule, highlighting the fight for independence and the loss of identity. It effectively illustrates the harsh realities of that era, serving as a mirror to the experiences of Filipinos and answering the question of what it means to be Filipino. The reflection emphasizes the progress made since then, acknowledging the ongoing challenges while appreciating the sacrifices of ancestors for the freedom enjoyed today.
The film 'Ganito kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon' portrays the struggles of Filipinos during the 19th century under Spanish colonial rule, highlighting the fight for independence and the loss of identity. It effectively illustrates the harsh realities of that era, serving as a mirror to the experiences of Filipinos and answering the question of what it means to be Filipino. The reflection emphasizes the progress made since then, acknowledging the ongoing challenges while appreciating the sacrifices of ancestors for the freedom enjoyed today.
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GEC 9: Rizal's Life and Works
Activity 1:
1.Describe the 19th century Philippines as represented in the film.
During the 19th century, the Philippines was a colony of Spain whom tried to enslave us in our own country, a situation depicted in the movie "Ganito kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon". By depicting the challenges faced by a young and innocent man named Kulas, the film highlighted the difficulties experienced by Filipinos in their fight for Philippine Independence. The Filipinos then suffered, the desired freedom was repeatedly denied by the Spaniards, and even our own identity was taken by them. Kulas served as a mirror of Filipinos living in the 19th century. In him, we see how our ancestors were treated unfairly. His story showed and introduced us to what and how cruel our society back then. Besides the revolution that we always read about in history books, the film showed us the other parts of our history: the form of entertainment that arose then, the Chinese traders, and the stories of love and betrayal.
2. Based on your reading and class discussion, what can you say about the film’s representation of the 19th century?
Based on my readings and after I watched the film, I must say that the film's interpretation of the 19th Century was good enough to show and explain to us the real situation of the Philippines especially every Filipinos before. For me, the movie achieved its objective itself and it is to give us a peek about the past and offer us a picture of the Philippines during the Spanish colonization. Readings in books about our history is not enough to show and give us a hint or ideas about the 19th Century, but giving us the movie "Ganito kami Noon, Paano kayo Ngayon" satisfied and answered the questions I have about the nation during that era. The movie served as a mirror that mirrors the images and experiences of the Philippines in the 19th Century.
3. What do you think is the main question that the film seeks to answer?
The main question that the film seeks to answer is "Who is the Filipino?". This is the frequent question in the film, perhaps they have different views on who should and should not be called Filipino. A lot of people think that only Spaniards, wealthy, and powerful people should be referred to as Filipinos. If you are among the impoverished and simple individuals, you should be referred to as an Indio and not a Filipino. That was the basis of the majority in the 19th Century on who the Filipinos were then. But today, regardless of your status in life whether you are poor or rich, when you are born in the Philippines you will be called a Filipino.
Make your own reflection based on the film and what have you understand about the 19th century of the Philippines?
The film shows how cruel and strict life was then compared to today. I can say now that we Filipinos have indeed achieved the freedom we seek for the Philippines. Even if our lifestyle is not perfect today, we are still luckier compared to what our ancestors suffered in their time. Currently, there is a heightened focus on various issues than before, including the justice system. Even the system remains corrupt, there is now more emphasis on cases, innocent people are prevented from being deported in prisons unlike before. Even though many bad things happened to our fellow Filipinos in the past, even though they suffered cruelty and enslavement by other nations, they still did not give up until they achieved freedom by continuing to fight and being strong in the challenges of life.
Because of this film, I realized that our status in life is not an obstacle to win or achieve what we desire. As a student, the only thing I can do is appreciate, show gratitude to our ancestors and heroes, and be a good and patriotic Filipino.
