ONG, Katherine 2MBIO7 10/12/2019

Looking Back in History

One thing that's apparent with the lessons in reading in Philippine history is how past
events are not how it seems. The vast majority of textbooks have heavy biases towards a certain
side. An in-depth analysis of primary sources would indicate that in history nothing would be
entirely true. This becomes a great hurdle in distinguishing the true events from exaggerated
ones. The simple misconception still exists. The early Filipinos already had social classes, tribes,
and a language. The Spaniards, however, labeled our countrymen as lower than them due to their
definition of civilization. In history, we see just how antagonistic it is to be self-righteous and
patronizing. Our forefathers believed in this nonsense at that point in time.
Though history makes it seem like the Spaniards were making slaves of us, they were
trying to develop our country to be in the likes of the Spanish norm. Heavy influences came from
many places, the USA, Japan, China, India, etc. All these can be traced today. What eventually
transpired is the Philippines becoming a melting pot of cultures. In reality, we lost our heritage
from when we were perfectly capable before. History is what made us what we are today, but
certain immoral deeds by others to the Philippines poised to erase the rich ancestral culture.
In reflecting it can be said that truly the past was a dark time. Unfortunately, some of the
deeds of misconduct back then were not accepted upon even today. The issue of comfort women
during the Japanese reign still it not acknowledged by the oppressors themselves. Though it is
vital for us humans to forgive but never forget, the sad part is the one who inflicted pain on the
past Filipinos would not admit it. The winners of the war are always painted in much glory while
shame is placed to those who lost. What about those who suffered as bystanders? The ones
caught up in mess because countries had jurisdiction over them. Their accounts of the horrifying
truth are continuing to be unrecognized though the pain they have endured is all real.
These certain realizations in history led me to ponder all the What if’s. One cannot change
the past, but one can change the future. With the way history was portrayed, the past can be of a
great tool to increase the likelihood of a brighter tomorrow. People always say to learn from the
past and this is what the heroes of the Philippines have done. With Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio,
and the citizens that participated in the EDSA Revolution 1, these people were not happy about
the history so they acted to diverge from it. The oppression that had plagued them in their lifetime
was to be stopped in a chance for future generations to live in better conditions. This propaganda
was used to sway people towards their bias. To start a revolution takes a lot of time and
persuasion. But as long as there is something to fight for the people will rise above and beyond.
That sums up the learnings of Philippine history that I have gotten from the course. The
big thing striking me is how history is written by the powerful. Other versions of the not so
prominent figures end to be outshined by the higher ups. The course challenges me to do dearly
my research and by all means uncover the truth. Consequently, taking the action in trying to find
the perspective of the underdogs. In life the truth is buried under a whole mountain of deceit,
smoke, and mirrors. Seeking truth however will always result to us being less ignorant a citizen
and become the driving force to a just tomorrow.