Reflecting on History
The problem with the past is that no one can relive it. It was the present before it turns into a memory. However we live life, time will show that our memory can only hold much remembrance. The knowledge of the past can sometimes transform inaction to action, shift powerful to powerless, and change innocence to ignorance. Learning and studying the past, no matter how terrible or rewarding, shapes the minds of today. The subtleties and intricacies of events have its way to make simple narrative complex, and complicated story basic. Clearly, there are different treatment and approaches to perceive and consume such; but I learned that
The History of the Philippines is yet to be filled with completeness, only if that is the case. I realized that theories were only formulated over time and such are yet to fill the gaps of the past. From the emergence of man to establishing societies, all aspects of life has its own history. Our country, with its geography and natural features among others, has played significant roles respective on both the West and the East.
Here comes historiography, which is almost more interesting than history itself. Although they have their own merits, both can be tiresome. What people did in the past can sometimes give frowns to the people of the present. The norms and mores evidently vary, and they often transcend modern practice. Interesting at the surface, sure, but problematics lie on the lens chosen by the writer and the reader. The tragedies of the past were wisely made sure not to be ever repeated through education and discipline. Contextually, the Philippines is full of travesty – the elementary misrepresentation, the secondary superficiality, and the tertiary distorted truth. It is a misfortune that not everyone gets critical of what is written and read to them, let alone what is perpetuated by the colonial system. Studying and learning history in a university changes the game. The abundance and scarcity of primary and secondary sources overwhelm anyone who has access to it.
people make history and history makes people.
The History of the Philippines is yet to be filled with completeness, only if that is the case. I realized that theories were only formulated over time and such are yet to fill the gaps of the past. From the emergence of man to establishing societies, all aspects of life has its own history. Our country, with its geography and natural features among others, has played significant roles respective on both the West and the East.
The evolution of man has created civilizations at different phases, in particular ways, and on the extent of others.
Colonialism was pervasive and it has destroyed and created our nation, if there is such. Religion was introduced; Language was taught; Culture was shared, and Tradition was established. The trajectory of history is almost predictable yet avoidable. The foundation of the church and state was held by the powerful who has wealth, knowledge, territory, and people. These known elements persist today and they are prevailing. From trade and commerce to security and control, societies move and flow with the determination of further progress and stability. There is nowhere to go but forward, yet some ideologies remain backward and such principles have caused contestations and condemnation. The past objectives were exceptional and are now absurd.
Things have changed, while others just stay the same.
Here comes historiography, which is almost more interesting than history itself. Although they have their own merits, both can be tiresome. What people did in the past can sometimes give frowns to the people of the present. The norms and mores evidently vary, and they often transcend modern practice. Interesting at the surface, sure, but problematics lie on the lens chosen by the writer and the reader. The tragedies of the past were wisely made sure not to be ever repeated through education and discipline. Contextually, the Philippines is full of travesty – the elementary misrepresentation, the secondary superficiality, and the tertiary distorted truth. It is a misfortune that not everyone gets critical of what is written and read to them, let alone what is perpetuated by the colonial system. Studying and learning history in a university changes the game. The abundance and scarcity of primary and secondary sources overwhelm anyone who has access to it.
Understanding the history of my country requires a good thought process because more often than not, there is more to what is given. Although it would be better if there exists a comprehensive version, the incompleteness now gives room to speculation and discovery. History is alive after all.
Abundance and scarcity, speculation and discovery, primary and secondary – there seems to be a dialectical discourse on the creation and revision of knowledge. But more than the dialectics, it is these extremities that produce and exhaust all possible means to make sense of the truth and reality. Having learned new knowledge and corrected misconceptions, the course is full of potential to explore what is there to indulge.
Abundance and scarcity, speculation and discovery, primary and secondary – there seems to be a dialectical discourse on the creation and revision of knowledge. But more than the dialectics, it is these extremities that produce and exhaust all possible means to make sense of the truth and reality. Having learned new knowledge and corrected misconceptions, the course is full of potential to explore what is there to indulge.
The History of the Philippines has been written and is continually being written for it has no finality. More than the key players like the heroes and the invaders and the extras, the response and reaction of the inhabitants, no matter how lacking or progressive, have essentially contributed to societal, cultural, and political development. History has attributed the progress to particular people, probably for the convenience of the narrative. I don’t wish to discount any credit but personally like to consider the collective action by the Filipinos to finally seek independence, even that struggle still continues today. The experience of studying History makes me hungrier for truth because knowledge can be fabricated and information can easily be produced; and ultimately because, as an aspiring filmmaker, truth in stories matter!
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Reaction Paper
Kasaysayan 1
(Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas)
18 May 2019
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