Name: Jabay, Benmark D.

Course/Year: BSCE-2C

Philippine History
     “A citizen that is historically ignorant is like a day without the sun. A bird without its wings. Or the
ocean without the waves. He is lacking his own identity, his own pride”.

This semester, I learned an unexpected matter:  Philippine History is just like love. It is surprising. It
is complicated. It is mysterious. And most importantly, it is worth it.

Learning our history is an essential thing for every Filipino. Through this, we will be more aware
about our country’s condition and we will be able to understand why we are facing today’s national
problems.

           History is certainly a confusing stuff to focus on. This is because there are bountiful things that say
a lot about it that we should not believe instantly. These need enormous second-thoughts and mindful
evidences before we can say that they are truly efficient. This is because it is a very crucial part of our
nationality. The very root of our existence.

           I’ve learned a lot this passed semester, from geography and topography to presidents of our
country. I understood that this nation is a gifted one. We are of high potential to be the greatest in the
world. The Philippines is jam-packed with not only varieties of natural resources but also noble citizens.
These are foreshadowed even from our ancestors long ago. But the sad thing is, we often times do not
know how to sensibly use these as instruments for national progress. We keep on relying to other well-
known countries to answer to our shortcomings and difficulties. We lack confidence with our own
capabilities and possessions that are the supposed roots to magnify success. We Filipinos are not well
aware of how lucky we are that we’re from this country. Thus, how often do we forget to be responsible
citizens and students that are should contribute to the betterment of the Philippines.

           I learned the different social strata of this country from long ago. Such are the Datu and
Maharlika, Timawa and the Alipin. Upon contemplating them, I realized their relevance to the
circumstances now a days.  I understood why political dynasties as well as elitism are renowned by
many. This also brought up to me the reason behind the modern interplay between elites and masses.
Moreover, I comprehended the source and origin of nepotism.

           Our lessons also covered the era of the noble Filipino heroes. I learned to appreciate their
invaluable sacrifices and their martyrdom. They put our nation’s welfare at the top of their priorities.
They neglected their own self-interest for the sake of our sovereignty. They showed patriotism that is
beyond compare as well as care for our country that is beyond measure. They are certainly examples of
people that every generation should look up to.

           Pondering unto the Spanish, American and Japanese colonization in the Philippines, I learned
three things; harsh truths are better than sweet lies; promises, whichever the case, are always meant to
be broken and; not all those who say ‘I love you’ mean it.
           The 3 powerful countries did different approach to our country which left unconcealed scars that
will forever be flaws in our before virgin-like nation. They tricked us, played us, and manipulated us until
they are able to get what they want. They didn’t have even a tiny bit of compassion for the Philippines
and the Filipino people. All they cared about is our country’s use to them and yet we still look up to
them today like we owe them our country’s identity. As early as now, we should change our perspective
toward these stuff. We should honour our nation enough because we could’ve been a better one if
these colonizers didn’t enter the picture.

           As for our last lesson, the presidency is indeed a very tough and powerful position. With this
standing, you will be able to influence a lot of people, thus, change the lives of many. We’ve already
gone through 15 presidents in this country. Some of which did enormous undertakings and
achievements while few just used their reign to satisfy and address their own selfish desires. But in spite
of all of these, we citizens should never forget that we are the main ingredient in the recipe of success.
We shouldn’t just rely everything to our leaders but instead we should also have our own initiative to do
things for the development of the community. If everyone in this country acts like one responsible
president of our own, I am 100% sure that progress will just linger around the tips of our toes.

           Our previous lessons definitely changed the way I perceived Philippine History. When I was in
grade school and high school, the first thing that comes in my mind when I hear about this subject is
‘memorization’. But now, after I whole-heartedly studied it, I came across lots and lots of realizations.
Realizations about or life, origin, significant events and noble people. Before, I just digested everything
that was spoon fed by my teachers. But now, this history course gave me the urge to study further and
to look into the deeper and hidden side of every circumstance. I realized that some of the actualities
that were thought to us are actually just half-truths and veiled lies. Some so called ‘facts’ are just
compilations of senseless praises that just serve as decorations to compensate to the real dark sides of
our history. My perspective also changed in the way that I am now well aware that few of the significant
people in our history books aren’t really heroic at all. They just hid in the shadow of their self-interests
and screened their wrong doings away from the freemen’s eyes. I came up with the idea that  history is
made by those who hanged our heroes. We should be more observant about every detail of our past so
that we won’t be praising immoral heroes and condemning honorable villains. History is not just a
subject to me. It is part of humanity. It will always be relevant to everything. It is the fine line that
bridges us to the astonishing occasions in the past. The thing that will help us understand conflicts in the
future.

           Over all, the whole semester in Philippine History has been great although we haven’t interaction
with our instruction due to this pandemic (covid19). I have learned many things that were irrelevant to
me before. I now know that it requires effort to be able to analyse a certain topic. Hard work and
perseverance are really necessary. I was never this engaged into these matters before. I am now driven
to further ponder into historical theories and facts that will help me to be more mindful about our past.
During our classes and activities, I was able to practice my comprehension and critical thinking skills. It
was also exciting to talk about current issues in our country and be able to share my ideas to others as
well as listen to theirs. Complicated history events are now very clear to me. Our professor did a good
job in conveying our lessons to us. He did it in the way that our hectic minds will understand. During our
classes, it looked like we were just having conversations with our teacher. This way, we learned and
understood the lessons better because our professor is such a good story teller. He is very approachable
and always willing to help us with our troubles regarding the subject. He always answers our questions
accordingly. Another thing that I admire about our professor is that throughout out the sem, it seems
like he was teaching us from his heart through this what we called “online class”. He doesn’t just
memorize our lessons. He digests every bit of them. That, I observed during our first meeting in class. He
is very expressive about his ideas and comments about people, issues, and past events. Being
straightforward, fair-minded and curious are his strong points that make his an ideal history teacher.

           Learning about our country should not just stop at the end of this semester.  We should continue
to be perceptive and insightful about our past. Let us keep ourselves knowledgeable about history as
well as the current national issues. This way, we will be able to understand and perceive things from a
better angle. We shouldn’t look at this subject as a burden due to memorization. Instead, let us think of
it as a way of improving our own identity. A way to see our past clearly and an instrument to highlight
the path to a brighter future.

           Apparently, Filipinos are suffering from national amnesia. Colonial mentality is deeply engrained in
those who are not proud about their nationality and those who still look up to anything foreign as finest.
Hence, colonial mentality destroys our national identity. Therefore, everyone’s historical knowledge
needs to be strengthened and nurtured. Through this, we can happen to be a new breed of citizens who
have a strong sense of nationalism in our hearts and in our minds. As an effect, whatever the mistakes in
the past are, the present generation should learn from them and never again repeat it so that the future
of the Philippines will be free from ignorance, slavery and despotism.

           To cover it all up, Philippine History is not at all a boring subject just like how others oftentimes
see it. In fact, studying it is filled with thrill and adventure. It is something that should not be ignored
because it is the manifestation of the noble deeds and heroic acts of our gallant ancestors. It will always
be worth studying for because it helps us to not only be better citizens, but also to become better
persons that contribute to the wholeness of this country.