“History repeats itself”-a one-line reality to describe the film, Ang Alamat ni Julian Makabayan, as suggested by Mr. Nick Ocampo. It appears then that as the society, at least in the Philippine context, aims for a development in any aspects possible, one must always take a look and consider with what composes its populace, the events that had occurred and the whole condition of the country. It is while the past seems to reside in the textbooks, it also struggles to keep itself relevant, and may it still be of the same or a far different case and situation. Far from the usual themes we’ve been used to watch and enjoy, this film conscientiously affirmed a very serious topic that it may have touched most of its watchers who underwent cruelty during the 1930’s.
Committed to pronounce an issue of nationalism and prevailing oppression and marginalization among less-privileged (peasants), several issues including freedom of assembly, compelled servitude or slavery, gender biases, social stratification and roles of religion in direct exercising of political control in the practice of feudalism throughout the period were discussed as other impelling tendencies appeared to be more or less discernible.
First and foremost, the time period of the film seemed to be during the Spanish-era based on the political power held by the local priest however, Charo Santos’ role defied it the seemingly introduction of technology such as cars and new costume, signifying the American preoccupation of the Philippines, probably in the 1910’s to 1930’s. Whatever the period was what appeared to be of great significance here is a very apparent interminable cycle of poverty and oppression.
To practice the freedom of assembly was evidently deemed by the local government and the church unlawful. With the prevailing fear that the oppressed peasants will cause an act of rebellion against them, the leaders of the society not only in Nueva Ecija (the film’s setting) stringently disclaim any activities or gatherings by their subjects. This thus shows the beginning of the afflictions created by the dominating class, the government and the church alongside several other concerns. This act considered contrary to conventions established by the leaders became very evident when the town priest warned Julian Sr. from joining peasant group (kapisanan) and when he was actually arrested allegedly for joining the rebellion.
Another issue raised following the repression of expressing their wills, was the involuntary servitude most especially among women peasants. Due to an unpaid debt, Maria will serve Don Hilario, a local landlord, representing the dominating group of the society in those times. This event further established women as commodity for exchange and trade. One good thing here was when Julian Jr. went to and asked the local priest (Eddie Garcia) to absolve the family of the debt; that is, for a favor from a father and not just as a priest. Related to this, is an issue of gender bias wherein women were not allowed to exercise their right to vote, even when they can actually read or write.
While education and new political systems are together promoted by the Americans, the scene from an elite gathering introduced in the film the social classes, those reckoned as ruling and dominating ones; all cloaked with a goal to alleviate the problems of the society but were not actually making any move. The church represented by the local priest, Fr. Matias, the capitalist who held control of markets and supplies, the government lead by the captain, and the traitors of our society. Behind this beautiful occasion was the unprepossessing group of peasants, deprived from their own rights, repressed and subjugated. Unequipped with necessary power, they can’t pursue their rights and repel the dehumanizing acts by the upper class. Consequently, the social stratification established through time became much worse.
To my concern, the church also played big part in molding awareness among the people. Using religion and the concept of faith and blessed life, they took control over the peasants’ rights and their whole life in turn. Not only did these minorities abide with the government laws, they also followed what the church was preaching. In order to have his husband freed, the wife went to the priest who commanded an order to her favor but for something in exchange, one that will favor the obsessed priests.
All encompassing, after the Spanish colonization, the Philippines became a real estate for grabs. In the midst of a protracted war of national liberation against the Spanish, the Filipinos initially accepted the intervention of the U.S. military, not realizing that they have discovered a far worse colonial master in hand. Their overwhelming plans for the Philippines and alluring policies for development including that of trade, free education and political rights deceived the populace in general. While they stood great in their promises, the Filipinos pledged with the elimination of disparities between the elite and the peasants eventually lost their faith with the current system. While the farmlands were increasingly concentrated in the hands of powerful owners, hacienderos, most of the peasants became sharecroppers and farmers not for their own good. Landholding hierarchy prevailed more intensely, listening not to the needs of their workers but do their self-acclaimed interests.
With all of these suppressing events in their status, the farmers eventually became aware for an act to repel these forces, one that by rebellion, they believed they can succeed. The birth of Julian Makabayan resides in their hearts as they engage into this real life battle for rights and freedom. Even if the characters died, the insurgency among those remaining and the future groups will continue pursuing their goals for the benefit of the group. While others are scorned, some are still fighting for what they believed is legally right.
Unfortunately, the history repeats itself. Even though the story depicted the situations way back 1930’s, the story still reflects the continuously existing conditions most of us are experiencing. While the character of Julian remains a legend, may his ideals inspire us to strive for a brighter and better future for the country in general. It is unless we realize the need to resist the power of the dominating class, that we can only experience social justice and freedom.
This film so far is a great one to tackle a very grievous condition of the country, may it have been produced in 1979 or today, it will always apply effectively raising issues need to be addressed.
Image used fr http://123nonstop.com/pictures/Ang_Alamat_ni_Julian_Makabayan
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