(First of Two Parts)
SO, HERE we are, only a week before hitting December – the last month of the year, the Christmas season! What an unprecedented year! We started with the COVID-19 pandemic; ending with massive devastation wrought by the recent typhoons that whacked some parts of our beloved land.
Still, resilient and with indomitable spirit, the Filipinos chose to rise above the recent catastrophes with the help of fellow Filipinos. After all, the strength of the nation – of the Filipinos, is tested during tough times. This has been proven true in past catastrophes. We survived; we thrived.
I think it’s not only true for us. It’s true for other nationalities as well, given the histories of most nations. In the case of the Philippines, blood was shed to achieve our independence – both during the Spanish and Japanese regimes. That alone testifies to the indomitable spirit and moral fiber of our fellow citizens. We will not be subjugated!
A short revisit of our nation’s history, courtesy of www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/History/Philippines-history.htm, will tell us that we went through countless painful phases with each colonial rule. Don’t get me wrong. Each colonial regime had its contribution to our nation-building.
First, we had Spain. Volumes have been written about the acute challenges we experienced during this period in our nation’s life. We suffered discrimination; exploitation; a sense of shame; belittled; and enslaved.
Then the British East India Company forces captured Manila during the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763). The Philippines was returned to Spain at the end of the war. I can’t help but wonder what life could have been had the British not returned the country to Spain. Perhaps our life would have been different OR not.
José P. Rizal was one of the early nationalist leaders. He was a physician, scientist, scholar, and writer. Now, who doesn’t love writers, huh! His writings inspired the awakening of the Filipino national consciousness sparking the rise in nationalism. Such brilliance is admirable!
Unfortunately, Rizal, who was not a member of the Katipunan, was arrested and executed on December 30, 1896, for his alleged role in the rebellion. Take note of the month: December.
Moving forward. When the Spanish-American War broke out in April 1898, Spain’s fleet was easily defeated in Manila. The U.S. rule over the country had 2 phases. First phase was from 1898-1935, at which time America expressed its colonial mission as one of tutelage and preparing the Philippines for eventual independence.
The second period from 1936-1946 was characterized by the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and occupation by Japan during WW II.
And yet again, on December 8, 1941, Japan attacked the country and consequently occupied Manila on January 2, 1942. To the Filipinos’ credit, the independent republic set up by Tokyo was opposed by underground and guerrilla activity which eventually reached large-scale proportions. Allied forces invaded the Philippines in October 1944, and the Japanese surrendered on September 2, 1945. Take note of the month of attack: December.
Reading these facts now would seem light and easy but we must understand the deep wound inflicted on the nation’s psyche and the physical devastation brought about by these conflicts and wars.
So, you see, we have been through the worst of times and yet we continue to rise as a people. We have our negative side, true, as all peoples of every country does, but we also nurture our redeeming traits.
So back to the season of merriment. I wonder how Christmas will be celebrated this year given the belt-tightening measures that every Filipino family is observing. But if you ask me, some may still want to celebrate it to temper the severe challenge of the past couple of months. Some may reduce the grandness of the occasion while some others will commemorate it simply – a thanksgiving for life.
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
