Ganito Kami Noon Analysis

“Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon”
The Philippines was colonized for approximately four centuries, yet our
nationality has rarely been established up to this point. Our colonizers have
significantly impacted our culture, traditions, and language. The movie
entitled "Ganito kami noon, Paano kayo ngayon," directed by Eddie Romero,
is a 1976 Philippine period drama film during the era of Spanish colonization
in the Philippines. It depicts the struggles of Filipino independence. Although
the film sometimes dragged, it was able to tackle important points in a
highly original, comedic, and symbolic way, which seldom gave room for
boredom. These topics include the Spanish abuse of the Filipinos, the strife
between social classes, the Filipinos' lack of education and ignorance, and—
most significantly—the various interpretations of the term "Filipino" are
among these concerns. It illustrates the Filipino people's effort to discover
their genuine sense of self.
The term "Filipino" was created because, in the past, the people of the
Philippines used different names depending on which island or region they
were from. For instance, those from Manila are known as "Tagalogs," while
those from the Visayas are referred to as "Visayans” or “Bisayans,” and
those from Ilocos are known as "Ilokanos." Since the Philippine islands are
divided by large bodies of water, thus creating a rift between their
inhabitants due to their various identities. To prevent conflicts between the
locals and to bring the people of the Philippines together, the term "Filipino"
was employed to refer to them. This reason could have contributed to the
confusion.
Additionally, the confusing idea of national identity might have been

influenced by the Filipinos' inferiority to the Spaniards. The film uses the
journey of a naïve and ignorant man named Kulas (Christopher De Leon) to
revive and untangle this era. Along his journey, he encounters a wide range
of people—revolutionaries, Spanish friars, theatrical performers, members of
high society, and just arrived American soldiers—and experiences many
adventures, epiphanies, and realizations. He had numerous encounters with
how people defined the term "Filipino." In the first part of the movie, Father
Gil Corcuera and Lim, a Chinese merchant, identify the term "Filipino" as
Spaniards living in the country. On the other hand, Don Tibor contrasted
this, saying that to be called a Filipino, one must be worthy and know how to
take responsibility. All those encounters made no difference for Kulas
because whomever he encountered; he would always receive various
responses. Despite having different cultures, attitudes, and goals in life, it
still represents the identity of Filipino which is why we must be responsible
and ensure that it serves our nation's best interests.
Throughout the film, it shows the condition of the Philippines under the
colonization of the Spaniards. There was no doubt about the abuse of power
or the existence of slavery. Since opposing the government means death,
revolutionary parties are cautious about the things they want to undertake.
On the other hand, the priest and the government are helpful to get
acquainted with since they might be able to help when needed. It also shows
how the friars and other influential locals impact Filipinos. Because of the
apparent predominance of the Spanish race over Filipinos, Filipinos have
restless anxiety. It was the period when a minor group of rebels emerged
since Spanish colonialism ended. Spain is recognized for having a patriarchal
system and introduced to the Philippines. It is depicted in the movie because
ladies were never outside the house, and no kids were playing in the streets.
It also demonstrates the tragic fact that, although being forbidden from
doing so, priests may have illegitimate children.
Additionally, it shows that those in charge and those in the higher social
class are respected more than regular people. Because of their long history
of tyranny and cruelty, the Filipino people have evolved to accept these
experiences as the norm. Transportation and travel were regulated. They are
essentially unable to go without being stopped at several checkpoints. Social
class systems served as models for figuring out one's identity. Justice was
only available to those who could afford it and were judged according to
their wealth and social standing. The shocking state of society profoundly
impacted most people, who eventually developed harsh, arrogant, dishonest,
and opportunistic traits like Diding and her father. Even though the
Philippines now enjoys sovereignty and democracy, the effects of
colonization are still present in our culture and behavior.
There is still clear social stratification in the Filipino population. People are
still classified and treated according to their financial and social standing.
Dishonest, selfish, and abusive individuals can still be found on the periphery
of the Filipino socioeconomic and political system. However, despite these
negative aspects, this circumstance also offers an opportunity. Nowadays,
more and more educated individuals in the Philippines can think critically and
use technology. There are still a few of them who adhere to the principles of
our ancestors, even though some of them merely utilize their skills for
personal gain. They are the ones that constantly remind us that we are all
Filipinos and that we should hold on to that

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“Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon”

Additionally, the confusing idea of national identity might have been

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