Nosidal, Eskit G.
BSN 103
It may not be all sunny days, but our history as a nation influences our way of doing things and
our foundation as Filipinos. As stated by Andre De La Varre “An archipelago fast changing from a
dreamy Spanish colony to a modern agricultural, industrial and independent country”
Philippines changed drastically, we innovate things in our own but somehow foreign countries
still lend a helping hand.
Philippines, especially Manila was already known and had a healthy cycle in terms of
agriculture, economy and avenues. Manila is acknowledged as the finest bay in the Far East and
the Queen City of the Pacific. It already set high standards during Spanish period. Some parts of
Manila are recognized: we have Intramuros as a reminiscent of Madrid; the river that divides
Manila into two is the Pasig river; Tondo, the home of the masses and most densely populated
quarter, North shore of Pasig; Ermita, the residential section with beautiful homes and hotels,
also where University of the Philippines are found. Some Institutions made a name as well. Like
Espacio De San Jose, an asylum. It has a rotating wheel known as turning wheel where
abandoned child are left there, then the babies are taught and educated as they grow up to
have an occupation. Abandoning babies is a mortal sin, if the Espacio De San Jose is not around,
a lot of babies might be left in the streets unprotected and defenseless. For me the Asylum is
the best Institution before, next to Bilibid; Bilibid is the largest penal institution in the world
back then. The prisoners were taught to be inclined is musical instruments. It has a routine of
like a parade prior to the calisthenics exercises to have a healthy body even though they are
imprisoned. The institute has uniforms that differ in trustees for 1 st, 2nd and 3rd class. In the
evening, afternoon drills display happens, it prepares the inmates of eventual good citizenship.
Philippines also showcase transportations and commodities regionally. We have our
own way of transportation. Kalesa and horse drawn bus vary from the number of passengers.
Kalesa can only have 1-4 passengers while horse drawn bus can accommodate 8 to 10. We have
traditional and native clothing known as Camisa and bondice. Lastly, Filipinos are known for
tobacco industry. Tobacco is one of the foremost sources of wealth in the country, it is carted
through the busy city streets and was supervised by the government. It is properly seasoned
and processed by our big local companies. However, it was introduced by us by Spaniards.
Spaniards really influenced us even with our businesses.
Foreign countries look at us highly, but in the perspectives of William M. Pizor it was
infused with discrimination. William took the natives lightly. He stated that Filipinos are ugly
and even said that our local animal the carabaos ugly as well. Norms back then was filled with
discrimination. Especially for women, they were seen as weak and only good for minor things.
Only women were taught to mend their clothes, the mindset for Filipino women was ugly and
only hybrids were beautiful, those who has half in their bloods.
Spaniards and Americans did influence us Filipinos generally. We have learned a lot
through the colonizers, even though they tend to conquer us to be a part of them. The 333
years of Spanish colonization made an indelible mark in our faith in God. Likewise, more than 4
decades of American colonization largely influenced our education and literacy. Who we are as
a people and as a country today is part and parcel of our colorful past. Our culture, beliefs,
tradition and value system are a living reflection of our historical past.
