"Bayan o Sarili"

"Bayan o sarili?"This was the most famous line that lingered in my ears while watching Heneral Luna (General Luna). We watched with gusto while recalling all the history lessons that we had beginning from grade school days to college years.

The movie  kicked off at the dawn of American occupation in the Philippines. John Arcilla played the titular role;somehow I find him really resembling the late general. Mylene Dizon played the love interest of General Luna, While Archie Alemanya and Joem Bascon played the funny loyal assistants of the general. Actually, their roles are fictional. However, in real life the general had one unknown loyal subject who stayed by his side until his death.

This marks how Filipinos tried to keep the republic after the Spaniards had fallen from power. Unknown to all, the Spaniards and the Americans had a secret agreement that the latter bought the occupancy to own the Philippines by the late 1800 to early 1900. As old as time, they are Filipinos who prefer to live in their comforts regardless if the mother land will suffer. There are also some Filipinos who prefer to suffer and show its love for the country in the expense of their lives.

At the end of this film, the director manage to represent Juan Luna's Spolarium with the death of the painter's brother. I also did some research, in the history books this is not being mentioned. There is a verbal note that Aguinaldo's mother was indeed present during the murder of Gen.Antonio Luna. How wicked they could be.

In a lighter note, I also believe that our characters have something to do on how our parents especially our mother brought us up. Just what is shown in the film, although I think there are some differences from what really happened as to how it is shown in the film. In the part wherein his mother, Laureana Novicio San Ignacio y Ancheta, that she allows her children to explore and go overseas to study. In this case, it molds the patriotism outlook of the Luna brothers. They don't damn care what other people would say about them. Compared to Aguinaldo, that always believe in hear-say.

One of the actors in this film is Nonie Buencamino. Surprisingly, he is a direct descendant of Felipe Buemcamino (according to an article I read). The way he represents his character is very deep. There are some parts which I saw a remorse on his portrayal for the role. His acting is very superb.

This film does not only tackles the life and death of Antonio Luna but it also reflects Filipinos in general. It perceives how history repeat itself. How the nation dream of being free and demanding change but do not act on change. How colonial mentality affects the lifestyle of every Filipinos. It affects me in a way since I am an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) teaching here in Indonesia.

Somehow this movie makes me think, I am able to teach in a foreign land but somehow left my mother country for what? Greener pasture? I ought not to answer the question for a while.

As a citizen, how would you express your love for your motherland?


PS: Photos are from www.google.com