What the future holds -a reflection of the movie:Heneral Luna

In this era where filipino youth were fighting over their favorite love teams, over noon time shows.. Having the Heneral Luna, a Filipino Historic film in today's movie industry is an ice breaker to remind us there is something worth reflecting -- cherishing our independence, valuing our nation more..

It was during the world war II when the Americans took over our country after the 333 years of Spanish colonization. It was this time when Filipinos were in the middle of croasroads facing the dilema on where to stand: to continue to fight for our country's sole sovereignty? or to trust another foreign power for our economy's chance of development?

“Mas magandang mamatay sa digmaan kaysa magpasakop sa dayuhan.” –General Luna

"Negosyo o kalayaan? Bayan o sarili? Pumili ka!" - General Luna on Pedro Paterno

War General Antonio Luna was written on all History books and was taught in  every primary and secondary school as one of the behind-the-scenes heroes worth remembering,, but what the movie showcased was something most Filipinos doesnt know about General Luna, how he eagerly fight and died for our country despite discouragement from his own countrymen. Something not given enough emphasis on history and social sciences.  Hence, maybe the reason why this film was produced.

"Siya ang pinakamahusay kong Heneral" -Pres. Aguinaldo

After watching the movie, i literally felt body weakness and malaise.. Stunned by what happened. For few minutes i was still sitting seemingly with blunt affect internalizing the movie. Feeling sorry for my own nation, thinking of what could have been, should have done and what would it be if things were done the other way around.


What we can get from this film:

First, The problem our dear Philippines is facing today is the very same problem the country was facing then-- corruption, greed, self interest, self gain.

"Para sa bayan? O para sa sarili?"

"Ganito ba talaga ang tadhana natin? Kalaban ng kalaban. Kalaban ng kakampi. Nakakapagod."


Second, Our real foes are not the invaders but ourselves.

"May mas malaki tayong kalaban sa mga Amerikano-- ang ating sarili"

"Hindi ko ginusto na siya ay mamatay, pero naniniwala akong makatarungan ang nangyari. Malupit siya, abusado, mayabang!” – Felipe Buencamino on Antonio Luna

Third, We are fighting for the same thing, we are reaching for the same goal-- Philippine independence.. But our means, our ways, our ideas were different making it easier for the americans to conquer us--

"divide and conquer"- Major General Otis
.. leading to our own captivity

"Handang magtapon ng dugo ang totoong makabayan. Hindi pagdurusa ang pagdaan sa napakatinding pasakit. Para kang tumanggap ng basbas, parang pag-ibig.” -Lt. Paco

Lastly, "tayo ang talangka ng ating sariling lipunan".. 2016 National elections is coming, think well, decide hard.. In whose hands are we willing to entrust our nation?, may we learn from yesterday's mistake and face tomorrow with strong belief that even as ordinary citizens, we can make a difference.