I’d meant to post this for National Heroes Day; the entries  of Verisimilitude and caffeine sparks reminded me I’d tried my hand at translating the libretto of 1896: The Musical, produced by PETA for the Centennial of the Revolution in 1996. It was, for me, the highlight of the Centennial celebrations and a musical I wish would be constantly performed (or available on CD!). Anyway, for what it’s worth, here it is. I originally prepared the translation for foreign friends to whom I gave copies of tapes of the musical.

1896
        The Musical
                      My unauthorized and incompetent
                                translation of the Libretto by
                                        Carlos de la Paz, Jr.*

“A life that is not devoted to a great and sacred purpose is like a tree without shade, and is instead merely like worthless grass.”
    -First part of the Kartilya of the Katipunan
      by Emilio Jacinto

“Now is the time to begin the revelation of valuable and noble teachings.”
    -Andres Bonifacio,
      “What the Tagalogs should know”

*(First, see synopsis in the liner notes; note that this translation is incompetent because too much of it is literal and ninety nine point nine percent of the poetry has been lost; the notes for each of the scenes are strictly mine and are not meant to be a reflection of what PETA intended -merely my impressions and how I understood the play.)
________________________________________________________________________________________

                                      Emilio Jacinto

Emilio Jacinto, the youthful “Brains of the Katipunan” and closest friend of Andrés Bonifacio, was born on 15 December 1875 in Tondo, then a suburb of the City of Manila, the son of Mariano Jacinto and Josefa Dizon. In spite of their poor financial condition, the couple sent their son to the San Juan de Letrán College and later, to the University of Santo Tomás, where Jacinto read law. Jacinto was only eighteen years old when he joined the revolutionary Katipunan. The subsequent discovery of the underground society led to the revolution. Jacinto left the University and directed the armed forces of the revolutionary movement in Laguna. In a skirmish with the Spaniards in Mahayhay, Laguna, toward the end of 1898, Jacinto was wounded. He died on 16 April 1899.
Jacinto’s writings are mostly in Tagalog. His poem in Spanish “A la Patria” [was] obviously inspired by Rizal’s “Último Adios”. Jacinto’s style is superior to that of Bonifacio, and the latter, recognizing the former’s superior “Rules of the Katipunan” (i.e. Kartilya ),adopted it as the official ethics of the society.
                                    Teodoro A. Agoncillo
                                            Filipino Nationalism 1872-1970

Tape One: Act One

1. Pasyon: Passion Play

Lamentations traditionally recited during Lent by the community; the musical begins with the mystical aspects of the Revolution immediately brought to mind as the people cry to God, asking for mercy. Spanish soldiers and a friar go about oppressing the people as the men and women yearn for a New Jerusalem (not literally, but this is the yearning revealed in books such as Pasyon and Rebolusyon , which revealed folk Catholicism’s desire for a peaceable kingdom free from white rule). Jacinto, a young student, is seen remonstrating with a friar. His pleas for mercy are roughly shoved aside, and his eyes are opened. An allegory of Freedom [see appendices for what I presume to have been the inspiration for the constant use of the allegory of Freedom in the musical] makes her first appearance; she exhorts him to open the eyes of his countrymen so that they can participate in the liberation of their country.

Cantor 1: Kings’ orders; because the truth is,
                  No one would violate them
  The soldiers roved around
                  They accidentally came across a youth
                  And abruptly beheaded him

Cantor 2: Every home entered
                    Every room forced into
                    during their  search,
                    And any infant they find
                    is immediately hurt
                     

Cantor 1: The nation is being ground down;
                  You can hardly hear
                  over the din of our supplications
                  and the strength of the howling
                  of parents

The People: Almighty God
                      You must listen
                      We are imploring you
                      Your beloved
                      Land is truly
                      Being plunged into darkness
                      Until when will the suffering continue?
                      Will tomorrow ever come?

Friar: Just endure your grief
          Be quiet, be still

The People: Do not fight our suffering, our degradation
                      -Padre Nicolas, give absolution
                      my father isn’t a heretic
                      -Grant clemency
                      to my youngest child
                      he was only hungry
                      -Don’t disregard my humanity!
                      -Return my land!
                   
Friar: You must give respect!

The People: Where has the grace gone; even
                      Novenas have ceased to work!

Child: Mother, where is Father?
            Will I never see him again?

Mother:  He will write to you

Grandfather: Why don’t you tell
                          the honest truth?

The People: Almighty God
                        Hear us
                        We  implore you
                        Your beloved
                        Land is truly
                        Being plunged into darkness

Jacinto: How long will the blindness last?
                  Will the light ever appear?
                  Is it written in The Book
                  that hope of fulfilling my aspirations
                  won’t be obtained?
               

Old Man: O My Lord
                  Please forgive
                  my lack of respect

Jacinto: Enough, Señor!
                Have pity on him
                He is already aged!       

The People: Until when will the suffering last?
                      Will tomorrow ever come?
                      Just endure grief
                      Be quiet, be still
                      Do not fight suffering, our degrading situation
                      (chorus)
                      Almighty God,
                      Hear us!
                      -How long will
                      my suffering last?
                      If you truly love
                      our land
                      Deliver us and
                      have pity!

Jacinto: Mother Spain
                I cannot call you that
                Where was there ever such a mother and child
                I do not need
                small mercies
                Everything has its limits

Freedom: Have hope, youth

Jacinto: Who are you?

Freedom: I am the beginning
                  And also the end
                  Of all things
                  considered noble
                  Because of me
                  kingdoms
                  Are laid low
                  People forget
                  their self-interest
                  In order to bring progress
                  to the nation
                  I am called-

Jacinto: Freedom! Freedom!

Freedom: Awaken your country
                  So that once more
                  The light will return
                  To the land we love
Have faith, youth
                  They are waiting:
                  Your brothers who are part
                  Of a long journey

2. Pacto de Sangre: Blood Compact

Where Emilio Jacinto is initiated into the Katipunan; the ritual questions, similar to the questions asked in baptism, were required of all Katipunan initiates. The participation of Gregoria de Jesus (Oryang) symbolizes the important and equal role women played in the movement.

Katipunero 1: If your desire
                            is merely to expose the workings of the secretariat
                            Go no further!

Katipunero 2: Move and act;
                            if you are merely good with words
                            Go no further!

Katipunero 3: If your desire
                          is merely to look after or gratify your body
                          Go no further!

Katipunero 4: If you are afraid of being hurt
                          or of being separated from your loved ones
                          Go no further!

Oryang: If you are not ready
                To come to the aid of the oppressed
                Go no further!

Bonifacio: If these prohibitions
                    have been taken to heart by
                    the one who wishes to join
                    And he feels he can carry out
                    the responsibilities assigned to him
                    Let him give the proper reply

Jacinto: I solemnly swear
                that from this day forward
                I will be a true brother
                of the Brotherhood of the Sons of the Nation
                I will honor her teachings
                Offer my blood and life
                In order to obtain Freedom
                I will embrace with limitless love
                My brothers
                So help me God. 

Bonifacio: What shall be your nom-de-guerre?

Jacinto: My nom-de-guerre shall be Pinkian [Conflict]

Bonifacio: Mabuhay brother Pinkian!

All: Mabuhay!

Bonifacio: Mabuhay, Freedom!

All: Mabuhay!

Bonifacio/Oryang: May the light accompany
                                    our exalted brotherhood
                                    Clear the way for reason
                                    Let us exalt once more this day
                                    Cross the great divide
                                    Bring the nation
                                    to a tranquil meeting place
                                    We will be the guide 

Katipunero 1: Mabuhay, Katipunan!

All: Mabuhay!

Katipunero 2: Mabuhay, Filipinas!

All: Mabuhay!

3. Ang Kapatiran: The Brotherhood

Jacinto sings the words from the Kartilya ; A Katipunero (from the Magdalo faction  from Cavite-Magdalo was Emilio Aguinaldo’s nom-de-guerre) questions whether such egalitarian ideas are practical; Emilio Aguinaldo, who was present at Jacinto’s initiation, takes his leave of the Supremo and his wife; Jacinto continues with the Kartilya, and all sing of the unity and their dreams for the country they hope to build, in what will be a major theme of the musical

Jacinto: All people are equal
                This is an evident truth
                This is what was ordained by creation
                From whence we all came
                Who is being haughty?
                What is the proper way?
                Is your worth greater than
                that of your brother?
                I have the arguments
                I am ready to listen

Katipunero 1: However wasn’t it intended
                      that some would be born
                      to be in the ranks of the rich  and others
                      in the ranks
                      of the poor?

Katipunero 2: There are trees in the forest
                          that are higher than the rest!

Katipunero 3: Animals that are deliberately
                          slow are easily caught!

Aguinaldo: Many thanks for the time
                      of the Supremo

Bonifacio: I should be the one
                    to offer thanks
                    to the valiant ranks
                    of the Magdalo Council
                 

Katipunero 4: Don’t be startled by my beliefs
                          It is ordained that there be the humble and
                          the mighty!
                          Brother Pinkian, I must confess
                          I am more valiant than all the rest

Oryang: You should take care
                Brother Magdalo

Aguinaldo: You should be the one to take care
                    Here in Tondo
                    There are many who are no good
                 
Jacinto: Whether one is black or white or brown
                The color of the skin should not count
    One can only take pride
                In the wholeness, the richness of one’s character

Aguinaldo: In truth! Fate doesn’t depend
                      on character
                      For all are
                      equal in Christ
                      Pingkian, I have taken your code
                      to heart

Bonifacio: It isn’t so cool
                    there are tiktik birds in the vicinity

Aguinaldo: Your nom-de-guerre is backed
                      by a good cause
                      We’ll study hard
                      Until next time, Pingkian

Jacinto: On your next visit
                Sharpen your arguments

Bonifacio: May all-knowing God
                    be with you

Oryang: Witness, my brother
                a small flame, growing
                in a dark prison
                Bringing forth light

Bonifacio: The torch of brotherhood
                    is lan offering of love
                    to the genius of the self
                      It thrives on our cause

Aguinaldo: This is our light
                    However violent the darkness
                    To a free meadow
  will the country be born

Jacinto: And we will create
                A noble nation
                With love for all
                And respect for the least
                A home which will be filled
                With true mutual support
                Where every face
                Will glow with happiness

The torch of brotherhood
                Is the light of the nation

Chorus: And we will create
                A noble nation
                With love for all
                And respect for the least
                A home which will be filled
              With true mutual support
              Where every face
              Will glow with happiness

                The torch of brotherhood
                Is the light of the nation

4. Ang Krus at ang Espada: The Cross and the Sword

The friars come to demand action from the Governor-General (one of his titles was Captain-General), saying revolution is being plotted; the Governor-General is skeptical, claiming it is beyond the capabilities of the “indios”: and he mocks them, saying they are paranoid and grown soft from centuries of exploiting the natives (he is obviously a Spanish liberal). The friars denounce him as a Mason and subverter of the Church and State Authority and threaten him; this scene is ironic because many mestizos today -whose ancestry can be traced to friars- retain the same attitude

Captain: Good evening, Reverend

2 Friars: The cannibals
                are conspiring
                They have no prudence
                They fear no one
                They pretend to be obedient sheep
                Disguising themselves by looking mournful
                They’re making merry
                these traitorous indios
                Round them up and exile them! Otherwise
                They will mount
                A revolution!
             
Captain-General: What rich imaginations
                                  Born of your long-standing
                                  hoodwinking of the Indios
                                  In these blessed isles

Chorus: Mason! Mason! Mason
                He is a tool of the Masons!
                Masons! Mason! Mason
                He is a tool of the Masons!

Captain-General: Your beloved indios
                                  Haven’t the capacity
                                  To challenge our arms
                                  We have the authority
                                  What country will arm them?
                                  Who is the leader
                                  Who has sufficient ability
                                  To provide effective leadership
                                  For a serious uprising
                                  What’s this, Revolution?
                                  Or a farce, a moro-moro, a rigodon?

Chorus:  Mason! Mason! Mason!
                  You enemy of religion!
                  Mason! Mason! Mason!
                  You enemy of religion!

Captain: They’re already content organizing
                grandiose fiestas and
                dances, offering up
                indulgences

Chorus:  Mason! Mason! Mason!
                Fomenter of revolution!
                Mason! Mason! Mason!
                Fomenter of revolution!

Head friar: Do not put our capabilities
                      To the test

Captain-General: I am the Captain-General, Father.

Head friar: You are only as high
                      as the dusty sole of my foot

Captain General: I am the Captain-General, father! (2x)

Head friar: The poor and ignorant
                      are easily enticed
                      by the attractions of the devil
                      by subversives
                      Works of ingrates
                      Filthy barbarians
                      They don’t recognize any God
                      They desire nothing but
                      to undermine the
                      Trust and faith of the Indios
                      In Holy Church and the state!

Chorus: Mason! Mason! Mason!
                Crush the Masons!
                Mason! Mason! Mason!
                Crush the Masons!

Captain-General: You want me to organize
                                  the expulsion
                                  of the traitor indios
                                  from these blessed isles?

Chorus: Mason! Mason! Mason!
                Round up the Masons!
                Masons! Masons! Masons!
                Round up the Masons!

Captain-General: Are you really the vicars of God?

(Angelus sounds)

Head Friar: Good day, Captain-General.
                             
5. Ang payo ni Dr. Rizal: The counsel of Dr. Rizal

Dr. Pio Valenzuela was sent to Dapitan by the Katipunan to get Rizal’s advice and consent for the revolution; he gives advice, but holds back consent. The news is awaited expectantly in Manila, and when the message is non-cooperation from Rizal, idol of the Katipuneros, the disappointment is felt deeply. Some Katipuneros begin to ask if so much prudence and preparation -Rizal’s advice- is necessary; Bonifacio is inclined to bow to Rizal’s wisdom, but Jacinto reminds the Supremo that their secret society could be exposed or betrayed at any time -then what should they do to prevent from their being swept along the irrevocable tides of war? Bonifacio, Aguinaldo and Jacinto agonize over what they should do -whether they have the right to cause bloodshed and misery. In the end they sing that blood must be shed to liberate the country and their countrymen’s minds

Aguinaldo: Did he give his consent?

Bonifacio: He said it’s not yet time

Katipunero 1: Oh, damn!

Katipunero 2: We cannot revolt
                            Yet we cannot remain idle
                            Aren’t our stout hearts
                            worthy enough?

Bonifacio:  Brothers, Dr. Rizal is right!

Katipunero 3: Is Dr. Rizal being a coward?
                            When the test comes
                            I will be ready to die
                            If that is what is needed

Bonifacio: Greater preparedness
                    Is the advice of Dr. Rizal

Jacinto: Brother Supremo
                At any time, the existence
                of the Katipunan may be revealed
                What will we do
                Should that happen?
                How will we prevent
                our brothers from being
                swept into hostilities?

Aguinaldo: Nothing would be left
                    But to fight
                    To have faith in unity
                    And love of country
                    And our cause

Bonifacio: Are  these things unworthy  weapons
                    with which to fight the guns of Spain?

The three: Destroy the curtain
                    Which has blinded consciousness
                    Do not fear the light
                    There is hope in tomorrow

Bonifacio: Why do we have these doubts?

Aguinaldo: Why do we feel this foreboding?

Jacinto: Is this what is called for?

Bonifacio: What are we to do
                    If the hearts that awaken
                    burst with solidarity?

Aguinaldo: What is our duty
                    towards lives that are not ours?

Jacinto: Should brothers die
                They will live on in our hearts
                And the darkness will be erased

The three: Are we prepared to listen
                    to the lamentations of orphans
        to the hatred they will clutch
                    a promise of a curtain of tears

Bonifacio: Have faith in fraternal love

Aguinaldo: Have faith in your compatriots

Jacinto: Have faith in the Almighty

The three: (in His sublime), Love

6. Kalayaan at Jacinto: Freedom and Jacinto

Emilio Jacinto sings tenderly of his love of Freedom; the allegory of Freedom returns and they sing a duet of such tenderness as to put the audience to shame, for it vividly demonstrates that patriotism is meant to be a profound emotional as well as intellectual experience.

Jacinto: With my every waking
                With my every prayer
                With my every stride
                I seek it everywhere
                Sensing it in every place

                In everything I touch
                In everything I refer to
                In everything I wish for
                I recite the name
                Yet I still cannot get
                a glimpse of you
               

Freedom: Nothing else is heard
                    Nothing else is in the mind

Jacinto: You are the only one,  just a dream
                so deliberately sweet

Freedom: With my every embrace
                    With every hope for the future
                    With every new path you take
                    Clearing the trail
                    Is the flame that I have left
                 
                    With every tear I shed
                    With my every smile
                    With every affliction
                    How I wish you won’t hurt me
                    Stand by your word

Jacinto: Nothing else is heard
                Nothing else is in the mind

Freedom: You are the only one, just a dream
                    so deliberately sweet

Jacinto:                                           Freedom:

I will remain faithful                  Understand the desire well
to the support you give           
me

Freedom: You will listen to me

Jacinto: I will trust in you

Both: I solemnly swear…
            You are the only one, just a dream
          so deliberately sweet

7. Awit ng mga Kababaihan: Song of the Women

The menfolk take their leave of their wives and mothers, as they depart to join the Revolution. The women weep and beg them to stay home, to think of their families, to think of the consequences of joining a movement condemned by the Church; Gregoria de Jesus, wife of the Supremo, reasons with them. Eventually the women -still weeping, and all the more sorrowful because of the sacrifices they and their husbands must make for freedom- relent, and tell their loved ones to fight. This is one of the most poignant scenes in the musical.

Women: -I am afraid that you won’t return
                -Have you found someone to replace me?
                -Where will you go?
                -What is it you want?
                -Am I still the one you love
                -This is the work of the Masons who are deluding
                people into going against the
                orders
                of the friars who are pure and good of heart!
                -Do not disrespect them!
                They are the torches of God!
                -You talk of the good of the nation
                You have a family!
                -We are your nation!
                Why don’t you look for different work?
                The Katipunan means danger and troubles

Oryang: A life which is not devoted
                to a noble purpose
                Is like a tree
                Without shade
                Wood without worth

Women: And to support your kin
                is not a noble cause?

Oryang: The happiness of the nation
                Will not be ours to enjoy
                If we only work to support
                our own families

Woman: Oryang, is it true that patriotism
                is the message of the Katipunan?

Oryang: A true brotherhood
                Have confidence in me
                Look at the flame
                in the midst of darkness
                The Katipunan is clearing the path
                tirelessly, without fail

Women: -I do not want to see you suffer
                -Son, don’t turn your back on
                our Lord Christ
                -I am entreating you to always
                take care
                -You are part of me
                (Farewell, my beloved), farewell…

8. Rizal

As Rizal prepares to embark on the ship that will take him to Cuba, Katipuneros led by Emilio Jacinto offer to help him escape to freedom. Rizal turns down their offer of assistance, and sings of the dilemma between his belief in freedom and the consequences of fighting for it. He has committed himself to peace, and yet he knows he must lay down his life for the freedom of his countrymen.

Rizal: My God
            Deliver me
            from evil tongues

Jacinto: They are taking you Sir, to Cuba

Rizal: You were listening to our conversation?

Jacinto: Señor, how could I avoid it?
                This launch is too small
                for whispers not to carry

Rizal: Yes, I have permission
            from General Blanco

Jacinto: there are many of us surrounding this place

Rizal: What are you trying to say, Señor?

Jacinto: Doctor, we’re messengers of the Katipunan
                Your brothers

Rizal: Whatever your ambition may be
            I want no part in it

Jacinto: We can rescue you
                The moment you so wish

Rizal: Don’t even think about it

Jacinto: Each one of us is armed

Rizal: Don’t interfere!
            I know what I am doing

Jacinto: Dr. Rizal…

Rizal: To die by a violent struggle
            Or not?
            That is the question
          Which would be more honorable?
            To fight actively
            to get things over with
            Everything will end in bitterness
            Countless terrors
            Will be history’s progeny
            To fight, to die, to pass from consciousness
            To pass from consciousness

Jacinto: But who will face the odds?
                Face tyranny
                outraged honor
                The pain of loss
                The slowness of justice
                Meanness and treachery?             

Rizal: If all were to be put to rest
            No one would be able to assist the country

Both (Rizal): Why is the wish (your wish that)
                        a thousand more deaths?
                        Why in the name of love
                        of country?

Rizal: Am I afraid to
            to face violence?

Jacinto: I can’t bear
                just to watch you idly
       
Rizal: But our idealistic ambitions
            have already gone astray

Both: From reflecting too much
          the moment of accomplishment has been lost
          What a sorrowful fate to
          drown in an ocean of grief
But if this is what he wants

Jacinto:  What else can I (can we) do?

Rizal: Farewell, my country, farewell
            If your trust I have denied
            Farewell, my brothers

Both: May the Heavens have pity on us

9. Ang Dapat Mabatid: What the People Should Know

Taken from Bonifacio’s manifesto, “What the People Should know” [see appendices]; Bonifacio asks the people what must be done, what must take place if things are to be changed and people are to rise over merely enduring their fate. The Katipunan goes to battle, and in the scene, Bonifacio saves Jacinto’s life. Jacinto vows to defend the Supremo’s life, whatever the cost, and to let no harm befall him.

Bonifacio: In Ages Past
                    We lived
                    Prosperously
                    In a fertile land

                  Foreigners arrived
                  And befriended us
                  We accepted them
                  without suspicion

                  Today
                  We no longer have  tranquillity
                  Orphaned by tyranny
                  All foreign scoundrels
                  have no respect

Every tear
                  that even lightly falls on a wound
                  Is a pain that cannot disappear
                  (What shall we do?) 3x

Chorus: Revolt! Revolt!
                This is what must be done!
                Put an end to merely enduring
                Cut the rope
                that binds our country
                Revolt!

Jacinto: They vilified us and shamed us
                Our honor they trampled underfoot
                And the corpse that disappeared
                was treated irreverently

                Until when shall we bear things?
                Do you have  honor, brother?
                Until when shall we be choked
                by this foreign yoke?

Chorus:  Revolt! Revolt!
                This is what must be done!
                Put an end to merely enduring
                Cut the trope
                that binds our country
                Revolt!

Bonifacio: If any of you are still excessively afraid
                    inside
                    It would be better for you
                    cowardly soldiers
                    to depart

Jacinto: And should we slain
                Be assured that we will
                never vanish from
                the memories of our loved ones

Chorus: Revolt! Revolt!
                This is what must be done!
                Put an end to merely enduring
                Cut the rope
                that binds our country
                Revolt!

Jacinto: You put yourself on the line
                to save me
                How can I repay you
                for the life I owe you?
                Brotherhood came to life
                In the midst of battle

                And with your help I’ve understood
                A golden lesson of history
                This is what I solemnly swear:
                Even if Death itself persecutes me,
                I will not allow
                anyone to vanquish you

 
10. Ang Pangitain ni Aguinaldo: Aguinaldo’s Omen

Aguinaldo: Carefree to enjoy our pastimes
                    No one pushing to take advantage of others
                    And our food-baskets are full
                    of our day-to-day food
                    Everyone is full of love
                    In accordance with the Teachings
                    of the noble Katipunan
                    And every success
                    Will again be scelebrated
                    by everyone, absolutely everyone

                    The nation is celebrating
                    from my point of view
                    the victories that have
                    accompanied our fighting
                    But there is something that clouds
                    this happy picture
                    A violent shadow
                    A shadow which is suffering
                    He has lost his senses
                    bound, spat on
                    Prostrate before me
                    Mercilessly injured
                    And celebrated once more
                    by everyone, absolutely everyone
                 
11. Ang Pagdiriwang sa Cavite/Pinopoon: Celebration at Cavite/Acclamation

The refrain sung by the people is the hymn “Marangal na Dalit ng Katipunan” , the Katipunan anthem composed by Julio Nakpil, commissioned by Andres Bonifacio, which was the revolutionary anthem until it was superseded by the present national anthem, commissioned by Emilio Aguinaldo (Julio Nakpil, after Bonifacio’s death, married his widow, Gregoria de Jesus). A revolutionary feast takes place; Jacinto watches and as a figure representing Freedom is drawn past, the men and women sing a duet which is echoed by Jacinto

The people: Mabuhay, mabuhay departed
                      Freedom, freedom
                      Let us strive for purity and what is holy,
                      purity and what is holy
                      Let Spaniards be scorned by Tagalogs
                      And let order triumph
                     
                      Mabuhay, mabuhay departed
                      Freedom, freedom
                      Let us strive for purity and what is holy,
                      purity and what is holy
                      Let Spaniards be scorned by Tagalogs
                      And let order triumph
                     

Jacinto: You who are my master, my beloved
                You are the child of the gentle, southern breeze
                In what place, in what corner are you hiding?
                You must hear my affection
                darling

The women: From now on until the end of time
                      I will be faithful to you, my darling
                      And I hope my heart
                      you will look upon with virtue and  joy
             

The men: Never will I allow you to be all alone
                  This I fervently swear, beloved
                  Never fear
                  Even if I should be slain
               

The people: Oh Freedom
                      Never will it exceed your liking
                      the emotion reserved for you
                      It will be enough to see you
                      My life is yours, beloved
                      Listen to my oath of love

Jacinto: It is enough to see you
                My life is yours, beloved
                Listen to my oath of love

The people: Mabuhay, mabuhay departed
                      Freedom, freedom
                      Let us strive for purity and what is holy,
                      purity and what is holy
                      Let Spaniards be scorned by Tagalogs
                      And let order triumph

Tape two: Act Two

1. Ang Sapakatan: The Conspiracy

The principalia of Cavite are outraged by the Supremo being acclaimed “Hari ng Bayan” [King of the Nation]; they mock him in a scene that brings to mind Christ’s being mocked as king of the Jews: another connection to the mystical (Passion Play) aspects of the Revolution; also an indictment of the pretensions of the principalia

General: Do you hear what they’re shouting?
                Mabuhay, king of the nation!
                Why was he ever invited here?

General: Why are you laughing?
                A former errand boy
                of a trading house
                Is now being hailed
                as king of the nation!

Doctor: It’s disturbing to hear
              that the Supremo Bonifacio
              may already have a throne

Colonel: It’s very easy companero
                to give homage
                to the king of the indios

Lawyer: And why not?
                Having a pauper, an ignoramus
                as king of the nation!
                King of the nation!

Chorus:  King of the nation!
                Supposed king of the nation
                Oh how fate will be cruel
                If we’ll be ruled
                By a refugee
                Be that as it may, mabuhay,
                king of the nation!

General: How well they look at each other
                the General of the Magdalo
                and  Emilio Pingkian
                What good comrades

Lawyer: If you think of the youth
                as a brother who has been separated
                And the intrigue he will discover
                I cannot prevent my tears
                What would suit the Supremo
                is to make him King of the Bandits

Colonel: Or perhaps King of the Locusts?

Doctor: Or why not
              King of the Ants!

(itchy!)

All: The Supremo of the Katipunan
        A King Who Creeps!

General: Let us not allow
                outsiders to meddle in
                our  Revolution!
                Those from other townships
                Will take from us
                our victory
                and the honor

All: Of noble history

Chorus: King of the Nation
              Supposed King of the Nation!
              Oh how fate will be cruel
              if we should be ruled (by  a refugee)
              Be that as it may, “long live the King
              of the Nation!” 2x

              “Long live the King of the Nation!” 3x

2. Ka Fermin, Matandang may Anting-Anting: Comrade Fermin, Old Man with a Talisman
The mystical aspects of the revolution clash head-on with the rationlist beliefs of people like Jacinto

Fermin: Santo, santo kasis
              Santo, santo kob
              Ego petravit, Ego Sacrificit
              Enom dre, enom go
              Enom dre, enom to
              My talisman
              Is a fallen star
              Which I even seized
              from the hands of a ferocious beast
              Evil spirit eye only
              Can I see
              My talisman
              I know to be effective
              I remain unscathed
              in the line of fire
              And my enchantment
              gets more effective in a fight
              Santo, santo kasis
              Santo, santo kob
              Ego petravit, Ego Sacrificit
              Enom dre, enom go
              Enom dre, enom to
              Shoot me or stab be
              Chop me or roast me
              My talisman
              will save me

Katipunero 1: Power has
                          Old Fermin
                          It’s true he has
                          an effective weapon

Fermin: Enom dre, enom go
                You must pray
                to holy God

Jacinto: Brother Fermin,
                Aren’t you bothered?
                Much more effective
                Are Spanish arms

Fermin: Brother Pinkian
                Accept this

Jacinto: A medallion, a symbol
                What effect can this have?

Fermin: You will be able to read the mind
                of anyone you come across
                Whether he is a brother
                Or a deceiver

Jacinto: See through and through
                Whomever I come across?

Fermin: You will be able to read
                his true motives
                With the help of wholehearted
                faith

Jacinto: If you are really skilled
                I’m fortunate to receive your assistance
                Truly you have
                a potent weapon

Fermin: Enom dre, enom go
              Enom tre, enom to
              You must pray
              To Almighty God

Katipuneros: Santo, santo kasis
                          Santo, santo kob
                          Ego Peravit, Ego Sacrificit
                          Enom dre, enom go
                          Enom tre, enom to

                          Even if we should be shot
                          Poisoned or hanged
                          Even if we should be stabbed
                          Chopped or roasted
                          The powers of Fermin
                          will save us

Fermin: Advance, Indios!
         

3. Ang Babala ni Kalayaan: Freedom’s warning
Jacinto’s omen this time; He is sent on a mission by the supremo, and bids Gregoria de Jesus farewell.

Jacinto: Oryang

Oryang: He is already resting

Jacinto: He tasked me with
                going back to Manila
                I merely wanted to take my leave
                Probably he was tired out
                from today’s festivities

Oryang: It turns out it’s tiring
                to enjoy a little
                freedom and abundance

Jacinto: I’ll go on my way

Oryang: Take care, Pingkian
                on your journey
                Sharpen your senses
                for encounters with the enemy

Jacinto: Thank you, Oryang
                Please convey my farewell

Freedom: What ‘s this; you are leaving your
                    brother to argue with
                    a covetuous usurper?

Jacinto: The Supremo is in the home
                of a brother

Freedom: Return at once
                  Abel is ignorant
                  of Cain’s violent state of mind

Jacinto: There is nothing to worry about
                He is in a safe house

Freedom: Listen to me
                  Don’t trust people right away
                  We have a hidden enemy

Jacinto: The character of the brother
                with whom the Supremo sheltered
                is spotless

Kalayaan: don’t you see…

Jacinto:  Don’t pester me with fears…

Freedom: The treachery being perpetrated…

Jacinto: my mind is at peace

Freedom: …brother against brother

Jacinto: Freedom, enough!

4. Ang Prinsipe ng Komedia: The Prince of the Comedia

This is a surreal scene in which Jacinto, commanding a detachment of troops, is surrounded; Fermin, with total faith in his anting-anting urges his compatriots to charge the Spanish lines, and is shot dead. Just when all seems lost, a dashing actor and his troupe arrive, and in a stylized rendition of the Moro-Moro sword-fights of old, scatters the Spaniards like so many toy soldiers. Jacinto thanks the swashbuckler, even though he comes from Aguinaldo’s camp. The actor gallantly declares that brotherhood surpasses all passing political differences.

Jacinto: Aim carefully at the enemy!

Katipunero 1: They have us surrounded!

Fermin: Follow what I am going to do!

Jacinto: Don’t follow him!

Fermin: Santo, Santo kasis!
              Santo, Santo kob!
              Ego paravit, ego sacrificit
              Enom dre, Enom go
              Surrender! You
              Spanish idiots!

Jacinto: Maintain your positions!

Voice of a Spaniard: Surrender, Indios!
                                      No one will come to your aid
                                      The farce is over
                                      No one will aid you

Katipunero 2: Help is arriving!

Katipunero 2: It’s General Bernardo!

Chorus: Our Bernardo’s
              a real prince
              The best
              stage actor
              He used to fight
              the might of the Moros
              Now he’s fighting
              for the Filipino

Bernardo: France and England
                    Holland, Spain
                    Russia and Germany
                    Portugal, Italy
                    The kingdoms
                    of all Europe
                    are under
                    my sword

Chorus: Our very own Bernardo’s
                a real prince
                A chivalrous man
                And a brave soldier, too
                The number one
                Of the forces of Magdalo

Bernardo: Who will never be subdued
                    By Spanish strangers!

Bernardo: I am Prince Bernardo!

Jacinto: Thank you, Prince Bernardo
                For your not hesitating
                to come to our aid
                Despite your being close
                to the head of the Magdalo
                And my being a supporter
                of the Supremo

Bernardo: Partisan I may be of the Magdalo
                    The disagreement in Cavite’s
                    a passing thing
                    And  I am ready to help you
                    Brother Pinkian
                    Whenever you need my help
                    I will assist you
                    There should be no obstacles to
                    brotherhood
               

Chorus:     France and England
                    Holland, Spain
                    Russia and Germany
                    Portugal, Italy
                    The kingdoms
                    of all Europe
                    are under
                    his sword

5. Patuloy ang Himagsikan/Sigalot sa Tejeros: the Revolution Continues/Dispute at Tejeros

Tejeros: where the emerging struggle between the Magdalo (Aguinaldo) and Magdiwang (Bonifacio) factions dividing the Katipunan was meant to be resolved in a convention. All sides approached the event with idealism and hope; Aguinaldo is elected President, which Bonifacio accepts. That is, until Bonifacio is elected Secretary of the Interior of the new government. Then a member of the Magdalo challenges Bonifacio’s election on the basis of Bonifacio’s not being educated and his humble origins. This is too much for Bonifacio, who declares the assembly null and void. The song of victory and hope is repeatedly tragically as the convention falls into confusion.

Jacinto: Whatever comes to pass,
                Never forget
                Our fraternal aspirations
                Never forget to  maintain your allegiance
                to the ideal of unity
               
Aguinaldo: Permit mutual tolerance
                    to take place

Bonifacio: This division is creating
                    a dangerous situation

Jacinto: Our dearest aspiration is-

Aguinaldo: Freedom!

Bonifacio: Brotherhood!

Jacinto and Aguinaldo: In the town of Tejeros
                                            Let us restore
                                            Understanding and unity
                                            in the land we love above all

Chorus: We will obtain
              sure victory
              And this will bear fruit
              in an abundant life
              We will
              Will go forward
              through the waters or the land
              And we will not tire
              of journeying
             

Conspirators: Let us go forward with the election
                      so that the movement will be strengthened

Bonifacio: My desire is that all will respect
                    whomever is elected

Chorus: We will obtain
              sure victory
              And this will bear fruit
              in an abundant life
              We will
              Will go forward
              through the waters or the land
              And we will not tire
              of  journeying
              Now we can see the sun
              rising in the East
              The children who will be born
              Will inherit honor

(voices) -Elected President: General Emilio Aguinaldo
                  Elected Vice-President: General Mariano Trias
                  Elected Secretary of the Interior: Mr. Andres Bonifacio
                -Sir! I object to the election of the latter
                  We need a lawyer not
                  an uneducated, unqualified man!
               
Bonifacio: All things undertaken
                    in the recently concluded election
                    I nullify in my capacity as Supremo
                    of the Katipunan you’ve disdained!

Chorus: We will obtain
              sure victory
              And this will bear fruit
              in an abundant life
              We will
              Will go forward
              through the waters or the land
              And we will not tire
              of journeying

6. Ang Sapakatan at si Aguinaldo: the Conspirators and Aguinaldo
The break is complete, yet Aguinaldo is torn between his loyalty to the Supremo and what (the people arround him insist) is the call of destiny

Aguinaldo: What sin did I commit?
                    In what was I lacking?

General: Our revolution, General,
                  is imperiled

Lawyer: Apprehend him and try him
                He is an enemy of the nation

Colonel: He is superfluous
                And you have reasons enough

Aguinaldo: Why don’t you go on and say
                      His life should be ended?

Doctor: You said it
                It didn’t come from us

Aguinaldo: You are pointing your fingers at
                      the Father of the Revolution!

Conspirators: King of the nation!
                          Supposed king of the nation!

General: The father started it all
                And now the father’s destroying it

Lawyer: you are the one who deserves
                to be at the helm

Colonel: Don’t turn your back
                on your destiny

Conspirators: Never forget
                            You have the mandate of the nation!

Doctor: Think of history
              If you abandon everything
              You will be blamed
              For not having made taken on you responsibility

Aguinaldo: The brother Supremo will be
                      eliminated from the Revolution?

Conspirators: Either the traitor dies
                            Or our hopes of Freedom!

Aguinaldo: The shadow that was darkly hovering
                      Is this what will come to pass?

General: The final decision
                is in your hands

Aguinaldo: To die by the hands of enemies
                      or one’s brothers?
                      That is the question
                      Is there anything more bitter?
                      I never would have thought
                      That in this Revolution
                      I would end up fighting him
                      And that the oaths of brotherhood
                      would climax in violence
                      Climax in violence,  in death
                      put to rest

7. Ang Hatol sa Supremo/Montage: The Verdict on the Supremo/Montage

The Supremo, having been ordered arrested, and having been wounded (and his brother killed) upon being apprehended, is tried and found guilty of treason. Gregoria de Jesus tries to beg for clemency for Aguinaldo, who has washed his hands of the whole thing, saying it is beyond his control. In the end the three figures -Gregoria de Jesus, begging piteously for her husband’s life; Aguinaldo, stern and inflexible; and the Supremo, outraged and vowing vengeance- are all shown. Then the Supremo is executed, after having cursed Aguinaldo and having sung of how the Republic’s foundations were rotten from the start.

General: It has been proven by this court
                that the Supremo Andres Bonifacio
                accumulated men and arms
                with the purpose of bringing down the Republic
                And that the President of the nation
                he aimed to kill
                The judges who recognize theese cases
                without objections
                declare him a criminal
                  The verdict:
                He is to be put to death

Oryang: Capitan Emilio
                I implore you
                Free my spouse
                He did no wrong
                Your imputations
                are all full of the same kind of lies

Aguinaldo: Senora, your spouse
                    has been sentenced by the Court
                    Let us respect the sentence
                    Though that is not what I wished for
                   
Oryang (counterpoint):  Brother Magdalo
                                              I implore you
                                              Pardon my spouse
                                              I will make up for
                                              Whatever shortcomings
                                              my beloved husband might have
                                           
Bonifacio (counterpoint): In the worthless infancy of the Republic
                                                  the beams are already being riddled with
                                                  termites
                                                  You will answer for your deed, treacherous
                                                  comrades
                                                  You will find no rest, this I vow
                                                  this I vow

Aguinaldo (counterpoint): I will not allow the revolutionary ranks
                                                  to be divided
                                                  I will not allow the treachery of a scoundrel
                                                    to prevail over the nation 

Jacinto (counterpoint): Remember the promise
                                              An oath is  sacred
                                              Don’t destroy unity
                                              You are not the personification
                                              of the Revolution

Chorus: Hearts are filled with dread
                that sense will disappear
                love for each other
                and respect for the least
                Freedom inherent
                With true support
                And on every face
                happiness has died

Bonifacio: I warned you, Magdalo!

Chorus: The torch of brotherhood 2x

8. Pasyon/Awit ni Oryang: Passion Play/Oryang’s Song

The ranks of the revolution are divided; the ascendant Magdalo toeing Aguinaldo’s line while the confused ranks of the Magdiwang, bereft of their Supremo, must decide whether or not to continue being part of the revolution; meanwhile a disconsolate Gregoria de Jesus is reduced to looking for her husband’s unmarked grave

The people: Almight God
                      Listen to us
                      We are imploring you
                      Your beloved
                      nation’s truly been
                      plunged into darkness

The people: Why?
                      How could it have happened?
                      They didn’t have pity

Magdalo: the Supremo turned traitor!

Magdiwang: Keep silent,
                        Stop disputing everything!
                        Control yourselves!

                        Almighty God
                        Listen
                        We’re imploring you
                        Your beloved
                        land has truly been
                        plunged into darkness
                        Suffering will come to an end
                        The light will come some time
                        Return to .the dream
                        There is still hope and
                        Don’t allow the destruction to continue!

Awit ni Oryang: Oryang’s Song

Bonifacio’s widow searches for her husband’s grave, and sings of the pain of loss. She finally says farewell to her beloved. Once she convinced the women to risk everything for the country; and her appeals for sacrifice were heeded, although now, having paid the supreme price herself, she is alone in her grief.

Oryang: Brother
              Have you seen the
              grave mound of the Supremo?
              I have been searching for a long time
              Perhaps you would know
              his resting place

              Every time you
              Are far from me
              I am always thinking
              You might be needing something
              Does the time
              for meals still pass
              This heavy concern
              Perhaps your mood will turn black
              should the nights be damp
              May you not be feeling cold
              You are the  lodestar
              You are the  caress of the breeze
              A torrent of water that cannot be stopped
              Farewell to you
              How sweet it is to love
              Farewell my dearest
              I bid you good-bye

9. Ang Mas Higit na Kagalingan: The Greater Good

Jacinto cries for vengeance; his fellow revolutionaries urge him to forget the past and work for the continued success of the revolution

Katipunero 1: If you are prepared to kill
                            your own brother
                            then go ahead!

Katipunero 2: If you want to imitate
                            the treason they committed
                            then go ahead!

Katipunero 3: On top of the corpse of
                          your own impetuousness
                          There is your enemy

Katipunero 4: If you want to bring down Revolution
                          Seek revenge and think no more of it
                          Go ahead!

Katipunero 5: If your desire
                          is to destroy our unity
                          then go ahead!

Jacinto: If all of you
                are afraid
                then  abandon the Katipunan!
                I vowed to
                protect my brother
                To make sure
                he’d be saved from danger

Chorus: Think of the greater good
              Let us foster unity

Jacinto: Service to the Katipunan
                involves investing lives and blood

Chorus: The greater good
                Think  of the greater good

Jacinto: Our brother was killed

Chorus: (May God grant him eternal rest)2x

10. Kapatid Laban sa Kapatid: Brother against Brother

Jacinto becomes the target of an assassin -the very same Bernardo who saved his life once. Bernardo is convinced Bonifacio’s supporters have deserted and will betray the Revolution; Jacinto confronts him and is anguished by the bitterness and vehemence of Bernardo’s words

Chorus: France and England
              Holland, Spain
              Russia and Germany
              Portugal, Italy
                 
Bernardo: The kingdoms
                  of all Europe
                  are under
                  my sword

Chorus:  Our very own Bernardo’s
                a genuine Prince
                Absolutely the finest
                actor in theater
                He used to be the foe
                of the mighty Moros
                Now he’s the foe
                of  Emilio Pingkian

Jacinto: why did you attack
                our detachment
                General Bernardo?

Katipunero 1: Brother Pingkian
                            He is making imputations
                            He says you and the Supremo are
                            traitors to the nation

Bernardo: Remember
                    I will come back
                    And put an end
                    to your making common cause
                    With the Spaniards

              I solemnly swear
              I will break the legs
              of any one of you who
              approaches the Spaniards
              in order to betray the Revolution
              Death to traitors!
              To the fallen Supremo
              And ten of his
              equally traitorous compatriots

Jacinto: they have poisoned your mind

Bernardo: You will not prevail!
                    You will not prevail!
                    You will not prevail!

Katipunero 1: Pingkian! Pingkian! 

11. Ang Paghihiganti: The Revenge

Aguinaldo is ill, and in his delirium dreams that he is being haunted by Bonifacio’s avenging ghost; Jacinto steals into his room; at first Aguinaldo thinks he is a herb dector: he offers Aguinaldo poison in the guise of a tonic. But the camp is soon alerted and a hunt for the intruder ensues. Jacinto’s identity becomes clear to Aguinaldo; Jacinto confronts Aguinaldo. Aguinaldo defends his decision to have the Supremo liquidated and implores Jacinto to join him. Jacinto escapes, and when the soldiers finally reach Aguinaldo’s room, they think that he’d had a bad dream and was hallucinating during his delirium.

Bonifacio:
                    I sponsored and
                    supported you
                    I humbled myself
                    before you
                    And you repaid me
                    with treachery
                    You wanted me to come to harm
                    Who are you
                    to judge me?

Aguinaldo: Go away!
                    I am not afraid

Bonifacio: The Revolution
                    Will not cease

Aguinaldo: Everything that was done wrong
                      will disappear
                      Depart! Wicked spirit

Bonifacio: This is the reckoning

Aguinaldo: I implore you

Bonifacio: May God have mercy on you

Aguinaldo: Is that you, Mr. Mariano?

Herb doctor: I haven’t brought any quinine…

Aguinaldo: How are the wounded?

Herb doctor: Many others still need to be nursed

Aguinaldo: Don’t abandon them

Herb Doctor: In grave cases of malaria…

Aguinaldo: Preserve their lives

Herb Doctor: But never fear
                        Don Emilio do you want
                        life without end?
                        Here is effective medicine
                        for your illness

Soldiers: The enemy has infiltrated our camp!
                  Assassin! Assassin!
                  To the General’s room! Quickly!

Aguinaldo: How are you, my brother?

Jacinto: Executioner!

Aguinaldo: He destroyed our unity!

Jacinto: Liar!

Aguinaldo: He wanted to depose me!

Aguinaldo: Give yourself up, Pinkian
                    There is no escape!

Jacinto: Look intently at
                the heroic character
                of the unity that was destroyed
                Don’t pity the picture
                The wound that can never be healed
                can never be seen
                By the minds that
                were poisoned

Aguinaldo: Don’t accuse me of treachery

Jacinto: You were the one
                who broke your oath

Aguinaldo: It was never my intention
                    to place the Supremo in danger

Jacinto: The people are not suffering so that
                a new tyranny will prevail

Aguinaldo: My only goal is
                    to achieve freedom

Soldiers: Break down the door!
                  We will save
                  The General’s life

Aguinaldo: Look at my hand
                    which I am reaching out to you
                    I wish you would consider me
                    a comrade
                    Let us help each other
                    obtain freedom

Jacinto: I would prefer slavery
                to the freedom you are establishing

Aguinaldo: My greatest wish
                    is for unity

Soldiers: Realize, Pinkian
                There is no escape!
                Surrender immediately!

Jacinto: (counterpoint)                              Aguinaldo: (counterpoint)

Even if you make                                            We are being driven away
the revolution triumphant                          And being pursued
You will never be able to deceive            And yet your objective
the whole country                                          is annihilation
You will never be able to buy                    You are not listening
their confidence                                            to my frank words

You will never be able to bury                    I will save the Katipunan
the Katipunan                                                  Through disloyal deeds
The Supremo’s name                                      in everything
will be honored                                                I was faithful
The counterfeit Republic                              to the ambitions
will collapse and melt                                    of the nation!
away!

Soldiers: In a few moments
                  We will make sure
                  you will die

Jacinto: This is not the reason for which we launched our
                Revolution

Aguinaldo: This isn’t far from what we wanted to obtain

Soldiers: General!

Aguinaldo: I have forgiven the Supremo
                    If I have sinned against you
                    Forgive me
                    In the way you know
                    Erase the rancor in your heart
                    Do your duty
                    towards your brothers

soldier: There’s no one here
              You must have had a nightmare

soldier: You had better get some rest, Don Emilio

12. Nasaan ang Liwanag? Where is the Light?

A soliloquy in song ; Jacinto laments the tragic events which have marred the revolution

Jacinto: The life that was offered
                to our motherland
                Reaped grief and misfortune

                How beautifully it all began
                How far things have reached
                Where things began
                We have returned

                Dark was the first day
                of our gathering
                Hope shone on our agreement
                The dream of the race
                We would push forward 
                We exhibited
                most noble hope

                Where is the light?
                Which lifted our hearts
                A promise to our dear children?

                Where is the light?
                A dream mislaid
                What kind of tomorrow
                awaits us?

                Where is the light?
                Which lifted our hearts
                A promise to our dear children

                Where is the light?
                A dream mislaid
                What kind of tomorrow
                awaits us?
               
13. Muling Pagkabuhay: Rebirth

Freedom’s lament; Jacinto speaks out to all generations; belief in the dream is reaffirmed

Freedom: Nothing else is heard
                  Nothing else is in the mind…

                  The life that was offered
                  was not wasted
                  There is a seedling of hope
                  in every heart

                  Lift up hearts
                  They are waiting
                  Your brothers who are part
                  of a long journey
                 

Abaya:
(Ilocano)  Inak ikari manipud
                    &c.

Magbanua:
(Ilonggo)  Ihalad ko akon dugo kag buhi
                    &c.

Amal Pakpak:
(Maranaw)  Gagakusin ko a tidtu ababaya
                      &c.

All three: So help me God

Bonifacio: What is your nom-de-guerre?

Jacinto: My nom-de-guerre is Pinkian [Conflict]

Bonifacio: My nom-de-guerre is Maypag-Asa [He who has hope]

Jacinto: (speaking)                                      Chorus: (at the same time)
   
This the way then                                          The torch of brotherhood
you must listen                                                is an offering of love
to our message                                              to the genius of           
If you are able to see                                  the self
a blue light                                                        Supporting the hand of justice
It is leaving us 
with a true sign                                           
of the flag of freedom
being waved once more

Immediately, then, fire off                        This is our dream

the cannons and guns                                  However violent the

Simultaneously bowing your heads          darkness
to the wind

If that is the way to                                      To a free meadow
greet with affection                                      will our country be
our very own banner                                    born

Jacinto: And we will create
                A noble nation
                With love for all
                And respect for the least
             

Oryang: A home which will be filled
                With true mutual support
                Where every face
                Will glow with happiness

Bonifacio: The torch of brotherhood
                    Is the light of the nation

Chorus: And we will create
              A noble nation
              With love for all
              And respect for the least
              A home which will be filled
              With true mutual support
              Where every face
              Will glow with happiness

                The torch of brotherhood
              Is the light of the nation

                  Finis
                                  MLQIII December 15-24, 1996

Appendices:

I.

LIBERTY appears to a youth much afflicted by the misfortunes of his country; the youth recognizes her and lays before her the just grievances of his compatriots:
“I, they say, am hungry, and he who teaches me to feed the hungry replies: -Eat the refuse and crumbs of our savory fare and our sumptuous board.”
My brethren say “I am thirsty, and he who teaches me to give drink to the thirsty replies: -Drink thy tears and the sweat of thy brow; it will be our care that there will be enough of both.”
My brethren clamor: “I am without clothes, I am completely naked, and he who commands us to dress the naked replies: -I shall forthwith envelope thy whole body, wrapping it about with chains, one above the other.”
My brethren say: “My honor has been violated by a priest, by a…., by a wealthy man, and the judge, that upstanding pillar of justice, will reply: -That man is a robber, a brigand, a bad man: to jail with him.”
My brethren will say: “A little love, a little clemency and compassion, and the superiors and chiefs who govern judicially and spiritually, will reply at once: -That man is a filibuster, an enemy of God and mother Spain: to Iligan with him!”
Here the youth seems to break down and weep, and Liberty indignant, is about to depart and leave the cowardly youth, accustomed from his mother’s womb, “to suffer all sorts of affliction, contempt, and rebuffs”, but, taking pity, Liberty tells him:
“In the times long past when cowardice and debasement had not yet taken the place of the good qualities of thy forebears, the Filipino people were under my protection and were happy and breathed the air that gave them life, vigor and health… my light illuminated their minds and they were respected by their neighbors. But a day came, which must be execrated and cursed, when Slavery  arrived and told them she was virtue, right and justice, promising glory to all who would believe in her….; she came wearing the mask of beauty and kindness; serene and affectionate of demeanor…. and the brethren believed her and worshipped her…. and me they forgot and almost abhorred…”
Liberty again decides to leave the youth, but ceding to his prayers for his protection, she stays and says to him:
“No man is worthy of my protection and support who is not fond of me and does not love me, and who can not die for my cause. Thou canst announce this to thy compatriots.” And Liberty disappears. At dawn “there was something in the eyes of the youth like a smoldering project”: the austere and apocalyptical Katipunan.
                                                            Emilio Jacinto
                                                      “Manifesto”: translated by Gregorio Nieva

II.

THE FILIPINOS, who in early times were governed by our true countrymen before the coming of the Spaniards, were living in great abundance and prosperity. They were at peace with the inhabitants of the neighboring countries… with whom they traded and exchanged goods of all kinds. The means of livelihood increased tremendously, and for this reason, everybody had nobility of heart, whilst young and old, including women, knew how to read and write in our own authochonous alphabet. The Spaniards came and offered us friendship. The self-governing people, because they were ably convinced that we shall be guided toward a better condition and led to a path of knowledge, were crumpled by the honeyed word of deceit. Even so, they [the Spaniards] were obliged to follow the customs of the Filipinos their agreement having been sealed and made binding by means of an oath that consisted in taking a quantity of blood from each other’s vein, mixing and drinking it, as a token of their true and loyal purpose not to be faithless to what had been agreed upon…
More than three hundred years have elapsed since then, and for that length of time we have been bountifully supplying the needs of Legazpi’s countrymen, we have been feeding them lavishly, even if we had to suffer privation and extreme hunger; we have spent our wealth, blood and life itself in their defense; we even went so far as to fight our own countrymen who refused to submit to them; and likewise we combated the Chinese and Dutch who attempted to wrest the Philippines from them.
Now, for all of this, what is the tangible concession that has been bestowed upon our country in exchange for what we have done?… None but treachery is the reward for our munificence… they have blinded us and contaminated us with their meanness of character and forcibly destroyed the sanctity of our customs. we have been nurtured in a false belief and the honor of our people has been dragged into the mire of evil. And if we dare beg for a little love, they retaliate by banishing us and tearing us away from our beloved children, wives, and aged parents. Every sigh that escapes our breast is branded as a grave sin and is immediately punished with brute ferocity.
Now nothing can be considered stable in our lives; our peace is now always disturbed by the moans and lamentations, by the sighs and griefs of innumerable orphans, widows and parents of the countrymen who were wronged by the Spanish usurpers; now we are being deluged by the streaming tears of a mother whose son was put to death, by the wails of tender children orphaned by cruelty and whose every tear that falls is like molten lead that scars the painful wounds of our suffering hearts; now we are more and more being bound with the chains of slavery, chains that are shameful to every man of honor. What, then must we do? The sun of reason that shines in the East clearly shows to our eyes that have long been blinded the path we ought to follow: by its light we can see the claws of cruelty threatening us with death. Reason tells us that we cannot expect anything but more and more sufferings, more and more treachery, more and more insults, and more and more slavery. Reason tells us not to fritter away time hoping for the promised prosperity that will never come and will never materialize. Reason teaches us to rely on ourselves and not to depend on others for our living. Reason tells us to be united in sentiment, in thought, and in purpose in order that we may have the strength to find the means of combating the prevailing evils in our country.
It is now time for the light of truth to shine; it is now time for us to show that we have feelings, honor, shame, and mutual cooperation. Now is the time to commence the diffusion of the noble and great gospel that will rend asunder the thick curtain that is obfuscating our minds; now is the time for the Filipinos to know the sources of their misfortune. Now is the time to realize that for every move we make we are stepping on and headed toward the brink of the abyss of death that our enemies have dug to ensnare us.
Therefore, O my countrymen! Let us open the eyes of our minds and voluntarily consecrate our strength to what is good in the true  and full faith that the prosperity of the land of our birth, which is aimed at, will come to pass….

                                                      Andres Bonifacio
                    “What the Tagalogs [Filipinos] Should Know” translated by T. Agoncillo

Postscript:

“The law course in the University of Santo Tomas at that time took seven years -one of preparatory and six of law proper- and no one was permitted to matriculate who did not have the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Santo Tomas being the only University in the Philippines then -it is older by twenty-five years than Harvard- all the A.B. graduates from the different colleges who wanted to take a university course met in its classrooms. There I made the acquaintance of Sergio Osmeña who came from the college of the religious order of Saint Paul established in Cebu, Vicente Singson Encarnacion, and many others who graduated from the Ateneo of Manila. This preparatory course in law was also attended by Vicente Madrigal, Juan Sumulong, Emilio Jacinto, Flaviano Yenko, and many more who graduated with me as Bachelors of Art from San Juan de Letran. Sergio Osmeña and Vicente Madrigal, besides being my classmates, were also boarders in Santo Tomas, and we formed a friendship that has lasted throughout these many years of our lives.
Emilio Jacinto became the secretary of the Katipunan and was the brains in the camp of Andres Bonifacio, the untutored leader during the early days of the revolution against Spain. Jacinto sealed with his life his love of freedom for his people. Flaviano Yenko became a general in Aguinaldo’s army in Cavite and died gloriously in the defense of Sapote Bridge a few months after the revolution of 1896 broke out….
In my preparatory course, there were two notable professors -Father Farpon, the professor of physics and chemistry, who was a real scientist (which for a friar was exceptional, for generally their interest lay in the study of scholastic philosophy, theology, and classics); and Father Valentin Marin, the professor of Spanish literature. Father Marin was not only a Spanish scholar, a playwright, and a poet, but also one of the most liberal-minded priests I have ever known in my life…. He went beyond the bounds of prudence at times in criticizing the Spanish Government and his own brothers of the [Dominican] Order. He was so popular among the students that I had a slight suspicion that Emilio Jacinto and Flaviano Yenko had hinted to him their connection with the Katipunan.”
                                                                  Manuel L. Quezon
                                                                  The Good Fight