Philippines on its History

Last Monday, we discussed about the history of the Philippines from different colonizers that had a great impact in terms of our political, economic as well as our country’s socio-cultural aspects. I believe that in order for us to deeply understand the present, we must know what our background from the invasions of our country from different countries and how those events affect our lifestyle today.

We discussed the first phase of revolution: the American entry into the Philippines which includes the American economic presence and the Spanish American War, two faces of American imperialism, battle of Manila bay, declaration of Independence and the Malolos institution. The second phase of the revolution: the American occupation, the road to independence, the Commonwealth, the Japanese occupation, the aftermath of the war, the Marcos period and the Martial law. These were just some of the key events that influenced every single Filipinos to a mixed culture, nowadays; I myself cannot distinguish a true Filipino because basically everybody was set not only into a diverse physical appearance but also with a mixed culture, language and religion.

On the other hand, Philippines and US have the most long standing relationship from all of the countries that invaded us, and as it was discussed: The relationship of the Republic of the Philippines with the United States of America is a "love- hate" kind of relationship or a "special" relationship, where it was believed that Philippines and US have a very personal relationship with one another. United States is a long standing hegemon up until today because of its supremacy at all aspects, and my personal reflection with our country’s continuously growing relationship with US has its own great opportunities and downfall. Yes, there are great opportunities such as when the typhoon Ondoy hit the country and we are in the actual state of calamity, The US were the ones who actually helped us to overcome those difficulties by giving off relief goods and we gather support from their country, on the other side, Filipino’s main role in the international scene is their “care service sector” only or more so, a Domestic helper as defined in the English dictionary. As we put our names beside them, it was like us being downgraded by the Americans and there’s no turning back, we have to agree on whatever decisions that country will make because as I’ve said earlier, they are the Supreme Being.

Apart from this things all has been discussed properly and some of points here I already taken up from my past subjects so it is not something new. I wish to learn more about the Philippines relations to other countries and how it is possible for our country to bring back its shine from our economic, political and socio-cultural struggles that our country continuously facing since years ago.