Ralph

Eashana
Pax
Emman

Scene 1

Random shots for 30 seconds with voice over:

: Guagua, a small town located in Pampanga. Its name “guagua” came from the word “wawa”
which means mouth of the river. A fitting name for a town with streams of rich history and
cultural heritage. It is a living testament to the resilience, heritage, and spirit of the Filipino
people.

Scene 2

Background - Farm, River, market

: Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, Guagua was inhabited by indigenous Aeta and Sambal
peoples.
: These early inhabitants engaged in agriculture, fishing, and trade, establishing small
communities in the fertile plains of Pampanga. They mainly inhabited the fertile land banks along
the now “Pampanga River”. This complex trading system proves that unlike the accounts of
Pigafetta, the pre-colonial inhabitants of the Philippines were not Barbaric and have an
established complex societal system.

Scene 3

Interview with Mayor

1. Is it true that the pre-colonial inhabitants needed the Spanish because they were barbaric and
had no sense of governance?
2. What can you say about the early inhabitants of Guagua?
3. Are there any present-day ethnic groups residing in Guagua?
4. Can you name any traditions or festivals that can be traced back to pre-colonial times?
Scene 4

Background - Immaculate Church

: During the Spanish Colonial Period, Guagua was not exempted from the harsh conquest of
Spain. It was in 1574, when the Spanish Augustinian Friars came to Christianize the town. One
such church was built to stand as a focal point of Spanish influence was The Immaculate
Conception Parish Church, alternatively referred to as the Guagua Church, which stands as a
Baroque-style Church. Its first titular patron is the Nativity of Our Lady. Father Bernardino de
Quevedo and Father Juan de Zabala were believed to be the first resident priests.

: Originally constructed in 1620, the first church was constructed of materials that were weak and
vulnerable to fire. However, in 1661, Padre Jose Duque oversaw the reconstruction of the church
using concrete, ensuring greater durability. After that, several reconstruction as well as few
minor changes in styles made the church what it looked like today.

Scene 5

Background - Betis Church

: Another historical place in Guagua was the town of Betis.A town that has existed before
Spanish colonization began in the 16th century, already possessing a unique culture and way of
life. People here were well-known carvers and traders. This talent and expertise would then be
used by the colonizers to infuse Western influences to the natives of Betis. Betis was a town
independent of Guagua until January 1904, by virtue of Act 947, it was consolidated, until now
with Guagua.

: One of the boasted features of this town is the Betis Church, officially known as The Parish
Church of Saint James the Apostle of Betis. Constructed around 1660 under the guidance of
Father José de la Cruz, the Betis Church showcases Baroque-inspired architecture. Initially, the
church was crafted from light materials, predominantly wood and stucco. However, due to
multiple fires caused by these materials, the decision was made to reconstruct the church with
concrete in 1770.

: The distinctive design of Betis Church mirrors the fusion of Spanish and Latin American
architectural influences with indigenous styles, incorporating elements of Oriental design from
the Spanish colonial period. Reflecting the political power of its era, the architecture of the
church was strategically planned to endure attacks during revolts and rebellions, resulting in a
fortified appearance akin to a fortress. The main attraction of the church is the original ceiling
mural done by the famous painter Simón Flores done within 1839 to 1904.
: In the late 1800s, Father Manuel Camañes undertook the initiative to dig an artesian well on the
northern side of the church. This endeavor provided a valuable source of potable water to the
residents of Betis and the surrounding towns.

Scene 6

Background - Mansion

: But Guagua has more than History-Filled Churches with stunning Architectures. Meet The
Guagua Mansion.

: In 1929, Don Alejandro constructed the magnificent Villa Jacinta as a grand residence for his
wife, Doña Jacinta Lopez y Limson. The Mansion was hailed as the first all-concrete house in
Pampanga, utilizing APO Cement at the significant expense of P28,000, a considerable sum in
1929. Its foundation was reinforced with Puyat Steel, which remains sturdy and intact to this day.

: Situated in the Province of Guagua, Pampanga, stands one of the province's most iconic and
frequently photographed landmarks. Referred to as the Guagua Mansion, or more commonly
known as the Lopez Mansion.

: The Mansion has witnessed historical events such as the Japanese war when the Lopez were
forced to abandon the Mansion due to threats to their safety, only inhabiting it again after the
Japanese Left.

Scene 7

Background - Random

: In 1895, when the Spanish government in the Philippines was having trouble controlling the
rebellion, some leaders of the Katipunan decided to protest by taking up arms. One of these
leaders was Aurelio Tolentino, who was from Guagua. He was a close friend of Gat Andres
Bonifacio, another important leader. They met with others in a cave called Pamitinan in
Montalban on April 10, 1895, to talk about rebelling against the Spanish. But on the night of
August 19, 1896, their plans were discovered. The Spanish caught many leaders, including
Tolentino. Many of them were unfortunately imprisoned, tortured, and executed.

Scene 8

Background - Random

: After the Spaniards came the Americans. The Filipino people's longing for true freedom was
crushed, leading to a conflict between Filipinos and Americans that erupted on the night of
February 4, 1899. Quickly, the Americans seized control of multiple towns in Pampanga, which
included Guagua.

: During the American War, Guagua also served as a refuge for General Luna and his soldiers.
Despite his efforts to defend the remaining sectors of the nearby towns, it was already too late,
and the Americans had already broken through the Filipino’s Defenses.

: After the uprising against the Americans, feelings of frustration and anger lingered among those
involved. Though the major fighting had ended, some pockets of resistance persisted. In 1902,
Juan Balbuena, a resident of Guagua and a former member of the Aguinaldo Army, attempted to
reignite the revolution by leading a group of rebels. Similarly, a Tagalog named Arturo Paldella
made a similar effort in Guagua. However, both attempts ultimately failed, and those involved
faced brutal endings from the Americans.

Scene 9

Background - Random

: For the people of Guagua, freedom is nothing more than a fleeting dream. Just after the
Americans came the Japanese Invasion and World War 2.
: In 1941, amidst the festivities of Guagua's town fiesta, tensions between America and Japan
were escalating.

: The war was indeed one event never to be forgotten by the people of Guagua because it broke
out on the day of their fiesta and the day their sons, husbands, and friends went off to war – some
never to return. Guagua became an important battleground at the height of the Imperial Japanese
forces towards Bataan. A line of defense stretching from Porac to Guagua was established to
delay the onrush of Japanese troops. The Filipinos and Americans displayed great courage in
battle. However, they were ultimately outnumbered and overpowered by the enemy forces. As a
result, they were forced to retreat, leaving the town of Guagua engulfed in flames and ruins.

Scene 10

Background - Death March

: The Death March in the Philippines during World War II was one of the most tragic events in our
history, marked by the merciless march of tens of thousands of Filipino and American prisoners.
Enduring hunger, disease, and brutal treatment by their captors, many perished on this arduous
journey, leaving a haunting legacy of suffering.
: The generosity of Guagua folks was further proven when in the Death March secretly gave food
and water to the captive American and Filipino soldiers. Many live accounts of this event
included the noble acts of Guagua citizens.

Scene 11

Background: Plaza

: In the aftermath of the war, Guagua was forced to rebuild itself from the ashes. Its resilient
residents, undeterred by adversity, united together with remarkable strength and determination.
Slowly but steadily, they reconstructed their beloved town, brick by brick, infusing it with new
life and hope.

: Looking upon their deep shared history and cultural heritage, they forged a path forward,
guided by the values learned from generations past. Today, Guagua stands as a testament to the
enduring spirit of its people, a province of rich history and culture, indelibly shaped by the trials
of its past.