TADEO, VINCENT CARLO Q.

BEED – 3B

“Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?”

Direction by Eddie Romero
Reflection Paper

“Pilipino… Tayong lahat ay Pilipino!” The phrase Kulas uttered towards the end of the
movie has a profound implication not only from a historical perspective but also symbolic to the
modern Filipinos’ contribution to the timeline of our nation. The film is not just a historical film,
but it is a moving piece which focuses on the main issues which defined Filipino people and
Philippine nation. As a movie that depicts the Spanish colonization, the movie leads the viewers
through the life of Kulas, a simple man who was struggling for the definition of Filipino identity
as was the entire nation.
Kulas’ story of a simple, innocent man who manages to find his way in a rather
complicated and ever-changing world without education while awakening the essence of the true
Filipino deep within him. Although the colonization background forms the evidence and premise
of the film, it explores several other areas of Filipino reality including corruption, betrayal,
compassion, and preponderance of the Filipino culture like family orientation, loyalty and
religion. The film shows how through those experiences of Kulas, the Filipinos were questioning
what it is like to be a ‘Filipino’ in a period when they are defined by the Spaniards. Kulas is
portraying the Filipino in simplicity, and it is inspiring to see him staying kind and ever ready to
adapt, more than simply making the statement that he is a Filipino because he was born in this
country. It is about being strong and humane, being responsible and friendly to the country and
its inhabitants. The film also highlights the oppressive environment during the Spanish
colonization. Spaniards considered themselves superior, and their treatment of Filipinos reflected
this. The dialogue between Kulas and other characters illustrates how power dynamics played
out, leading to corruption, treachery, and even rebellion. These themes are still relevant today, as
corruption and inequality persist in modern society. Despite this, the movie shows that kindness,
like the actions of Kulas, transcends eras, reminding us that humanity and compassion are
enduring traits in the Filipino character.
The film also describes the situation of women during the Spanish colonization, which
was nothing but a slavery. The Spaniards thought that they were superior beings, and therefore
had every right to enslave the Filipinos. The conversations between Kulas and other characters
depict how the power relations worked and eventually led to such vices as corruption, betrayal
and even rebellion. Such themes remain topical at present as crime and injustice are present in
the contemporary world. Still, the movie shows that kindness such as the actions made by Kulas
prove that humane and compassionate features are timeless in the hearts of the Filipino people.
One of the major life Lessons that that can be learnt from the film is the aspect of self-conscience
and accountability. The more Kulas learns about himself and his country the final goal of a true
Filipino is not only the ancestry but the fight for the country’s welfare. The movie's ending,
where Kulas tells children to remember that they, too, are Filipino, emphasizes the importance of
this realization: Filipinos is well endowed with responsibilities to defend and cherish the nation.
 From the text “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?” one cannot help but enter the
realm of aspiring and reflecting over the Filipino identity and historical past. It is an act of
mirroring of how the Filipino people have suffered during the time of Spanish colonization and
at the same time giving the audience a realization on how the Filipino people is now and in the
present state of the Filipino nation. Reading Kulas’ story, I understand that identity is not only a
genetic endowment it is also an umbrella comprised of the life experiences and the values that
one selects for themselves.
I am amazed with the climax of the film where Kulas said to the children ‘Remember
this, boys and girls, you are Filipino, ‘this I believe is the strong and meaningful message of the
film. All in all, I believe that the title of the film and this scene is a rallying cry for us, the
audience and citizens of the Philippines, to think about our part in the society. It leads me to be
active in helping the country grow, defend the nation’s image from negative impression, and in
asserting for good values that exist in our Filipino culture. Analyzing the film, “Ganito Kami
Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?” gives rise to ponder deep about Filipino identity and history.
Considering this, the film reflects situations in the life of Filipino people during Spanish
colonization and makes people think about present conditions in the country. With Kulas’ story in
mind, I think it is crucial to understand that identity is not just given to a person, but is built by
the person’s experiences, the person’s choices, and the person’s values.
Another thing which makes the film rather profound, is how it reflects the socio-political
conditions of the period in question, corruption, treason, oppression. Unfortunately, these
elements are not just a historical relic. As much as we are today, we still fight for the corrupt
leaders, betrayal in different societies, and unfair systems. However, as the film portrays it is,
there is still a few people like Kulas who would rather do good for themselves as well as society,
overcome all the difficulties to become a worthy member of the nation.
In conclusion, “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?” This film not just empowers
me but also makes me feel that it is our job to do something to change the future for our country.
It makes me to think of how much progress has been made in the country and how much more
needs to be done afford a better tomorrow. Thus, the film is not only educational and
enlightening, but it is setting some sort of a moral compass as to the people’s role in the progress
of their countries like what Kulas did to ours.