LIFE OF FILIPINOS
I. Introduction The land of the Philippines is composed of more than 7000 islands. These mountainous islands are divided into three: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. As an archipelago, Philippines is surrounded by deep seas such as Bashi Channel, Celebes Sea, Philippine Deep and South China Sea. Philippines was blessed to be bountiful in terms of natural resources and minerals especially gold. Because of its beauty and richness, motives from Spain to colonize the land begun.
It was on the 15th century when Spain started to colonize the Philippines with its aim may be summarized in a formula known as “3 Gs”- Gospel, Gold, and Glory or “3 Ms”- Missionaries, Merchant, and Military. Conversion of natives to Christianity and making known of “supernatural” benefits of true faith appeared to be the very motive of the said colonization. However, more than to pervade the gospel, the desire for gold, wealth, glory and power were Spain’s hidden mission in invading the land. Philippines was under Spain’s colony for exactly 333 years which is from 15th century to 18th. For a long period, a lot of changes and anomalies took place the country due to its manipulation.
II. Content
A. Past
During the colonization then, Filipinos were governed with rules and manipulations. They were the victims of slavery, maltreatment, discrimination, militarization and injustice. Force labor was enforced against Filipinos. Moreover, human rights were denied and Filipinos really suffered the loss of freedom.
Filipino government was headed by the Governor-General, the considered representative of Spain and of the king himself. He has all the power for implementing rules and declaring peace and war. Towns, streets, offices and all was named after the Spanish language as they govern the whole country.
Students then were taught to speak in Spanish and not their native language. Young girls, especially in