Five Books To Reignite Your Patriotism
History has always been on our lists of boring subjects. Our minds lost track of events, places, names, and dates of the whats, wheres, the whos, and the whens of the story of the Filipino people. Aside from this, history is also taught in a series of endless memorization in a very unconvincing way. We might be forgetting the core of why history is taught in the first place: inspiring patriotism and knowing our identity as Filipinos will help us to know our very own identity.
Most importantly, we are now living amidst historical events that could make or break our own identities as the Filipino nation. With this, the mission to answer the call to fight for truth arises.
So, here are five books to reignite your patriotism:
Looking Back series
Ambeth Ocampo
Dr. Ocampo is a professor and a historian who faculties in the Department of History at Ateneo de Manila University. The Looking Back series is a compilation of his Editorial Page articles for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. You can find an unexpectedly interesting piece of history writing from Dr. Ocampo.
Everything is covered from the archeological records from the time before records, to how the Katipunan was funded, to what is Del Pillar’s food was in Spain as he spent Christmas there, and to how the presidents’ inaugural locations are connected to their terms. Getting curious yet? Dr. Ocampo’s writing alongside his wit and humor, makes patriotism alive and more palatable to old and young readers alike.
Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo
Milagros C. Guerrero & Xiao B. Chua
The book was used as the basis for the movie with the same name. It contains the stories of Bonifacio’s leadership in the Philippine revolutionary. It is a compilation of essays that tackle the story of the controversial life of Bonifacio.
Whereas the claim of him being the first President of the Republic is also questioned. Of course, it comes alongside the narrative of Aguinaldo’s politically influenced actions that plays a big part in the highs and lows of Bonifacio and the Katipunan.
Written by Prof. Xiao Chua, a faculty of De La Salle University and University of the Philippines, alongside Dr. Milagros C. Guerrero, the book aims to shed a light on the mysteries in the Supremo’s life.
A Question of Heroes
Nick Joaquin
Written by the National Artist for Literature, the book is a collection of essays to question ten of the key figures in the narrative of the Philippine revolution. The book follows highlights the climax of our history, the last three decades of the 19th century when the Flowering of the Filipino flourished.
Some of the persons questioned in Joaquin’s limelight are Apolinario Mabini’s sublimity, Lopez-Jaena’s expatriation, Jose Burgos’ nationality, and Goyo’s pretentiousness among others.
In fact, the 2018 movie Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral used the book as a reference for the historical epic movie. The book tells disputable accounts that shines a new light on the so-called heroes and their glorified life.
Rizal Without the Overcoat
Ambeth Ocampo
Want to see the other side of Rizal? This book is for you. This collective of Dr. Ocampo’s writings focuses on the colorful life of Rizal as an ordinary Filipino with little-known stories, funny anecdotes, his travels, and travails.
How did Rizal accidentally create a cookbook? Does Rizal have superpowers? How does Rizal express his homesickness from abroad? The book answers all these questions and debunks rumors about the man also known as Laon Laan.
Supplemented by Rizal’s writing through his letters and essays, the book captures and distinctively separates Rizal from his pedestal in Philippine history, making him more relatable.
History with Lourd: Tsismis Noon, Kasaysayan Ngayon
Lourd Ernest H. de Veyra
From the multi-awarded television show documentary, journalist and writer Lourd de Veyra gathers important and interesting points in the greatest moments of Philippine history.
But, keep in mind that these moments are not your typical historical moments. The Beatles’ beef with the Philippine government? Who really is EDSA? Is Juan Luna a clingy boyfriend?
Among other stories, the book debunks hearsay with proofs and facts from credited Philippine historians and scholars. With a dash of Lourd’s humorous approach, history has never been this engaging.
History and accounts
The degradation of history is rooted in history itself. The colonizers themselves acquired the power to rewrite history and suppress facts. In spite of all the control, our forefathers revolted and wrote the history of the people in between the bloodshed the country has experienced.
When we eventually gained our independence, we continue to strive in establishing our democracy and our narrative. Sadly, our people were currently the ones that write false claims and distribute disinformation.
It might be discouraging. But, let us continue to arm ourselves with knowledge and credible facts. For we are the people that are tired of injustice and never again will tolerate oppression.
