Analysis

l What is the qualifications of being a “Filipino” in the context of 19th century?

The Qualification of Being "Filipino" in the 19th Century
In the 19th century, the qualification of being "Filipino" had a different context than today. It was
a time of brutal colonialism, when the Philippines was under the control of the Spaniards. In this
era, being "Filipino" has certain characteristics and qualifications that can be considered. First, a
person is recognized as Filipino if he is of Filipino descent. This is not just a simple reference to
his race; it is related to his identity as part of the Philippine nation. The native language, culture,
and customs of the Filipinos are one of the main bases of their being "Filipino." During this
period, the appreciation of their own culture and language became important to the identity of
Filipinos. Second, being "Filipino" is associated with love for the country and the goal of
promoting the welfare of the Philippines. Patriotism and the desire to preserve the independence
and integrity of the country are essential qualifications. During colonialism, resistance to
oppression and abuse by foreigners became a sign of loyalty to the country and being "Filipino."
Another important part of being "Filipino" in the 19th century was the desire to be part of the
country's change and development. People who contribute to learning, analysis, and teaching are
recognized as educated Filipinos who promote the knowledge and culture of the country. Such
individuals contribute to the spread of awareness and the practice of liberation from foreign
oppression. In sum, being "Filipino" in the 19th century became a symbol of resistance to
colonialism, love for the country, and enjoyment of one's own culture and language. These
qualifications show patriotism and being part of the fight for the freedom and dignity of
Filipinos. Today, although the context has changed, these values continue to define being
"Filipino" and loving our country.
l How did the three priest ended up being recognized as heroes?
The Gomburza: Hero Priests of Freedom and Justice
In the complex and colorful history of the Philippines, there are events and individuals that gave
importance and allowed our country to recognize true heroes. One of them is the three martyr
priests, better known as Gomburza. Their lives and deaths show their courage, integrity, and
dedication to resisting the oppression of the Spaniards and promoting freedom and justice for
Filipinos. In the eighteenth century, the Philippines was conquered by the Spaniards. Under their
colonization, Filipinos became victims of abuse and exploitation. In the face of this situation, the
three secular priests—Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora—were born, who once again opened the eyes
of Filipinos to the unjust activities of the conquerors. The Gomburza are priests who not only
serve the church but also their people. Their writings and sermons show their opposition to
oppression, demonstration of justice, and dream for freedom. They fought for the rights of
Filipinos to be equal and free from the abuse of the Spaniards. Despite being servants of the
church, the Gomburza became defenders of the Filipino people, and they upheld the right of the
people to have a voice and freedom. In their opposition to the unjust actions of the Spaniards,
they became a symbol of courage and dedication to the cause of promoting freedom and justice.
The name Gomburza continues to live in the hearts and minds of Filipinos as a symbol of their
heroes. Their sacrifice shows the value of nationalism in the face of oppression and exploitation.
Gomburza taught us that heroism is not measured by status or wealth but by loyalty, love for the
country, and the willingness to pay the price of life for the principles they uphold. Currently, the
names Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora continue to inspire Filipinos to be active defenders of their
rights and the people. These heroes declare that love for the country is not just an emotion but a
resistance to any kind of oppression or anomaly. The Gomburza are heroes who show that
freedom and justice are not just a dream but a goal that we must fight for and achieve.
l How “Filipino” was the three secular priests?
Three Secular Priests: Role Models for Being Filipino
In the rich history of the Philippines, there are events and people that come from different aspects
of Filipino life that color our Filipinoness. One of these examples is the three secular priests
known as Gomburza, Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora. Their lives and
contributions not only reflect their Filipinoness but also inspire us to continue being true to our
culture and history. These three secular priests are not just priests; they are farmers, teachers, and
also intellectuals who have a deep love for the people. Their service as Catholic priests did not
end in the church; it reached aspects of politics and the struggle for the rights of Filipinos. First,
godliness is a part of being Filipino. The Gomburza showed this in their church service. But not
only through prayers and worship did they define their Catholicism; it was part of their resistance
to the unjust practices of the Spaniards in their faith. Second, philanthropy is an important aspect
of being Filipino. Gomburza defended the rights of Filipinos, especially their humanity. Their
resistance to the unjust conditions of Filipinos under colonialism shows that humanity is not only
local but universal. Lastly, patriotism is one of the pillars of being Filipino. Gomburza not only
served the church but also the community. They are teachers who taught education to the youth,
contributed to the spread of knowledge, and were part of the actions for the freedom and
independence of the Philippines. In general, the three secular Gomburza priests are examples of
godliness, humanity, and patriotism that show their authentic Filipinoness. Their contribution to
the history of the Philippines not only shows their love for the country but also shows us the
principles we should uphold as Filipinos. Their memory continues to inspire us to be true to our
culture and history as Filipinos because Filipinos are patriotic and assertive.
l How do your think the death of Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos at Jacinto Zamora continually
contributes to our understanding of “Filipino Nationalism.”
Igniting Filipino Nationalism: The Legend of Gomburza
In the rich history of the Philippines, there are events and people who became the voice of love
for the country and resistance to oppression. One of these historical episodes is the death of
Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, priests better known as Gomburza. Their
death is not just a historical episode; it expresses the importance of "Filipino nationalism." In the
19th century, the Philippines continued to be conquered by the Spaniards, and their control over
the country brought abuse and oppression to the Filipinos. In these dark times, the spirit of
nationalism burns in the hearts of heroes like Gomburza. These priests are not just servants of the
church; they are fighters for the rights and freedom of their countrymen. The members of the
Gomburza showed courage by resisting the unjust actions of the Spaniards. They opened the eyes
of Filipinos to the abuses taking place under Spanish colonialism. They fought for the justice,
equality, and freedom of the Filipinos, not only as priests but as citizens of the country. However,
their courage resulted in cruel revenge from the Spaniards. They were sentenced to death on
February 17, 1872, in an execution that showed the occupiers' fear of their stand. But their death
was not wasted; it became a symbol of the Filipino's desire for freedom and justice. Based on
John N. Schumacher's journal entitled "The Cavite Mutiny: An Essay on the Published Sources"
here is a statement attributed to Jose Burgos. Regarding the events of the execution itself, a clear
connection to the latter's account is the words addressed to Comandante Boscasa attributed to
Gomez: "May God forgive you, as we forgive." In this account, it seems that the humility of one
of the martyr priests prevailed that even though their lives ended like that, he chose to forgive
them despite the false accusation against them. That's why right here we Filipinos will see that
they deserve to be valued as heroes of our country because they sacrificed their lives to bridge
the freedom and consciousness of us Filipinos. The name Gomburza continues to mark the hearts
and minds of Filipinos as heroes. Their deaths show the importance of igniting the spirit of
nationalism in the face of any kind of oppression and corruption. Their sacrifice shows that being
Filipino has a deep meaning, and it aims to preserve the dignity and freedom of the people.
Currently, the name Gomburza continues to inspire Filipinos to be active defenders of their rights
and the people. These heroes declare that love for the country is not only felt, but it is promoted
and defended. The Gomburza are symbols of the willingness to sacrifice life for the principles
they uphold, and they continue to inspire us to be part of the rise and rise of "Filipino
Nationalism." Their memory spreads the spirit of hope and passion for a free and just
Philippines.
Schumacher, J. N. (1972, December 31). The Cavite Mutiny: An Essay On The Published
Sources. Schumacher. vol. 20, no. pg. 603–632. Philippine Studies: Historical and Ethnographic
Viewpoints. https://ojs.philippinestudies.net/index.php/ps/article/view/1992/5042
Introduction
Without Filipino heroes, there would probably be no Philippines. For Filipinos, our
country is only one, our beloved Philippines. Without heroes, we will soon be destroyed by the
invasion of other countries, and Filipinos will disappear from history.
Most people think that heroes are the brave men and women who fight with strength in a
war against the invading invaders to protect their people, like Andres Bonifacio, with a weapon
in hand.On closer inspection, not all heroes carry weapons. Heroes may be individuals who make
significant contributions to society in various ways. They can have a profound effect on the
condition and development of their country.
There are different ways to show love for our country. Our patriotism is not limited to
participating in war, because there are different ways to do it. Like the Gomburza, they are not
armored warriors. Faith was their weapon in the battle for their justice, and the death of
Gomburza met the faith and dedication of Filipinos to freedom.
We can truly say that this is one of the saddest things that happened, and we will never
forget that. That is why we study what happened and the good things they did in our country.
Garrote used to hang the three men, which is unusual in our time. There were no lawyers
who could save them, and no evidence was found. Whether you know it or not, they don't choose
who they hang with. And now we are still carrying that one's sin covered.
If then the friars succeeded in taking power from the confessions and using it as a means
of control and eventually abused their power, how is it different from government officials today
who are involved in corruption, where the money comes from the people and is not used for their
benefit? It is not new in our time that government officials are related to corruption and that the
Filipino people seem to accept this "lifestyle". Gomburza gave their lives to give honor to our
country. As Ibarra, a character in Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere, said, "I was not brought up
among the people, and perhaps I do not know what they need". We are not yet at the threshold of
their experience. That is why education is important in studying the lives of heroes as a way to
gain knowledge and progress. Rizal believed that we young people are the hope of the people.
Let us not be ignorant of our own country.
The purpose of this paper is to (i) examine the aspects of being "Filipino" in the 19th
century, including the qualifications and characteristics that describe a "Filipino", (ii) discuss
how recognition as heroes of GOMBURZA, (iii) examine how important their role as "Filipino"
priests was at that time, and (iv) examine how their deaths continue to contribute to the shaping
of national consciousness. The contents of this paper are derived from relevant literature and
documentaries.