1.

Create a comparison of Antonio De Morga and Jose Rizal’s Perspectives on Filipino Culture,
compare the two based on internal and external perspectives.
Give an overall analysis of the differences between the two in Filipino culture?

The Perspectives on Filipino Culture of Antonio De Morga and Jose Rizal share both
similarities and differences. First, Morga claimed that the Philippines was deserted and no one
can actually live within it but Rizal disproved it through Ptolemy’s statement about the islands of
Sinadae, Gholo, Amboina and their inhabitants. Second, the Spanish native said that the
country extends up to twelve degrees latitude, however, Rizal refuted by stating that it’s actually
at north by 25 degrees and 40 minutes latitude until 12 degrees latitude south. Third, regarding
country’s climate, Rainy days take place from June to September and Sunny days during
October until end of May according to Morga; Manila experiences a greater decrease in
temperature during December to February compared during August to September which clearly
shows its similarity with Spain and the rest in North Hemisphere as Rizal contradicted. Fourth,
Morga described Indios as people who love money excessively, and will certainly yield if there’s
an existence of price; Rizal added that it’s not only present in the country, but everywhere
around the world. Fifth, according to Morga, the dead are buried at their own houses. The family
will keep the body and bones inside a box for a long time, and will show reverence to their
skulls. Rizal finds it more reasonable to do such an act instead of being fanatical martyrs to
someone not their family. Sixth, Indios use rivers or streams for bathing as per Mogra, and Rizal
responded stating that it is the proper means of bathing and that Indios took importance of
hygiene. Seventh, Morga claimed that Indios eat decomposed salt fishes that are already
beginning to smell; Rizal defended it by saying it is “Bagoong,” and clearly not a rotten food.
Eight, crocodiles are feared and revered so they are placed in the borders of rivers and streams
near the natives’ houses as described by Morga, and Rizal explained that it is no different from
other countries venerating lions and bears. Lastly, there are no presence of kings, queens or
lords but only a principal from the natives that serve as their ruler; Rizal agreed to this
description, and further stated that it’s a lot of times better as the ruler came from the natives,
and are more knowledgeable regarding their own needs and problems. Overall, Morga would
want to depict the country as somehow incapable, primitive and in need of Spain’s intervention,
but Rizal proved otherwise that it was already a stable and organized one even without the
colonizers.

2. How can you relate the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo in the current generation? Do
you think that these two novels are still relevant today? How?
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo can be related to the current generation in various
ways. The social issues presented in the first novel were never eradicated; some actually
evolved and became consistent through time. The existence of abusive and cruel Civil Guard
who oppresses the same people they need to govern are still manifested until now but with
different faces, names, skin tones and citizenship. They lead through fear and deception, and
many people are actually fooled and become their blind followers. Most of the contemporary
Filipinos who chose to put their trust in the administration are the same people who never
experienced hardships, struggles, poverty and persecution just like in the first novel. In El
Filibusterismo, the issues only adapted through time. Silence amidst the injustices and abuses
are also considered being a complicit, standing in the same side with the culprits. Filipinos who
show indecision or indifference are actually enablers who have blood in their hands. Rizal
indicated how necessary it is to have a single cultivated language that will mirror the nation’s
identity, and he has never been wrong about it. The consequences he mentioned are slowly
unraveling itself right in front of every Filipinos — the country will certainly meet its downfall.
Colonial mentality did not change even after centuries. People still see themselves in all aspects
as inferior compared to others; they glorify other nations and ignore or shame their own.
Filipinos, especially the upper class looked at their compatriots as someone below their level,
and would never desire to be affiliated with them. The social class stratification shown in the
novel became more visible through the passage of time. The division of bapor tabo still mirrors
the society’s current situation. The rich enjoyed the comfortability on the upper part while the
poor had to risk and tolerate the inhumane condition on the lower part. Both are humans with
rationality and feelings, but with different financial characteristics and social standing which
determine their power within the society. The novels are still relevant today because as it
reflects the society during its time, nothing actually changed as of the present. The country is
still in the battle with the social cancers because many Filipinos didn’t actually learn from
previous experiences, and it has proven again —- history repeats itself. Rizal has predicted this
to happen, and for the nth time he has not been wrong. The absence of foreign colonizers didn’t
completely change the faulty system, and it shows that it is something deeper than being under
them, but it is deeply rooted in the Filipinos themselves.