As a Filipina who was raised in the uk, who knows almost nothing about Filipino history. Thank you soo much I’m regaining soo much of me I feel like I didn’t even know I lost. I feel it’s soo important to know one’s history and help people learn through it too, I can’t wait to be able to know enough to tell people around me specially my daughter when she is old enough. Knowledge is such a privilege.
Im actually shocked how many people were unaware of this history. My Cuban teacher taught me about this in the 80s and being fil-am i thought it was well known but come to realize she added more to what the history books at the time published. thank you kirby for continuing the knowledge .
most history teachers i had since when i was studying they dont teach this part of our history but since when i was young i was so interested so i searched about it myself and was kinda sad whenever i brought thia topic to my history teachers back when i was studying they dont really have any idea about it... :/ so glad atleast slowly many unfluencers are making videos about this topics
Most teachers wala ng alm kagaya mo..this is not our history. Mga matatanda na nagsasabi how the U.S fought for us. Yung libro na itinuturo nio ptungkol kay marcos, na masama cia, gagawin nio rin sa kano. Wala tlga taung utang na loob. Mga bobo pa. Ikaw teacher ka pa mandin wala kang alm sa tlgang tamang history. Mga tinututo nio ptungkol kay marcos,binanaliktad nio. Ginawa nio ciang madama khit hndi bago ngaun U.S. nman psasamain nio. Kapal ng mukha nio mga bobo!
@@gabri_19 our teachers were taight to lie. They r teaching how to hate marcos but the truth is, marcos made us one of the riches countries in asia. We fell after Marcos regime. Aquini took everythinv from the philippines. Yumaman dahil mgnanakaw. Bago ang ituturo ng mga tanang guro ay c marcos ang masama. Prang ito. Dpt itinuturo ng education ntin na America ang dpt na bayani ntin dhil cla ang nagbuwis ng buhay para sa atin at sa bansa natin. I experienced. I do not just believe kung ano ang nkikita ko at nbabada sa social media. Pra hndi ako mgmukhang tanga. Gaano man paninira nio sa mga Kano, mraming nakakaalam ng kabutihang ginawa nila sa atin ito lng nmn ang problema, mayayabang ang mga pilipin khit walang ipagyayabang at wala tlgang utang na loob.
@@johnday3414 dude Marcos is great he has many accomplishments but his image was tarnished because of many factors like people around him... and his political enemies with their hidden agendas.... or maybe he did some corruptions... who knows? there are two voices in every story in history .. the victors and the losers... as I'm saying there is no perfect Leaders of any Nations no matter how good someone might be there is always a dark side in his/her administration it could be the leader itself or the people who surrounds him .... same thing with the USA... the good thing they did is the accesible Education unlike where only the rich and people with connections can study during the spanish colonial times also the massive infrastructure built by the americans like roads, trams etc... but you can't be blinded to see their darkside like the massacre of our Moro brothers in Mindanao and other atrocities done by the American Military during their occupation.... I suggest you read other sides of our history not just the mainstream history books :)
@@gabri_19 kaya hindi mo rin masisisi kung bakit galit na galit si pres. Duterte sa USA dahil alam ni pres. Duterte ang totoong history ng Pilipinas kung saan minassacre ng USA mga Pilipino pati bata at mga babae ay pinatay noong American-Philippine war at ninakaw pa Balangiga bells. I search mo yung Balangiga. Makikita mo kung gaano ka demonyo mga amerikano
One of the biggest revelations I've had was when I studied history for a year at a state university in Mindanao and had access to materials and books that were often not found in the universities in NCR. Down south they remember everything. They remember their independence, and the atrocities committed against them, and they remember the dignity of the kingdoms of the Philippine Islands before it was erased by western culture, and the subsequent conditioning of the people. Precolonial Philippines was badass.
@@Blues3088 This question is rather pedantic. Of course the Moros at some point conquered and settled some parts of the islands at the expense of the indigenous. So you have to contextualize, and in this topic, "precolonial" refers to the time before the Spanish empire took control.
3 things that made sense after watching this video. Now I know why Jose Rizal's bust is in the middle of Ketchikan, Alaska and why theres a bunch of Filipinos living there. Most likely they had migrant worker ancestors. Got really weirded out when we visited that part of the U.S Second is that the educational system failed me. Since I loved my history classes when I was at school. Third. Mind conditioning is very effective even up to this day. 😧 Forwarding this now to my friends and family who are parents as well. Do make a tagalog version too just so other Filipino kids and adults have a chance to learn this. Kesa pro tiktok 😅 Thank you.
Frankly watching this video and Johnny Harris' video was quite tough for me to watch. We (Filipinos) have for the most part view America very highly because of our very close ties with the U.S. and that are education and government largely came from the United States. Because of this, it makes it very difficult to genuinely acknowledge the atrocities that the United States has committed against our people. Due to how politically inconvenient it is to teach to our people the truth about the Philippine-American War due to our very close association with the United States, this part of our History is NOT properly taught.
Well, not for me though. I've intensely hated USA for a very long time. I don't hate all the american people specifically the good educated and fair americans. I just intensely hate the USA government and all the american entitled brats acting like they owned the world and those glorifying white american supremacy
I feel exactly the same. Sometimes I feel hopeless...Our people can be really be stubborn and unmotivated to change. Our people are really addicted to American culture, Kpop, beauty pageants, basketball, teleyerses and celebrities lives. But little to no interest in issues likes colonial mentality, poverty, classism, sexism, environmental issues, animal welfare, outdated values and so on.
But you can't deny that america actually did some good things in the philppines. They allowed some autonomy and they also made education a mandatory. They introduced public school. They also suppressed the abusive catholic church that always love to interfere in politics. While during the spanish era, there is basically no freedom or less freedom. The spaniards keep the people ignorant so that they will not revolt. Most of the schools are private schools and owned by the church. It is not for everyone. Only the upper class filipinos or the insulares (filipinos with spanish descent) can study there. There is also the polo y servicio or forced labor.
Right! JH is an effective journalist and he raises awareness when it's needed. But we need to support more Filipino creators that actually know our story better. Western media outlets can only do so much and they have other countries to focus on too. Meanwhile, Kirby here, has been producing contents both in English and Filipino for a long time now.
@@robertortiz-wilson1588 To be absolutely specific, John Oliver also claims that he is not a Journalist, but a comedian, but via his show's content, he manages to raise awareness about key issues that get skipped over by the mainstream media. What I mean to say is that the profession is not essential, as long as the topic is fact checked and well researched.
it depends on your history teacher, i was lucky to have a really good history teacher back in high school who taught us almost all the things you mentioned. he did not stick to standard textbooks but brought us different materials to study and did a lot of research on his own. he also presented it in a way that we would not be bored and easy for us to remember timelines and eras of history
Not sure what is commonly used now History book. But a decade ago Agoncillo's book on Philippine history is pretty much the norm in college and high school. And this allow my high schools to delve deeper to American atrocities...
As an American married to an amazing Filipina and living in the Philippines this makes me pretty sad / mad to watch. This country overall has some of the most amazing and generous people I have ever been around. The way people can work through hardship while being happy shows a level of resilience that should be envied by the world. I know my country doesn't even come close. Being here has truly humbled me and taught me the meaning of what happiness should be. I love the culture here. I hope I am viewed as an American that has come over to be a part of your culture and to help those around me. Not as one that forces my culture or a user of people for selfish reasons.
I understand. We welcome you with open arms. But it's your leaders that we hate so much. The hypocrisy of your government still cause a lot of trouble to this day.
@@slymn02 I agree even as an American. The government there is so bold right now they are even trying to go against their own people. I know nothing like they have directly done to other countries around the world. I feel as if the things they are doing now could lead to a future world war. Thank you for being welcoming. I hope to exceed the standards of what being a good foreigner is here and help as many people as I can beat whatever hardships they face.
@@rhaffyallara9508 Thanks I honestly try to be an honest and legit person that betters those around me. I have a lot of respect for the people in this country. Never have I felt more welcomed in my life.
Jebus, but you are one sad lad. I was married there as well, though living here, in Honolulu. Maybe you might notice the endemic graft and corruption that plagues the PI. Even though no more Smokey Mountain, you might want to compare Tondo to, say, Forbes Park, and then ask yourself how is it that some really don't care in the slightest about their own people. As far as "using" others, maybe visit a decent local library and compare death from endemic cholera before US rule to rather less death during. And for more not caring, after we left, the cholera rate rose again (though not to Spanish rule level). We weren't perfect, and to correct the misfit who made this vid, you weren't made a State owing to your population. You've got around 110 mil now compared to around 330 mil total in the US. Sorry, but we didn't take over the place so you could became a State and death squad Duterte could be Pres in lieu of Trump. By the way, Les, how are death squads? At least in this land, we try to make it, on your own merit. In the PI, if you don't have the bloodline or the compadres, you're screwed.Which is to say, in a very fundamental respect, neither Spain nor the US put a dent in the Filipino mentality. And last word on death squads, also Filipino tradition, plenty deaths in Tondo but where are the high and mighty who were shot dead? Same with the graft and corruption. Oh, and when a high and mighty goes down for graft/corruption, the smart money is on her or him being in the political minority group (can't politically change the place from a jail cell). Lastly, if some were so happy and all, then why Luis Taruc and the Huks? Maybe gather, as anyone who knows the PI knows, brown can exploit brown just as easily as white can. Been there and seen that, and as beautiful as the place is, nothing quite those ratty coconut trees swaying in the breeze when the rice is green, the exploitation makes the place unlivable. At least if one has another option. So be happy.
Tnx bro, we stand with the South African ppl and those True Hebrew Israelites beyond the Rivers of Ethiopia , btw we also belong to the block of exploited and abused by this same insane Beast of the Bible.. and already we can slap their face with their Colonial Killings across the Globe.
There are inaccurate details from Johhn Harris video, specially the introductory part where he discuss the pre-colonial period of the Philippines, but if we will just focus on the message of his video despite of inaccuracies on some historical details, his understanding and perspective towards US true intentions in conquering our country is true and correct. The Hypocrisy of US democracy and it’s foreign policy, that up today they still shown it, appearing to be a liberator, but the truth is, they are just acting in accordance to their own national interests. Not your interests, never to our interest.
@@eduardochavacano Harris is a journalist under a professional channel vox. He doesnt need that, he has a YT channel who already have millions of subs ever since before he document about the philippines. He just says what he knows and found out. Harris isnt Nas daily, he is still a professional, spite some are wrong its because no one was there or like this youtuber historian to help him correct some part. Its inventible to have wrongs
this craving for international validation and pinoy-baiting is VERY REAL and I agree that this is rooted from our colonial mentality, its very obvious. it is what it is, we just need to accept it (as if we can change it overnight), whats important is awareness so we don't get abused. I believe in time, this mentality will become obsolete, that Filipinos in general will eventually be enlightened and find this #pinoypride thing eventually becomes baduy/cringey. Our culture and our minds were poisoned by our colonizers from the past and this thinking was subliminally embedded to our mind since we are born. this has lasted hundreds of years up to this very day. that the wars, genocide and oppression of the Filipino people is not the worst thing that happen to us BUT the miseducation they left us (Americans are the worst). it has been ingrained to our culture long after the war is over and after supposedly become independent. it will take generations before it goes away. maybe not this generation but definitely in the future and we are on our way on enlightenment with big thanks to internet and globalization. '' Sa panahon ngayon, tanging Filipino lamang ang tunay na makakapagpalaya sa ating mga sarili.
The reason why theres more open ears to Johnny harris is because he is a journalist under vox and under his channel, he doesnt only explain history but many more. Johnny harris is a person who gets his information under citation of sites and documents but arent professionally checked hence he doesnt know any filipino professional historian check on the document or journalism he will convey. Even on his video "Why china took over QWERTY." He had to make sure he has a native for china and taiwanese both to check on it. Its inventible he is wrong on some way as not everything on the internet is 100% correct. He isnt a filipino baiter for some who may taught, he is a american journalist, both a freelance and under a professional job.
Oo nga, ganun din sa mga pagpatay ng lahing ninunong amerikano (hindi whites yun) katulad yung lakota, cherokee, apache, atbp.. dahil sa mga imperyalistang Amerikano
to be honest, and before seeing this video, his video felt really nothing about the Philippines. it is about the US' propensity for war and why it does which is actually timely for their problems in Afghanistan
this reminds me of how Hollywood does movies, they tend to soften the sharp edges of history to make it more palatable to American audiences. lay it loud and true for him Kirby! I get you!
@@AnimeKing-xj2xl It's called soft power if I were correct, most superpowers use media to subvert the enemy (kinda like how the KGB of the Soviet Union used Education and Media to subvert the United States during the cold war)
I feel terrible. Tens of thousand Filipinos have shed their blood for the sake of kaginhawaan. It's just horrible to see it go to waste seeing the colonial mindset still prevails. I hope to see more content on the colonial mindset and ways we could better see our beautiful and rich heritage that stretches several hundred years ago.
That is such a childish and very selfish way of looking at things! Because they've got families too feed and they can't feed them if they stay in the poor Philippines, duh! And the reason why so many flips have this colonial mindset is because the Philippines is poor. Want to know how to end this? Make the quality of life the same levels like in Norway or Canada.
Nakakalungkot talaga na kailangan puti muna ang magsabi ng totoo tungkol sa ating kasaysayan para pakinggan ng ating mga kababayan, samatala sa mahabang panahon ay ipinapalaganap na ng mga makabayan nating kasama at kaibigan. Totoo ang lalim ng ugat ng kaisipang kolonyal sa ating mga kababayan, kaya mahalaga ang papel ninyong mga istoryador (tama ba?) upang lalo pang palaganapin ang katotohanan. Luid ka kaiabeng Kirby! ✊✊✊ Pasensia na mu king pamanagalug ku. 😁
This is fake. Americans ang nagbuwis ng buhay para sa atin. Wag niong paniniwalaan ung mga napapanoid nio. Naninira lang cla sa US dahil sa inggit. Ang mga matatanda ang patunay kung gaano ipinagtanggol ng mga kano itong bansa ntin. If not for them, wala la ngaun o ako o cla. Mgkaroon tau ng utang na loob
@@johnday3414 lol panuodin mo yjng unsurrendered ng mga rotc hunder mismo sila yung nag nag kwento kung panu nila pinagtanggol yung bansa halos lahat sila gumawa baka di mo kilala si col Emmanuel de ocampo
@@bopols lol! Hindi nga itinuro ng teachers namin to. At wag mo sabihin na hindi ako nakinig dahil mahilig ako sa history. Yung mga teachers ko sa history ay lagi itinuro na bayani si ninoy. Hindi nga nila itinuro na si ninoy ang ugat at founder ng NPA! Kasalan ni ninoy kung bakit may NPA! Yan pinagtatakpan ng mga teachers ko. Hindi nila itinuro yung Philippine-American war kung saan minassacre ng USA mga Pilipino eh malamang mga dilawan politicians gumawa ng libro and they fabricated The Philippine history to make USA good while diverting the attention on Marcos that he is evil. Kasi tuta ng USA ang mga dilawan kaya nga palagi nila pinagtatanggol ang USA kahit inaapi na nila ang Pilipinas at breach of sovereignty na ginagawa ng USA. Mga tanga nalang naniniwala na wala talagang paglabag ginawa ang USA lalo na mga atrocities. Malamang mga dilawan na yun
@@johnday3414 bago pa dumating ang mga kano nkikipag laban na mga Pilipino sa sa espanya may rebulusyon na nagaganap.. nakisawsaw lang mga kano natral na humble lng tlg mga Pilipino kya tinangap nila 2long ng mga kano. Sa madaling salita dumating man o hindi mga kano matatalo ang espanya..
I remember in grade school, they taught us that America introduced education and democracy but no mention of the genocides. The grade school book made America looks like a foundation and Philippines is their charity case and the treaties seems advantageous to PH but doesn't mention what US gets from it. I mean yes, US helped in industrializing and restructuring PH at that period but it wasn't out of charity. This is why Filipinoes can move on from these wars and oppression period, because we were not taught the hard facts but the narrative "truth" of history.
Yup. I had a good elementary teacher that talked about colonialism and did her best to make us look beyond the textbooks. But that did not resonate so much then since my parents were the early "beneficiaries" of a US adopted educational system. So hearing them then talk how they had american professors and access to modern books and lab equipment, it felt like we were getting the best out of it. But yes, the americans controlled the narrative then and that affected several generations.
No, actually the Spanish made more significant part in our education. For example, the Spanish gave us free modern Education access before Americans came and that was the first in Asia.
Being a Texan, I don’t think I’m your targeted audience but I enjoy your videos and perspective. I learn something in each video. Would like to request a video on how Texas was almost named the New Philippines.
Overall it was a good video, because despite the inaccuracies and simplifications, it will teach a lot more people about this forgotten part of history for both the US and the Philippines. Could it have been a lot better? Sadly yes...
I'm glad Johnny made a video about How the US stole the Philippines. I DM his page to make a video about this back in June but failed to get a reply. Now that you also made video as a reaction to it, it actually expanded more information for people to know. Keep up the good work Cabalen!!!
US never gave the Philippines democracy and freedom because even after WWII and 1945, they were still here in the Philippines, their forces are still here. After 1945, the Philippines were administered by US client regimes and onwards. Before 1945, they FORCED and gave the Philippines no option to agree with the notorious Bell Trade Act; among other unfair clauses in that act, it forever pegged the Filipino peso to US dollar. Their claims that US granted the Philippines independence was nothing more but a hollow declaration written on cheap paper. In a stricter sense, we are no longer a colony of the US, but we are still under their mantle. You know what is that called? It is called, “NEOCOLONIALISM”. Modern day colonialism and imperialism is by installing client regimes or politicians and mouthpiece such as mainstream medias, social medias, personalities, and other all sorts of things. Be careful with the US government and US mainstream medias including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK.
I'm Spanish and in my country they don't teach us almost anything about Philippines. I searched for information myself and discover that Spanish people were just "indifferent" about Filipinos for a long time. They committed cruel crimes, as all the empires ever have done, that's true. But I don't understand why nobody talks about the good things the Spanish did. For example, the Spanish people built hospitals, universities, churches and even declared free public education (laws of 1863) for everyone! With this politics the literacy increased a lot. Also, they brought some useful inventions like the printer, the watch, the stone constructions and the plow system. The Spanish rulers also wanted Spanish people to travel to Philippines and mix with the local people, as it happened in America, to integrate this territory but this couldn't be possible because of the huge distances. Then the US came and destroyed all the Spanish Empire had done there.
First time I heard a filipino historian on point of all what I've seen, observed and experiencing so far since I came back 9 years ago. I retired a US officer in the US Army and respected by peers and subordinate and by all colors. But in PI you as a filipino decent with dark skin I have been discriminated of all source. Sadly, even at the US embassy, filipino workers treat white nicely than the FilAm. This resonates the behavior of white or foreign people against filipinos. Even in our own land, the visitors abuses Filipinos, unfairly treat Filipinos like second citizens.
Watching this video is making me cry and felt bad for my motherland wow.. maraming salamat Kirby for mentioning this keep continuing to make more videos about our rich history and retell us again of our education I really enjoy them you inspire me as a young student to learn more about my country and improve my country ^^ your really a very inspiring person
@@cashewnuttel9054 He won't win or won't last as a President. We are still a vassal state of the US, any derogatory against the US will lead you to unsuccessful politics career in PH. You may check our leaders in history who were anti-US. They did not have a good career.
There are lots of historians who will have different views when it comes to the history of the Philippines. We can not change it but but theres a lot of twist and opinions. In my time taking social studies and history of the Philippines, We can all agree that Spain "Re-Discovered" the Phlippines (treaty of tordesillas). Philippines is under Portugal by treaty. Spain is powerful than Portugal. If there is contentions between this two rivals, why did the Pope allow spain to colonize the Philippines? There is something at work here. Spain did not conquer all the Philippines this is the result of many autonomous regions of today. A government may have been establised in Manila but most remain autonomous. Until the arrival of the Americans, Filipino natives are always at war with Spain. But not really. Natives are at war with Spanish Friars who becomes more abusive. Filipinos already adopted the spanish culture and it will be tedious to remain at constant war with the spanish government. When the americans arrived, theres positive and negative opinions. They are more accepted or tolerated because they are more Protestant than Catholics. Are Filipinos unhygenic? Who will bring kubyertos when you are always on the move. Filipinos ate by hands and make banana leaves as their plate. They dont bring so much utensils because they are always at war and hunted down. There are also ethnic tibes called (ilongot) who still practice this. It is true that Philippines have no centralized government in the past, but we do have a centralized harmony between all ethnic groups. This is made thru "blood pact" or sandugo. It was the chinese who really discovered the islands and credits should be to them. They called us "Indianized indian". From India with brown skin. They dont have political relations but do have economic with us. They are probably busy building or fortifying their great wall to keep the invaders out. Philippines did not become Philippines of today. It did not happened in one day. Telling and explaining the history in one day in not enough.
What if the Philippines was visited by Europeans in 1600s or 1700s. We could have defended our territory and have a different culture. There's a possibility that our culture will be more on East Asian culture and Christianity will be a taboo
@@keosad8196 it doesnt matter if 1600 or 1700 because the world was divided to spain and portugal by the pope in the treaty of tordesillas. There is also the french, the dutch and the english racing to be an empire. All religion started in Asia including christianity. But christianity practice by westerners will never be a taboo because the west was inspired by the travels of Marco Polo. When the Khanate of the Mongols invited all religions in his empire, Bhuddism and Islam came first. If Marco Polo arrived first, then the world will all be christians. Philippines in this time just before the Spanish Arrival, is like Nuasantran Religion. Hindu / Bhuddist practice. As more and more Bhuddist we become than Hindu (Brhamannism), Filipinos lost the appetite for war because as Bhuddist adherent, they respect all forms of life and have great respect for it. This is the reason Islam spread very fast. In Indonesia, it was embraced by the locals as christianity was embrace by the Visayans. It becomes more a religious race in the Philippines between Islam and Christiam. In luzon the ruling clans are the Lakans which practice Hindu/Bhuddism and Animism. Islam reached Luzon because Bhuddist adherents will never take a life as Islam do for those who will not convert in their religion. This is the reason that the Kingdom of Tundo in Manila was ruled by the Lakans and the Rajahs just opposite side of the rivers. But during this time both Religions whether Islam or Christianity are like folk religion. They are not practiced wholeheartedly. In indonesia, Bali resisted too much Islam and western power thats why hindu/bhuddism is still evident in their culture same like us in Luzon.
@@keosad8196 As all Religion started in Asia, Christianity Spread in three branches. Eastern, Western, and African. The Arab conquest spread Islam rapidly including Iberian Peninsula where Spain is. Spain is also struggling of war between Islam and Christians. When the kingdom of Castile, Aragorn, Leon and Navare united. Spain becomes an empire when they conquered Grenada (the Moors) an Islamic kingdom. They expelled the jews in the Iberian peninsula. the kingdom of Portugal never joined the empire. The Pope saw this oportunity and use Spain as forebearers of Christian Chatolicism. In the Philippines, Mindanao is becoming an Islamic Country (bangsa moro) already. This is because of Proximity of Mindanao to Indonesia. This contributed to Spain's struggle in subjugating the whole Island. The moros in Mindanao and the Animist in the North Luzon. The arrival of Dutch and English and French in the Indies declined the spread of Islam in the Philippines and contained mostly in the south. If the europeans did not arrived, the whole Philippines will be an Islamic country no doubt because Hindu and Bhuddism is not a religion that caters conversion as Islam.
@@sinnedgabz3675 Totally agree! It is most likely we will be Muslims since Islam is somewhat aggressive in spreading their faith compared to East Asians religion or philosophy (Buddhism, Confucianism, etc.) If that would be the case, there's a big possibility that Luzon won't be conquered.
@@keosad8196 Luzon was never conquered really, Intramuros was built to encase the Spanish government in direct link to Acapulco Mexico. Philippines is under the viceroy of Spain in Mexico. So the Spanish government is really not in Luzon. At the outside of the walls of intramuros are the Parian, Chinese settlers and traders. Intramuros is always attacked from different sides. But one thing for sure, that spanish culture is adopted already. Visayas on the other hand are more tolerant of the spanish as they are the ones who converted first to Catholicism without a struggle with the spaniards. As the Native filipinos are winning the war, Spanish filipinos offered citizenship to all including chinese. But they must convert to Catholicism, They must have Spanish Name/surname and they must pay tax (cedulas). Most chinese converted for economic reasons. They change their names to spanish names and they pay tax (Tsinoys). On the other hand native filipinos are disgruntled. Rip apart their cedulas and very much eager to establish the "Republika Tagala" separate from Filipino (white spanish) rule. When the Americans came, Filipinos (Spanish, Natives, Chineses are all called Filipinoes. Then another colonial power emereged. Until Japanese imperialism. Native Filipinos are not at war with the Spanish governement but with the abuse of the Catholic Friars. Since the friars have direct influenced with the spanish government thay they were involved. This is due to the hanging of the GOMBURZA (native filipino priest Gomez, Burgos and Zamora). Even Jose Rizal is not violently involve but peaceful resolution between Ilustrados and Insulares (spanish born in the Philippines) is recommended. Filipinoes are just like that, disgruntled, ununited. Even today in modern politics.
Thanks for the fruitful episode you just make. I learned a lot and realized a lot. We may call our selves "Patriotic" so proudly that it became our core value the foreigners thinks off but it is truly ironic to know that we know too little about our nation we claim to be patriotic at all. I hope you will make more of this amazing stuff.
When I went to the Philippines, I studied their history a little about the Spaniards, and after that the colonization by the US. In Google I saw an article " US war crimes in the Philippines" with Photo's of these atrocities This article stated also that they estimated that the US had killed more civilians there in the beginning 15 years, than the Spaniards did in 300 years. I was very surprised that most Philippino's see the Americans as friends, until I found out that most people didn't know the history of their country. They had never learned it in school. The only time I heard it from a person in the Philippines was from President Duterte.
Atrocities were committed on both sides during the Philippine American War. My Filipino father in law told me some wild stories. He said Americans would make Filipinos drink water until the died or almost died. Where the Filipinos would bury Americans up to their neck run sugar to their mouths and let the ants eat them alive.
I have found the same thing of not knowing history. When asking about this, my wife and filippino family knew nothing about it. Took them to dinner at this one restaurant that had paintings-battle scenes and the famous KKK as part pf the mural. Did not learn about anything until I looked it up online. There are reasons I am not sharing on why it does matter to me and there is a lot more that people do not know about unless you talk to the right people and just happen to find someone who knew.
@@jeremiahjohnson7619”both sides” yeah sure, but one side was invading, the other side was fighting for their independence and right to self-determination.
Mr. Renato Constantino was a favorite historian of my father's. His writings inspired me to verbally abuse my own history teachers in high school and college. Especially with regard to Uncle Sam's alleged benevolence.
@@journey3878 Yep, you're right. However, I need to point out that in any form of writing, be they formal or informal, word choice still matters. Simply put, if you want to be clearly understood, then using words in proper context is a must. I hope things are clear now.
Hahaha! It is such a disgrace how our books and education were manipulated in favour of the US. HOOYYYY!! DEPED ayusin nyo publication outsourcing at kurikulum content nyo!
Learn from it. No need to be angry. Don't use this as a basis to hate the present Americans, any culture or race. Learn from it and use it as a reminder not to abuse anyone who is powerless before you. Otherwise, you will be manipulated by people with political agenda.
Lol triggered? Angered? Why? Because a brilliant youtuber shed light on the phillipines and brought a lot of attention for the phillipines and helped make millions interested? Most of the things Om this video are wrong you know, nothing but gaslighting Filipino history with absolutely no backup sources and details
I just want to thank you for acknowledging Filipino Americans in your video. There has been so much discrimination and hate towards us when we all come from the same ancestors. Filipino Americans have gone through a lot having to assimilate to American culture to be excepted. Our elders who brought us here thought it was wise to have a speak English and learn American ways so that we could assimilate and be excepted. They did not understand that we would grow up feeling lost and sad when it comes to our Filipino heritage. There’s always discrimination all over the world, and Filipinos I’m not above that. Filipinos are discriminated against whether you are a native or a non-native of the homeland. I’m really happy I found your video and your channel as I’ve been seeking more understanding on my Filipino heritage to a deeper level. There is much discord and arguments when it comes to our history and who we are as a people. There seems to be so much hate between the native and the American Filipino and that shouldn’t be because we all come from the same ancestors. Our ancestors would be heartbroken to see what has become of us. I hope to bring healing to our people, to the whole Filipino diaspora. I will be watching much more of your stuff. Thank you so much for your efforts.
I can see that this channel will be as big as Architect Oliver Austria. It's great to see that many professionals are now educating learners online. Let's just also clarify that Sir Kirby is not belittling sir Johnny Harris, instead he is just clarifying and educating some details. Come on guys, you just love some drama.
New sub here, and ashamed to say you're my first Filipino video essay sub. While I think the referenced video meant well, what many in this comments section fail to realize is that Harris didn't write that essay for a Filipino audience, but to expose US atrocities abroad to Americans, in light of the many political movements happening there now, and to show why they are relevant. This is why I think what you're doing with your channel is great, and more people should follow your example. We Filipinos have a significant worldwide presence in social media, so maybe it's time we took control of the narrative when it comes to our history and culture. There are so many things we have yet to say, and what better platform is there? Thanks for doing this, Kirby. Keep up the great work.
In my opinion this knowledge should be taught more in schools as Filipino myself, I was taught by this piece of history when I was in highschool though it was in a private school.
Thank you. This video is enlightening. Thanks to Johnny Harris as well. My respect for the Cordilleras and Mindanao went up. They were brave enough to fight for their freedom together with geographical advantage. However, Zamboanga is very Spanish, I think.
This is the only time I thanked youtube recommendation that this channel pop up on my feed.. Literally this is the kind of content that youtube deserves..
Thank you for sharing the real history of the wonderful Filipino people Kirby. It does sadden me because I am an American that loves everything about your country and more importantly her people. I never knew this happened and I will definitely hold my head in shame and look at things differently when I visit the Philippines. My wife and daughter are dual citizens of the Philippines and USA and we have a home in the Philippines and despite this past history between our two countries I have always been treated so kind by the Filipino people and I am truly sorry my ancestors did not do the same for you. Filipinos are a kind and generous people and you will always have my gratitude for what it’s worth.
Did you have influence on US foreign policy anytime between 1898 and 1941? You can disagree with your ancestors, who are not you, but why do "you" hang "your" head in shame for actions that you had no control over? The same applies to Indian land conquests and slavery. But today, there are elements of US warmongering that you do have influence over by your voting. More recently it has been Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan up to Ukraine. Sorry to say, if you are a liberal Democrat today, you support those interventions of endless war that enrich that party leadership via campaign contributions from the defense industry, making you not that much different than your ancestors that make you 'hang your head in shame'.
@@danluzurriaga6035what did you like the brutal treatment of the japanese when they occupy the philipines or the Spanish conquistadors who make pilipinos like slave?
Exactly. Some people are looking for drama so they can come here with all of their money and buy expensive things and have fun but still "hang their head in shame" over treatment by ancestors were not us. That way they think they lessen their guilt for spending a lot of money over here that ordinary Filipinos can only dream of.
The channel and content I've been looking for for so long. Having moved away from the Philippines at a young age, I've always felt so clueless about its history. I've done my fair share of research but for some reason, I've always felt iffy about the information. And I've come to realize it's because they were either from a western perspective, full of misinformation and inaccuracies or watered down. Gonna go binge watch all your videos now. I appreciate you and your content so much thank you!!!
I felt sick watching this. Thank you for making educational content with such amazing quality! Can’t wait to binge watch your content. Padayon! 💚 Edit! At OO SA TAGALOG VERSION! Para maipalabas to sa eskwelahan sa Filipino.
I think that Filipinos should tell our own stories. A western person telling our story is still pretty much what had happened, our history being told from an outsider's perspective.
Before that, we need to get the all the facts straight first. Otherwise we will just get swamped by arguments made by people who think they know better. A historical education overhaul is long overdue.
@@kaliskunkog2255did this blanket racist statement make you happy? Congrats, kabayan. Wtf does being white have to do with anything, especially in this day and age? Nahahawa ka na sa woke ideology ng mga taga-kanluran kakapanood mo siguro ng mga kung ano-ano.
it's important to note that the philippines is not only composed of brown people. there are also light skin toned people, such as those of the east asian complexion
Man, it's sad how poorly misrepresented and misunderstood Filipino history and heritage is. I do not mean to be biased towards the Spanish, and although I do appreciate our shared cultures with the larger Hispanic world, especially with Spain and Mexico, this does not mean that I justify the many Hispanic wrongdoings altogether and just sweep them under the rug. This is a really huge touchy subject amongst many Filipinos who were basically brought up into a pro-US mentality, so when I mention something about Spain, most of the people I encounter either falsely accuse me for espousing "colonial mentality", glorifying colonialism as they allegedly claim, or betraying the Philippines altogether and being "brainwashed" (oof, this one's the grander accusation to make, but nah). My intentions of promoting the cause of restoring Spanish (preferably Castilian Spanish for formal use, but Mexican Spanish could also be taught too; our own dialect of Spanish, Philippine Spanish, with it's pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and everything, should be given utmost importance however, both as a formal medium and for common, daily use) as a national *inter-ethnic language* (a lingua franca of some sorts) alongside English (this too, although we do study American English and it's regarded as one of the two official languages here, and well, I got no problem with the education and use of British English and other English variants here in the Philippines as well, I cannot help but insist that, like Philippine Spanish, we should also give more emphasis and attention towards Philippine English, complete with our very own accent and slang words, we shouldn't be embrassed about it!). This will pave way for the official use of all other Filipino languages, especially in the localities, and ensure the survival of the beautiful, diverse and unique cultures, languages and histories of the 7,000+ islands and the 170+ ethno-linguistic groups. I feel like the Tagalog elitism and hegemony is slowly killing the Philippines, especially in its socio-political structure and hierarchy: of having a Manila/NCR-centric, unitary government. Language and culture is everything, heritage shapes society, and so does it do to our government. If the Philippines transitions into a representational system that honors all languages and cultures all across the islands, using Spanish and English as the lingua franca (in a somewhat similar manner as Canada using French and English alongside each other) would serve as a bridge and open up various doors of opportunities for Filipinos, not just culturally and historically, buy economically and diplomatically speaking. The problem with many Filipinos is that they view the Spanish with so much scrutiny and hate and associate all things Spanish, especially the ones ingraved into our own national identity and consciousness, as "colonial" ,all the while glorifying the Americans and simply ignoring all the atrocities and abuses that they did, despite the fact that the wrongdoings they committed here in the Philippines for 50 years, and in other countries like Cuba, overwhelmingly outweigh the shit that the Spanish colonials and friars did in almost 400 years. Associating all things Spain, most especially the language, as bad and colonialist mentality, is not only conforming to the American imperial mentality, but basically rejecting and ignoring a huge piece of Filipino heritage, culture, history and identity for almost 300 years. Tons of documentaries left to rot in dusty archives and libraries in the Philippines are untouched just because they're written in Spanish! The language that was used by the colonizers became the very same language that united the archipelago and birthed to Filipino nationalism; with Dr. Jose Rizal's novels and other works, all written in Spanish. The Revolution and the First Republic wrote and fought in Spanish, with Aguinaldo's government and all. Resisting the necessary changes for our country to be truly representational and honor our multicultural and multilingual diversity, that our history is not just black and white (ergo, Spain bad, America good, pre-colonial all good, no invasion happen in pre-colonial Filipino civilization, it's not like the Majapahit Empire and Chinese pirates are a thing, Spain super horrible did no good at all, it's not like the Moros did not raid settlements, and the British did not commit barbaric acts of savagery during the British Occupation of Manila), is to impede the development of the nation. We cannot progress if we do not reconcile with our past and conquer the fears and wrongs of old. If Rizal and Aguinaldo wrote and fought and spoke and lived in Spanish, are they also colonialists too just because they did not spoke Tagalog, "Filipino", as their "National Language"?
During my gradeschool my grade 5 Hekasi teacher did day that we were not liberated but fooled by the Americans and that the Spanish American War was a joke
The Spanish-American war is a joke since it was all started by a fake news from the American side, to get Cuba (and the Captaincy-General of the PH as a bonus)
@Michelle that it may be, but basically the US started the Spanish-American War. Cuba and the whole Captaincy General of the Philippines (PH + Marianas, Carolinas and Palau) would be independent if the US did not interfere.
I'm not sure with other schools but in my high school, I got to learn more about the history and the atrocities done by the Americans during the colonialism. My history teachers have been open to tell the students the correct and censored history on the Philippines. I love how my teachers have been neutral and honest on their views. I have tutored high school students in other school and it's true that the history was not discussed thoroughly. The colonialism was even romanticize. I even have to discuss more to my students on the real things that happened that wasn't discussed in their books.
This is such an amazing video. It would be really great if the government send out an order to all the schools of the Philippines to have students as a requirement or recommendation to watch John Harris video first for general understanding, then this, to further enhance Filipino knowledge about their own history. Including me. Watching this is such a blessing.
EXACTLY! thank you for clearing these things up. in fairness, most of these lessons and topics are also taught in school, some high school but mostly in college, but your details are amazing!! thank you Kirby! we'll share this to our FB page!
some are somewhat taught but they are taught in a way by portraying it as a "past sin" of America and that they "aren't the same now" and won't do the same again to us or anyone else and at the end would still America as this godsend protector of the Earth.
@@dickmelsonlupot7697 In my school they thought us about this, i remember there was a discussion during my history class (in highschool) regarding this and why did Aguinaldo ask for American Support where in fact the Filipinos are already winning major wars that lead to the Spaniards holed up in Intramuros (last line of defense against KKK). In college though, it was more detailed like when was the American Philippine war started (some Katipunero got impatient and decided to cross the bridge near intramuros where the Americans are also keeping guard then boom they shot him, all hell let loose, the betrayal of Cavitenos - Can't blame them because katipunan under Aguinaldo killed Supremo Bonifacio etc.) Maybe i got lucky i have good history teachers at that time and the book that we are reading are different from other schools, i can't really tell.
@@ungas024 I've heard of that but I got it from reading articles and books online. Was never taught in school. That's where I learned that Aguinaldo was indeed a traitor
My favorite historian! Dep Ed should take history seriously they romanticize Uncle Sam too much, it makes me cringe. Kuya Kirby Im just waiting for u to launch your own history podcast.
The American genocides ( Balangiga and Batangas areas) were taught by my history teacher at University of the Philippines. Not only that also the mock battle of Manila Bay, the Filipino American War and the so called "American Benevolent Rulle of the Philippines. But later the history course was abolished and integrated with political science as Social science during martial law era.
Kirby, this was one of my favorite videos you have made. I did watch the other video you mentioned, I liked it but did notice he mentioned Ma’i. I cringe when I see white people trying to explain our history. I want to let you know that I highly respect your knowledge of the Philippines and the Filipinos. Growing up as an American -Filipino I noticed in school that the textbooks glorified the Americans in the Philippines, which I was taught differently on my two visits to the Philippines from visiting museums and from tour guides. It’s been a long time since the colonizers left, can’t believe the Filipinos never completely brought back everything possible and known to them instead of the hodgepodge they’ve allowed etc Anyway, Salamat!
I'm not a college grad but i remembered well that this things are thought at school, im even educated at mindanao province. (Atleast the mock battles of spanish, american era and US atrocities) but the reasons and real stories behind the Why US abandon us at start of 2nd world war was not usually tackled (blame us text books for that).
A very snappy, entertaining and concise presentation about the history of the Philippines. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Yes, history always casts a long shadow which many people are unaware of. It is the same situation here in the U.K. We too have a lot of ‘inconvenient truths’ about our long colonial past which many are unaware of. It is our job as historians to bring these facts into the mainstream so that future generations can gain a more balanced insight into the past.
If I were a school teacher I would recommend videos like this to be watched and discussed. I'm so sick and tired how Filipinos continue to boot lick USA, how they would cling to USA to save us from foreign threats.
The sugar industry in the Philippines was introduced by a British who worked in a consulate. This was presented to the Spanish families in western visayas who were given loans by British banks. All of these after the US has taken over the Philippines.
If we want to know the origin of the Philippines we need to ask Thailand and China to allow our historian to access their Archives. Our history is written and can still be retrieve in there archives. India, Malaysia and Brunei also hold history of our country...
Only Spaniards can tell the whole truth neither Rome to rewrite what's happen & the real name of our nation.maybe bcoz our nation has a great connection of first Israel.
@@katawamagiliw4963 I don’t remember if the term ‘mock’ or any other term similar was mentioned in high school. Battle of manila bay lang ata. It was during college history sub. that I remember the teacher saying it as ‘Mock Battle’. Also may mga inaamag na books sa history section ng library na pwedeng basahin hindi lng nkadepende sa tinuturo ng teacher.
Actually you are. How many times have you kicked the US out only to ask them to come back? And the Philippines, being poor, is a foreign aid receiving country. That's the reason why so many flips refuse to teach about US atrocities because they are scared that Sam might not rush to the Philippines aid if China does something, for example. But really, the Americans won't come to the rescue of the Philippine Islands, it no longer has any strategic or economic value.
@@cashewnuttel9054 Yeah we also dont want the US . Really though you really think the chinese would bother to invade us?! Nahhh they too busy in africa making them rely on them. Not only that the african government is easier to negotiate cus they need it. We filipinos we just need to get our shit together then we wont need others. Also how is the US exactly over us? Moment we try to buy russian submarine the US government goes batshit crazy warning us about the consequences 😱🤢🤮 YUCK! Talk about a REAAALLL ALLY Right there. We try to befriend china and then The US goes mad about it 😆 telling us not to trust them? Yet the US who came here to "LIBERATE US" literally invaded us. Nahhh sure the US dont care about us. Maybe the people, but surely not the government, cus you know why? When has the people of the US ever been in cooperation with its government? 😂
It's so obvious this guy resents America.....America is far from perfect, but dude, war, and being a Super Power is messy.....All countries and people were racist , sadistic to each other back then. So glad humanity is improving, although we have much to improve.
Hey Kirby, thanks for sharing your knowledge of our history. I’m also like you, I went to school both in the Philippines and the United States. When I immigrated to the U.S. I thought the white skin was superior than mine, but after living here for a few years I quickly realized that is not the case. My co-workers are Americans and based on my conversations with them, I don’t think they know anything about their colonial history. It’s sad that this is not being taught in the Philippines, it’s very critical to the way we see them. I’m not saying we should hate Americans, but it’s important for our people to know the real history in our country. When I went to school in the Philippines, I didn’t learn about how the Americans tricked the Philippines into believing that they were there to help us or how some of our heroes actually betrayed their own countrymen. Do you know if there are any plans in our school system to correct this? I believe by learning these facts, our children will actually grow up with pride and could eventually change our colonial mentality.
You're absolutely right that we need to listen to people when they share their own history. Thank you for creating this video. I actually found you though the Johnny Harris video and I really appreciate your clarifications and elaborations. I'm not a member of the Filipino community myself, but many of my students are new immigrants or first or second generation Filipinos. My goal is to understand their history better so I can bring a much broader and more complete understanding into my classroom. Thank you.
16:25 But mention of the Philippines was not removed from FDR's "Day of Infamy" speech; it was moved to the portion where he lists how far reaching the follow-on attacks were. Johnny's video conveniently neglects to show the second page of the draft where "The Philippine Islands" was written in by hand. In his official address, FDR says: "Yesterday, the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island, This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific Area." I remember reading there was some initial disagreement among the Japanese command about the necessity of a preemptive attack on Pearl. Some felt the US would not fight to retake the Philippines considering the transition to independence had already begun. With a transitional government in place and a date already set, they wondered if perhaps the US would all but ignore a Japanese invasion. (Having said that, it's very hard to imagine the US just ignoring all the casualties incurred outside Hawaii.)
@@christianreyansus7219 When Americans heard that Pearl Harbor had been attacked, a common response was, "Where the hell is Pearl Harbor?" (In 1941, "The Territory of Hawaii" was also not a U.S. state, though as an "incorporated" territory there was birthright citizenship.) "Remember Pearl Harbor" became the immediate rallying cry because it was the site of the most U.S. casualties, particularly U.S. service personnel...That is what the public wanted revenge for. Headlines would soon shift focus to the Philippines where more U.S. troops would die during the Japanese invasion than had died at Pearl Harbor. Soon "Remember Bataan" became the war cry used on posters. I was saying there likely would have been war whether or not Pearl Harbor was hit. Destroying the Far East Air Force on its bases in the Philippines may not have had the same impact as wrecking the Pacific Fleet, but it would have been more than enough cause for a declaration of war.
I’m teaching the uncles and aunties at work about the Luzon Indios in Morro Bay and the Manila Men of San Malo. And each time I told the story I had to correct them that our native ancestors serving on Spanish ships were not slaves; they were skilled seafarers. That colonized mentality is still strong in our countrymen and I hope it fades.
Our ancestors could be both slaves and strong seafarers. They're not mutually exclusive. Let's not change a piece of truth in history just to make us look good.
I think there should be restitution from Spain and USA to the Filipino People hardships, I am a American born Filipino, but this pisses me off, but I guess that's why we are here on earth so our souls can experience the struggles necessary to ascend to higher levels of existence,
This is why, your history should be superb. So there will be no misinformation/sugarcoating. Good thing, my history teacher back then told us the truth about the Philippine's history.
I'm not mad but after watching this video and the other video I think thousands of Filipino youth will cry out for Justice for their Filipino ancestors.
@@joeawk that doesn't make any sense and that's the island chain that is to protect the free world from a genocidal Communist Country with an economic mmmmmmmmm on their said for now.
hey, so you were talking about how you didn’t get to learn about the filipino-american war being violent in school. I wanted to let you know that in my grade school at least in the Philippines taught us about the racism and the genocide that they did - I remember seeing those “monkey” posters lol. plus it was neat that they taught about the situation with pearl harbor. I think recently, “araling panlipunan” classes in the Philippines are more open about talking about this. I love this video and I think it would be cool pag nagsalita ka nang tagalog sa isa pang version. salamat!
Sa mga nagcocomment na bakit daw ginagaya nya si Nas Daily. In behalf of sir Kirby, excuse me lang po. Masmatagal na pong gumagawa ng video si sir Kirby, hindi po niya ginagaya si Nas... baka nga si Nas pa ang nanggaya. Kaloka.. more likely din po kasi pareho silang nagaral sa Harvard at tumira ng mahabang panahon sa America, baka naman ganun lang talaga ang accent nila sa pagsasalita. Hello? di hamak namang mas mabuting tao si sir Kirby, di nangaabuso ng mga katutubo at madalas pang tumulong sa mga nangangailangan nating mga kababayan sa Pilipinas at sa America. Hindi po siya scam o fake gaya ni Nas lol Watch sir Kirby's other videos makikita niyo ang stark difference between sa kanila at kung bakit mas tiwala ako kay sir Kirby kesa sa isang yun.
Thank you for this video. I think a Tagalog version of this video is important. It is sad that this was never taught in school, at least during my time. Filipinos deserve to know and understand the truth about our past. We have been brainwashed by the Education system for too long.
Kahapon lang ako nag-binge ng parang 20+ videos mo Kuya Kirby sa kasaysayan, kultura, etc. At ngayon may bagong video na naman. Nagpapasalamat lang ako sa 'yo Kuya na ikaw ay gumagawa ng videos tungkol sa bansa natin at "independent" na YT Channel at dedikado lang talaga sa ating pinakakamahal na bansa at siguro sa panonood mo ng videos mo may ma-isasagot na ako sa mga incoming klase namin sa Septiyembre ;)
The good thing about the American teachers is the fact that they taught the English language. As an OFW, I can say that it's because of our English language proficiency that we are able to work in many parts of the world. But yes, I agree there was indeed a miseducation of the Filipinos. Thank you Kirby Araullo for this video.
If the King of Netherlands can say sorry their past colonies, Filipinos we should protest that the Emperor of 🗾 Japan, King of Spain, and the President of U.S.A should say sorry, regret the past actions and help us more!
Why just a Tagalog version? Why not also a Cebuano, a Waray and other dialect versions? In fact why don't you stop speaking Taglese and learn proper English.
@@miguelmendiola4088 Be mindful, Filipino (tagalog) is the national language of the Philippines, everyone knew and can understand it (referring to the Filipino people)
@@rheignheartlangamin622 Tagalog was made the National Language by the Tagalog politicians. No other dialect speakers had approved of it. Go to Cebu and ask Cebuanos what they think of the Tagalog based National Language. You will be surprised by their opinion.
@@miguelmendiola4088 eto na naman. It's always Visayans and Cebuanos who always complain and bitter about Filipino or Tagalog being the national language. If it were any other language, you'd still complain. Luzon and Manila happens to be the capital at that time and it would make sense that a decision about the national language has to be made. Your bitterness reeks of ethnocentrism and a raging "me" attitude. Why are you mad about making a language unite us all? Is it because it's not Cebuano language? What language would you have wanted to be the national language then?
I'm also astounded by the fact that when Americans came, the Spain have given better education in their colonies than the other colonial powers of their time, specially during the later era of the Spanish Empire, where republicanism is rampant in the empire. The idea spread in Philippines, and Filipinos are able to walk through Europe, and study in Europe protected by Spain. Even when many intellectuals from the Philippines are produced, and the consciousness is rising, the Spain didn't stopped this education, and let their people learn (Because there are many abolitionists, and rising idea for equality, liberty, and republicanism in Spain already at that time, though not all.) When the Americans came however, they found out that Philippines have many educated people already, and the schools that Spaniards built and instituted were continued by Americans and taught that the Spaniards were more evil empire and they came to exploit Philippines. The president of the revolution even said "Yes. I regret to a large extent revolting against Spain and, that's why, when the funerals for the king Alphonse of Spain were celebrated, I showed up to the surprise of the Spaniards. They asked me why had I come to the funeral of the king against who I rebelled. I told them that he continues to be my king because under the Spanish rule we were always Spanish subjects or citizens, but now, under the USA, we are just a consumer market for their exports, they never made us citizens of any state in the USA. The Spanish opened the way for me and treated me like a brother in that significant day." Though the Spaniards did many horrible thing, they are certainly way better than any of the colonial powers of their time. Britain have slaves, Dutch have slave trade, etc, but in the Philippines, they banned slavery immediately, and it was actually their fellow Filipinos who are enslaving their fellowmen (The kingdoms of the South if I'm not wrong). I also doubt that even if Americans never came in the Philippines, the Philippines will still be involved in WW2 because it is a very strategic location up to the very day. Unlike the Thailand who remained independent, Philippines is in a center of water ways that pass through Indonesia, China, Australia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. They won't be spared even if they become independent, unless if Philippines gained independence then rapidly modernizes after the Philippine-Spanish war (like that of Emperor Meiji which deterred any colonial power grabbing into them).
I think the fact that Spain at that time gives opportunities such being able to study in Europe is the reason why the reformist are pushing not the independence of the Philippines but equal rights to the colonies because they saw the benefits of being a part of Spain until the Philippines have developed and be able to stand on its own. The fact that Filipinos were oppressed was mainly due to the corrupt officers and church officials of that time. It would have been better if the reformist succeeded than being colonized by the Americans.
When I was in 3rd year college I start digging these untaught histories. And when learned about them I started to feel the hate added the bad racist things I see on the news by Western People against my fellow Filipinos. It made me end my relationships with some of my friends from US. Specially when I realized they made a Zoo out of us, and those genocides they committed against us. And I can only imagine how they treated the Africans-Americans and the Native American-Indians...
As a spaniard, I think I should remember everyone the attempts of the spanish government to integrate its overseas territories into the country and bring the local population more civil responsabilities and rights. The Autonomy Charter of Puerto Rico of 1897 was, alongside the Autonomy Charter of Cuba, the first Statute of Autonomy granted in Spain to a province, in particular to the overseas province of Puerto Rico. It authorized the formation of an autonomous government and was accompanied by the establishment of universal male suffrage in all overseas provinces. The revolts in Cuba and Philippines, alongside the spanish american war of 1898, avoided its implementation and marked the end of the spanish empire.
Spain only agreed to establish autonomy in their colonies because their empire was becoming weaker by then. We Filipinos remember the Filipino activists who advocated for reform and wrote countless treatises and proposals to have Filipino representation in the Cortes Generales, for Filipinos to be equal to Spaniards, for Filipino clergy to have the same standing as Spanish clergy (secularization), to abolish the polo y servicios (enforced labor to all Filipinos of age). This was way, way before the Philippine revolution against Spain. Propagandists such as Jose Rizal, Lopez Jaena, Marcelo del Pilar were advocating for these reforms since the 1880s. But none of their proposals were heard, and that is when Filipinos realized we needed a revolution because the reform movement failed to improve our conditions.
