Piqued interest

Caretakers of the Mabini Museum within the campus of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila have noticed an increase in the number of visitors lately. This can most likely be attributed to the film "Heneral Luna," as well as the frustration of no other than President Aquino on how history is being taught or ignored in schools. The Chief Executive's frustration stemmed from the comments of several netizens, mostly the youth, as to why Mabini was never shown standing up. Obviously ignorant of the fact that Mabini was a victim of polio at a time when a vaccine was not yet available. Both the movie and the ignorance of some have piqued their interest and are now wanting to know more about "the sublime paralytic."

Mabini was a well educated, intelligent man. He was an educator, lawyer and known to fight for the right of the country to become independent from Spain. Being struck by polio did nothing to hinder him from continuing to stoke the fires for Philippine independence. He was always known as the "brains of the revolution" while others took to the battlefield. When the country gained freedom from Spain, albeit short-lived, he became the country's first prime minister, head and adviser to President Aguinaldo and his cabinet. He was always against being controlled by the Americans, although not as vocal and animated as General Antonio Luna.

When the government eventually surrendered to the Americans after the assassination of General Luna, Mabini was seen as an agitator as the Americans recognized his intelligence. He was arrested and exiled to Guam, and was only allowed to return to the country after promising to swear allegiance to America. Upon his return, he still continued to work for the independence of the country. Sadly, after only two months since coming back, he died from cholera at the age of thirty-eight.

I'm sure many took to the internet, just as I have, to know more about Mabini and probably the rest of the characters in "Heneral Luna." The movie itself has shattered local box-office earnings, and well on its way to becoming the most successful historical film in Philippine cinema. And while it may be commercially successful, I believe the real success is in generating interest in Philippine history among everyone, not just the youth. I believe those behind the film are on the right track.

The film itself has borrowed a page from Hollywood by having a mid-credits scene, hinting at the next installment to be that of the story of Gen. Pio del Pilar, with some saying that a third installment featuring Manuel Quezon.

If this is the way to get Filipinos interested in their own history, then I'm all for it. I'm sure that while many are flocking to Mabini's museum, some are already asking where Gen. Antonio Luna's museum, or even his grave is located.

Good question.

[email protected]