Rica May S.
Santos
HRA 1-1
1. What are the important things to consider when analyzing a primary source?
When analyzing a primary source, we need to consider the author's background, when it was made, where
it was made, and the author's reason why he/she wrote it, because these are the factors that affect the point
of view and bias. We also need to consider what type of source it is and check the information included or
missing to analyze how reliable the primary sources are.
2. Why is it important to use and understand primary sources in studying different historical periods?
Primary sources are important in studying different historical periods because they will give us firsthand
evidence of the information we need, such as what people experienced in the past. This information will
help us understand events more accurately and avoid relying only on modern interpretation and making
judgments on our own. With these it will allow us to form clearer and more authentic conclusions about
different historical periods.
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Rica May S. Santos
HRA 1-1
3. Term paper: Choose three (3) topics. Research (Primary source) and make a textual analysis (Analyze
the context, content and perspective of author/s) of:
A. Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan (Primary)
Historical Content
During the times of the Philippine Revolution of the First Philippine Republic, a person named Emilio
Aguinaldo recorded important events of political and military activities he personally witnessed. He wrote
Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan, where Aguinaldo describes the rise of the Katipunan-led Revolution and how
the conflict in Cavite intensified, eventually dividing the revolutionaries into the Magdiwang and
Magdalo factions. According to Aguinaldo, this disagreement resulted in the Tejeros Convention of 1897,
where he was elected as the new revolutionary government’s president. The memoir included his
explanation of this transition, telling his beliefs that having a centralized government was necessary for
unity and military coordination. Aguinaldo tells the story of the battles that happened in Cavite, the retreat
to Biak-na-Bato, and the signing of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, which soon sent him together with other
leaders into exile in Hong Kong. According to him, this allowed the revolutionaries to regroup and secure
funds for future campaigns.
When the Spanish-American War began, he recounts how he returned to the Philippines to resume the
struggle. He documented one of the important moments—the Proclamation of Philippine Independence
on June 12, 1898—where he stated that Filipinos were free from the Spanish. Much of the text’s content
consists of Aguinaldo’s letters, proclamations, and military orders, providing history’s firsthand
information during his time. His writing shows his effort to justify his leadership and explain why he
believed certain actions were necessary for national unity. Despite its subjectivity, Mga Gunita ng
Himagsikan remains a crucial primary source for understanding how Filipinos experienced and shaped the
Revolution from within. It provides detailed observations about the challenges of war, diplomacy, and
governance, making it an important reference for reconstructing the political and social realities of the late
19th-century Philippines.
About the Author
Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy (1869–1964) was the Filipino revolutionary leader who became the first
president of the First Philippine Republic. Before gaining prominence, he started as a local official in
Cavite. His leadership in the military gained local support that eventually let him be the head of the
revolutionary government formed in 1897. He continued to lead the republic during the
Philippine-American War, when he also declared Philippine independence in 1898. With his life as a
leader, he reflected on his leadership, resulting in the memoir that preserves his personal account of the
revolution.
About the Text
Throughout the 20th century, Aguinaldo's Tagalog autobiography, Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan, was
released in multiple editions. Because it combines narrative with official documents like letters,
proclamations, and military orders, it is a significant primary source. Many of these documents have close
connections to other significant documents such as the June 12, 1898 Declaration of Independence and
the Malolos Constitution. They can also be found in archival collections such as the Emilio Aguinaldo
Papers (1870–1899). The book, which offers both historical details and Aguinaldo's own interpretation to
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support scholars in their analysis of the formation of national memory, reflects Aguinaldo's intention to
provide his own account of the events of the revolution.
B. Corazon C. Aquino’s Speech before the U.S. Congress (September 18, 1986)
Historical Content
Corazon C. Aquino presented her speech in the U.S. Congress on September 18, 1986, just a few months
after the People Power Revolution in the Philippines. When the Philippines removed Ferdinand Marcos
from power because of so many years of martial law, abuse, corruption, and fear. When Aquino became
the president, she healed our country just exactly as our people needed. Because many Filipinos didn’t
have trust in the government, suffering and poverty happened during Marcos’ leadership. Her new
government rebuilt the people’s hope for freedom, rebuilt the economy, and restored democracy. During
her speech, international support was also needed for the Philippines. The long-time partner that has a
long history with the Philippines is the U.S. Because some Americans supported Marcos before, Aquino
showed that the Philippines was starting a new beginning that is based on justice and democracy. Her
speech stated how the Filipino people stood together faithfully to battle for their rights, and how they
removed a dictator through unity and courage. Aquino’s speech takes the opportunity to ask the United
States for economic and political support because the situation of the Philippines was facing heavy debts,
a weak economy, and threats from armed groups. Her speech tried to make the world understand that
democracy in the Philippines was still new and needed protection. Her message showed the strength of
the Filipino spirit and the importance of rebuilding after years of darkness. The speech became a symbol
of hope, reminding the world that the Filipino people chose freedom and were ready to rise again with
help and cooperation.
About the Author
Corazon C. Aquino was the first female thant become a president of the philippines and remembered as
one of the most important leaders in the philippine [Link] her husband benigno “Ninou” Aquino jr.
died she became the face of People [Link] the very first she really had no plan to enter politics but
because many filipinos believe in her that she would be able to fight for democracy for them, a person
who could lead [Link] moment she became the president she took action of restoring freedom, fixing
the government, and help the country recover for so many years of [Link] ways of leading
showcase transparency, courage and faith in the Filipino people
About the Text
The Speech before the U.S. Congress is a primary source delivered by President Corazon Aquino on
September 18, 1986. The speech tells her message to the American government and shares the story of
how Filipinos regained their freedom through peaceful protest. In the speech, she talks about the struggles
under martial law, the victory of People Power, and the plans of her new government to rebuild the nation.
The speech also reflects her goal of gaining support for the Philippines, especially for economic recovery
and strengthening democracy.
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Rica May S. Santos
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C. Customs of the Tagalog by Fray Juan de Plasencia
Historical Content
“Customs of the Tagalog,”was written in 1589,this is one of the earliest and most important records
describing the way of life of the Tagalog people during the early Spanish [Link] in this era the
philippines had just recently been colonized, and the Spanish missionaries were tyring to understand local
population to teach them [Link]’s work became the key source to in learning how tagalog
communities lived because there were no filipino documents survived from pre colonial times, before
spain fully changed their [Link] work of plasencia demonstrates tagalog society had already had a
clear structure even before spanish [Link] already follow social classes like the datu (leader),
maharlika (warriors), timawa (free people), and alipin (dependents or slaves).This means that early
filipinos had already a system of leadership and [Link] also described how Tagalogs settled
conflicts through fines and agreements, which proves they had their own laws and moral [Link] author
also wrote genres like family life including arranged marriage, dowries and the importance of the
extended [Link] Tagalogs also had strong spiritual [Link] really believed and respected in
spirits, ancestors and nature gods, and they have performed rituals led by the babaylan, who they treated
like priests or [Link] of his work he played a big role in preserving many traditions that could
have been lost because of colonization.
About the Author
Fray Juan de Plasencia was a Spanish Franciscan missionary who came to the Philippines in 1578. As part
of the Franciscan order, he focused on teaching, evangelization, and understanding the people he served.
He helped build early schools, taught reading and writing, and wrote several works about Filipino
customs. Although he wrote from a missionary viewpoint, which sometimes contained European biases,
his descriptions are still considered among the most reliable sources about early Filipino society.
About the Text
“Customs of the Tagalog” is an ethnographic account where Plasencia explains the everyday life, beliefs,
and traditions of the Tagalog people. The text is descriptive and organizes information about social
classes, political leadership, marriage customs, economic practices, and religious beliefs. Although
Plasencia sometimes judged native beliefs based on Christian standards, the details he recorded became
valuable for understanding pre-colonial culture. The text remains an important historical document that
helps Filipinos today appreciate their early traditions and identity.
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4. For Secondary Source, choose also three (3) any topics provided related in Philippine History
A. Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan
Secondary Source: Reynaldo C. Ileto, Pasyon and Revolution: Popular Movements in the
Philippines, 1840–1910
Historical Content
Pasyon And Revolution by Reynaldo C. Ileto is a secondary source that provides an important
background they helps explain the events and themes found in Mga Gunita ng [Link] author
Ileto describes late spanish colonial era as a difficult stage for the Filipinos, being forced for labor, having
high taxes, and unfair [Link] situation helps to fuel the rise of the Katipunan and the desire of the
Filipino people to fight for their [Link] C. Ileto explains how ordinary Filipinos understood
the revolution through the idea of the “pasyon,” a story of suffering and eventual [Link] helps
readers see why Aguinaldo’s memoir includes many moments of sacrifice, conflict, and hope. By trying
to understand this historical content, we'll be able to appreciate Aguinaldo's experiences as a
revolutionary leader with all the challenges he [Link] work made by Ileto makes it clear that
Aguinaldo’s story was lart of a much bigger national struggle for independence.
About the Author
Reynaldo C. Ileto was a famous Filipino historian that focuses on social and cultural [Link] work
Pasyon and Revolution is extensively useful to others because it offers a greater knowledge of the
Philippine Revolutions using perspective of common people not just political elites.
About the Text
Ileto's provided educational materials help readers to understand Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan by
describing how Aguinaldo's memoir reflects both the personal experiences and broader national events.
His work allows readers to consider the emotions, beliefs, and struggles of Filipinos during times of the
revolution; his interpretation enhances the significance and clarity of Aguinaldo's words.
B. Corazon C. Aquino’s Speech before the U.S. Congress
Secondary Source: Sheila S. Coronel, “The Aquino Legacy: An Enduring Narrative of Democracy”
Historical Content
The secondary source “The Aquino Legacy: An Enduring Narrative of Democracy” by Sheila S. Coronel
explains the historical background surrounding Corazon Aquino’s rise to the presidency and her famous
speech before the U.S. Congress in 1986. Coronel describes how the Philippines had just emerged from
the long dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, a period marked by human rights abuses, corruption, and
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economic collapse. The People Power Revolution, led mostly by ordinary Filipinos, peacefully removed
Marcos from power and brought Aquino into [Link] author also describes how the new government
faced big challenges such as rebuilding democracy,restoring trust in government, stabilizing the economy,
and dealing with military rebellions. Because when Aquino spoke in the U.S. Congress shed did not just
represent a new president but also the beginning of peaceful democratic [Link] speech had gained
international support especially from the United Stated, that used to support marcos before. By
understanding this context, readers can see why her message focused on unity, rebuilding, and the
importance of helping the Philippines recover during a critical time.
About the Author
Sheila S. Coronel is a respected Filipino journalist and professor known for her work on democracy,
corruption, and political transitions. She has written widely about Philippine politics and the legacy of the
Aquino family, making her analysis highly credible.
About the Text
The secondary source helps readers interpret Aquino’s speech as both a diplomatic message and a
powerful reminder of democratic values. It shows how Aquino used her platform to present the
Philippines as ready for renewal while appealing for support. Through this lens, the speech becomes
clearer as a defining moment that strengthened both Philippine democracy and its relationship with the
United States.
C. Corazon C. Aquino’s Speech before the U.S. Congress
Secondary Source: Amando Doronila, The Fall of Joseph Estrada: The Inside Story
Historical Content
In the secondary source The Fall of Joseph Estrada: The Inside Story by Amando Doronila, this work
explains how democratic grangers in the Philippines often occur from major movements, like People
Power in [Link] describe how Marcos leadership has weakened Filipino trust in their own
government because of corruption, violence, and unfail [Link] the People Power Revolution
started, it brought back hope and unity among Filipinos, and this is the same spirit seen in Corazon
Aquino’s speech before the U.S. [Link]'s knowledge in political reform helps readers
understand Aquino's strong emphasis on restoring democracy and strengthening national trust. The
Philippines was still healing from years of mistreatment, and many of its political structures were shaky.
Aquino used her address to thank the world for supporting People Power and to convince world leaders
that the Philippines was ready to rise again. Given this context, her message of courage, optimism, and
collaboration becomes even more important.
About the Author
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Amando Doronila is a well-known political analyst and writer from the Philippines who has written a lot
about Philippine democracy and government transitions. His studies are widely utilized to understand
how leaders respond to crises and how the public pushes for change.
About the Text
Doronila's theories help make Aquino's speech easier to grasp since they emphasize the importance of her
message during a time of reconstruction. According to him, the speech serves as both a ceremonial
address and a moving reminder of the Filipino people's fight for freedom and hope for a fresh start.