EVEN before my column last week, the theme “Victory and Humanity” for the National Quincentennial Commemorations of 2021 had elicited various reactions that were expressed to me as I have been embarking on a personal task to inform our people, especially our teachers.

An avid reader of The Manila Times messaged me and raised concern about the theme, which she thinks might be too contrived or “pilit,” especially if it’s divorced from the history of the Filipinos from the 1560s to 1650s. She was referring to the violence of the “conquista,” or the beginnings of the Spanish colonization of the islands. What is so victorious and humane in the horrific truth of the colonial experience?

Premium + Digital Edition

Ad-free access


P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
  • Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
  • Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)

TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS
See details
See details