Professional Documents
Culture Documents
by Edmundo Farolan
Copyright 2009
ACT ONE
There are 2 stage levels: the lower stage is thrust towards the audience who sit on 3
sides. The lower stage is raked towards the upstage area which becomes steps that
will be used for the court scene where the judges will sit, or where rallies take place,
etc; the upper stage, like the Shakesperean stage,has a balcony at stage right. This
can can be used for scenes that require balcony scenes, such as Aguinaldo's
declaration of Independence. T
Scene 1
Gregorian music in the background during blackout. As lights fade in, music fades
Scene 2
A court room. Judges forming a tribunal of 5 men at upper center stage. Alfredo
JUDGE 1: General Aguinaldo, how do you plead to the charges brought against you
SAULO: Thank you, your honor. General Aguinaldo, would you recount to us the
As he narrates, the main area of the stage lights up and actors enact the events as
they are narrated by Aguinaldo. Other multi-media effects through film can also be
AGUINALDO: Let me begin with the Tejeros Convention. It was March 22,
Sometime after the Cry of Cavite on August 31, 1896, and the
SAULO: Doubtless, Bonifacio remembered the saying: "Don't put all your
one small place and captured by the enemy. But upon the
and 20 soldiers.
The Supremo and I were very happy to see each other again,
although we had been separated for only a short time. I took the
Baesa, Sta. Mesa, San Juan and other places. (Actor playing
Bonifacio miming all this, while the other actors mime sympathy
could not keep his agreement to stop the enemy in the eastern
immediately for the front line. Bonifacio and his party left with
gaily decorated with flags and bamboo arches had been put up at
they were met by the priest under a canopy. All the church's
chandeliers were lighted (bright lights come up) and the bells
Father Manuel Trias, the parish priest. The huge crowd gathered
Pilipinas!")
Bonifacio).
towns under their control were peaceful, since they were located
far from the battlefronts. On the other hand, the Magdalo forces
the first Cavite town under attack by enemy troops coming from
notice the enemy coming. The enemy would have easily wedged,
expanded and deepened their attacks had it not been for the
and Pio del Pilar who pounded relentlessly on the enemy, driving
us what happened?
AGUINALDO: I was not present at the Convention at the time because I was
enemy hands.
secretary.
SCENE 3
Fade out upperstage court scene; fade in lower stage: Tejeron Estate House.
People in auditorium buzzing in and out. Actors mingle with audience as lights in
Questions raised from the floor should come from actors planted with the audience.
Spotlight focuses on actor who "takes the floor" from the auditorium.
SEVERINO DE LAS ALAS (FROM SOMEWHERE IN THE AUDITORIUM,
BONIFACIO: (from his chair at the presidential table) I'll answer that. The
letter "K" in the Katipunan flag speaks for itself. It stands for
liberty.
DE LAS ALAS: It still does not identify the kind of government to be established.
do not act upon the suggestion of Mr. de las Alas now, we, the
standing.
gavel).
At this juncture, actors in the audience lead spectators outside; some may remain
and continue the debate. When 10 minutes are up, audience returns to their seats
led by actors, ushers, etc. Lumbreras, Bonifacio and others take their seats at the
presidential table.
LUMBRERAS: (pounding on the table with his gavel) Ladies and gentlemen,
Bonifacio.
Chairman.
convention?
chairman. (Applause.)
BONIFACIO: Thank you for your support, my friends. (very confident) Before
important principle. Let us all abide and respect the will of the
majority.
Applause. A murmur of "ayes", and "majority wins".etc.
the following: Let us all respect and abide by the will of the
majority.
SPECTATOR 8: I second.
SPECTATOR 6: (timidly) I nominate General Emilio Aguinaldo for president.
SPECTATOR 7: (objecting) That can't be. I object! He's not present and cannot
be nominated!
BONIFACIO: Now that the nominations are closed, may I ask Mr. Ricarte and
his assistants to distribute the ballot forms for you to write down
choice.
BONIFACIO: (after looking over auditorium and seeing everyone has finished)
Ricarte and assistants collect ballots through ballot boxes . An actor installs a
RICARTE:
Aguinaldo...Aguinaldo...Aguinaldo.....Trias...Aguinaldo...Bonifa
proclaimed President.
BONIFACIO: (Trying his best to hide his disappointment) Thank you for your
the nominations.
NARRATOR.
del Rosario of Sta. Cruz de Malabon will fit the portfolio much
better.
BONIFACIO: (firmly and adversely) If educated men were required for all the
the Interior!
Boos from the audience, and remarks like "You"re out of order!", "Bonifacio has
already been elected!", etc. Tirona insists three more times shouting: "Del Rosario
for Director of the Interior!" There is now chaos, and Bonifacio, unable to control
He walks out followed by his close associates. After he exits, the Batangas
delegates protest.
BATANGUEÑO: (from the auditorium, addressing the audience) Everybody
SCENE 4
said:
Aguinaldo) Let me say here and now that the Spaniards can
and with their right hands raised, took their oaths before the
enemy. True to his word, over the dead body of his older
Red spotlight fades in slowly on Crispulo's dead body in the battlefield of Pasong
Santol. Fade out, as lights fade in at upperstage. We are back at Aguinaldo's trial
AGUINALDO: (as he narrates, he enacts the scene with the other characters)
Ricarte stood up and said he was feeling dizzy. So, he went out
mind it at all. The other two generals gave me all the support I
At ten o'clock the next morning, March 24, I was very happy to
Pasong Santol.
learned that our troops bound for Pasong Santol had all been
intercepted by General Ricarte, upon orders of the Supremo.
they were told by the Supremo not to succor the Pasong Santol
Cruz de Malabon.
When I learned about this evil plot, I just heaved a sigh and said
AGUINALDO: On the night of March 25th, like a thunderbolt, the horrible news
came that Pasong Santol had been taken by the enemy, and my
dear brother Crispulo had been killed after a bitter and bloody
both men and arms, finally captured the strategic pass--over his
not only the Spanish General Anonio Zaballa would have been
I set out for my return trip to Imus. I would pass through San
could offer was delaying action. I did not have enough forces to
It was a good thing the enemy was busy shouting Viva España
the enemy pursued us, we could have been overtaken, and surely
I would have been placed inside an iron cage, specially built for
had been deceived into joining this new army. The trick that
persuaded these two generals of mine to cast their lot with the
SCENE 5
SAULO: How did you find out about the Bonifacio-Ricarte plot against
you?
me that he and his men had been invited to drop in and take
some food at the Bonifacio headquarters and, once inside the big
his men ready to surround the estate house. I took my gun and
SCENE 6
Fade into scene of Bonifacio's headquarters. We see 2 guards blocking Baldomero
AGUINALDO: (TO THE TWO) What are you two still doing here?
GUARDS: Yessir!
GUARDS: We had strict orders from the Supremo, sir, not to let anyone in.
Aguinaldo and his generals pass through the gate. Before he goes upstairs to the
AGUINALDO: Wait for me here. I'm going up alone. I'll fire my weapon if I
need help.
Bonifacio reads the anonymous letter to his followers: Artemio Ricarte, Santiago
Alvarez, Pascual Alvarez, and many others including Generals Pio del Pilar and
Noriel.)
on time? I trust that our new captain general, Pio del Pilar
(pointing to him) will endeavour to form just one strong army for
our government.
AGUINALDO: Thank you, but no. I was not invited. Good night to all. (Starts
The following scene should be orchestrated and timed so that by the time Procopio
reaches Aguinaldo at the lower stage, Aguinaldo will have released his captured
troops.
Makapagal's troops detained there) You may get out now and
AGUINALDO: (politely) Please tell the Supremo that I was not previously
invited, and I feel it improper to participate. Please thank him
for the invitation. And would you please ask Generals Noriel and
SCENE 7
Fade out. Fade into Aguinaldo's headquarters. Aguinaldo at his desk. Enter
AGUINALDO: (with a tone of rebuke in his voice) I did not expect you two to
Enter Colonel Agapito "Intong" Bonzon, Major Ignacio Pawa and Major Felipe
AGUINALDO: I would like the three of you to talk to the Supremo. Try to
against one common enemy. Tell him that if our armies are
divided, we'll never defeat the Spaniards. Convince him that our
we fight together.
BONZON: Yes, sir. We'll see him right away. (Salutes from him & the two
Majors.
SCENE 8
Fade out. Fade in Bonifacio's headquarters in Naik. Bonifacio is with his brother,
Ciriaco. Enter Bonzon, Pawa and Topacio.
TOPACIO: If our armies are divided, we'll never defeat the Spanish forces.
BONIFACIO: I think he has a point there. Why indeed should we have two
BONIFACIO: Let me think about the General's offer. I'll let you know as soon
as I make a decision.
SCENE 9
Fade in. We're back at the court scene. Saulo continues the cross-examination.
AGUINALDO: After the Supremo decided against us, he and his followers left
SCENE 10
GUARD: Stay where you are. (Leaves trench and enters hideout. Comes
out again.) Okay, you can come in. Alone. Leave your
weapons behind.
Bonzon takes his gun out of his holster and leaves it with one of the members of his
platoon.
BONZON: I'm coming in. I'm unarmed. (He approaches hideout with his
hands up. Guard approaches him and frisks him. Then calls
day, Supremo.
reconciliation?
BONZON: No, Supremo. This time I have orders from General Aguinaldo
BONIFACIO: Take me back? Who does he think he is? Tell your "Captain"
there.
BONZON: Nothing to eat? When you left the Recollect estate house, you
BONIFACIO: I'm not talking about our group. I'm referring to the families of
lack of food supplies. Tell your leader I'm not going back there.
Bonzon starts descending to lower stage observing and remembering the set-up of
Bonifacio's hideout. Just as he is about to join his battalion, shots are fired from the
Bonifacio camp. Ciriaco Bonifacio fires at them with his Mauser rifle killing
Bonzon's sergeant, a corporal and 3 other soldiers. Returning the fire, Bonzon's
men joined by the rest of the battalion's officers and soldiers kill Ciriaco and
wounds the Supremo and some of his soldiers. Procopio Bonifacio and the
remaining soldiers are outnumbered and are captured alive. Andres Bonifacio is put
SCENE 11
We're back in Aguinaldo's headquarters in Naik. Aguinaldo is surrounded by his
staff: Generals Riego de Dios, Baldomero Aguinaldo, and Mascardo. Cannons and
AGUINALDO: What do we do with the Supremo? Should we try him and his
RIEGO DE DIOS: I don't think so, General. We're in a state of war, and we're
BALDOMERO: It's obvious that the Bonifacio brothers have committed treason
the Spaniards.
counterrevolutionary government.
RIEGO DE DIOS: I conclude, sir, that these crimes and other overt acts aimed at
our brothers, shot just like animals. Whatever their crimes are,
they are entitled to a fair trial. While it is true that ordinary laws
Fade out.
SCENE 12
join them in their seditious plot. The Council of War heard the
commute the death penalty. On May 8th, I wrote out the order
of commutation.
JUDGE: Would you please read the order, General Aguinaldo? (Passes
exhibit A to him.)
situation of this land and the fact that the guilty ones are true
or to the people."
SCENE 13
moment.
DEL PILAR: As you can see, sir, it's either you or he!
SCENE 14
SAULO: And so, you were convinced by the logic of their arguments.
AGUINALDO: That is correct. (As he narrates, actors enact the scene at lower
execution?
his punishment.
Agoncillo.
the trial conducted by the Council of War was a farce and the
mock trial if the Bonifacio brothers had been shot outright since
punishment.
iron hand.
NARRATOR: Maximo, the younger Kalaw, former Dean of the
NARRATOR: And last but not least, the Filipino scholar Epifanio de los
Santos.
JUDGE: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, how do you find the defendant:
Spotlight on 12 members of the jury seated in different areas of the auditorium who
stand up one by one to say NOT GUILTY. After the last "not guilty", drumbeats are
heard, followed by Gregorian music. Lights fade out from stage, and auditorium
ACT TWO
SCENE 1
NARRATOR, centerstage.)
said: "Truth will triumph over falsity and deceit." During his
lifetime, lies were told about him. Lies about his role in the
Page 52
AGUINALDO: When I look back at the history of mankind, it all boils down to
Spain and the United States. We were peons in their war games;
realized when it was too late that we were being fooled by all
them, not for us, the indios. When they speak of "freedom for
all people of the world", they mean freedom for the whites, the
its natives and to free them from the yoke of Spain." He went on
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to say: "America is rich in territory and money; it needs no
only to find out later that we were being used, our expendable
blemished.
Fade out.
SCENE 2
Lights fade in another part of the stage. The 29-year old Aguinaldo is given the
Olympia. Commodore Dewey, 62 years old, meets him. After the honor guard
AGUINALDO: Commodore Dewey, is it true that you sent all those telegrams to
Page 54
an American naval protectorate?
DEWEY: Yes, it's true. We came to the Philippines to protect the Filipino
AGUINALDO: (softspoken and modest) Our battles and skirmishes against the
now is the fact that we are running out of arms and ammunition.
the arms. In the meantime, you have at your disposal all the
Page 55
AGUINALDO: Thank you, Commodore. (Pause. Then, with a deliberate but
DEWEY: (laughing politely) I'm glad you're open and frank with me. I
and allies. We must iron out all doubts and misgivings. I assure
you that the United States will recognize the the sovereignty of
fact, I suggest that the Philippine flag be hoisted jointly with the
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American flag to inspire the respect and esteem of all foreign
nations.
SCENE 3
Fade in on NARRATOR.
Bay the next few weeks after giving arms and ammunition to
their "little brown brothers", and let them fight for them their war
SCENE 4
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Scene now takes place in a rooming house in Hong Kong where the Filipino exiles
are together discussing plans for Philippine Independece with General Aguinaldo.
of oppressed peoples.
AGONCILLO: I totally agree. I strongly believe that the United States will
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annex us. I likewise strongly believe that independence will be
guaranteed.
have no arms nor ammunition, and only the Americans can sell
the authority, but there was no doubt in his mind that our
them in defeating the Spaniards, the same way they did to the
Cubans.
Fade out.
Page 59
SCENE 5
Fade in NARRATOR.
NARRATOR: The Cubans. Yes, the Cubans. Look at them now. Anti-
The United States agains the third world countries. The strong
Going back to the Philippine scene: the USA took a 180 degree
Page 60
expansionism, or as the American political strategists would
necessary, irrepressible.
HAY: No man, no party, can fight with any chance of success against a
cosmic tendency.
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destiny of the United States of America:
commented:
chocolate eclair. We will have this war for the freedom of Cuba
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Spotlight on Alger.
wishes. Congress will declare war in spite of him. He'll get run
Spain over Cuba. What McKinley did not reckon with was that
the Cuban War, with all its too idealistic message of liberating
the Pacific. The flimsy excuse given was to prevent the Spanish
fleet from attacking the west coast of the United States. But
everyone knew how flimsy this reason was. Long before the
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It exerted no threat whatsoever to the American West Coast or to
Now, the $64,000 question. Why did the United States want the
Spotlight on Taylor.
TAYLOR: China and Japan had to be brought into the world market for our
prophetic insight.
Page 64
Spotlight on Seward.
are, you have the American slant: the Americans now appear to
power and greed, the man who had to be blamed for the
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mistakes made by Filipinos. Aguinaldo, the expendable pawn,
SCENE 2
(The scene takes place in Felipe Agoncillo's home. Agoncillo is writing a letter to
loudspeakers.)
VOICE ON TAPE: (while Agoncillo writes) May 27th, 1898. Your Excellency
General Aguinaldo. Sir: You ahould try to find out the real
have duly informed them that we will aid them for the sake of
the eyes of the world to fight them for the welfare of our country.
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ascertain American intentions regarding the Philippines.
SCENE 3
knows the true situation here. Show him that our peopel have
SCENE 4
The scene takes place at the Oval Room of the White House in Washington.
October, 1898. Agoncillo & Mckinley are seated. They are surrounded by reporters
and photographers taking flash pictures. Beside McKinley is his interpreter who is
Page 67
seated beside him. He translates simultaneously as Agoncillo speaks.
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and the US government that we do exist as a republic similar to
America!
Unidos!
Page 69
SCENE 5
as delegates take their seats in the auditorium. A big banner across the stage reads
Philippine Islands who will say a few words about the present
(Warm applause)
AGONCILLO: Thank you, Mr. Moderator, and thank you, ladies and gentlemen
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our subsequent victories. Prior to this naval victory, however,
The big problem we are contending with at this time is that there
Commissioners there.
Page 71
(Polite applause from audience. Lights fade out. Hustle bustle in the auditorium as
(Still the convention. Participants onstage in groups of twos and threes, some
shaking Agoncillo's hand, others having coffee and cookies. Senator Chandler
AGONCILLO: Tomorrow.
the U.S. delegation who are working on the draft for the Treaty
of Paris. I'll write him a letter and if you don't mind hand
Page 72
carrying it and delivering it to him.
CHANDLER: Basically, what I'll say in the letter is how much I support
independent nation.
Fade out.
SCENE 6
McKinley is on his re-election campaign tour. American flags and banners "VOTE
MCKINLEY" , "VOTE REPUBLICAN" are displayed all over the stage and
podium, centerstage.
Page 73
MODERATOR: (amidst cheers and shouts "Mckinley for
Presidential March.)
subsides. A lady from the audience shouts "We love you, Mr.
from all sides. First we would take only Manila; then Luzon;
House night after night. And one night, before going to sleep,
Page 74
fervently to the Lord Almighty God (some "Amens" are heard in
way. I don't know how it was, but it came. The Lord spoke to
me and said: "Thou shalt not give the Philippines back to Spain.
soon have anarchy and misrule over there worse than Spain.
Thou shalt take all of the Philippine Islands and thou shalt
Fade out.
SCENE 7
Fade in another section of the stage. Oval Room, White House. McKinley at his
Page 75
desk on the phone. Long distance call to Senator Davis in Paris. Another section of
DAVIS: Pretty well. The Spaniards need the money. They're pretty
Page 76
offer them $20 million and tell them to take it or leave it.
sit down with you guys at the bargaining table. Just keep him
MCKINLEY: Good. Just wrap up the whole thing, pay them off and
come home.
soon.
Page 77
DAVIS: (laughing) Yes sir. Drinks on you?
SCENE 8
Paris. December 10, 1898. Both Spanish and American delegations are getting
ready to sign the Treaty of Paris. Agoncillo holds Chandler's letter. Davis is about
AGONCILLO: Does he? I'm flattered. Sir, I have a letter from Senator
Page 78
letter.)
for your plight. The best I can do is raise the matter up for
for me.
SCENE 9
rectangular table.)
Page 79
DAVIS: (addressing the Spanish commissioners) Well, gentlemen, I
would now like to get your signatures in this treaty. Before I do,
withdraws her sovereignty from Cuba, and the last, Item 4: The
Davis passes the treaty to the Spanish delegation. He has a smile, almost a smirk in
his face, like someone who just pulled the wool over someone's face. The Spaniards
sign, shrugging their shoulders, as though resigned to a bad deal. After all members
present sign, waiter comes in with champagne and everyone stands for a toast.
Page 80
All laugh and drink their champagne as lights fade out.
SCENE 10
This scene can be conducted in one of three ways, or a combination of all three,
Agoncillo can either read his 'protest letter', standing in front of a podium,as though
desk writing, and as he writes, his voice on tape is heard on the speakers,or thirdly,
Page 81
unquestionable right to intervene in matters affecting their future.
an independent nation, are the only ones who can legally decide
any shape and form the cession of the Philippines to the United
transfer possessions that they did not even own. Spain had lost
Page 82
her her dominion and possession of the Philippine Islands in the
good faith. If they did, which they did not, they should have
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attained. On seven occasions, General Aguinaldo was assured
consenting that Filipino ships should sail with the said flag
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and autonomous sovereignty of the people after liberating
Let me make one point perfectly clear. The Filipinos did not
their arrival from Hong Kong, the Filipino leaders received only
Page 85
advantage.
the Americans the rights which they did not possess; if the
truth? Was his statement that the war against Spain was waged
people the truth? And finally, did he speak the truth when he
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sovereignty of the countries released from the yoke of Spain?
I rest my case.
(Fade out.)
SCENE 11
DAVIS: Mr. President, did you read the protest letter of Mr. Agoncillo?
MCKINLEY: Yup, I did. Pretty long-winded letter. What did the Spaniards
think?
boils down to is we paid the Spics to get out; they accepted. So now
we're in. It's ours. We bought the Islands with hard-earned American
Page 87
tax dollars. Besides, as I pointed out to my fellow Methodists, the
Almighty spoke to me to take them all and educate the little monkeys
Fade out.
SCENE 12
Fade in NARRATOR.
NARRATOR: Well, there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. Two months after
of the stage) With his capture, the United States put to a finish the
Page 88
resounding American victory--but by treachery.
means us, the Filipinos. Small nations manipulated by big and rich
NARRATOR: Well, there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. Money,
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exploitation, deceit, greed, etcetera. And what we have seen is a
has led me is not a surprise to those who have been familiar day
by day with the progress of the war. The lessons thus taught, the
Philippines.
Page 90
force that the complete termination of hostilities and a lasting
manner they repose their trust in the belief that under its
protection our people will attain all the promised liberties which
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clearly manifested its will.
Page 92