Name:
Program / Year & Section:
Readings in Philippine History
Activity 2 &3: Art & American Imperialism
Source: University of Michigan Library
Creator: Dean C. Worcester, (PHLA)
Subjects: Group of Tiruraye Women
Purpose: Document Philippine People
Place: Cotabato, Mindanao
Date: 1901
Reliability: Objective
Source: Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of
the America Era 1900 – 1941
Creator: Alfred McCoy and Alfredo Roces
Subjects: Spanish Friars in the Philippines
Purpose: Eliminate the Influence of Spanish Friars
Place: Manila
Date: July 27, 1907
Reliability: Subjective
The presented pictures depict two distinct events in different locations in the Philippines
during the 1900s. The first image, sourced from Dean C. Worcester's "Photographs of the
Philippines Islands" (PHLA) at the University of Michigan Library, captures the Tiruraye Women
from Cotabato, Mindanao in 1901. The purpose of this picture is to document the group of people
in the Philippines, providing an objective view of the past through the use of a camera. In contrast,
the second picture is from "Philippine Cartoon: Political Caricature of America," written by Alfred
McCoy and Alfredo Roces. It features Spanish Friars in the Philippines and illustrates the power
they held in influencing political decisions in the nation. It conveys the influence or power of the
friars in controlling or manipulating politics using the support of the religious groups. These
sources can be used to explain the history of the Philippines especially in terms of prevailing
cultures or religion.
The ethnic groups in the Philippines were vulnerable to manipulation by foreign powers,
particularly the Spaniards and Americans, due to their advanced knowledge in society, military
capabilities, and social manipulation. This vulnerability resulted in the colonization of the
Philippines. The image of the Tiruraye women during a cultural celebration in 1901 in Cotabato,
Mindanao, serves as evidence of the simplicity of the ethnic group. The background of the picture
reveals the materials they used, such as natural elements like trees and plants, suggesting a
harmonious relationship with nature and a lack of greed in sharing its products. The simplicity
depicted in the image indicates the susceptibility of the ethnic group to foreign manipulation. The
advanced knowledge and military power of the colonizers made it easier for them to influence and
colonize regions like Manila. The paragraph also notes that, fortunately, Cotabato was not initially
part of the colonization efforts. Fortunately, the Cotabato in Mindanao was not part of the
colonized regions of other countries. Nonetheless, the colonizers were able to influence ethnic
groups in the Philippines as Christianity prevails more than other cultures particularly the culture
of the native ethnic groups of the Philippines.
In the same year as the first source captures the simplicity of ethnic groups, a stark contrast
exists in Manila, where the Spanish friars maintained significant influence, especially in political
matters. This influence persisted even as the Philippines experienced colonization by the Spaniards
in select regions. The second source reveals that, during this period, Spanish friars in Manila
engaged in the endorsement of Christian political candidates, highlighting their deep involvement
in shaping the political landscape. The influence of foreign powers, particularly the friars,
remained prominent in Manila despite the broader movements for change in 1907. The connection
between the two sources emphasizes the disparity in power dynamics within the Philippines. While
the ethnic groups faced vulnerability in regions like Cotabato, Manila experienced a stronghold of
foreign influence, specifically through the political maneuvers of the Spanish friars. The
endorsement of Christian political candidates underscored their direct involvement in shaping the
political future of the region. Despite the pivotal movements of 1907 aiming for the removal of
friars and challenging foreign influence, remnants of hierarchy persisted in Manila. This
persistence serves as a poignant illustration of how deeply ingrained foreign influences were, not
only in politics but also in aspects of religion, race, and skin color. The struggle against foreign
powers, as seen in the two sources, marked a turning point, yet the complex web of influence
continued to shape the Philippines' societal landscape.
In the present day, despite the Philippines being historically marked as a colonized nation,
the enduring presence of certain ethnic groups persists. The resilience of these groups can be traced
back to the fact, as illustrated in the first source, that the entire country was not entirely subjected
to colonization. However, the impact of colonization is undeniable, leading to a significant
transformation in the country's cultural fabric. The first source, depicting the simplicity of ethnic
groups and their harmonious existence with nature, serves as evidence of the diverse cultural
landscape that managed to withstand the influence of foreign powers. Nevertheless, the Philippines
underwent a substantial shift, particularly in the widespread adoption of Christianity, eroding the
dominance of indigenous cultures. The coexistence of ethnic groups today reflects the resilience
of cultures that were not entirely erased during colonization. However, the overarching influence
of external forces, notably the imposition of Christianity, has resulted in a cultural transformation
that challenges the passing down of indigenous traditions. The struggle to preserve the rich tapestry
of ethnic cultures remains an ongoing endeavor. In conclusion, while the Philippines stands as a
testament to the endurance of diverse ethnic groups, the impact of colonization is evident in the
widespread adoption of foreign religions and cultural practices. The challenge now lies in finding
a delicate balance between preserving the roots of indigenous cultures and navigating the
complexities of a history marked by external influences. The present serves as a reminder that the
narrative of the Philippines is one of resilience, adaptation, and an ongoing journey to reclaim
cultural heritage in the face of historical challenges.