The Katipunan and the Revolution: Memoirs of a General

by Santiago V. Alvarez, Paula Carolina S. Malay (Translator), Ruby R. Paredes (Introduction by)

First published during the 1920s in Sampaguita, a Tagalog weekly, the memoirs are reproduced in this volume together with the English translation by Paula Carolina Malay. Filipino and American historians have recreated the Philippine Revolution to suit the political needs of succeeding generations, disregarding aspects that now emerge so clearly in Alvarez's account- an embittered factionalism, strong undercurrents of messianism and animism and a violent machismo. To give their new nation Western style heroes and heroism, postwar Filipino Historians often stripped these events of their authenticity. Alvarez gives us back these elements without denigrating the dignity or glory of the revolution. “In the interest of noble truth” he wrote of the successes as well as failures, bravery as well as brutality, providing the new raw material for recreating this aspect of the Filipino past.

Without denigrating the dignity or glory of the Revolution, this book gives an account of the successes as well as failures, and bravery as well as brutality of the war, providing raw material for recreating this aspect of the Filipino past. This book contains both the Tagalog and English texts.

Genres: History

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Santiago Alvarez was a revolutionary general and a founder and honorary president of the first directorate of the Nacionalista Party. Also known as "Kidlat ng Apoy" (Lightning of Fire) because of his inflamed bravery and dedication as commander of Cavite's famous battles (particularly that in Dalahican), he was rejoiced in the present-day Cavite City as the “Hero” of the Battle of Dalahican.

Reviews

[Rai Keyri · Rating 3 out of 5]

What annoys me in this book:

1. The unpreparedness of the Katipuneros when they engaged into war (bolos vs. rifles) that caused many deaths among our people.
2. The lack of unity and loyalty (from some members) among the Katipuneros, being divided into the Magdalo and Magdiwang factions.
3. Cheating during the presidential election.
4. A scene in the book where 1 of the members lets a Spanish friar escaped, a general was about to shoot a traitor Katipunero for confessing/revealing the secrecy of the Katipunan to a Spanish priest but someone besides him urged him that he shouldn't pull the trigger so he let the man go. I mean, the guy's a traitor and it's death penalty according to Katipunan law for traitors so he deserves to die. Reminds me of the rules of Shinsengumi during the Bakumatsu/civil in Japan (1862-1868) that the reason why Vice President Hijikata Toshizo was strict with harakiri penalty for violating members is because if he's not serious, it will be the start of the fall of the organization.
5. The enemy (Spanish government) created spies among the Filipinos but the Katipuneros lacked spies for intelligence report inside the Spanish government.

What I like in this book:

1. The laws of the Katipunan that reminds me of the Shinsengumi laws.
2. When they have something to eat.
3. This is a memoir from a Magdiwang General. It's more truthful than if it came from a Magdalo member.
4. Most of the scenes in the book were in Cavite - my home province.

The Philippine Revolution against Spain was a big blunder (clusterfuck). Most who should stay alive were killed and those who should be killed (Magdalo members) lived longer. They can't identify who among their comrades were spies. Our heroes were very courageous but what a bunch of morons when it comes to strategy, in implementing their rules and in eliminating their enemies. Believing in superstitious (or should I say "duperstitious") amulets and Latin Folk Catholic prayers they believe can be used against bullets is nothing but an utterly nonsense crap and can be considered as witchcraft. That is why the Philippines is still suffering today.

[Takipsilim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine and important account of the Philippine Revolution from a major eyewitness.

[Joyce Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful book

[Rona Agsalud · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Vhin Jhon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

[X-Topher Sinsuan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't reed it with my pussy eyes

[Lance · Rating 2 out of 5]

Diko alam kung san to babasahin

[Neil Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to read this book?

[Amie Del]

I need to More information

[Vanessa Atadero]

gdggg

[Neil Candano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark it as you read

[Alely]

It will help me to know the history

[Shella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its quite interesting...