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The Philippines: A Past Revisited
This book is Constantino's attempt at a major breakthrough in Philippine historiography: he looks at the oppression of the Filipino masses from earliest time to 1941 and the struggle of men like himself to crack through the stereotypes hitherto propagated by Spaniards and Americans about the Filipinos.
463 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 5, 2021
Currently writing a paper about the Catholic church and its role in the Spanish colonial past of the Philippines. Constantino's work is a wonderful discovery! Very in depth and written in a nationalist perspective. His words are still relevant to this day. What stood out to me was the last chapter, "A Usable Past". He describes how the Spanish and American colonialism created a "poverty breeding society". It's unfortunate to see this still happening in the country. Our colonizers have left us, but they left us with colonial mentality. If I remember correctly, Constantino also notes how it will take the Filipino society generations to repair this mindset and to regain consciousness as a whole. Sana malapit na.
This is such a powerful accounting of history. Highly recommended for those interested in dense historical readings. Funny how this became one of my favourites considering I'm not a history nerd and I read this for school.
PS - You can tell Constantino was a badass by the way he writes - girlboss vibes, if you will. He was also referenced by the more current readings that I'm using for my paper. I wish he was still alive so I can interview him for this project. Still, I'm so fortunate to stumble upon his work. XOXO
This is such a powerful accounting of history. Highly recommended for those interested in dense historical readings. Funny how this became one of my favourites considering I'm not a history nerd and I read this for school.
PS - You can tell Constantino was a badass by the way he writes - girlboss vibes, if you will. He was also referenced by the more current readings that I'm using for my paper. I wish he was still alive so I can interview him for this project. Still, I'm so fortunate to stumble upon his work. XOXO
September 23, 2008
this is like the peopl's history of the philipines. great introduction very dense
July 23, 2021
Rating probably says more about me than the book itself. Found the text to be a bit dry, which is likely due to my relative lack of interest in history but also because of the many lists of proper nouns that I found myself glossing over. Additionally, I'm sure that this book was groundbreaking at the time, but because its influence on modern nationalist school of thought is so clear, its ideas almost seem a little stale. Like stuff I've seen and heard before, just in greater detail.
I think the attempt to discuss history from a nationalist perspective of the masses is admirable. But inevitably, trying to neatly describe the actions and aspirations of millions of people and fit all of these into a coherent narrative results in a lot of generalization. One that stood out was the description of the power struggle between Bonifacio and Aguinaldo as a representation of elite seizure of control from a revolution that had up to that point, been one of the people. But like, really — can we just point to one man and say he fully encapsulated the collective desires of "the masses?" For a book that goes into painstaking detail analyzing the motives and incentives driving key historical figures, the motivations behind leaders of these movements are often taken at face value, with a few exceptions.
Also have suffered a bit of a crisis of confidence in the institution of history. This book sometimes felt like it was telling me more about Renato Constantino's political beliefs than about Philippine history. But then again, the exact same thing can be said about any other institution's description of history. What is history but the PR campaigns of different powerful people and organizations? Makes me want to shrug and just say that it's all unknowable. Gossip but on a much larger scale.
Anyway, what I appreciated most about the book was its description of less often mentioned parts of history — the development of revolts during Spanish colonization, the continuing resistance to American rule, and ilustrado politicking during the Commonwealth period. Overall I found it to be a value adding book that gave a bit more depth and complexity to my understanding of the country and the different social forces affecting it over time.
I think the attempt to discuss history from a nationalist perspective of the masses is admirable. But inevitably, trying to neatly describe the actions and aspirations of millions of people and fit all of these into a coherent narrative results in a lot of generalization. One that stood out was the description of the power struggle between Bonifacio and Aguinaldo as a representation of elite seizure of control from a revolution that had up to that point, been one of the people. But like, really — can we just point to one man and say he fully encapsulated the collective desires of "the masses?" For a book that goes into painstaking detail analyzing the motives and incentives driving key historical figures, the motivations behind leaders of these movements are often taken at face value, with a few exceptions.
Also have suffered a bit of a crisis of confidence in the institution of history. This book sometimes felt like it was telling me more about Renato Constantino's political beliefs than about Philippine history. But then again, the exact same thing can be said about any other institution's description of history. What is history but the PR campaigns of different powerful people and organizations? Makes me want to shrug and just say that it's all unknowable. Gossip but on a much larger scale.
Anyway, what I appreciated most about the book was its description of less often mentioned parts of history — the development of revolts during Spanish colonization, the continuing resistance to American rule, and ilustrado politicking during the Commonwealth period. Overall I found it to be a value adding book that gave a bit more depth and complexity to my understanding of the country and the different social forces affecting it over time.
June 24, 2009
One of the best books on Philippine history!
December 27, 2009
A nationalist's rendering of Philippine History. Main reference for History 1: Philippine History and Institutions under Prof. Mary Jane B. Rodriguez, Second Semester 1994-95, UP College Baguio.
January 6, 2010
..as an historian, the book helps a lot in our studies, especially in history I, Philosophy of history...it gives us clearer images of what happened in the past...
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August 7, 2019Good for reading
September 6, 2012
Excerpt from Ch. 18:
"When there is an attempt to understand society not in terms of myths and theories but in terms of the concrete experiences and sufferings of the people, history acquires practical significance. For only if they are armed with a concrete understanding of Philippine reality can the Filipino people act correctly to change that reality. And this understanding can come about by a systematic and patriotic effort to synthesize the experience of the past in order to obtain a concrete vision of the future.
History, then, should serve the purpose of integrating seemingly isolated facts and events into a coherent historical process so that a view of the totality of social reality may be achieved. Only then can facts be really understood and not be merely known; only then can this understanding of facts become an understanding of society; only then can history be perceived as a unified process. Only then can history have a goal.
And when history has a goal, the past ceases to dominate the present and to hold back the future. Then history can be consciously made." (Constantino, 1975).
Probably the best history book I have ever read in my entire life.
"When there is an attempt to understand society not in terms of myths and theories but in terms of the concrete experiences and sufferings of the people, history acquires practical significance. For only if they are armed with a concrete understanding of Philippine reality can the Filipino people act correctly to change that reality. And this understanding can come about by a systematic and patriotic effort to synthesize the experience of the past in order to obtain a concrete vision of the future.
History, then, should serve the purpose of integrating seemingly isolated facts and events into a coherent historical process so that a view of the totality of social reality may be achieved. Only then can facts be really understood and not be merely known; only then can this understanding of facts become an understanding of society; only then can history be perceived as a unified process. Only then can history have a goal.
And when history has a goal, the past ceases to dominate the present and to hold back the future. Then history can be consciously made." (Constantino, 1975).
Probably the best history book I have ever read in my entire life.
August 8, 2024
In this book, Renato Constantino deals with Philippine history from the precolonial period up to the American colonial period. A nationalist historian, he wants to write a history in the perspective of the Filipino people, especially the masses, using sources that are mostly from the Spaniards and the Americans. He details many different events but he focuses especially on the different rebellions against the Spanish and American colonizer that happened throughout the years.
I found this book to be quite an engaging read although I was quite bored by the portions that focused on economics. I was especially interested in how the Catholic Church was portrayed in the book. I wish it was portrayed more positively. The book mentions the Manila Synod of 1582, where Bishop Domingo de Salazar and other Spanish clergy campaigned for the rights of Filipinos, but it was dismissed as being for political advantages only. I wish this was not the case. This was important feat in human rights in the Philippines but the historian does not recognize it as such.
Nonetheless though, I am still glad to read this book. I am happy to have my Philippine history knowledge rekindled.
I found this book to be quite an engaging read although I was quite bored by the portions that focused on economics. I was especially interested in how the Catholic Church was portrayed in the book. I wish it was portrayed more positively. The book mentions the Manila Synod of 1582, where Bishop Domingo de Salazar and other Spanish clergy campaigned for the rights of Filipinos, but it was dismissed as being for political advantages only. I wish this was not the case. This was important feat in human rights in the Philippines but the historian does not recognize it as such.
Nonetheless though, I am still glad to read this book. I am happy to have my Philippine history knowledge rekindled.
February 26, 2020
This is a chunky book to introduce the history of the Philippines. It is a well-written book that represents our history and struggles as a country.
In this book, I've learned to appreciate many heroes and assess my beliefs about other heroes discussed in my elementary days. We are so rich in culture and history and certain textbooks cannot transcend our ancestors' legacy into the present.
I wish that people, mostly the youth, would read this book. Highly recommended!
In this book, I've learned to appreciate many heroes and assess my beliefs about other heroes discussed in my elementary days. We are so rich in culture and history and certain textbooks cannot transcend our ancestors' legacy into the present.
I wish that people, mostly the youth, would read this book. Highly recommended!
March 27, 2012
A comprehensive nationalist perspective of the history of the Philippines, pointing out specifically the long saga of the Filipino masses’ struggle towards freedom and Independence against the oppression of the Spanish and American colonial regimes.
October 6, 2012
I have never been this angry with dead people. HAHAHA.
But seriously, reading this was an eye-opening experience. :)
But seriously, reading this was an eye-opening experience. :)
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July 1, 2013I cannot believe how much I disliked reading it, 3 years ago! @______@ This is a great eye-opener.
January 13, 2024
"The past as a concrete historical reality must be viewed as an integral part of the process of unfolding total reality. The present must be perceived as part of the process constituted by a real historical past dissolving into a real historical future. Only when the present is seen as a continuation of historical process, as part of history in flux, can the future be consciously shaped."
This book is an important and enlightening contribution to a rereading of our history from the lens of the people. This is how I would have wished to be taught history as a student in school. Must read, very dense, can make you angry at times, and extremely useful for anyone hoping to contribute to societal change.
This book is an important and enlightening contribution to a rereading of our history from the lens of the people. This is how I would have wished to be taught history as a student in school. Must read, very dense, can make you angry at times, and extremely useful for anyone hoping to contribute to societal change.
April 12, 2020
Excellent book with a definite eye to understanding Filipino history from a people's point of view that is decidedly anti-colonial and anti-imperial. Renato Constantino does a great job detailing people's revolts and the struggle against Spanish *and* US imperialism and colonialism. Highly recommend this book for anyone interested in anti-imperialist struggles in general and the Philippines specifically.
January 30, 2021
The book was informative and enlightening. The revolting facts stated changed the way history was viewed. A lot of controversial issues were revealed. Unmasking the hagiolatry of hereos. Unveiling the true historical recount of the American Occupation. A great prelude in examining the Philippine History in its accurate sense. The next volume is a compelling read.
August 8, 2018
I don't knowhow to open
August 16, 2019
Educational
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February 10, 2020The philippine history is interesting
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2021
a kind of book that can be of great help especially in deep understanding of our history
June 15, 2022
World-changing.
November 25, 2023
I like the opinionated style of writing by the author.
Language was a bit tough at times and I had to Google a few words
Language was a bit tough at times and I had to Google a few words
September 1, 2025
this book was a reading for our course but WOW
March 12, 2021
high key should be mandatory hs reading (ph)
Want to read
June 14, 2010about the history
Currently reading
June 16, 2012i like it
Currently reading
July 1, 2012Awesome!
July 24, 2022
a good introduction to filipino history
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews