Philippine Independence and Cartoons Quiz

Philippine Independence Day

• June 12th, 1898 marks the proclamation of Philippine Independence
• General Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence in Kawit, Cavite.
• The Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence was written by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista
• The flag had a white triangle representing the Katipunan, three stars symbolizing Luzon, Panay, and Mindanao, and eight rays representing eight provinces that declared war against Spain.
• The colors of the flag, blue, red and white, were inspired by the United States flag.
• The flag was made in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo with assistance from Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza.

Alfred W. McCoy

• Alfred W. McCoy is an American educator and historian.
• He is the Director of the Center of South East Asian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• He wrote the book "Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American Era (1900-1941)" which was awarded various accolades.

Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American Era

• Cartoons in the American era served as political and social commentary.
• Art form that utilizes exaggeration of human features for comedic effect.
• The cartoons in McCoy’s book highlight national attitudes toward the American era.

Historical Background - Philippine Cartoons

• The cartoons in McCoy's book demonstrate the evolution of Philippine culture, society, and politics during the transition from Spanish Colonial to American rule.
• The cartoons satirized societal changes such as the rise of co-education, the stark disparity between American and Filipino wages, and the dangers of colorum vehicles.

Cory Aquino

• Corazon Aquino, also known as Maria Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco-Aquino, was the 11th president of the Philippines and the first female president in the Philippines and Asia.
• She was born on January 25, 1933 in Tarlac, Philippines.
• She is often referred to as the "Mother of Democracy."
• Her husband, Benigno Aquino Jr., was assassinated in 1983.

Historical Context - Cory Aquino

• There was tension between Ferdinand Marcos, the then president, and Benigno Aquino Jr., a senator.
• Marcos accused Aquino of being a communist.
• During Marcos’s regime, martial law was declared and Benigno Aquino was arrested.
• The Aquino family sought refuge in America for three years.

SNAP Election and EDSA People Power Revolution

• In February 1986, Corazon Aquino was convinced to run against Marcos in the snap election.
• The election results were rigged in Marcos’s favor, but the people protested against the corrupt and authoritarian government.
• The EDSA People Power Revolution resulted in Cory Aquino’s ascension to the presidency. It also brought international attention to the Philippines for peacefully overthrowing a dictator.

Cory Aquino's Speech

• Cory Aquino's speech to the US Congress focused on restoring democracy in the Philippines, addressing the damages caused by Marcos’s regime, and thanking America for its support in the drafting of the 1987 Constitution.