KAHAPON, NGAYON AT BUKAS ni Aurelio V. Tolentino | DULA Matatag Filipino 8 | Aralin 2.2

Summary

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, a play by Aurelio B. Tolentino, was written in 1903 as a protest against American occupation. Divided into three parts, it symbolizes the Filipino struggle for freedom from betrayal and oppression by foreign powers. Through symbolic characters like the Motherland, Blind as Hell (Spain), and the New Sprout (America), the play traces the journey of the Philippines from colonization to the fight for independence. Despite being banned, it became a symbol of resistance, unity, and the hope for a free nation, resonating with Filipinos' undying quest for liberty.

Takeaways

• 😀 The play 'Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow' was written by Aurelio B. Tolentino in 1903 as a protest against the American occupation of the Philippines.
• 😀 The play was banned due to its bold message of freedom but became a symbol of Filipino nationalism and the fight for independence.
• 😀 The play is divided into three parts: Yesterday (the past), Today (the present under foreign rule), and Tomorrow (hope for freedom).
• 😀 Each character in the play represents a symbol of the Philippine struggle, such as 'Motherland' (the Philippines), 'Blind as Hell' (Spain), and 'New Sprout' (America).
• 😀 'Motherland' represents the oppressed Philippines, while 'Blind as Hell' symbolizes Spain’s past oppressive rule.
• 😀 'New Sprout' symbolizes America as the new invader who pretended to be a protector but had its own interests.
• 😀 'Masonurin' represents the Filipino woman, a symbol of the Filipino people’s submission under colonial rule.
• 😀 The play depicts a battle between native Filipinos (represented by Tagailog) and foreign invaders, symbolizing the struggle for independence.
• 😀 Despite betrayals and hardships, the play highlights the continuous resistance and the unyielding spirit of the Filipino people for freedom.
• 😀 The final scenes of the play show the rise of the motherland, the burning of oppressive foreign symbols (like the American flag), and a hopeful future with the cry for freedom echoed by the Filipino people.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of the play *Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow*?

The play, written in 1903, was a protest against the American occupation of the Philippines. Despite being banned for its bold message of freedom, it became a symbol of Filipino nationalism and a call for liberation.

How is the play structured and what do the three parts represent?

The play is divided into three parts: *Yesterday* represents the past and first conquests, *Today* reflects the current situation under foreign rule, and *Tomorrow* symbolizes the hope for complete freedom and independence.

Who does the character *Motherland* symbolize in the play?

*Motherland* symbolizes the Philippines—an oppressed country that continues to fight for its freedom against foreign invaders.

What does the character *Blind As Hell* represent?

*Blind As Hell* symbolizes Spain, the former colonizer who is blind to justice and continues to deceive and oppress the Filipino people.

What role does *New Sprout* play in the story?

*New Sprout* represents America, which pretended to be a protector of the Philippines but had its own interests, acting as a new invader after Spain's colonial rule.

What is the significance of the character *Tagailog*?

*Tagailog* symbolizes the Filipino revolutionaries—heroes willing to sacrifice their lives to fight for the freedom of their nation.

What does the scene *Asal Hayop's Betrayal* convey?

In this scene, *Asal Hayop* betrays his homeland for personal gain, symbolizing betrayal of the Filipino people for wealth and power.

What happens during the *Battle Between the River and the King*?

In this intense battle, *Tagailog* defeats the invading King, symbolizing Filipino resistance and the victory over foreign oppressors. The fall of the crown represents the defeat of the invader.

How does the play depict the American occupation of the Philippines?

The play depicts the American occupation as another form of oppression, where Filipinos are enslaved, forced into labor, and their language and culture are suppressed. This represents the hardships under foreign rule.

What is the central message of the play's conclusion?

The play's conclusion emphasizes hope, unity, and the eventual rise of the Philippines as a free nation. It highlights the Filipino people's resilience and their collective desire for independence, symbolized by the cry of freedom: *Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow*.