The document discusses the 2012 historical film "El Presidente" directed by Mark Meily about Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippine Republic. It fought against Spanish colonial rule and the subsequent American occupation. The film uses flashbacks to show Aguinaldo's life from his time as a revolutionary leader to accepting American occupation. It highlights his struggles as a husband, soldier, and politician and explores the issues during his time through sophisticated cinematography. While not perfect, the film is praised for its technical achievements and efforts to promote nationalism.

1. Republic of the Philippines
City of Mandaue
Mandaue City College
In Partial Fulfillment of the Course in Philippine History
Title: EL PRESEDENTE
Assignment No. 3
SUBMITTED BY: SUBMITTED TO:
Rey Aspacio Mr. Paul John Dela Serna
Student Instructor
A.Y.: SUMMER class 2015

2. SUMMARY:
Making a historical film is always a tough endeavor. What makes it even more
challenging is its subject happens to be a controversial figure in history. And one of these is the
El Presidente which was became one of the entries in Metro Manila Film Festival 2012 directed
by Mark Meily. He crafts a tale centering about Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the First
Philippine Republic. This general, politician, and revolutionary leader lived a long, grim, and
gainful life from the time of the Philippines' revolution against the Spanish colonial rule to the
American and Japanese. Jeorge "ER" Estregan plays the lead role with Cesar Montano as Andres
Bonifacio.
The story is told in flashbacks as Emilio Aguinaldo thanks the U.S. government for giving
him the opportunity to attend the full restoration of Philippine independence on July 4, 1946.
The filmbegins with his capture by Philippine and U.S. forces under Frederick Funston's
command in 1901, then flashes back to 1886, when an old woman gives Aguinaldo and his
childhood friend Candido Tirona cryptic prophecies. Ten years later, Aguinaldo is inducted into
the Katipunan and later assumes leadership of its Cavite chapter while becoming mayor of
Cavite El Viejo. When trouble breaks out in Manila in late August 1896, Aguinaldo tries to
assure the Spanish provincial government of non-interference and covertly marshals his forces
despite a lack of weapons. Learning that the Spanish mostly put their forces in Manila,
Aguinaldo finally mobilizes his troops and take the command of the Katipunan forces in Cavite.
As the rebels gain ground in Cavite and several provinces, its Magdalo and Magdiwang factions
convene to elect a provisional government. Andrés Bonifacio oversees the Tejeros Convention,

3. which elects Aguinaldo as president, Mariano Trías as vice-president, and himself as interior
minister. He storms out of the convention when Daniel Tirona objects to his election.
Aguinaldo's brother Crispulo informs him of his accession and convinces him to leave his troops
just as he was seeking to defend against the Spaniards at Pasong Santol. The rebels are
defeated and Crispulo is killed. Meanwhile, an embittered Bonifacio establishes his own
revolutionary government and is later arrested. Aguinaldo is concerned about Bonifacio's
actions and wanted him exiled, but the War Council advises his execution. There he meets with
U.S. officials who approach him with offers of support and recognition of a new Philippine
Republic amidst the Spanish–American War. Aguinaldo returns to the Philippines and formally
declares independence from Spain. As the Malolos Congress convenes, Felipe Agoncillo tries to
represent the new nation at the Treaty of Paris negotiations, but gets stonewalled at every turn
even as U.S. forces gradually arrive in the Philippines. The Philippine–American War breaks out
in February 1899 and Antonio Luna is appointed commander of all Filipino forces. He is
assassinated three months later and the Filipino troops are gradually routed by the Americans.
As a result, Aguinaldo's forces travel all over northern Luzon to escape the Americans. General
Gregorio del Pilar volunteers to hold them off at Tirad Pass and buy Aguinaldo's time. His loyal
courier is later captured by the Americans while getting some medicine for his son. Now aware
of Aguinaldo's hideout, Funston plans his capture.
Having been made to accept the American occupation over the Philippines, Aguinaldo lives a
quiet life, which is marred by Hilaria's passing in 1921. He meets and marries Felipe Agoncillo's
niece Maria in 1930. Over the next few decades, the couple witness Philippine history unfold
once more as he is defeated in the 1935 presidential elections, Japanese occupation, and the

4. restoration of full independence. In 1962, an elderly Aguinaldo and his wife comfort each other
over President Diosdado Macapagal's decree to restore the actual date of the Philippine
declaration of independence.
REACTION:
The El Presedente is a historical filmis always a tough endeavor. The story touches on
the revolutionary encounters, as well as the many issues, that took place during Aguinaldo's
time. It also explores his inner struggles as a husband, a member of the working class, a war
leader, and a politician. It boasts a grand production highlighted by sophisticated
cinematography and set pieces. Compared to many other Filipino epic and historical pictures
that fall short on their technical ventures, this film gets high marks in its period and action
sequences. Even with some inconsistencies and softness lingering in a couple of scenes, many
shots still offer that "WOW" factor for the viewers. And most importantly, the production is still
able to live up to the emotional investment such a historical offering needs to promote a sense
of nationalism. Clearly, "El Presidente" is not a perfect film. But in the end, it still shines as a
passionate attempt to contribute something valuable for Philippine cinema. This is somehow
helps put a man where he belongs in the annals of history, while also inciting a form of curiosity
and a sense of patriotism to its intended viewers. It also provokes the audience to have a more
open mind on heroism. Even though this person finds himself makes mistake, for others, or
even for the entire country, it still allows certain.