Linya't Tagpo sa Pelikulang Pilipino
Ganito Kami Noon…
Tunay na Malaya na nga ba Tayo ngayon?
Francesca Agustin
Published: June 12, 2025
Photo from: 365 Pinoy Stuff
Sino nga ba ang tunay na Pilipino?
Ikaw ba ay isang tunay na Pilipino?
​
Questions that came up while watching the film “Ganito Kamino Noon… Paano Kayo Ngayon?” directed by Eddie Romero and written by Roy Iglesias. This film is set at the turn of the 20th century during the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War.
​
At the beginning of the movie, we follow “Kulas,” a peasant boy portrayed as naive, gullible, and childlike, who is willing to help anyone in need. Padre Gil then called Kulas to embark on a mission to retrieve his son, “Bindoy,” and bring him to Manila.
During Kulas’ journey to retrieve Bindoy, he meets different types of people—there are the performers, katipuneros, travelers, bandits, prisoners, and the like. Kulas, who starts off being gullible about what a Filipino truly is, slowly begins to question his identity.
This film cleverly depicted how Filipinos have this sense of internal confusion and identity crisis about what truly defines “Filipino.” The movie was set in the 20th century, yet it is still relevant even until today because of the struggle Filipinos have trying to find their own voice after years and years of colonization. Through Kulas’ perspective, we see that the idea of being Filipino is often something others define for us, based on our skin color, the language we speak, or where we were born. But the film challenges this and even shows that it’s not that simple. Kulas learns that being Filipino is more about the choices we make, the values we live by, and how we see ourselves in history.
​
By the end of the film, Ganito Kami Noon… Paano Kayo Ngayon? Leaves us asking, are we truly living up to what it means to be a Filipino? Or are we, like Kulas, still unsure and searching for our real identity?​
This film is a great watch if you’re looking for something that will make you reflect on who we are as Filipinos and what it means to be one.
Photo from: CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art - Cultural Center of the Philippines
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Francesca Agustin is a witty content writer with a strong passion for women and gender issues, best known for her piece “Feminino-menal: Filipino Feminist Movies to Watch.” Blending humor with a sharp feminist perspective, she highlights stories that both empower women and captivate audiences.
LET'S CONNECT!
