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General Luna (2015)
General?
My name is Joven Hernando, sir. Joven. The commander's son? I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. Not at all, General. I am honored to be allowed to interview you. This is for what again? We're planning to publish a newsletter. Like what you did with... La Independencia. Yes, sir. We have to continue what you started It's only fitting that our first article should be about you, General. You Might end up with a novel, son. Sit down. What do you think? My brother Juan designed this uniform. I paid for it myself. Our Army has limited funds but... we must show our enemies that we have a professional army. Who sent these? These are the new uniforms from General Luna, sir. What new uniforms? We already have uniforms! General Luna came up with a single design to unify the whole army. Why do I have to follow that bastard's order? The uniforms have President Aguinaldo's approval, sir. It's good that our uniforms finally have one design. It's a momentous task bringing together a scattered nation, Joven. Word is that the Cabinet is about to make a decision regarding the Americans? It's easier for the earth to meet the sky than for two Filipinos to agree on anything! Than for two Filipinos to agree on anything! Mister President! This arguing is taking us nowhere. The Americans are gathering strength as we speak. Let us attack the now while they are few in numbers. Even if we suffer large casualties, we can drive the away and take control of Manila. Intramuros will be ours! We have control over provinces! We have forty thousand troops! There are only three thousand Americans, We can easily drive them away. I have sent Arguelles and Buencamino as our Peace Commissioners to talk with General Otis. They are toying with us. My informants tell me they are expecting 7,000 heavily armed troops. General Luna is right! We must act now! America is also an enemy of Spain and enemies of my enemy my allies shall be. The Americans fought Spaniards in Cuba. Did they invade Cuba? No! They helped the Cubans kick out the Spanish. We have no reason to believe they will not do the same here. I say give peace between us a chance! Well said, Senor Paterno. This has to be a concerned effort, Joven. Everyone who came before us gave their lives for Freedom. If the Americans are targeting Spain, why haven't they joined us in our struggle? Why are they stopping us from storming Intramuros? I agree with Senor Paterno. Opt for peace. You are blind. Instead of sitting here all day, we could be out among our people, gathering arms, digging trenches and training them to fight. Do not heed the sugar-coated words of the Americans. There is no room for naivete in this Cabinet. What about our businesses? If we fight, the economy will be in shambles. How will we feed our families? Business or freedom? Country or family? Choose! I know you. You were with the Spanish Civil government and when things went bad for Spain, you changed hats. When things get rough now, will you start wearing stars and stripes? Enough. Everyone here has his interests! We're only human. How can anyone talk of business when we are all slaves in our own country? I love my country as much as you do. For now, America is our ally. For now, America is our ally. They gave me their assurances in Hong Kong. They are dying to have a foothold in Asia to compete with other nations who want to colonize us. Let us wait for the Treaty of Paris to be completed... Do we have any delegates in Paris? Any observers, at least? Your like virgins believing in the love of a whore! Tell our countrymen that Freedom cannot be won by protecting their loved ones. They have to pay the price. What is the price? Blood and sweat. They have to jump into the abyss. Mister President, I apologize for my outburst. Everyone's suspicions are well-founded. I say it is best to be patient and wait but it would also be wise if General Luna were to strengthen our military forces. Gentlemen, let us pray for the best but prepare for the worst. Gentlemen... the Americans fired on our troops in Sta. Mesa. They have taken San Juan. Paco, Pandacan and other towns. And they're holding negotiations with the Spaniards in Intramuros. Buencamino! Arguelles! Manila has fallen. The city is in their hands. General Luna... It's up to you now. This war is in your hands. What do you want me to do? Bite them? Fight with patriots like these? Lets go! Buencamino, how did this happen? What can we do? We didn't talk to them sooner. To fight for our country in the greatest honor. We should not hesitate. Forward compatriots. To conquer or die. Concentrate your fire! Do not waste bullets! Fire! Aim properly! Don't waste your bullets. No retreat! Fire! Fire! General! The left flank is in danger! General! Send a message to the Kawit Brigade. Tell Captain Janolino to reinforce the left flank. The enemy must not break through. Dont be afraid! Fire together. Don't despair, men! General, that would be easier if there were more of us alive. The Kawit troops are on their way. That'll be the day. Hey! Where are you going? Get back here, you cowards! Hey! The women here have bigger balls than you! Get back here! You? Aren't you Buencamino's son? Stand and fight! Bullshit! Son of a bitch! Keep fighting! Don't give up! To the death! Don't move. Don't move. General. I'm sorry, I cannot... Be quiet. Rusca! Rusca! Sir? Get him to the rear. Call the medic! Medic! Medic! Hurry up! Get him out of here. Lieutenant, for gallantry in the field of battle, I hereby promote you to Colonel of the Philippine Republic Army. General... Get him out of here. Thank you, General. Wait. Put him down. What's the news? Colonel, Captain Janolino refuses to obey. General! What's the word from Kawit? The Kawit Brigade refuses to obey. Capt. Janolino says that he has no direct orders from the President. Private! Get my horse. Rusca stay here. Hold this line as long as possible! Were counting on you, brother. General! Someone's coming. Fall in! Faster! Look at this sorry bunch of idiots. Where is Captain Janolino? Your comrades are dying out there and Your just playing cards! Where's your captain? Stand at attention when the general is talking to you! He's inside. Roman. General? Disarm these cowards. Strip them of their ranks and tie them up! Son of a bitch! Good afternoon, Captain. Enjoying your nap? General... You understand Spanish and Tagalog, don't you? Yes, sir. Well, you piece of shit. Why did you not obey my orders? Do you know how many men are dead and wounded because of your stupidity? I... I only take orders from President Aguinaldo. Are you not aware of the First Article of our rules and regulations? No, sir. No, sir. Article One: Any person who refuses to follow orders dictated by the General in chief of the Philippine Army will be immediately shot without trial. That means you, brother. You poor men of Kawit. Your leader has his brain in the wrong head. And by the feel of it, his brain is not that big. Back to the field. Keep em coming! When you run out of bullets, come over and I'll smash your white balls together! We can't be at them. Shut up. Hey! Don't raise your head. Keep your... Son of a bitch! Come back here! Damn it! Get back there! Faster! Serves you right. Don't despair, m en! Stand fast and shoot! Fire! Fire! General! General! Don't! Cover the General! Charge! Forward men! General! Halt! Fire! Stop, General! Why did you stop me? Don't you see I'm... Hey! You American monkeys! Get down! General, look! For the Motherland. Charge! Charge! They're retreating! Long live the Philippines! This is not a victory, Paco. I know, General. But look at them. They're now a real army and they need you. He humiliated my Captain in front of his men. You said we should take orders only from you, Mister President. We can t afford to lose anyone. Don't worry, Tomas. They will all be reinstated. Thank you, Mister President. We have to do something about that crazy Luna. The Caviteanos honor is at stake. These are my fellow Caviteanos. They fought with me in Kawit. I agree we need discipline in our ranks but the way he carries it out. The humiliation. The factis Lunais still useful. I cant figure him out. What do we do with him? Support him. We still share the same goals. Is there anything we can do? But his arrogance. Have you ever tried to catch the wind? They say that you area war monger. Why not compromise? Would it not be easier? I detest war, Joven. But compromise? Can we simply ignore the enemy? The Americans are not going to stop soon. Our forces will eventually run out. That s why we have to prepare our last stand. The plan is sound, General. These trenches were planning to dig north of Bagdad river will hold up. But the trenches from Caloocan to Novaliches are more important. While the Americans are busy fighting, we will retreat North. General. Yes? First, we Do not have enough men to dig a trench line that long. We need at least 2,000 volunteers with shovel sand pickaxes to start with. Second, I do not think the President will agree to such an ambitious plan especially the trench line from Caloocan to Novaliches. Three days. Sir? Give me three days. Major. Captain. The Americans know why we have to fight for our liberty. They fought ferociously for theirs. Are we different from them? So we don't have the same right to Liberty? That is what makes their aggression toward us inexcusable. Fall in! Article One: any person who refuses to follow orders dictated by the General in chief of the Philippine Army will be shot without trial. Ready? I'm sorry, General. Are we going home? We have three more camps to visit. With all due respect, sir. It's midnight. Then ride fast, my brother. General. General. Good morning, Paco. You look like you came from battle. Breakfast? Yes. There's breakfast ready. Not for me. For them. Two thousand? Four. Four? Halt! Captain. Thank you for offering to help. We had no choice. He threatened to shoot us all if we didn't come with him. Some of the men have begun calling him General Article One. General, we need to send men and ammunition to Bataan. I have three reserve platoons in Bulacan. They can ride tomorrow. With all due respect, they need to reach Bataan before Sunday. My men cannot fly, Paco. Take command of the camp, General. What are you going to do? I will get us a train. General, do you know how to speak English? [Speaking in French] There! Over there! He says Your crazy. My English is running out. Arrest him already! Damn it! Quickly! Damn your foreign tongue! This tea would go better with ensaymada. General. Is everything ready? Ah... we have a problem. The Americans? No, sir. Our officers. They invited their families on the train for sightseeing. There is no room for the troops to board. Damn it! You should try ensaymada with that. Out of my way! Out of my way! Idiots! We are not going sightseeing! Out! Out! That was a big headache. That's just Filipinos being Filipinos. Family comes first. And that's our biggest fault. We risk our lives for our families and neighbors but for the idea of nationhood? I can count with my fingers the true patriotic soldiers I've met in my life. I remember one skirmish in Malabon. The fighting had stopped around dinner time. There wa san American colonel who was having dinner inside an abandoned house. Lets see who has balls amongst our infantry. Now, I'm giving you a chance to prove your worth to this army. Who wants to harass the Americans? They're all having dinner. There is a colonel inside a house in the western side of town who is a sitting duck at this very moment. Who wants to take a shot? Do we have no patriots here? Is there no one willing to die for this nation? Name? Garcia, General. Lieutenant Garcia is a rare breed amongst men, the kind who's willing to give everything for his country. Why doesn't he just shoot the American? It's enough for them to know that we are not afraid of them. Long live the Philippines! Long live the Philippines! Put Garcia in the First Battalion Sharpshooters. He's qualified. Long live the General! Long live the Philippines! If only every Filipino was like him. There are many like him. Not enough, Joven. Come in. General, it's time. Joven, let's continue this tomorrow. Thank you, General. We had to arrest a few drunken ruffians in town last night. One of them was your brother. Who? Joaquin, sir. Fighting over a woman, I bet. Mark of a true Luna. You know, Dr. Rizal and I almost got into a duel because of a woman. Sol heard from Paco. Is my brother in jail? Yes, sir. He kept screaming that he was your brother. Leave him there. Be careful, General. This is going to be tough. I know. What took you so long? I hope you were discreet. I was. Don't laugh. I have more to lose. Lama woman of marrying age. And from a prominent family, in love with an Indian. You are not a poor man. Your family is rich. But I'm right that you love me? Bastard. I'm thirsty. Am I not enough to satisfy your thirst? My god. What happened? Work. Were you shot? Why is it that after making love, you start acting like my mother? You got shot, didn't you? Just a scratch. You liar. This is not a scratch. Now you sound like a nagging wife. Antonio, Your married to war. I'm just a mistress. Hey, it's cold. Go to hell. I'm in hell everyday when I'm not with you. Lying again. You think I enjoy fighting? Yes, because you are a sadist. War is not my wife, it is the cross I bear. Is this really our last night together? Isabel. We can't keep seeing each other again like this, correct? Correct. We Do not have time for things we cannot sustain. Our duties in this war are more important than our feelings for each other. The next time we meet, you are a soldier and I... a woman of the Red Cross. Isabel. General. Mister President. Mister President, the Schurman Commission wants to meet with us to discuss some terms. Terms? There are no terms! What do you mean, no terms? Wait. Quiet! Let him speak! They are offering some kind of autonomy for the Republic. To be a protectorate... under America. That would bet reason! Treason! According to our constitution, sovereignty rests only with the Filipino People. You are a traitor for proposing annexation. I am not proposing it. I am merely reporting it. How can you trust him? He worked for the Spanish government. With people like these, we don't need enemies. America... is the strongest nation in the world. Think of the advantages for trade and economy. How long are we going to keep fighting? Our casualties are mounting. We are short on money, arms and ammunition. But not inspirit. My men are committed. Even Sr. Jose Rizal... How can this Assembly consider something this treasonous? Are you calling me a traitor? And a coward. I remember I saw your son in battle. He deserted his post while his comrade slay dying. There are no cowards in my family. My son never joined you in battle so you have no right to insult my family, Antonio. Was I insulting you? I was merely stating the fact that cowardice and treason are in your blood. You really are like your brother. If Juan had been tried in this country for the murder of his wife, he would've been hanged. You are true to your name: Luna... Lunatic! Enough! Calm down. Calm down! That's enough! By the authority granted to me by the Philippine Republic, I order the arrest of this traitor. And you too. Why me? It is within his rights. Captain, Major, arrest Buencamino. Colonel, Roman. Assist me. Lam not a traitor! This is unconstitutional! Just come with me and shut up! If we are to become one nation, we must go through a radical change. Brothers, we have an enemy bigger than the Americans: Ourselves. Fresh fruits and vegetables! Sir. Stop right there! Me? Don't move. General, do you want to buy a chicken? I said don't move. Do as he says, old man. Sir, what have I done? Just keep quiet. I ll give you half price for the chickens. Tell him to shut up. Okay. I'll give them for free... That's what I'll do to traitors. I will not hesitate. No one is above the Law. Not even the President. General, people might hear you. Let them hear! Have mercy, sir. Please Don't hurt me. Please. There, there. I apologize. For your troubles. Thank you. Have the chicken for dinner. Thank you so much. Thank you! The true sons of liberty will never allow themselves to be tied up like dogs. Those who place their petty self interests above the country's... who pledge allegiance to their regions, loyalty only to their tribes... It is them who prove us undeserving of self rule. How many more troops have arrived? About a thousand and a half, from Pangasinan and Ilocos. It. Manuel Quezon brought us about four hundred men from Tayabas. Everyone goes to you, now that the Bonifacio brothers are out of the way. Procopio! If there's nothing else, I will go ahead. Where are you going? To Arayat. There's a fiesta I have to attend. Still thinking about Andres Bonifacio? I'm just afraid it might happen again. Our defenses are up for the three camps, herein Bagdad, Pulilan and with General Del Pilars troops in Quinga. But we still need more troops. Send a telegram to General Mascardo. Tell him to send more troops to Quinga and here in Bagdad. Sir, General Mascardo is headed for Arayat. What for? He did not say. But there's a fiesta today in Arayat. General Mascardo, a telegram from General Luna. What does it say? He s ordering you to return to Bagdad immediately with additional troops. I just got here and he wants me to leave? He also said there's no time for festivities. Look at that Luna's arrogance. You'd think he wasn't talking to a fellow General. Tell him I didn't come for the fiesta. II have to inspect our troops here. I will go to Bagdad when I'm done. While the Americans advance, our troops will slowly retreat to a fortress up North in the Cordillera mountains. By the time the Americans reach us, our defenses would have been fortified. If we cant surpass the enemy in numbers and technology, we will beat them with strategy. We need to dig trenches from Caloocan to Novaliches. From Arayat, sir. Were just waiting for the President's approval. This is going to be a big mess. I hope he approves it. He must. General. Kindly ask Mascardo if he understands Tagalog. Or do you understand Spanish more? Because your orders were clear... I understand Tagalog! I will go to Bagdad when I'm done here! Tell him he doesn't have authority over me because I'm the commander of Pampanga. The President gave him authority over the troops... but not over Generals like him. Is that so? Rusca! Ride to Arayat and tell to Mascardos face that I will... have you arrested for stubbornness. Is that a threat? General, Id just like to remind you that what's important is you return to Bagdad with reinforcements before the Americans attack. I was about to leave but that Lunas arrogance is intolerable. Who is he to give me orders? If he wants a fight I'm not backing down! Roman, send a telegram to every official under Mascardo and tell them they are to report to the main headquarters in Pampanga tonight. They are all under my command so they cannot disobey. Rusca, inform President Aguinaldo that... General Luna plans to have General Mascardo arrested if this continues. This is bad. This is bad. The Americans will think there's confusion amongst our ranks. Well it's true, is it not? Damn it! If that brute is looking for a fight, I will give it to him. Move! Stop the music! Soldiers! Do not follow Lunas orders. Arm yourselves! What are you waiting for? Get Captain Janolino. Tell him to gather the soldiers headed for Bagdad and have them report to me. Tell Luna that... he would rather lie in a coffin than obey orders from you. He only listens to the President or fellow Caviteanos. Does that idiot think Cavite is a different country? He's gathered his troops and officers. They're heading to Guagua. What is he going to do in Guagua? If you want to face him, hell wait for you there. How many men do we have now? The Bernal brothers are here. Captain. Major. Do not worry, General. We are behind you. There are some men stationed at the bridge. Captain Rusca hasn't returned yet. Jose? Stay here with a few lieutenants to over see the bridge defenses. Everyone else come with me to Guagua. Send a telegram to Alejandrino. I need the First Battalion Sharpshooters in Guagua. Yes, sir. And let's bring a coffin. There's trouble in Guagua. General Mascardo has armed his troops and is waiting fo rGeneral Luna. You need to send orders. General Luna, we apologize in behalf of General Mascardo. Women of the Red Cross. I know. General, we don't want fighting amongst fellow Filipinos. She has a point, General. I did not ask for this, Major. Is a... Miss... General. Tell Mascardo I'm giving him one more chance to surrender peacefully. It's all in his hands. I understand, ladies, but it's too late. I will only surrender to the President, not to someone like Luna. What are you really fighting over? Isabel. To hell with you two, Tomas. You reacting like children. General. Paco. What is it, sir? Send a telegram to Bagdad. Find out their situation. Do you have orders? Just find out how they are. The Americans are here! Americans. The Americans are here! Go ahead, shoot me. I'm here. Shoot me! Now! General Tomas Mascardo, I'm hereto arrest you in the name of the Philippine Republic. Show yourself. Good evening, General. Good evening to you too. I trust that you will surrender peacefully? I told you I would rather lie in a coffin. You are insane, Luna. I'm only heeding your request. You are surrounded by my troops. How many men do you have? Fifteen? Twenty? Tomas, I only need to shoot you and Your standing right in front of me. Easy. Think about this. You all know what to do. We out number them First Battalion Sharp shooters at your command. So? You son of a bitch. Wait! Wait. General Mascardo, under orders from President Emilio Aguinaldo Thank you, Tomas. Justin time, Rusca. General, I ran into Paco. There's terrible news. The Americans have attacked Bagdad and Quinga. Both camps are in grave danger. Joven! Ove rhere. God dammit, where are there enforcements? Don't! Joven! Joven! Where are you going? Stay put! Forward! Guard the entrance! Where are the rest? They went to Quinga to help General Del Pilar. Joven. General. Can you move? Medic! Over here! General! General, we're ready. The Americans have taken Quinga. General Del Pilar has retreated with his men to San Fernando. Is this our fate? We fight with our enemies. We fight with our allies. I'm tired. Luna has not been able to stop the enemy's advance. We should ask for a cease fire so we can talk with the Americans. Granted we are at a disadvantage. But how much is America willing to sacrifice? Do you know how much it costs them to wage this war? General Luna is outside. Give us a minute. Gentlemen. Bring your glasses. Twenty four hours jail time is too short, I see. That's why I surrendered. Brandy? Mister President, I would like to resign as Head of the Armed Forces. Why? It's impossible to do my job under these circumstances. Especially when I just heard that the traitors Paterno and Buencamino have been set free. They are respected citizens. They have contributed resources to our cause They promoted annexation under the enemy s flag while our soldiers and I are out there fighting the very same enemy. I will not accept such treason while I'm alive. General Luna, you maybe a military genius but you Do not understand politics. If setting traitors free is how you define politics, then I want no part of it. I am sorry but I cannot accept your resignation. But I cannot You are the only one who can lead our Army. Our Motherland needs you. Then allow me to lead. Allow me to in still discipline! And please approve my plan to erect a fortress up North. That is the only way of defeating the Americans. What can you tell me about General Luna, aside from what we've already seen? Aside from what we've already seen? We have something to confess. We believe he has a hidden agenda. This happened recently. General Luna lost his temper in front of everyone at the plaza. What's new about that? He said he wont hesitate to shoot all traitors, even if it was you, Mister President. And there are rumors that... he might be thinking of installing himself as supreme Military Dictator to replace you. Where did you hear this? I myself witnessed his outburst at the plaza. We heard from other officers about his plans. Those are just rumors. You know Luna, full of hot air. He does not hide his feelings. It may be hot air to us but Luna means what he says. And we all know he can be blinded by anger like a raging bull. Luna is my most capable general. We still have Goyong. And Ricarte. I'm here too. Let's not forget that he abandoned his post in Bagdad, resulting in great losses. Our country would be in a sad state indeed if only one man is capable of leading the military. Luna does more harm than good. He must be replaced. If only we could... Thank you, gentlemen. I need time to think. God dammit! Who the hell is knocking? I've been knocking forever. Mother? What brings you here? My little Antonio. Let me see. You'll live. I heard you had him arrested... Mascardo? Yes, after No. Quinito, your brother. Was it over a woman? Yes. Was he drunk? Has he been set free? He was in jail for only two nights. Good. No one is above the law. Yes, mother. You look haggard and thin. Do you still get to sleep? We're in the middle of a war. I know that. We gave you a good education. But you still chose to be in the middle of this mess. It's my destiny, Mother. I sit? Sit down. Close your eyes. Close them. Do you remember Christmas in Binondo? Your sister. Numeriana. The gifts by the Nativity. The music. Manuel's violin. All the delicious food. Jose and Joaquin. Who could never wait to touch the food. My beloved father, always smiling holding his cigar. And... Juan. If only I could be with all of them again. We would dance the night away. Do you remember those times? Yes. And we allowed you and Juan to study in Europe. Where our minds were awakened about the state of the country. It all began with a dream to win our rights under Spain, until we woke up to the truth... due to their ceaseless condescension of our race that we are no different from them. But those dreams were shattered when they killed Dr. Jose Rizal. I grow sad whenever I think of him, and his sacrifice. My idolized country, sorrow of my sorrows, My idolized country, sorrow of my sorrows, Beloved Filipinas, hear my last goodbye. There I leave you all, my parents, my loves. Goodbye, dear parents, brother and sisters, fragments of my soul, Childhood friends in the home now lost, Give thanks that I rest from this wear I someday; Goodbye, sweet foreigner, my friend, my joy; Farewell, loved ones, to die... to die... is to rest. The biggest sacrifice of all. But that is not the only way of showing your love for the country. Your brother Juan knows that. But Juan also knows the Filipino mind. Were all divided and blind to the concept of nationhood. He knows we will not wake up until someone sacrifices himself for the country. In our travels in Europe, the only thing that became clear was what we all lacked. I know what Your saying, son. These are the fruits of your love for us, mother. Juan and I. Our convictions. You and Juan we're always the closest. And in some ways, we share the same destiny. Destiny, Antoanio? Is this destiny or choice? You've become a skilled doctor. There's a peaceful life within your reach but you choose to wage war. Some politicians and businessmen don t like the way you are running things. They say you are too arrogant and strict. They say you are mad with power. Don't mind the rumors. II have a job to do and sometimes II have to step on some toes to get it done. I heard from Quinito. It's possible that the President himself is against you. Aguinaldo is not stupid. We respect each other. We are both Masons. Like Andres Bonifacio? Here. Wear this. Your father and brother Manuel are dead. I don't want anything to happen to you and your brother Juan because of this war. People who feel are not slaves. The beautiful days of Roses have come to an end. The white nights of our thorny patriotic apostate begins. Our native land, the blue skies, green fields, a land of art and feeling. Has everyone left? Yes, sir. Only the Kawit Brigade will remain. Soon, for love of our Motherland, Dismissed! As if by some hidden code, we are snatched by a secret hand and tossed about like leaves in a tempestuous wind. I'm asking for assurance of your loyalty, can I rely on you? Yes, Mr. President! Soon... Dismissed! We will be whirlwinds of dust. I can't remember when I wrote that poem. I have a question. Do you of ten think that your life is in danger? Because of the war? Because of your principles. Everyday. Bring your troops here, on the other side of the river. General, bring your army here. Come in. From President Aguinaldo. Gentlemen, I have great news! President Aguinaldo is establishing a new cabinet and has asked me to go to Cabanatuan to lead. Finally, things are moving forward. Congratulations! Lieutenant Manuel Quezon. It's been a while. Mr.President. Did you receive my orders? Yes, sir. My men and I are to proceed to San Isidro. My men and I are to proceed to San Isidro. Your guards are staying behind? My dearest Mother... Sir. We're ready. Sir. Colonel, don't you get tired of fighting and all that spilled blood? No blood is wasted for the true patriot. To endure hardship is not to suffer. It's like receiving a blessing, like love. Do you think we'll win? I cant assure that. But if we do win, it is a baptism of fire, like a cataclysmic whirlwind. I see you have a poetic streak like the General. He's contagious. General! General! Yes. They cannot cross. It looks like fate is trying to stop us. Or maybe those wagons are from Kawit. Roman, Rusca, We are going ahead. Manuel, catch up with us in Cabanatuan. Yes, sir. Take care of the kid. What s wrong, brother? They should've waited for us. Where's everybody? They're probably having lunch. It doesn't matter, were already here. You take a rest. Wait for me here. Good luck, General. You, soldier. Why is your uniform so dirty? Why did you not salute me? What are your names? Are you fucking deaf? What kind of soldiers are you? I see his spirits are up. When I come down, you better have your hair cut or else, I will shoot you! Mr. President. I've... Shit. What are you doing here? I should ask you that. The President sent me a telegram. Where is he? He left at dawn. He left? Then why did he ask me to come here? What kind of government is this? Maybe he forgot. Impossible. And why are you sitting at the President s desk? Shouldn't you be shining American boots? What damned arrogance. You think Your the only patriot? In this room, yes. I love my country. But not enough to fight or die for her! If you were half a man, I would challenge you to a duel. Just try me. I've had enough of those sissies. We're not finished. Who fired that shot? Dammit! Who? Aren't you supposed to be in jail? Why did they set you free? Wait! Don't form a circle! What's going on? Cowards! Traitors! Murderers! Traitor! Wait! I surrender! Use your machetes. He's done for. Cowards... Assassins... He faced them alone. I couldn't do anything to help. I will never understand why Filipinos kill Filipinos. In killing the General, they killed all hope for freedom. Well? Is he still moving? The General was right. We are our own worst enemy. We killed him. I swear before God and in the names of my father and sons, that I had nothing to do with this incident. I had nothing to do with Antonio Lunasdeath. I had nothing to do with Antonio Lunas death. It was all his fault. He assaulted the Kawit Brigade. Luna abused his power and was terribly ambitious, even plotting to take over the highest position in the land. Son of a bitch, I found it first! That's mine! Luna's accusations against me were all lies. I love my country. Look at the records of my public service. I'm a de great sacrifices for this country! Luna and I clashed on many issues but I did not kill him. I said that's mine! But I found it. Give that tome. Luna's death is a form of historical cleansing. Wait. We're not done with him. Antonio Luna was cruel, abusive and arrogant! I did not want him to die but I admit... I believe that he deserved his fate. Hold on. Move them over here. It was Luna who sent me a telegram saying that he was coming to see me in Cabanatuan. But I was not there at that time. When the crime happened, I was in Bulacan and Pampanga, inspecting General Del Pilar's troops checking ammunition. Lunas death was a heavy blow. He was the only one capable of leading us to Independence. He was my most brilliant general. Why would I want him killed? No. There was no conspiracy. No threats. Luna was my best general. I lost the war. We all lost. The Filipino nation seeks its independence and I will sustain the cause of my country until the very end. It is always better to fall on the field of battle than to accept any foreign rule. If Progress is just a dream, Let us dream on until death. Soon, for love of our Motherland as if by some hidden code we are snatched by a secret Hand, like leaves from trees scattered by a tempestuous wind. Soon, We will be whirlwinds of dust. General, these are what's left of Lunas men. What do you want to do with them? Get sixty. My heart dwells in you My life's beginning and end. I will hope to the fullest And dream until the end. I will not seek conflict But if need be I will give my life to you So you can be free To love in peace And live in this world Without fear and strife To see you free Is my sole prayer. I will embrace and love you Until there's no tomorrow. Victory or death. I will face the darkness of uncertainty. This is the life I chose: To love you wholly and truly. I will not seek conflict But if need be I will give my life to you So you can be free To love in peace And live in this world Without fear and strife To see you free Is my sole prayer. I will embrace and love you Until there's no tomorrow. To the end, I will be by your side To the end, Your name will resound on my lips. So you can be free To love in peace And live in this world Without fear and strife To see you free Is my sole prayer. I will embrace and love you Until there's no tomorrow. |
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