Takeaways on “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”
Hen. Goyo is NOT Hen. Luna 2.0
I know I had high hopes for Goyo, after the success of Heneral Luna. For some it was a major disappointment, highly commercialized, and nothing but a sequel riding on the success of TBA’s Heneral Luna.
Initially, one might think that it is an underwhelming film. Yet, in my opinion, it is as good, if not, even better than Heneral Luna. It is an enigmatic film that invites you to retreat and ponder upon the paradoxes in the life of a hero.
However, knowing that this was a historical fiction – firstly, art, secondly, historical. The production team definitely exercised a creative license in providing a realistic counter perspective of our characters. From Henera Luna to Heneral Goyo, the intent remained the same: to unmask our heroes, and reveal their human side – the good and the bad.
(photo credits: @jerroldtarrog’s twitter account)
Contrast of Personalities
For me, what Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral lacks in feistiness and angst as compared to Heneral Luna was compensated by the compelling script, and arguably the subtle, yet powerful performance by its cast members, especially Paulo Avelino.
In my opinion, Avelino did a brilliant portrayal of the internal struggles of a boy general who was forced to mature even before he was truly ready. He was somber, calm, and at times passive – the very opposite of Heneral Luna. It was meant to be that way – to highlight their personalities – create a starking contrast between the two heroes. Neither film was greater than the other.
If Heneral Luna ignited a burning passion within us, Goyo compelled us to take a step back and introspect. Choosing which film is better over the other is a disservice to us.
Both made us, laugh, cry, and think. These allowed us to celebrate stellar moments, and cringe at the same time to their humanness, the susceptibility.
Sabi ni Heneral Luna, ‘Ang taong may damdamin ay hindi alipin.’ Ngunit sa tingin ko’y kung ang damdaming ito ay sanhi ng pagkabulag natin, alipin tayo ng sarili nating damdamin.”
– Joven Hernando (fictional character)
As shown in the film, the tension was a result of the heavy burden of his responsibilities as a young leader, the tug-of-war on who he is and who he should be. The strong internal conflict blurred the lines of morality for Heneral Goyo: love of country or love of self, loyalty to a cause or loyalty to a person. In addition, his personal life also added to the inner chaos as he had his fair share of merriment and exploits, being the hero-slash-heartbreaker.
Flawed Heroes
Many were disappointed by the film’s deliberate emphasis on Goyo’s flaws as a person rather than highlighting his feats as a young and brave General. His gallant stand at Tirad Pass was also depicted as a failure. In spite of having advantage over the Americans, they were outclassed and outwitted. His death was not as glorious as our history portrays. His demise was tragic, an embarrassing defeat.
“Goyo” criticizes the folly of hero-worship. It deconstructs our notion of a hero portrayed in our history books.
Heneral Luna was defeated by the folly of his own feistiness, Aguinaldo, by his greed for power, and Heneral Del Pilar, by his blind idolatry.
This sentiment was echoed throughout the film by the fictional character, Joven;
Ano ba ang halaga ng isang bayani? Ano ba ang nasa likod ng kadakilaan? Bakit pirmi tayong nakatingala? Sumasamba nang walang pagdududa? Bakit lagi tayong bulag na umaasa sa mga tagapagligtas?”
While watching the film, I began to question if Goyo was worthy to be called as a hero along with Bonifacio, Luna, Aguinaldo, even Mabini. Their intent of serving the country suddenly became questionable. Who can we call heroes, then? If we were to follow the narrative of Direk Jerold Tarrog, then I guess, none could be categorized as a “perfect” hero. All of them were flawed and could have been motivated by an agenda or circumstance one way or another– we will never know.
Pilipinas, Duyan ka ng Magiting
Even so, we regard them as heroes, because we desperately need leaders to gather us despite of our regional divisiveness; we need men and women brave enough to fight for the cause of our country even if it means sacrificing their own lives. For a people enslaved by hundred years oppression, we yearn for personalities who will be larger than life, embodying the very ideals of love, freedom, justice, righteousness.
“Tandaan mo kung sino ka,” was a reverberating reminder of Col. Julian Del Pilar when Heneral Goyo begins to doubt himself. I believe it was not only meant for Heneral Goyo, but also to the present generation.
To be a hero one must not forget who he is, and take it upon himself to choose what he is ultimately fighting for – a principle and not an idol, to the country and not only to a privileged few.
Goyo’s characterization in the film was stripped of his valor and glory, unraveling the darker side of his persona. Yet, The Battle of Tirad Pass, as tragic as it was, was also his defining moment. Historical accounts encapsulate what he truly feels.
“There is no greater sacrifice…”
Heneral Del Pilar, no matter how flawed, is still worthy of honor and adoration as one of our celebrated heroes. He started as a boy idolizing a powerful man, yet died fighting as a true patriot burning with so much passion and fervor for his countrymen:
“Dalawang tanong lang ang kailangan ninyong sagutin. Una, iniibig niyo ba ang bayang ito? Kung ganon, tanggapin ang anumang kapalarang sasapitin natin sa ngalan ng pagibig. Walang mga bayani sa bundok na ito. Tayo’y mga sundalo na puno ng pagibig… hindi ng galit.”
– Goyo
(photo taken from @RelateOks twitter account)
The film challenges us to question stereotypes, established status quos, and general knowledge about our heroes. It teaches us that leaders should be honored, but not blindly followed, because they, just like us, are persons with limitations. “Heroes”, then, are not special humans with superpowers, but ordinary people who are willing to stand up and carry the load when no one wants to do it.
I am just so grateful that “Goyo” sparked interest in our national history. Setting aside the theatrics, the arguments about the depiction, and controversies in the storytelling, one thing it successfully managed to do is awaken the “hero” in us, to rekindle the love for our country.
Our national anthem sings to the souls of its future heroes. It beckons the brave to wake up from its long slumber; amidst the crises that we are faced with, may we never forget who we are. Soldiers, not heroes.
“…Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati’t pagsinta
buhay ay langit sa piling mo;
aming ligaya na ‘pag may may mag-aapi,
ang mamatay ng dahil sa yo”
