The value of historical reenactment

I was elated to find the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Dec. 31 issue featuring two pictures of my co-actors from the Republica Filipina Reenactment Group (RFRG), during our reenactment of Jose Rizal’s execution the previous day. Although only a handful of my peers were captured in the shots, everyone in our group was in high spirits over those photos.

“Consummatum est (It is finished.)” These were the immortal last words uttered by Rizal before a volley of bullets pierced his body. As he fell to the ground facing forward to gaze on the morning sun, the firing squad captain, Ejército Español Capitán de Artillería Manuel Escalante—which I had the honor of portraying—saw that he was still breathing. He pulled out his revolver and performed the tiro de gracia (mercy shot), aiming at Rizal’s heart (not his head, as Rizal had requested), before shouting “Viva, España!” Local residents, meanwhile, cried out and wept, as they were closely monitored by the dreaded Guardia Civil de Veteranas.

These were the climactic moments we brought to life during the 127th anniversary of the execution and martyrdom of Rizal. Organized by the National Parks Development Committee and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the event drew visitors to Rizal Park to witness up close the reenactment of what many regard as the most significant moment in Philippine history.

Although there is value in reading about important historical events, I believe that this kind of dramatization is more effective at striking a chord in the Filipinos’ hearts as it is more vivid, immersive, and gripping. The audience would feel as if they were time-traveling to witness an actual historical event unfold before their eyes.

RFRG is a nonprofit organization formed in 2019, with members from diverse fields who are, however, united in their goal of reenacting, with much pride and honor, the glorious moments of the Philippine revolution up until the Filipino-American war. As RFRG volunteers and hobbyists, we ourselves invest in our historically accurate uniforms, replica guns, and accessories, which are our biggest expenditures individually and as a group. We also pay much attention to the minutest details in our presentations, as we did with the Leales Voluntarios de Manila (Loyal Volunteers of Manila) uniforms for our Dec. 30 performance.

In the same way, we included in our cast a dog named Trixie, as old photos do show that a “mascot” dog was there amongst the firing squad facing Rizal during his execution. And of course, we make sure that our scripts are well-researched, with the lines (especially the military commands) written in the original language, which is Spanish.

Aside from Rizal’s execution, the RFRG has also staged the declaration of Philippine independence (June 12, 1898), the first unfurling of the Philippine flag at Teatro Caviteño, Cavite Puerto (May 28, 1898), the execution of the 13 martyrs of Cavite (Sept. 12, 1896), the Siege of Lipa, Batangas (June 7-18, 1898), and the Siege of Tayabas/Trece de Agosto Siege (June 30-Aug. 13, 1898).

This year, we have presentations lined up starting with the 125th anniversary of the Malolos Republic on Jan. 23, 2024, followed by the Battle of Quinga (now Plaridel; April 23, 1899), the Siege of Baler (July 1, 1898-June 2, 1899), and the Battles of Binakayan, Dalahican, and Imus (1896).

I find historical reenactment to be a most rewarding hobby, so I do encourage more people to join us. We members usually do not get compensated for bringing to life such historical events through our performances but we keep doing it, knowing the educational entertainment and inspiration we provide numerous people, especially history enthusiasts. We think of it as our modest contribution to our beloved country.

Historical reenactment here in the Philippines is still in its infancy, unlike in first world countries. But by being part of it, I have observed how it can educate the masses and help promote tourism in places where we perform. Most of all, it can strengthen our patriotism and nationalism as a people. Thus, I hope that our endeavor will receive additional support from local government units, nongovernment organizations, historical societies, educational institutions, and different private and public entities. “Viva, La Republica Filipina! Viva!”

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Edwin S. Guinto hails from the historic Cavite Puerto (present day Cavite City), where he owns and manages Café Antix, for which he is the pizza chef, barista, and antique restorator/collector. As a part-time historical reenactor, he usually portrays primera contrabida roles like governor general Rafael Izquierdo in NHCP’s “GomBurZa” documentary.