Tonying As A Symbolic Memorandum

Significance of Play & Relation to Class's Topics

Jose Victor Torres' Tonying depicts the importance of kasaysayan in one's place. Kasaysayan speaks and defines a country; it is a chronological record of the past traditions and beliefs. In the play, one can see the difference during the periods before and after the Spanish arrived. While Tonying represents the ancient Filipinos; Mangmang represents the Spanish conquerors. They symbolically showed how the Spanish conquered the Filipinos: by making use of persuasion and strength. they touched the topic of importance of women in the Philippine society before the Spanish era. Women in the ancient Philippine society were being looked up to. One major role that women act upon is the role of a priestess, a Babaylan. Consequently, the audience can see the difference between the ancient Philippine society and the Spanish society introduced to us. Comparing both, one can clearly see the difference in the roles of both sexes. On the side of the Spanish society, it is evident how the men are considered as everything - only men are allowed to occupy political positions; men became the religious priests; men even became the dominating head of a household. On the otherhand, during the ancient Philippine society, the roles are divided among sexes evenly. The women are the religious leaders; while the men are the panday, in charge of weaponry. During this type of society, both men and women are allowed to become datu, a political position.

Aside from depicting the past events, the play exhibited the current Philippine political status; they showed how due to corrupted leaders, the Philippine society has a slow progress. The play touches what kasaysayan means to a country; both past and present. However, people tend to neglect this noawadays. The play wishes to relive the spirit of kasaysayan. The play signifies the weight of kasaysayan; thus, the play itself is a reminder to appreciate and love a country's kasaysayan. As a quote from the play goes "Ang mundong walang kasaysayan ay mananatiling inaapi"; a country must use their kasaysayan as a tool to learn and improve.


Source; http://www.wheninmanila.com/si-tonying-at-ang-mahiwagang-aklat-ng-kasaysayan