Che: A Revolutionary Life

At last, I finally finished the 2-part biopic of Steven Soderbergh's Che: A Revolutionary Life starred by award-winning actor Benicio Del Toro. The first thing that pops out of my mind with the word 'revolution' is none other than the notorious but great Ernesto 'Che' Guevara. Some people think of Cuba or for the patriotic ones Andres Bonifacio, Diego Silang and others. It all started in Cuba when Batista became a military dictator. Che was a Communist yet filled with passion for change in Hispanic America. The word Communist denotes a lot of misconceptions but I must admit that I'm not into Marx's or Engel's ideology on government and politics. I called him great not because of the fact that he was a leader of the revolutionary movement but he was passionate to reform the ways of traditional politics in the region. Corruption, inequality and despair was a way of life in Latin America even the prosperous country wasn't spared. Peasants live like rats, not getting enough services especially on health care and the unequal distribution of land. (Sigh) So much for that I don't want to sound like a geek.

Anyway, I had a great time watching the film despite it was Spanish the subtitles were powerful and moving. You get to see the different faces of Che. After all, he wasn't really a war-freak commendante. He was a physician and a guerilla with a touch of humanity and love for liberty and justice. Guess what, his movement was not really concentrated in Latin America but it also reached the shores of West Africa. Revolution spread like wild fire. I wonder if he lived longer he might be able to visit the Philippines when Marcos ruled with an iron fist. LOL. The film is recommended for students in the liberal arts to spark their own revolution... kidding. Del Toro won Best Actor in the Festival de Cannes for his performance in the film and also the 2009 Goya Awards as the Best Spanish Lead Actor.

This photo was taken moments before his execution.


"Soy no libertador. Libertadores no existen. ¡La gente se libera!"

"I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves!"

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Intramuros: ¡Adios Insigne y Siempre Leal Ciudad...!

This marks the end of Intramuros, the Heart of Spanish Manila. I don't know what you call this but this shot was taken at Baluarte de Santa Barbara overlooking the dying Pasig River. Let's save the river anyway. I wonder if when and where will be my next trip. I wanna visit Vigan, Ilo-Ilo, Bohol or Palawan (sigh). ¡Hasta luego amigos/amigas! =P

Myko: ¿Adonde vamos ahora?
Me: Me gusta ir a la casa.

I'm still learning the forgotten lingua franca. ¡Viva La Republica Filipina!

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Intramuros: Felipé II, Rey de España

Meet King Philip II of Spain. He ruled the largest global empire the world has ever seen surpassing Alexander the Great of Macedonia conquering some parts of Europe, Africa, Americas, West and East Indies. During his reign, Spain reached the height of its influence and power. He raged war with England following Queen Elizabeth's rejection of a marriage proposal but went home defeated and bankrupt.

"Esta estatua fue erigida en honor a Felipe II, Rey de España de quien estas islas tomaron su nombre." which means, "This statue was erected in honor to Philip II, King of Spain of whom these islands (The Philippines, La Filipina) took his name." Grrr. Barbaric Vandals. =P

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