Pulê

(A dramatic monologue)

Synopsis:

Apolinario Mabini narrates the highlights of his life: his birth in Tanauan, Batangas (1864), his involvement in the Philippine Revolution, his imprisonment by the Americans (December 1899), and finally, his death.

The monologue centers on the period following his arrest by American forces in December 1899 in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija; his exile to Guam after refusing to take the oath of allegiance to the United States in 1900; and his death from cholera in 1903. Mabini recalls his futile negotiations with the Americans and his failed effort to defend the Philippine cause. He writes letters to Brigadier General Bell reaffirming the moral principles of the Filipino struggle for sovereignty. By 1900, General MacArthur orders all former combatants and revolutionaries to be exiled to Guam.

With the arrest of Aguinaldo in April 1901, Pule withdraws into introspection and a painful interrogation of the Revolution: Was Rizal right that we were unprepared for a revolution? Was Bonifacio wrong to have founded the Katipunan? Was it a mistake that I joined the Revolution in its second phase? If the Revolution was right, then why did it fail? Is there a God? Does His providence secure the destiny of nations?

Pule writes his memoir of the Revolution. He sees the need to learn from its failure. Shortly after finishing his memoir, Pule begins to fear that he will die outside the Philippines. After much hesitation, he swears allegiance to the United States to be able to return to the Philippines.

The monologue ends with Pule condemning the violations against women committed by the revolutionary troops. Respect for women is an indispensable indicator of an awareness of human dignity. Pule closes his monologue by fondly recalling his mother's wish that he become a priest. During his exile, he comes to the conclusion that glorifying God is shown through service to His creatures. That, indeed, has been his whole life's endeavor.

Theatre Productions:

First produced in 1990 in the Bulwagang Huseng Batute of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, together with two other monologues, "Tonyo" and "Pepe."

In 2010, it was staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Tanghalang Pilipino.

This trilogy was staged not only at the CCP but also in different parts of the Philippines. "Tonyo" was written by Rene O. Villanueva. "Pepe" was written by Malou L. Jacob. "Pule" was written by Paul A. Dumol.

Published Version:

Arthur P. Casanova, editor. (2012). Isahan. Anvil.