Dekada 70

1. Identify the main characters on the story and describe each of the characters.

          Vilma Santos acted the role of Amanda, a mother of five who lives under the dictatorship of her husband . She has no choice but to follow the decisions of her husband. She cannot do what she want and she also want to know the real meaning of being a woman. She is struggling so hard in her own family circle while everyone's concern in the country is the state of Martial Law.

          Julian, the husband of Vilma Santos in person of Christopher de Leon. He emphasizes good characters, he becomes a good father to his children but his thoughtfulness becomes negative in the part of her wife. He makes decisions that can't be contradicted by anyone even is wife. 

         Jules (Piolo Pascual) is the first son of Amanda and Julian. He decided to help the NPA rebels and help fight against the Marcos Martial Law. 

         Isagani (Carlos Agassi) second son, he becomes a soldier though he made some mistakes in his early years.He is considered the cream of the crop in their family.

         Emmanuel (Marvin Agustin). He choose to become a writer but his father opposed him  because for his father being a writer will not give you a high income.

         Jason (Danilo Barrios) is just a typical teenager but was tortured and killed by the police during the Marcos Regime.

         Benjamine (John Wayne Sace) the youngest son of Julian and Amanda. He is in his teen-age-years during the Marcos regime.

        Mara- she was inpregnated by Jules before he was caught by the Marcos government. Jules married her inside the jail.

        Evelyn (Dimples Romana) the struggling wife of Isagani.

     

2. Identify the different conflicts in the story and tell what kind.
        MAN TO MAN CONFLICT. Julian vs. Amanda . Amanda can't do what she wants like working to experience the real essence of being a woman. They have different belief with Julian when it comes to this matter. Jules vs. Isagani  .  Jules wants to fight for the freedom of their country, but Isagani pursued to become a soldier, who will fight for the government. Isagani vs. Evelyn .  They don't really love each other, that's why they keep on fighting. Jules vs. The Government   Jules is against the martial law that Marcos declared. Amanda vs. Jason  Amanda did not allowed Jason to go to his love one.The Government vs. The people of the Philippines.  The people of the Philippines is against  The Marcos government because he declared Martial Law and keeps on killing many innocent people. MAN VS. HIMSELF. Amanda vs. Herself  Amanda cannot do what she wants.

       

3. Among the characters, who can you relate to most and why?

        I can relate most to Jules. The role played by Piolo Pascual.

        During the Marcos regime, being the eldest among the five siblings is the hardest thing for me. It is a responsibility, for me when a father cannot do what is the right thing that I know.

        I have to act being the eldest. I have to protect the rest of my family, and I have to fight what  I know is right even if it takes my life. Not just my family but my country as well.

        It has something to do with my personal situation as of now.My father died. My older brother decided to quit in school after graduating in his associate degree. So, being the second child I have to secure the future of our younger brothers and sisters. I have to make sure that they will not experience the hardships that I have been through.

         Like Jules who did what he thinks is right. I also have to do what I believe is right.

4. What is the lesson of the story?

        The story wants to address that no matter what happen you have to fight for what you think is right. If you really are a true-blood Filipino you will defend your country when it is ruled by a tyrant leader. Also the story implies that in the midst of war for freedom, you can not trust anyone but your family alone. Also you have to think a hundred times before you decide or better consult your family first.

5. If you were living during the martial law era, as a youth what can be your contribution?

        Living in the martial law era as a youth is not easy at all but if ever I have existed during those times, I would be a writer. I will write a history. (in someway it could be a great privilege).  I will document all the things that is happening around me. But my greatest contribution to regain freedom would be, fighting against the wrong doings of the government in one way or another. I will not let Martial Law to continue in the next generations to come. That is if I have lived during that era.