Chapter 3: Dinner
Crisostomo Ibarra discusses what he learns during his travels, while Padre Damaso mentions that it is useless or not relevant. This chapter shows the importance of knowledge gained abroad, yet coming back to the Philippines to use it. It also shows how to restrain oneself from judgements of others and not to lash out. The significance of this chapter portrays the scenarios in which the OFWs face when they return to the Philippines. It shows the challenge of distance, because communication is being hindered as observed with how Ibarra knew little of the news regarding his father's death, and as there are mixed perceptions regarding the people that leave to study or work abroad, the things that he learned or the achievements he got from abroad could either be praised or downplayed by his fellow countrymen; perhaps a similar situation faced by our fellow balikbayans.
Chapter 4: Heretic and Filibuster
Ibarra reminisces as he walks around the streets. This scene shows one's love for his own country, a sense of belongingness, still being present even if being apart from it for years. Although some things have changed, there were still other things which remained the same. However, this also alludes to the lack of progress throughout the time he has been abroad. Comparing the Philippines to another country may sound horrible but it also enables the individual to reflect on these ideas we have long held on to, whether it be infrastructure or systems, to hope for development in our country. It is a short section in the paper, but it may instill a similar sentiment from Filipinos abroad to an inclination for a positive change in our own society.
Chapter 8: Recollections
In this chapter, Ibarra, a balikbayan, travels past the streets of his adolescence, where he sees various palpable traces of Spanish customs that have overshadowed Filipino culture, further exemplifying the supremacy of colonialism. Such landscape shifts following Ibarra's departure are a direct consequence of Spain's increasing control over the country. Ibarra saw the distinctions between the botanical gardens of Europe and its colonies, and that of the forlorn Manila as a metaphor, a reflection of lack of growth. The metaphor he made use of to process his thought is --- "like an anemic young woman in a dress from her grandmother’s best times.” From such, it may be alluded that Rizal’s nationalism (through Ibarra), his hope of a greater fate and future for the Philippines was fueled by his heightened sense of despair, embedded in the double-consciousness that he had developed. OFWs and Ibarra are similar in such a way that both are expatriates with a double-consciousness. OFWs board the ferries of Hong Kong, and the trains of Singapore (and the like), and wonder why the Philippines’ transportation system is “anemic”. Nevertheless, they are deemed nationalists by merely hoping and imagining a greater fate and future for the Philippines.
Chapter 42: The Espadañas
Doctor Don Tiburcio de Espadaña and Doctora Doña Victorina de los Reyes de Espadaña came to check on Maria Clara who was sick during that time. This chapter shows the vanity within Doña Victorina because she tries to become Spanish and constantly flaunts that she has achieved such a status. This chapter depicts colonial mentality as illustrated through Doña Victorina, who is desperately trying to force something that she is not. On the other hand, Don Tiburcio was a Spaniard whose initial job did not concern medicine, but circumstances pushed him to be in that field of profession, even if it was fraud. This characterization of Don Tiburcio is something that may be relatable that as one flees to another country, their life is not set in stone and may be faced with a different set of problems just as our OFWs may have undergone their own struggles in their host countries.
Chapter 53: Il Buon Di Si Conosce Da Mattina
Tasio deliberates whether or not the ideas of Europe regarding metaphysics, sciences, and the humanities are of good to the youth. Whether or not these are selfish desires for themselves or for the nation. This chapter can show how we should use our knowledge to help those around us.