Philippine history : reassessed / Isidro Escare Abeto.

AUTHOR'S PREVIEW
THERE are facts that are true and there are facts that are false. Facts
in history that are construed as true, had been proven out of bounds by ocular findings and direct inquiry research. Documentary evidences, which had
been generally considered as the most reliable sources of informations, cannot
always be held infallible, especially, when the author is alien to places, idiosyncracies, customs and traditions about which he wrote. The history of a
given place, should therefore, be written by the one who is indigenous to that
place and not by the one who is a stranger to the same.
With this perspective in mind, this book PHILIPPINE HISTORY
REASSESSED has been fashioned.
Philippine history has been found replete with gaps or missing links
and confusions. Where documentary evidences were found amiss to fill up the
gaps, direct inquiry researches had been exploited for historical informations
to bridge the gaps and to solve confusions. Let us search and gather the strands
of our history which had been lost due perhaps to neglect, sloth or indifference
and tie them to the hanging ends to provide continuity and completeness.
Simplicity of language is the relevant characteristic of the historical
texts herein, with exception to a few technical terms, to place the history within
the grasp of assimilation and common understanding. Hence, literary enrichment had been shied away because without an aid immediate comprehension
is not feasible. It has to be stated, therefore, that history needs less of literature, but more of historical truths in a simple, informative language.
As stated, confusions obtained among historians. The most evident
was that they had been at variance and odds on historical dates, names, places,
persons and events. Reassessment and rewriting of history has, therefore,
become paramount to rectify our history, while it is unjust to arrogate blame
on anyone for the uncertainties and improprieties, because water coming out
from a polluted spring cannot be otherwise. Jose Rizal had to correct Antonio
Morga's history of the Philippines which he found with many errors of facts.
Our present task is to bring out to light the true facts of history hidden
somewhere in our midst. It is to be believed that our history is alive and shall
remain forever alive amongst our people at places where the historical events
had happened.

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