Re-Orientation Period
Masili, who leads a group of bandits (tulisanes) against the Spanish colonial forces. The poem highlights the struggles and sacrifices made by those who fight for freedom and justice, portraying Juan Masili as a symbol of resistance against oppression.
Juan Masili: The protagonist, a young man who becomes a bandit leader after experiencing injustice and tragedy. He is driven by a desire for revenge and a sense of justice.
Benita: A young woman who becomes involved with Masili's cause. She is a symbol of innocence and hope in a world of corruption and violence.
Enrique: Benita's lover, who is also a victim of injustice. He is a symbol of the oppressed and marginalized. The Corrupt Landowner: A powerful and ruthless figure who represents the oppressive forces in society. He is responsible for the suffering of many, including Masili's family.
Government Officials: Corrupt officials who serve the interests of the wealthy and powerful. They are obstacles to justice and progress.
Masili's Bandits: A group of outlaws who fight alongside Masili for justice and freedom. They are loyal to Masili and share his vision of a better future.
Patricio Mariano y Geronimo (17 March 1877 at SantaCruz, Manila 28 January 1935), was as a Filipino nationalist, revolutionary, poet, playwright, dramatist, short story writer, novelist, journalist, violinist, painter, and Katipunan member.
He received his high school education at Ateneo Municipal de Manila and Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Liceo de Manila. Mariano joined the Katipunan in 1896, but only fought the end of the struggle. In 1898, he became a public servant during the First Philippine Republic, acting as the right-hand man of Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, who Was the adviser to General Emilio Aguinaldo.
As a patriot, Mariano founded the organization Asociacion Pro Patria. He pursued a career as a playwright, writing zarzuelas in Tagalog, poetry, short stories, dramas, and operettas , focusing on romance, social conditions, and the hopes of the Filipino people. As a journalist, Mariano wrote articles for periodicals such as El Heraldo de la Revolucion and Ang Kaibigan ng Bayan. After the war, he edited and Wrotefor other publications. Mariano was a member of many literary organizations, including the Union de Artistas, the Union de Impresores, the Buklod na Ginto, the Aklatang Bayan, and the Lupong Tagapagpalaganap ng Akademya ng Wikang Tagalog.