Showing posts with label tradition. Show all posts

The Commercialization of Traditions

By Apolinario Villalobos

Shrewd people see money in everything that man does and needs to do. From birth to death, practically, the life of man is manipulated by these people who created “necessities” without which they made life some sort of miserable to live.

When a mother gives birth, today in the Philippines, it has to done in the designated “birthing center” (Paanakan) in every barangay, or clinic or any hospital if available. If the couple lives kilometres away from such center, a vehicle must be hired to reach it. Resourceful husbands may make use of a cart pulled by a carabao, otherwise, it must be a contracted tricycle or a jeepney. Somehow, though, the use of the birthing center is free as mandated by the law. But for goodwill’s sake, the couple must shell out some cash for the midwife whose services come cheaper compared to giving birth in a clinic or hospital. Even if birthing is done at home, the attending “kumadrona” must still be paid for her services.

Basic needs of babies have flooded the market, from feeding bottles to diapers and cribs. Registration in the local government’s Registrar’s Office requires money for the processing of documents and so is the baptismal ceremony in the local Church, and more cash is needed for the thanksgiving celebration at home, a social venue, or a restaurant. A year after birth and every year thereafter, there is a need to celebrate the “birthday” so the baby needs new clothes and a celebration has to be made either at home or restaurant or burger outlet, at least. (I found out that many of those from the impoverished provinces who found their way to Manila to look for a job have no birth certificate, as they told me that they were not registered in their locality’s Civil Registrar’s office due to their poverty).

Then, of course, the parents have to be given recognition for their sacrifices, so today we have the “Father’s Day” and “Mother’s Day”. Gifts must be bought for them, at least flowers for the loving mother or a new shirt for the hardworking father. When the grown up children decide to get married and have families of their own, their parents become “grandparents”, so there’s also, the “Grandfather’s Day” and the “Grandmother’s Day” to celebrate….presents are needed to be given to show the love of the family. Dine out for bonding needs to be earmarked in the budget. Why the need for such “special” days when it is the obligation of children and grandchildren to show love to them “every day”?

Today, schools require that at least parents of their students must attend the “Family Day”, which personally, I just cannot understand because every second, minute, hour, day, week, month and year, the students are with their family or at least with their parents. So why must they spend precious time and money for food and other “contributions” just to be part of this foolish day, either in school campus or in expensive resorts or any other “educational” venue? I assume that this kind of “tradition” which the Department of Education allows is just an invention of some private schools and which later were imitated by other private schools that see the sparkle of cash in the activity. So, there you have the “Family Day” which many parents view as some kind of a racketeering effort. For, how can it be called a “family” bonding day when only the students and their parents are present while the rest of the members are not…as perhaps, brothers and sisters may be busy in the internet café or having fun with their buddies?

Another school “tradition” is the so-called “Educational Tour” a familiarization of something or someplace, most often, a mall or a resort. Poor students who cannot afford the fee are slapped with research requirements that will see them a whole day or two at the internet shop if they do not have a computer at home. Just imagine the expense to be incurred if the internet cafe would charge almost Php50 per hour plus printing of several pages of researched materials…everything amounting to almost a thousand pesos or more! Such required research comes out as a punishment for not joining the tour. In other words, joining the junket tour or making research will amount to the same expense, although, the former is purely a leisurely activity while the latter is accomplished with much difficulty.  This academic insanity is such that many parents cannot understand how a trip to a mall or resort can be compared to a researched thesis that can be graded. To justify the tour, schools include in the itinerary a trip or two to some facilities like hotel or restaurant if the course is related to tourism. But, can’t teachers show footages of these facilities as a module in the school room?

Of course, as regards recognition, teachers must not be left out because there is now what is celebrated as “Teacher’s Day”, even if some or many of them cannot pronounce the letter “R” properly when speaking in Filipino or any dialect, a mistake that their students perceive as “correct” or “just right”, because their teachers do it.

 When graduation comes, the “traditional” march and ceremonies require toga, photo taking, and new clothes for mama and papa. No amount of warnings from the seemingly helpless Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education and Culture can stop schools from holding their graduation ceremonies in expensive venues.

And, here’s for the “traditional” marriage for the couples in love. Registration in the Municipal or City Hall requires money. Nuptial ceremonies in the church require money, especially, the outfit for the whole entourage. Then, most especially, the feast for the godparents and well- wishers must be impressive as such occasion happens once in one’s lifetime that can even bring parents to tears. For the unlucky ones who call it quits after just a few years of companionship, filing of legal separation or divorce requires money. Those who persist for years till death, have to celebrate “wedding anniversaries”, very important traditions that require symbolic gifts. The “anniversary” tradition dates back to the pagan days and today, it is being observed by Christians and made more colourful with symbolic gifts, mostly made in China!

But the most outstanding “tradition” that has made many people filthy rich or woefully poor, is the “Christmas” which was not even celebrated by the original Christians, although, it is supposed to be about the birth of Jesus Christ, as what were celebrated  then, were his circumcision and baptism. I need not elaborate on this, as we already know stories of how, impoverished families would squander hard-earned money during this occasion, while wise businessmen laugh their way to the bank!

Finally, when death occurs, the funerary tradition requires money, too. The need to be buried or cremated has given life to the “funeral” and “memorial parks” industries. A lot for two remains could amount to not less than Php200K and some coffins could cost more than a million pesos!

MGA PREDICTIONS KO PARA SA TAONG 2016

NA YEAR OF THE GOLDEN MONKEY DAW…

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

The Filipino-Style of Democracy Today

…inept and disastrous, enjoyed only by the few!

By Apolinario Villalobos

During the American regime, particularly under the Harrison administration, Filipinization of the government gained momentum. The effort of Harrison was criticized by the Americans who perceived the Filipinos as ill-prepared, hence, needed more “training” but the kind of a “hands off” not “hands on”, which means that they should not be given direct responsibilities, to give them time to better absorb the essence of democracy. Despite the criticisms, however, Harrison, allowed the Filipinos to have a taste of self-rule, though, with lesser control, until finally, they were left on their own.

The American Constitution was the basis of the country’s own. Except for the federal form of the American government, all other aspects of the democratic system were copied. Clearly now, while practically, the American democracy was embraced by the Filipinos, its essence was not absorbed suitably. The freedom granted by the Americans nurtured the much-abused Filipino-style of democracy which, in time, became deeply-rooted, making the resulting corruption, very difficult to eradicate.

Today, the result is devastating, as such kind of democracy, is replete with abuse, being founded on kinship, gratitude and friendship. The traditional practice which had been going on since the colonial days, was never eradicated, but just got worse during the time of Harrison. It was more prevalent, though, in the lower rungs of the political system, yet. Such practice was strongly observed by the Americans in general, that is why, the freedom given to the Filipinos was perceived by them to be “unripe” and untimely.

Overly nationalistic Filipinos proudly declare that it is better to be ruled by a corrupt Filipino leader than by a foreigner. Lately, at the rate that the Filipino leaders are drowning the country in the muck of never-ending foreign-granted debts, the country’s economy has become foreign-fueled, therefore dictated by them, too, to insure the return of their “investment” complete with interest! In other words, the Filipino leaders have become puppets to these foreign lenders, making the country still foreign-ruled in a way! So, where is nationalism in such kind of a situation?

No doubt, the country has entered the new era of economic colonization. And, hypocrite Filipinos play blind and dumb to this reality, pretending that the country is still enjoying the benefits of a strong democracy. That could be true, but only for those who are in control of the government, their families, kin, and friends. The present president is undoubtedly tolerant of his critics, but democracy is not just about that. Is there democracy in the uncontrolled yearly increase in tuition fees, worsening unemployment, job contractualization, illegal mining and logging behind which are politicians and favored foreigners, yearly soaring of prices of basic commodities, and pocketing of people’s money by corrupt government officials?

A suggestion is changing the form of government, by decentralizing it. In other words, why not give federalism, a try? The essence of democracy is still the nucleus of this system, but grumblings from those with different culture will be eliminated, because with the decentralization, they can have the opportunity of ruling themselves, though on a controlled capacity. And, with the shrinking of covered areas, operation of the “federal states” can be controlled more efficiently, minimizing at least, the occurrence of corruption.

Along this line, the successful autonomous region of the Cordillera has shown that it can be done, followed by the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao which can be just enhanced for the sake of the Bangsamoro. A few more steps leading towards the creation of other regions throughout the country may result to the much-sought peace, albeit limited, due to the still prevailing pockets of insurgency and banditry. At the end, what the country will enjoy would indeed, be the true Filipino-style of democracy!

Ang Panggagaya ng Pilipino

…nasobrahan, kaya naging masagwa

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Nakakapagpayaman sa isang kultura ang makibahagi ng mga banyagang kultura, subalit ang kalabisan ay hindi na nakakatuwa, nagiging masagwa. Ganyan ang nagyari sa mga Pilipino na walang pinalalampas na impluwensiya ng ibang lahi pati sa panggagaya kay Kristo.

Ang isang halimbawa ay ang paggaya sa Haloween, kaya pagsapit ng araw na pagdaos nito, naglipana na rin ang mga pekeng “pumpkin” na may mga butas para sa mga mata, ilong at bunganga, may mga “witches” costume at “broomstick” din. May “zombies” pa! Nagkalat din ang mga binebentang nakakatakot na maskara, at costumes. Inaakit ng mga ito ang mga bata na nagpapatalbugan sa pinakanakakatakot na costume na may kaakibat na pagkamahal-mahal na halaga! Pati, mga bags kunwari ng goodies para sa trick or treat ay kalat na kalat sa mga mall. Kaylan nagkaroon ng Haloween ang Pilipinas? Ang meron sa Pilipinas ay paggunita ng Araw ng Patay – ang pinakanakakatakot nating araw sa kalendaryo….at hindi ginagawa ang pananakot kung gunitain ito. Nagsisindi ang mga Pilipino ng kandila sa puntod ng mga namayapang mahal nila sa buhay…at pag-uwi ay nagsasalu-salo sa nilutong simpleng kakanin o kalamay…yon lang!

Kung Banal na Linggo, okey lang gunitain ang Easter Sunday o Pasko ng Pagkabuhay, pero, bakit may egg hunting pa? Ang mga hotel, at mall ay nagpapaligsahan sa pagdaos ng ganitong activity upang makaakit ng mga customer. Alam kasi nila na kapag mga bata na ang nagpumilit, walang magagawa ang mga magulang kaya sugod na lang sila sa mga venue at magrehistro na may kasamang mahal na bayad. Subalit may mga magulang na ring pasimuno, na mismong nagtatanim ng ganitong okasyon sa isip ng kanilang anak upang maging “in” daw sa uso!

Kung pasko, may mga Christimas tree na pilit binabalot ng nilamukos na puting papel de hapon na kunwari ay nyebe o “snow, o di kaya ay ng binating sabon na mas mukhang “snow”. Kaylan nagkaroon ng snow sa PIlipinas? Ang paggamit ng evergreen na puno ay ugaling pagano, pati ang paggamit ng garland na mistletoe. Kung ang ginugunita ay kapanganakan ni Hesus, kabaligtaran ang mga ginagawa ng mga Kristiyano. Si Hesus ay ipinanganak sa isang hamak at simpleng lugar na kung hindi sa kuweba ay sa kuwadra ng mga hayop, kaya kadalasan ay ipinapakita ang imahe niya na nakahiga sa sabsaban. Walang Christmas tree sa tabi niya at wala ding snow. Ayon pa sa mga mananaliksik, nang ipinanganak siya ay tag-init, buwan ng Abril, hindi tag-lamig na buwan ng Disyembre.

Ang mga angkop na angkop lang sa paggunita ng kapanganakan ni Hesus ay ang bituin na kung tawagin ay “Star of Bethlehem”, mga tupa at mga pastol. Pati ang mga sinasabing “tatlong hari” ay hindi rin talagang mga hari ayon sa mga mananaliksik at pinatunayan ito ng mga nadiskubreng ebidensiya. Sila ang mga tinatawag na mga “magi” (singular ay “magus”) at sa  Ingles ay “magician” at miyembro ng isang tribu na kilala sa panghuhula at pagbasa ng mga palatandaan sa kalawakan, lalo na ang mga bagay tungkol sa mga bituin, at ang tawag ngayon sa trabahong yan ay fortune telling. Kaya nila pinilit na tuntunin ang lugar na “itinuturo” ng bituin na siyang palatandaan ng pagsilang ng isang hari, hanggang makarating sila sa Bethlehem, ay upang magbigay pugay dito.  Bakit hindi ito ang ituro sa mga Kristiyano? Kaya tuloy, sa kagagaya ng mga Pilipino, pati mali ay nagagaya na rin!

Sa aking pananaw ay hindi naman masama ang panggagaya. Subalit, sa halip na gayahin ang mga walang kuwentang nakagawian ng ibang bansa na kailangang gastusan upang maidaos lang, bakit hindi gayahin ang disiplina na maayos nilang pinapatupad? Ang mga Pilipinong nakarating sa Singapore, halimbawa, ay manghang-mangha sa kalinisan ng paligid nito at disiplina ng mga tao…bakit hanggang paghanga lang?...bakit hindi gayahin?..at bakit hindi ipatupad ng gobyerno ng Pilipinas?

Yong ibang magulang naman, sa kagustuhan na magaya ng mga anak nila ang pag-English ng mga Amerikano, pinipilit ang mga ito na pati sa bahay ay mag-English, bawal ang sariling salita.  Nabulol tuloy ang mga ito kung magsalita na ng sariling wikang Pilipino at naging katawa-tawa! Kaya pagdating ng panahong mag-aaplay sa trabaho, talo ng ibang aplikante na magaling na sa English ay magaling pa rin sa Pilipino at ibang salita na gamit sa ibang probinsiya.

Ang pinakamasagwang panggagaya ay ang pagiging Kristo daw kaya may namimigay ng pagkain, damit, etc.  na may nakatutok na kamera at may nakaabang na reporter na mag-iinterbyu. At, ang pinaka-super na ginagaya kay Kristo na sobra-sobra ang pagkasagwa ay ang pagpapako sa krus. Hindi nagpapako si Kristo…siya ay ipinako ng mga kalaban niyang kapwa Hudyo! Ang mga Pilipino naman, magpapapako lang pala sa krus ay bakit hindi pa gawin na lang sa loob ng bakuran nila? Bakit kailangang i-broadcast pa, ganoong iilang pirasong tao lang naman ang nakakakilala sa kanila na talamak ang kasalanan na paulit-ulit ginagawa kahit siguro matadtad na ng tusok ng pako ang mga palad. Gusto lang ng mga hangal na mga huwad na Kristiyanong ito ang makunan ng retrato upang mailagay sa facebook o magazine o diyaryo! Ano kaya kung tamaan sila ng kidlat sa oras na sila ay maipako na? Siguradong maraming pagpapa-convert sa Kristiyanismo dahil ituturing itong himala!

Kaylan kaya mabubuksan ang ating mga mata sa katotohanang ang lahi natin ay may sariling kultura na mayaman at kayang ipagmalaki sa buong mundo? At, sa pagiging Kristiyano ang kailangan ay mga gawaing makatotohanan at walang bahid ng pagkukunwari?

Ang pagmamalabis sa anumang bagay ay masama, gaya ng labis na paggamit ng asukal na nagreresulta sa diabetes – isang sakit na walang gamot! Ang bansa natin ay ganyan…naturuan ng mga Amerikano ng demokrasya, subalit nasobrahan sa paggamit kaya inabuso…ngayon, ang korapsyon sa Pilipinas ay animo kanser na hindi na yata gagaling! At, sa ibang Kristiyano, malabo na rin yatang matanggal ang makapal na nakulapol na pagkukunwari sa kanilang pagkatao…sila, na ang “pagbabago” ay inaasa na lang sa taunang tradisyon na paggunita…ibig sabihin ang “pagbabago” nila ay RENEWABLE!