WHAT THE FILIPINO IS LIKE: BELIEFS AND TRADITION IN SELECTED PHILIPPINE PLAYS

WHAT THE FILIPINO IS LIKE: BELIEFS AND TRADITION IN SELECTED PHILIPPINE PLAYS

              We Filipinos have different traditions and beliefs that until now are observable. Some of these beliefs and tradition are about dating, marriage, pregnancy, art, games, culture, town fiesta, relationship, courtship, and others. But I’m going to share to you guys about the tradition and beliefs of Filipinos that could only be found in selected Philippine plays: “The World is an Apple”, “New Yorker in Tondo”, “Three Rats”, “Sabina” and “Sepang Loca”

          Poverty rate in the Philippines is quite increasing over the last years, and this is also the reason why some Filipinos especially their parents will do everything just to provide their basic needs and necessities. This belief is highly seen in the play “The World is an Apple” written by Alberto Florentino especially if one of our family member will get sick, there would be always someone who will look for that sick person and take care of. Another Filipino tradition that is evident in this story is on how faithful Filipinos are when it comes to religion. We always lift our esteem in prayers and praises to our God until we sometimes forget to work hard and earn something for a living. Filipinos also believe in good lucks, we grab opportunities even the wrong ones as long as there is an opportunity.

          Filipinos sometimes enjoy other cultures in other countries that we end up changing our own ways even our own selves. Like Kikay in the play “New Yorker in Tondo” by Marcelino Agana Jr., we sometimes forget the beauty of being a Filipino and will later realized that the love for our country and being nationalistic still covers all. Hiya or shame is a motivating factor behind behavior and another trait we Filipinos have. It is a sense of social decency and compliant to public norms of behavior. We believe that we must live up to the accepted standards of behavior and if we fail to do so, we bring shame not only upon ourselves, but also upon our family. An example might be a willingness to spend more than we can afford on an occasion rather than be shamed by our economic situation. If we are publicly embarrassed, criticized, or do not live up to expectations, we tend to feel shame and lose self-esteem.

          Filipino women are understanding and extremely patient. Some Filipina girls certainly not take part in a dispute or argument because that sort of behavior doesn’t reflect a lady and just to attain a peace of mind. Also, we are taught to speak politely, with a gentle tone of voice and arguing will never be acceptable, particularly in public. Filipino females are soft spoken, calm and understanding like the character of Nita in the play made by Wilfredo Ma. Guerero entitled “Three Rats”. But, there are only some of the Filipina today who act like this as we could observe from today’s new generations.

         We also have this belief and for me it is already a norm that if a woman who will have an affair to a man who’s already married is big deal, especially we Filipinos would think that that woman is disgraceful, just like what the family of Sabina thought of her relationship with Mr. George Price in the play “Sabina”. It is a shame for the Filipino family especially those who are really sensitive to what others will say if their daughter or their female relatives will have an affair to a married man.  

          We Filipinos have also our own “superstitious beliefs” and added to that, the beliefs have great influence in our day to day life. Many people still believe that these superstitious beliefs can help them cope with life; although many new generations aren't affected by the beliefs and consider them only part of the old ways. The type which is shown in the play “Sepang Loca” is if a woman wants to bear a child, she should dance in a Patron saint that could make her bear one. This belief was made Sepa and in some other cases, we Filipino also believed.

"I know my ideas are limited, hope you've also saw or heard some of the beliefs and tradition I mentioned above."