Pliant Like A Bamboo
According to the book I've read, I.V Mallari, also known as Ismael Villanueva Mallari was the author of this story. He was one of the early Filipino writers in English and was a consummate essayist. For his accomplishments, Mallari was included in the "Pan-Pacific Who's Who" and the "Who's Who Library Science."
If he's that great, therefore I could say that this story is very excellent, isn't?
EXTRAORDINARY. That is how his alluring story was written. He well-described the Filipinos way of living through thick and thin that made them distinctively different from others. The story sets a whole new level of optimism wherein it is dominant among Filipinos!
The story presents the Philippine folklore about a mango tree and a bamboo tree at the beginning. They cannot agree as to which was stronger between them, so they called the wind to make the decision. The wind blew its hardest. The mango tree stood fast and would not yield because it was too sure of itself wherein the bamboo tree knew it was not so robust, so it yielded. In the end, the mango tree's roots gave away and tumbled down while the wind got tired of blowing at the bamboo tree and so it stood till the end.
Just from reading the inception of the story, I have learned already the true meaning of "humility" that was exemplified by the bamboo tree. It tells us a lesson in life which is:
Bend but don't break. Be flexible yet firmly rooted.''
One of the most impressive things about the bamboo is how they sway with even the slightest breeze. This gentle swaying movement with the wind is a symbol of humility. Their bodies are hard and firm and yet sway gently in the breeze while their trunks stay rooted firmly in the ground below. A bend-but-don't-break or go-with-the-natural-flow attitude is one of the secrets for success.
And learning those sane things from the bamboo at the start of the story, what more to the next parts?
And learning those sane things from the bamboo at the start of the story, what more to the next parts?
As the story is moving, Filipinos where invaded by three superior countries namely Spain, America and Japan. Like the bamboo tree, he knows that he is not that strong enough to withstand them and so he yields. Whether they used subtle means of winning or came like a plague of locusts, Filipinos learned to bow their heads low and still stood richer in experience and culture.
The past is already a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision: but today, well-lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.''
This quote best describes the Filipinos! There is always the "hope" not only in mind but also in the hearts of every Filipinos that dwells among them. He is a real philosopher, not in philosophical doctrines but he does have a philosophical outlook in life.
He has a saying that life is like a wheel. Sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down. In this case, whenever he suffers, even though the marks of pain are still there, he'll stand up as the sign of new life. Everything around him is a lesson of patience and forbearance since for him, tomorrow will be another day-no winter discontent.
But what makes him entirely unique from others is that he can afford to laugh even if at times of adversities that has enabled him shrug his shoulder and say "bahala na." Even though he can pull out those words, he can manage to find a solution to every problems. It's because he doesn't want to lose against the fate despite of being accused as indolent and lacking of initiative persons, this lack of vitality, however, is his only means of survival wherein he'll do anything just to live.
He has a saying that life is like a wheel. Sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down. In this case, whenever he suffers, even though the marks of pain are still there, he'll stand up as the sign of new life. Everything around him is a lesson of patience and forbearance since for him, tomorrow will be another day-no winter discontent.
But what makes him entirely unique from others is that he can afford to laugh even if at times of adversities that has enabled him shrug his shoulder and say "bahala na." Even though he can pull out those words, he can manage to find a solution to every problems. It's because he doesn't want to lose against the fate despite of being accused as indolent and lacking of initiative persons, this lack of vitality, however, is his only means of survival wherein he'll do anything just to live.
About those traits, I am not against it because, in this world full of miseries, there is nothing wrong to do any means of survival as long as you are still enjoying your life because what is the purpose of living if you don't have a reason to live with? If it isn't for others, then do it for yourself just like how Filipinos were delighted in their lives!
Lastly, Filipinos are said to be escapist in nature as their forefathers wallowed in moro-moro, the awit, and the corrido. They loved to identify themselves as gallant knights for his women enabled him to look upon the vicissitudes of fortune. But, where can you find people who can bring a conversation in different languages fluently? This gift of language wherein he manages to master theirs is another means of surviving since he proved that there is no insurmountable barrier between him and others.
Therefore, the bamboo tree is one of the symbols we can use to described Filipinos who has the ability to adjust the peculiar and inexplicable whims of fate!
Therefore, the bamboo tree is one of the symbols we can use to described Filipinos who has the ability to adjust the peculiar and inexplicable whims of fate!
A strengthen national spirit can provide the motive power to rise our people from the depths and…pour new life and vigor in the national system. The reinvigoration of the national spirit must take place in the grass roots, in every city, town and barrio in the Philippines, and it must start among our own people… To be a worthy citizen of the world one must first prove himself to be a good Filipino.'' –Carlos P. Romulo
As a fellow Filipino, I've felt the same way because that is how Filipinos really reflect their lives to the out most. Sharing the same blood as Filipinos means I am committed to prove that I am worthy of being called a Filipino.
Of course, I would like to thank Mallari's piece of story for reminding me of what does it mean to be a real Filipino. He conveyed every trait a Filipino possessed.
Therefore, I, Jhanevhie Grabillo, am telling you that there is nothing to be ashamed as to what nationality you belong because each one of us are created different from one another to be proud as to what we are!
Thank you! ^_*
Of course, I would like to thank Mallari's piece of story for reminding me of what does it mean to be a real Filipino. He conveyed every trait a Filipino possessed.
Therefore, I, Jhanevhie Grabillo, am telling you that there is nothing to be ashamed as to what nationality you belong because each one of us are created different from one another to be proud as to what we are!
Thank you! ^_*