New Pinoy culture

By Bebot Villar

 

IT’S only in the Philippines where every town celebrates fiestas all year round. Wala namang masama rito because we are predominantly a Christian country.

Malakas ang ating pananampalataya. Naisip siguro noon ng ating mga ninuno holding fiesta celebration is the best way para magpasalamat sa Panginoon for their bountiful harvests. (Normally, the fiesta date is also the feast day of the town’s patron saint which is why nagkakaroon ng misa at procession).

Today, hindi na lamang fiestas ang kabi-kabilang ipinagdiriwang, nadagdagan na ito ng mga festival. Before, three or four days are reserved to celebrate fiesta, now the shortest celebration is one week and the longest is one month since a festival of sort is included.

And for each festival, tampok ang main product ng bayan. In Dagupan, there is the Bangus Festival. In my own town of Sto. Tomas, we have Corn Festival, and Lingayen has its Bagoong Festival.

Nakakatuwang isipin that in spite of progress and development through technology, these traditions continue to inspire our people. The fiestas and festivals are now part of our culture that distinctly make us what we are today as a nation, as a people.

These provide our young people the opportunities and the experience to organize cultural presentations, sports activities, beauty pageants, singing contests at iba pang mahahalagang bahagi ng kasiyahan.  Through these, their skills and creative talents are enhanced. Above all, they learn how to be responsible.

Hindi isang panandaliang kasiyahan lamang ang naidudulot ng ating mga fiesta at festivals, contrary to what some critics say. After each celebration, kumakayod muli ang mga mamamayan upang magkaroon ng dahilan para magdiwang.

Mabuhay ang Pilipino!

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This month of March is a graduation month.

Those who will be completing 6^th grade will still have to face another six years before they can finish high school because of the K to 12 policy. Unfortunately, there will be those who finished high school who will not likely seek college education because of poverty. And to those graduating from college, the next step is to find a job.

Of course, through it all, the guidance of parents and teachers are extremely important. Many still cannot see the importance of education in their lives.

This is the life challenge of our today’s youth to be able to fulfill their dreams of having a bright future for themselves and their families. 

Notably, a part of our being Filipino is our strong family ties. One for all, all for one – walang iwanan. Any member of the family who has more in life normally pitches in to improve everyone’s lot. This is why many are still pursuing jobs abroad to help their families.

So to all our graduating students, congratulations! May you all be good examples of our youth who persevere to keep our families happy and safe.

And to make sure you have all the chances to succeed, iwasan ang bawal na gamot.

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