@jekai_88 17 December 2020

Bayanihan : A Filipino Spirit

Have you ever went to a province for a staycation? Have you ever noticed them helping one another especially during occasions or special events? Have you ever wondered the reason why they are doing it? That is what we called the "community spirit" or "bayanihan". Bayanihan is a Filipino custom helping out one’s neighbor as a community, and doing a task together, thus lessening the workload and making the job easier. When Filipinos still had the traditional bahay kubo in the rural areas, since its materials are made from bamboo and nipa or anahaw leaves, they would usually move the entire house, mostly men, using long poles from where it is located to a new place. In return, the family serves food to the volunteers at the end of the move.

But since to the continuous change, houses are no longer made out of bahay-kubo, although there are still some, they no longer do this. But bayanihan doesn't only pertain to carrying and moving bahay-kubos. Here in the province, during occasions, like wedding, funeral, birthday, or any other kinds of event, neighbors would voluntarily lend a hand. Men would help in butchering either pigs, cows, goats, or carabao and they would also do the cooking. The women would be the one to help in the preparation for the event. They would lend their things like plates, spoon and forks, trays, or linens or anything that can be used for the events. They would also help in serving the food and washing the dishes. They would usually wash the dishes while gossiping.LOL!🤣🤣 Aside from events or occasion, another example of bayanihan here in the province is when a neighbor needs help in tearing down their house. Neighbors, especially men, would voluntarily help. As a sign of gratitude, just like in transferring a bahay-kubo, the family would serve the volunteers food and drinks. They would even provide liqour for those who likes to drink. Another example is during the construction of the house, when the builders are ready to do the 'buhos' or concrete casted on site or pouring of concrete, men would usually lend a hand to finish the cement slab and the post of the house faster. Although, some would pay those who help, not everyone would accept the said payment. Its not only during this instances that people are showing bayanihan. Bayanihan can also be shown during calamities. People would voluntarily lend a hand to help those in need. Bayanihan is a core essence of the Filipino culture. Bayanihan spirit shows Filipinos’ concept of helping one another most especially in times of need without expecting anything in return. Filipinos strongly believe in helping their “kababayans” in any possible way they can do to extend a helping hand.It is a beautiful Filipino mentality of helping one another. Bayanihan - it is something that we, Filipinos, can be proud of wherever we go. Sources: https://everything-filipino.com/filipino-culture-bayanihan-the-filipino-value-that-must-be-retained/ https://themixedculture.com/2013/09/25/filipinos-bayanihan/amp/