Footprints

Trails forth from the past

   Leads the Lost to the right path.

      Come! These you must cast.

A Craft of Immortality

Often called the Pearl of the Orient Seas, the Philippines is a perfect blend of the Eastern and Western tradition. Its strategic confinement between seas adds to its prestige. The Filipinos, its inhabitants, aside from being hospitable and patient, love a good and enchanting story—and with no exception to such is mythology.

There were many accounts on how things came to be and how people dominated the world. Early folks attribute their joys and misery to the deeds of the gods and goddesses who abide beyond the sky’s horizons. They believe the latter to intervene with the lives of earth-dwellers either by bringing them prosperity that is owed to their faith, or by punishing them against their evil deeds.

Cordillera’s Unsung Treasury

Most people in the lowlands could only associate the Cordillera with ethnic tribes and rituals, nipa huts, woven clothings, lengua de gato, peanut brittles and the like. Little do they know that the Mountain Provinces also possess rich and diverse treasures of literary mythologies preserved by the indigenous folks. Such collection of mythical stories not only remains as part of literature, but a fragment of the highlanders’ way of living. It is an appreciation for the gods who bestowed upon them the bounty which the mountainous terrains of the region hold.

The Ifugaos and many other groups in the Cordillera call their highest ranking deity Kabunian. The Ifugao’s principal god did have other gods assisting him in his divine works. Among these lesser divinities are: Makalun, messenger of the gods; Bakayauwan andMuntundug, spirits of the mountains; Halupi, spirits of remembrance; Hipag, god of war; Libligayu, who spears livers of their victims; Binudbud, who checks on men’s appetite during feasts; and Tayaban, the god of death who wanders at night disguised as a firefly.

Renewing the World

In the beginning, the great god of Mountain Province, descended to earth, and gathered a bundle of reeds. He broke them into several halves and scattered them all over the world. He commanded the bundles to speak, and there emerged people who spoke in different languages. These people became the parents of the different races of the world today.

Our early forebearers also have corresponding version of the great flood during which Noah lived in the Bible. The people flourished and filled the earth’s surface. However, they grew to be arrogant and boastful of their riches. Kabunian was displeased that he decided to cast upon the sinful a great flood, with which only his two faithful favorites would survive—Wigan and Bugan. He warned the two, to go to Mount Amuyao as the great god opened the gates of the sea and in rushed waters. Because they were the only people left, the two married and had two children, Kalimonganand Mangotngot who also married each other.

Food has become scarce due to their growing numbers. But while searching for food, Kalimongan saw two rice plants growing in a pond of stagnant water on a mountaintop. He thought of doing something to stop the flow of water so he could cultivate grains on the mountain side. From his idea brought forth the building of the legendary rice terraces.

And the Gods Walked the Earth

After the flood, not only was the world re-peopled; it was also often visited by the deities. Disguised as a handsome man,Kabunian went to earth and fell in love with a beautiful young woman named Bugan. The two became couples despite the universal rule that mortals could not marry gods. Their love bore three children.

Soon after, Kabunian prepared for his return to the Upperworld since he could not stay in human form and live on earth forever.This saddened Bugan very much. The children were thus divided among them. Kabigat being the eldest son remained with his mother to help her till their land; Daungen went with her father. The third offspring was halved between the couple; with Kabunianusing his power to supply the child’s missing parts. His share of the body became a girl whom he called Bangan (goddess of the sky) while Bugan’s share became Lumauwig who grew up as a skilled warrior. Some tribal groups even consider Lumauwig as the most superior of all gods.

Years crept by and Lumauwig grew to be a handsome lad with whom Kabunian bestowed extraordinary powers. He fell in love with a mortal named Mitura and their love bore a child. It turned out however that Mitura was a jealous wife. This angeredLumauwig that he swore by Mount Pulog he will never live on earth again. Mitura then became very lonesome. Lumauwig took pity, thus he placed their child every night in the sky for Mitura to see. This child became the moon.

Legends of Yesterday

Another account relates how Kabunian masqueraded as a mortal to test the selfish Ihik. He punished Ihik by turning him into a stone. A further myth tells us of the epic tale of Aliguyon’s dexterity.

Scenery of Mt. Kabunian, named after Cordillera's highest diety
From kellyaustria.com

There are also these three alamat. One about the origin of Baguio’s Bridal Falls. While Maribelen and her lover were running away from his father’s warriors on the night of her arranged wedding, her bridal veil was caught by the thick foliage of a shrub. The Falls was believed to have emerged from Maribelen’s veil after her death. The other alamat relates about why Abra has so many hills. Such hills were believed to be the stones used by the villagers to kill the beautiful Abag. The third story recounts how the pine tree came about.

It was said to have suddenly sprouted from the burial place of a gentle girl suffering from a severe skin disease.

The Sad Truth: The Fate of the Gods

It is enthralling to note the admirable creativity of our forefathers especially of the natives in the Cordillera. Much of all the mythologies today had been passed down for many centuries. It is however poignant that while many stories have been preserved and still present today, more than double the number of these stories had already been washed out by time. The youth’s degenerating interest to local literature and the unreliable passing of such through word of mouth are some contributing factors to the dissipation of such literary works.

However, the authorities did a diminutive work in preventing such great losses. There has something to be changed from within the mindset of people who patronize the stories of foreigners. Ironically, something went wrong with the Philippines’ perfect blend of Oriental and Western cultures. Honestly, we cannot wait for the time that even Philippine literature itself will eventually be termed as ‘endangered’, by allowing ourselves to be dominated by the Zeus and the Greek gods of Mount Olympus.

If such stories are gone, what else could we pass on to generations after us? What fairy tales and bedtime stories can we share that can truly define our being Filipinos better yet Cordillerans? Will our poor deities achieve the immortal status? No longer will the human fate rely on gods, but theirs on us.

Source: Outline of Philippine Mythology

By F. Landa Jocano

www.yahoo.com and related links

Chained, Tied in Strings

The youth is paralyzed.

Very often, the media portrays adolescents and teenagers holding placards with blunt literature who scrape the streets in opposition to the present administration. It demonstrates a clear picture of political activism, telling that the youth is so much involved in political and social issues. But in truth, the majority of the youth is secluded from concerns of society. Only the activist groups show some signs of violent uprising. Nonetheless, very little change is effected.

Once, President Ferdinand Marcos permitted student protests in the streets without restraints. Even then, more and more students joined the mass rallies against local elite. Thus, on Sept. 1972, Marcos declared Martial Law to suppress the impending “social outburst”. However, more than three decades later, the chains that the ex-president tied remains.

In the Philippines, Marcos’ chains became patented to the current government. Political killings, media killings, death threats - all of which share strength of the binding power of fear. Fear is implanted into the culture, aiding those concerned motionless/actionless. This leads to youth passivity that eventually allows imperialism, feudalism and capitalism to take over the society. Today, our gloomy conditions continue to perpetuate an oppressive system of government.

On one hand, some groups resist the system through “diplomacy”, while others prefer mass protests and violence. Either way, all appear to be ineffective in toppling down an inverted Malacanang. From such criticism, may we strengthen national democracy and empower the national democracy can only be achieved through “the reformation of political and economic conditions.”

However, it seems that reformation is far from real. Anomalies plague the social theater, as villains are more likely to conquer. The youth will never be motivated to act since the system they are in is never motivating. Cited are three conditions that prevent youth action and highlight the country’s backwardness:

First, there is hate that emanates from within each individual, against the rotting government system. Graft and corruption pollutes our politics. The citizens in turn are the ones who suffer from the politicians’ greed.

Secondly, the prevailing political problems continue to exist and show no signs of ceasing. Filipinos, especially the young ones, get sick and tired of the spiraling cycle of election-regime-impeachment-reelection. One would expose an issue of corruption then the government will dismiss it. Another would reveal political misconduct, which would eventually be left unsolved. It is as if the government is unwilling to resolve its own internal decay.

Third, it seems that the youth see no hope in procuring such motivating conditions. If they do so in taking resistance, it is only short term and superficial; still, the strategies fail. A frightening system excavates a hopeless and helpless youth. Clearly, a manipulative string can tame a marionette into passivity and docility.

Perhaps, the reason why student resistance feels lukewarm, despite the flagrant militarization of select urban and rural areas by a “creeping Martial Law”, is that Martial Law itself is undeclared. Does the youth need to be set behind bars before it acts out on itself? When it decides to move and alarm the masses, it could be too late.

We cannot let these ‘chains and strings’ incarcerate us. History would illustrate how the youth became an indispensable catalyst for change. Now that the present political system is intensifying its campaigns of a “theatrical Philippines”, the students are called upon to formulate new modes of participation. In this world, “to remain passive is a grave transgression.”

Ang Love Story Ko.doc

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"Scene 1" by Luke Decena

Pino

Munting binhi

Tumubo, lumaki

Namunga, matayog

sa isang ihip ng kaisipang gahaman

Pinutol, natumba

Sa luba’y nagbalik

tinabunan

… ng mga baluktot na pangangailangan

Ala-ala ng mga dahon

Kumakaway, nagsusumamo,

namamaalam

… kinalimutan

The Great Pandemic

Yes, a pandemic of epic proportions is rapidly taking over the entire global community. It has unleashed its wrath on every nation, institutions and religious states. It infests and corrupts the host’s nervous system, and lodges there until morbid symptoms overcome the body. Not even the most advanced medicines ever created could match against this cataclysmic disease. For it is not of the bacterial, fungal or viral type – it is the infamous ideology of Hierarchy.


How many times have we felt its power infiltrate our living? Such demise is clearly seen in this grief-stricken nation. The National Government, the SLU Admin, church hierarchy and even hospitals – all tactlessly show their powerful crowns to every species below them. And oh! What a pity for these lowly members of society… What a pity for the common Filipino worker, the Louisian, the layman … What a pity for us student nurses – the lowest creatures in the food chain of the Medical Jungle.


The good-old organizational charts found in many buildings tell us one positive thing: the value of respect. Respect your co-workers and you earn their trust. But in reality, it is the respect we give to the faces found at the topmost portion of the org charts that often gives us the advantage. It brainwashes our mind to respect those Big Bosses no matter how unrespectable and disrespectful they are to us. By showing them your smiley face, you ensure yourself a seat for the favorites, while you get their egos bloated.


This Filipino Caste system happens in some hospital institutions. In fact, the victims of this highly contagious ideology are not the patients but most of the medical personnel. From a medical director down to the housekeeper. From the great consultants, to the resident physicians, medical interns, clerks, chief nurses, head nurses, nurses and down to the student nurses! Well, that’s the kind of hierarchy that settles who could shout, command and insult the other. That’s the hospital life we must painstakingly endure on the way to top. And yes, we get persuaded to climb the hierarchical ladder of the orgs, that in doing so we submit to the Bosses’ every bidding.


By far, we (student) nurses represent the majority of the workforce in the health care team. We carry out doctors’ orders, assess anything there is to assess, and do the dirty jobs – these are the important health measures that often go unrecognized. “Thank you” and “sorry” are rare terms for the hospital heavyweights, and even for some medical student-clerks who make “utos” to us as if we were electronic machines of the lowest brand. Hey, I thought we all belong to ALLIED health courses?


When the great consultant roasts a resident physician alive, the latter’s guilt feelings are displaced down his ranks. The anger stuff would all precipitate down to the Lowest Levels of the Hierarchy. Of course, that’s us.

Also as a student nurse, I often get the most lot from shoutings for being a maverick, an oddball. If you feel the need to graduate, well then you have to conform, conform conform! Stick with the rules, or you’ll end every school term finishing your extension duties and paying fees for it. “Attitude” matters, so they say. In this communist pink era, “attitude” equals discipline, and discipline requires conformity to rules – and that means you have to abide, abide, abide.

It’s good to have your instructors “remind” you of your stupidities. Hearing words like “third year ka na ‘di mo pa alam yan,” “ano’ng pinaggagawa mo” “huwag ka na magsalita, matatalo ka lang” “sige, IR ‘yan” and “nakakahiya ka, Mr. Agpasa” is a must for supreme learning (P.S. heavy sarcasm). To excel in your field of work you have to start low, and (unfortunately) be treated low. Sometimes, shouting and insults are tools that clinical instructors use to pierce your every nerve cell and to short-circuit your personality.

While many medical and nurse practitioners overfeed their egotistic selves, others are simply adorable for their unblemished personalities. One worth mentioning is Dr. R.M. whose specialization in cardiology exceeds the physical boundaries. Even Residents R and G, and some of the medical students show sympathy to an admirable extent. But still, these people are outnumbered. The Insensitives dominate.

Even the SLU Admin shows the symptoms of the pandemic. And for goodness’ sake! What is it again that I hear of another planned Tuition fee increase? Surely, an abuse of power and Autonomous status! Bakit taon-taon na ang TOFI? Ano ‘to? Annual TFI Celebration? May ribbon cutting pa sana ah, ta’s magpamudmod sila ng pera. My parents’ pockets have already been dehydrated. To say that the TOFI’s for SLU’s improvement is half-deceit. I wouldn’t react like this if they ever bothered to fix our nursing facilities and the age-old Net Library!

Don’t we SN’s deserve a little respect? Are we not worthy of the ‘services’ that we pay? Do we not spare these hospitals and schools from bankruptcy by fending them off with thousands, if not millions, of pesos from our tuition and affiliation fee? Where is the ‘equality’ and ‘justice’ they so talk about in their Ethics and Theology subjects? Surely, they are all easier said than done.

At times of desperation, we lay on our comfort zones and pretend that all these horrible stuffs are just episodes of Grey’s Anatomy. By this way, we only make fools of ourselves. For all these happen in real-time, with no edits and Photoshops (except for the faces everyone wears when faced with the enemy).Yes, we are plastics! Who’s not, anyway?

The great pandemic is showing no signs of weakening. It persists to devour every mindset of the heads of offices, every room in SLU, every neuron in our brains. It inflates the heavyweights’ pleasure spots with just the right amount to fuel them in maintaining their ideologies. After all, it’s nice to be on top. And to those abusives on top, perhaps they might like to read Kuwaderno 7’s poem Deceit:

You aren’t more intelligent by calling me stupid.

You aren’t more respected by disrespecting me

– you aren’t any better than me.
Today, a mere student will teach you.
Respect me and I will respect you.