Senior Citizens Corner: Mogula matag Martes ug Biyernes

CEBU, Philippines – Compilation ni sa akong late brother, Lory, based on the “Philosophical Works” of Dr. Emerita S. Quito, Ph.D., a Filipino Professor at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.

Ania: “The problem with Senior Citizens, is that we are enslaved by traits borne out of legends and myths, unconsciously retained, and endangering our values, attitudes and habits. These legends and myths have molded our very attitude towards life, hence, the unique Filipino ‘philosophy of life.’

“Bahala Na is the foremost Filipino trait. Bahala is really Bathala, the Tagalog word for God. This attitude actually betrays a deep-seated Filipino value of relying on Providence. Bahala na really means to leave everything in the lap of God. Pirme lang hatagan og problema ang Ginoo. Unya, kita pahayahay lang.

“Gulong ng Palad is another attitude of Filipino. We tacitly accept the circular manner of thinking. Like a wheel which goes round and round, a man is sometimes up and sometimes down. This wheel of fortune goes up and down through wealth and poverty, health and sickness, success and failure. Ug kitang mga Pinoy maghuwat lang kanus-a ta mahimutang sa taas.

“Kagandahang Loob is another quality that belongs to the Filipino only. It does not mean good ness of the heart but it is really generosity coupled with the French words, gentillesse and delicatesse. Foreigners who cannot trace the Filipino trait of hospitality or eagerness to help to kagandahang loob, mistake it as subservience, inferiority complex, colonial mentality. 

“Reciprocity (balus) also belongs to the Filipino character. Reciprocity is expressed in many varied ways. Respect for elders is based on reciprocity. Ang mga batan-on motahod sa katigulangan aron tahuron usab sila inigkatigulang na usab nila. 

“Pakikisama is also an expression of reciprocity trait. It is a spirit of camaraderie, the purpose of which is to preserve harmony, even at the expense of one’s comfort. Foreigners look upon this Filipino pakikisama as sheer cowardice or lack of backbone.

“Utang na Loob also belongs to the reciprocity attitude. Unconsciously, the Filipino believes that a good deed done to him deserves a just reward, and if he cannot reciprocate at the moment, he internalizes it.

“Hiya is the last Filipino trait. It means shame or saving face … it comes in many forms – lack of audacity, lack of initiative, lack of spunk to press one’s demands. It also accounts for the Filipino sense of extreme self-consciousness. Hiya is both cause and effect of fear of failure. A Filipino would rather not try at all, that risk failure.

“All these traits destroy instead of build a nation. There are laws granting benefits and privileges to Senior Citizens. Unless Senior Citizens give up their mythical attitudes and values and assert their rights to fully enjoy these favors and advantages in the remaining years of their lives, RA 9994 remains on paper and stays as mere suggestions.”

Text me for the complete article. 09227486687. Meanwhile, paminaw sa Senior Citizens Hour sa dyRC, 648 kHz matag Sabado 4:00-6:00 pm. Tels. 4125249, 4125298. BANAT NEWS