Kaye D.

Gallego

St. John Paul II

Maeton M. Gonzaga
Febi Nicole R. Rigor

June 20, 2016

21st Century Literature

Region 11: Bago Aplaya by Don Pagusara

1) What are the characteristics/ descriptions of the texts from that particular
region?
After reading one text, which is Bago Aplaya, we have observed that
the texts from Region 11 depict reality: peoples experiences, their livelihood
and their struggles/hardships every day. The texts contain true-to-life events
that really happen to people. The texts are also short, but emotional and
deep in meaning. Sometimes, faith/ trust in God is included.
How do these characteristics/descriptions reflect the culture/values/traditions
of the region it came from?
From the text we were assigned to read, we learned that fishing is one
form of livelihood in the region, especially near the Davao Gulf. The texts
indicate that the people from Region 11, the Dabawenyos are people who
do their jobs with honor. The fishermen, for example, have simple jobs, but
they are honest in earning money. They are very hardworking, dutiful,
responsible and humble people. The fishermen in the poem also sing, which
tells us that despite the hardships in life, despite being poor, they still are
able to be grateful, happy and contented with what they have. They also put
their trust in their God to help them and to protect them. From the poem, we
perceive that people from the Davao Region are people with dignity and with
great values.
The Kalagan live on the island of Mindanao in the southern
Philippines. They are located in an area between the interior uplands and the
western coast of the Davao Gulf. The coastal Kalagan are also fishermen, and
some are plantation workers. What Are Their Lives Like? The Kalagan are selfsufficient farmers, producing nearly all their own food. The Kalagan of highest
rank in their society do not perform manual labor. (Janor, 2008)
2) What makes these texts unique from those other regions?

The texts portray real life situations of people and how their life goes
on every day. The texts also describe the characteristics of the people in
Davao. For example, the Bago Aplaya was inspired by the actual gulf in
Davao city and the fishermen that make a living there. This is unlike the texts
from other regions that include myths, legends and epics that do not exist in
the real world.

3) Provide a synopsis of the text (up to 10 sentences):

The Bago Aplaya poem is entitled [so,] because there is a place
here in
Davao which is located in Toril named Bago Aplaya where
theres a lot of [fishermen] (Dagan, 2011). The poem shows the life of
fishermenhow they go fishing day or night, rain or shine. No matter how
risky and hard it is sailing the seas, the fishermen wont stop. They are
responsible, patient and dutiful people. They even go fishing at night just to
have more catch. They liken their catch to gold, for these are their sources of
income. It also shows that they have great trust in God to guide them, to help
them and to protect them as they do their responsibilities for their families.
Fishermen sing while they catch. It shows their happiness despite their simple
lives. They should be honored/praised for their hard and honest work to
provide food for their families every day and their gratefulness and
contentment despite being poor.
4) Name 5 other writers from that region:
Errol A. Merquita

Dr. Macario D. Tiu

Gep Petel
Mary Armelyn
Atangan
Dancent Leono

Isla Verde
Kinsa ang nagpatay sa Pari sa
Calinan?
Black Pearl
You Own Destiny
Seasons
No One Hears My Cry
Lost Pages

References:
http://www.voicesnet.com/stateorcitydocs.aspx?
countryin=Philippines&statein=Davao%20del%20Sur&cityin=Davao
%20City&doctype=200

http://davaocitybybattad.blogspot.com/2011/10/davao-region.html
https://prezi.com/bf8t8s3ycq29/english-33-an-exploration-to-region-11-known-asdavao-regi/
http://archereegrape06.blogspot.com/2011/06/bago-aplaya-reaction-papersimilarities.html
http://kalagantribe.blogspot.com/
http://www.studymode.com/essays/Bago-Aplaya-1117817.html