Leyble, Jewel Valerie B.

BSEd- English
Readings in the Phil History

Mang Mar's house was only few miles away from our house but I never
had any idea that he will be willing to share his experiences. Hearing his
humorous stories made me realize how vital it is to look back in the past. He is
Marciano Libranda who lives in Paete for almost 30 years. His hometown is in
Quezon but since her wife lives here, he decided to live here. He has one son
and one daughter who also has their own family. Before directing his point, he
first told me how "malambing" taga-Paete is. He told me how rich Paete traditions
are, like being confuse whether we are angry because of the tone of our voice.
We taga-Paete, use our voice with softness and gentleness.
Moving on with our interview, most of his answers are filled with "kilig" and
laughter. He narrate how he court his wife. How in just holding hands, their
parents will fix their marriage. He told me how important effort is when a man
truly loves a woman. Before, the most important value is to use "po" and "opo."
Other countries will know someone is a Filipino if they heard "po" and "opo." He
also mentioned how strict Filipino parents are in their generation. You can't even
prove your point, you can't complain or else you will get hit. While most of his
answers are about how dearly love is, I asked him the word bayanihan. He said
how popular that act of kindness before. That it is voluntary. But it can't be done
now because houses are concrete. He told me how beautiful and rich Filipino
values and traditions are.
After having a small talk with Mang Mar, I truly prove that not all changes
are for the better. We are so captivated by the world's standard not realizing how
unique and important our values have. Life before was simple but at least it
doesn't revolve with competitiveness and technology. Nowadays, courtship
became cheap. You are called old fashion for using "po and opo" as a sign of
respect. What's worst? Children have their rights more than rules and
regulations. Children are now confident to disrespect their parents and call it
equality. All in all, the values before are still the values we have to practice in this
generation. It's not corny to be old school especially if you're showcasing the
values of a certified filipino citizen.
I'll just end this with what Mang Mar's request to our generation, "Sana
maisip din nila yung kaugalian 'nong matatanda noon, para balikan yung
magagandang kaugalian na hindi na kailangan pang baguhin ng kapanahunan
ngayon."