DULCE B.

GABILAGON

CRITICAL PAPER # 2

Love Conquers All

“To her, the name of father was another name for L O V E, Fanny Fern”.

The statement written above is what the Legend of the Banana shows. The

character was Raya the bold, daring and beautiful woman who is afraid of spirit Sag-

in, a young man, handsome spirit who has been following Raya. The two got married

and have one child.

It depicts the true love between mortal and the spirit. In this legend it shows

some characteristics, values, and beliefs of being a Filipino. Being one, it is in the

Filipino people to value their love one’s despite of his or her differences, status in life,

and even their physical appearance. Furthermore, Filipinos also believe and value

the existence of the spirit like what in this legend happened. In fact, there are some

who used to worship them, keep on believing their capabilities to turn impossible

things to happen. Banana in the legend symbolizes the practical way of living and

how Filipino survive in every day endeavors. It also shows how they survived despite

from being poor however striving hard to surpass.

Upon reading this legend there were a lot of realizations and reflections made

by myself. Indeed, it made me realize the value of family and how the father (like

what Sag-in did) do his part as a foundation in the house. Despite of really opposite

appearances of the two lovers they still love each other, embrace their difference,

and that they live harmoniously. But suddenly, the time came that Sag-in need to

disappear, it is the time to say goodbye to his family since he is just a spirit.
However, he still proves and stands his responsibility of being the head of the family

by giving his heart and that to be planted for them (family) can still survive. Yes, that

is how Filipino people value their family. Truly, no one can replace the love of the

father, the family. As what Jim Valvano quoted, “My father gave me the greatest

gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me”. Even though there

some arguments, misunderstanding, doubts made within the family but at the end of

the day love unites them, love ignites them, and love embraces them. It is in the

culture of the Filipino that a father as the head of the family needs to find job and

provide the needs of the family. However, nowadays because of the influence of

others and to avoid gender biases girls or a mother can find job to provide the

necessity at home. Whatever it is, either a father or a mother, it does not matter. As

long as they agreed and do everything to survive.

In addition, in this legend it shows how father loves his family. In the same

manner, it feels secured to be loved and to love a father. As what Julie Hebert

quoted “I think a father is someone, who loves unconditionally, there is no

perfect formula, to who a father can be”. Unfortunately, personally this would not

be happened to my daughter anymore because of the loss of his father. After

reading this legend, I can’t hold my emotions- my tears started to fall. It made me

feel pity to my daughter that she could no longer experience how and what is the

feeling of being loved by him. She could no longer experience to be cuddled and

carried by him. She could no longer experience to be embrace by him. That is why I

do everything just to fill in the space on her heart. A space that supposedly intended

to his father. I acted like not just her mother but as her father as well. I made it sure

that despite form the absence of her father she may feel complete, that we can still

feel “complete”.
 Before, I found nonsense after reading this legend or even some until I

became parent too. It is really rewarding to see your family happy while providing

their needs.

Also, it made me realized that a family is always a family. Family’s love is

special, unique, powerful, and wonderful. You are feeling secured if you are

surrounded by them that is why we need to value them, treasure them and care

them. We need to show our love to them today, at all times. Don’t wait and waste the

time that one day you will be wake up from a deep sleep without them. So, while

they are still alive, while you have the time to hug them, love them, provide their

needs, do it. Do it without any hesitations and doubts, do it with love and as much as

you could let them feel that you valued them.