Appealing to Mind

Based on the Legend of Sampaguita, the datu of Barangay Balintawak and his daughter Rosita as
well as the datu of Gagalangin and his son, Delfin showed the concept of bravery and having the
mindset of fighting and standing for what they believe is right. The datu of Barangay Balintawak and
datu of Gagalingin are both a great ruler who fought for what is best for their barangays and securing
that everything is working according to the rules of each datu. Historically, a datu is a ruler of a
particular group who is endowed with a character of being bold, courageous and sharp-witted. Thus,
both datus are capable from protecting each barangay by safeguarding their territory. However, the
young lovers Rosita and Delfin, who were reportedly the son and daughter of the datus, were having an
illicit relationship. Aside from that, Rosita and Delfin are bounded with love they tried their best to keep
their distance nearer as it can be. Even if they are blocked by a barrier but when you’re in love you
became wise and having the will to fight for love. They both find ways in order to be together even just
for a short moment without any second thoughts and the feeling of being scared. The stronger the
mind, the will to take risk is getting higher.

Appealing to the Emotion

The story reveals an unconditional love and love set no boundaries. No matter how hard the
situation of Delfin and Rosita because of the conflict between their parents but what keeps them alive
and connected is their love for each other. Both may come from different barangays and both parents
may have conflict but Delfin and Rosita handle the situation without any fear because what makes them
stronger is their love for each other and by that they become as one. Moreover, the name
"Sampaguita," which derives from "Sumpa Kita," which means "I swear," was given in an attempt by the
author to explain its origin. This Sampaguita folklore represents Rosita and Delfin's love despite their
difficulties in a relationship. It is compelling because of the story's fantastic finale, which takes place just
as the young lovers' secret connection. However, datu of Barangay Balintawak and datu of Gagalangin
possesses an antagonist trait of pride. No one is willing to give way, make peace and settle their conflict
specifically about the fences which serves as a boundary of the two barangays. Hence, anger prevails in
both datus which would result to spark a war between Barangay Balintawak and Barangay Gagalangin. If
emotions won’t be able to control, then there’s a great possibility that it will trigger the emotions
negatively. To avoid conflict, is knowing how to control oneself and being able to comprehend on what’s
going on.

Appealing to Values

According to a Sampaguita tradition, two lovers once made an enduring commitment to one
another. Commitment is the essence of what makes two lovers become one. It is the unmaterial thing
that binds them and builds a more compact relationship. Delfin and Rosita shared a value of integrity
and fidelity. Indeed, they both portrayed the Filipino values which until now is noticeably being applied
and perceived in the Philippines. Furthermore, the moral of the tale is not to indulge in pride but to
embrace humanity and benevolence. Pride is one of the seven deadly sins and it is considered as the
root cause of the other six of the seven deadly sins. Both datus from each barangay might possess this
negative trait but as a ruler it is also their own task to protect and secure the welfare of the people in
the society. However, human is born imperfect and this imperfection and being imperfect is inhibitable.
That being the case, either it would subdivide us from other people or to have a unification with each
other. Although, from the 4 main characters, datu of Balintawak, Rosita, datu of Gagalangin and Delfin
all of them have the character of being loyal and fearless based on their qualities that they have showed
throughout the story. That being so, it resembles what is the real character and trait of a Filipino. Being
valiant same as the Filipino heroes and heroines.

A Reader Response

The Legend of Sampaguita, is a forbidden love story of a man and woman living in different
barangays with parents having a conflict to each other. Falling and being in love is uncontrollable and it
happened unexpectedly. Unpredictably, falling in love to someone and falling in love at the wrong time.
It might be the right love but at the wrong moment. This kind of love is not new but there’s only a few
who were able to live a happy ending. Unfortunately, Delfin and Rosita didn’t live as they what they
wanted to be. It turned out to be a tragic love story. Despite what they are going through, they didn’t
give up on each other even if they were blocked by barriers. These barriers were a hindrance to their
genuine love. Delfin and Rosita are willing to take risk even if they knew what will possibly happen to
them. A couple bounded with love, is greater version of themselves as love conquers all. It may be a
miserable ending but it’s their true love that will make us remember about Delfin and Rosita. Their
unconditional love ties them even if it’s the world is against them; they will always commit to each other
even if it means death. They might be physically lost in this world, but what makes them alive is their
love. A true love that will never been forgotten but will always be remembered.