English 7

Filipino beliefs/convictions

Read the excerpt of the short story titled, “The Wedding Dance” by Amador Daguio, a Filipino writer
from Lubuagan, Kalinga before the World War II.

The Wedding Dance

Amador Daguio

The story is set in the mountains of northern Philippines, in a traditional community unspoiled by
outside influence. The story may have happened before or after the Second World War, one summer
night before harvest time.

Awiyao is a strong, muscular, industrious member of the tribe. He’d been married to Lumnay for
seven years yet without children. He loves Lumnay and was a good husband to her, but he is forced to
take another wife as the laws of their society dictate. Lumnay is a tough, graceful woman who is also
an industrious worker. She was a loving wife to Awiyao, but after the failure to give him an offspring,
she has to suffer separation from the love of her life. Madulimay is the woman chosen to be Awiyao’s
new wife. She holds the promise of the continuity of Awiyao’s lineage. So here, we have a forced love
triangle. On the night of the festivities for his second wedding, Awiyao visits his first wife Lumnay in
the house he built for her. Awiyao is worried that Lumnay is not among the wedding dancers. He
invites her to the dance, but she remains still. He apologizes to her and explains why the situation
between them had to be this way. It is clear that they understood each other. They do not point
fingers nor judge one another. Awiyao expresses his admiration and love for his wife and his regret for
giving in to the pressure of producing an offspring. He encourages Lumnay to accept another
husband. Lumnay, however, is adamant and stands her ground — she will love only one man. Awiyao
promises to come back to her if he fails again for the second time, but Lumnay wishes him and his
new wife only blessings from Kabunyan. She admits to him how difficult the situation is for her. When
Awiyao is called back to the dance, he pauses as if to think over his decision. Lumnay accepts his
invitation to the dance and plucks up her courage to face her tribe, the joys of the past and the pains
memories keep bringing her. But then, Lumnay stops to reflect on her fate questioning why they had
to separate and plans to air her dissension to the tribe. However, she changes her mind and runs
away from the ceremony toward the bean fields where she lingers for a long while to be with the
beans, the produce she is able to breed.
 Task 1:
In this lesson, it can be derived that Filipinos, particularly ethnic groups, have exclusive
customs and traditions that they hold important to their tribe. Each has colorful stories to tell
that represent Filipino beliefs/convictions. These stories, legends, folklore, and novels from
different parts of the country shape our moral being and connect us deeper into our roots. Our
nation's rich history as a country that endures many wars and invaders pave the way for
people of distinct cultures and beliefs. These may be retained throughout the course of time,
but with the continuing modernization of our country, such customs may change. But one
thing that we will always have in common is being a Filipino.

Instructions:
List down the customs and beliefs mentioned or implied in the story you have read. Next, put

a check (✔ ) whether you agree or disagree with them. Then, write down your explanations
regarding your response.

Disagree
Customs/Beliefs Agree Explanation