21st Literature PT by:

Cayatoc, Martha Ysabelle

Camacho, Sophia Laine
11-STEM 3

The Magic Bahag Critical Paper

Introduction:

What is society without culture? Culture plays an essential role in our lives and in our
society, for it represents our beliefs, practices, values, norms, arts, and many more that are passed
down from generation to generation. Without each other, neither culture nor society could exist. It is
also culture that gradually shaped us into who we are. Each living person in this world is unique in
their own ways and in their own culture; hence, without culture, society’s sense of diversity will be
abolished, and no taste of uniqueness will be left in our bodies. Thus, we must value, conserve, and
sustain our own culture and identity.

The short story “The Magic Bahag,” written by Cheeno Marlo Sayuno, revolves around a boy
named Abeong who had to move away from their hometown of Pasil to Tabuk with his family for
their own good. Abeong had a hard time accepting the fact that they had to leave their hometown
because there was a good opportunity given to his father in Tabuk. Because of this, he encountered
a big struggle adapting to their new home. He also had an identity crisis a week after they moved to
Pasil. He was contemplating whether he'd wear his bahag and preserve their culture or change his
style of clothing to feel like he belonged in his new environment. The story continued until he finally
had some confidence in his body, thanks to his magic bahag, whom he constantly tells himself and
believes to be “magical”.

Body:
Culture can simply be defined as "our way of life"; it represents us, our identity. Our cultural
heritage preserves our sense of self as it gives us an undeniable connection to the past to certain
social values, beliefs, customs and traditions, which allows us to identify ourselves with others and
deepen our sense of integrity, belonging and nationalism. "The Magic Bahag'' captures the journey
of Abeong, a young boy challenged to adapt to a new environment while holding onto his cultural
identity. This story is a narrative that reflects the enduring spirit of the Cordilleran culture,
highlighting cultural resilience, adaptation, pride in tradition and modernity, unity, and belonging. Not
only does it serve as entertainment, but it also educates about the complexities and beauty of
Cordilleran culture. It underlines the significance of understanding, preserving, and celebrating
indigenous cultures, promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity in our society. Therefore, this story
can inspire readers to appreciate the richness of indigenous heritage and encourage efforts to
protect and promote it.

It is vital to preserve our culture to keep our identity and pride intact, most importantly for
indigenous communities like the Cordilleran. Abeong's journey mirrors the broader challenge faced
by the Cordilleran people in retaining their cultural heritage amidst societal changes. His story
exemplifies how leaving your homeland can lead to an internal conflict causing a loss of self-
confidence and sense of belonging. In Abeong's case, this struggle is initially displayed in his
reluctance to wear his bahag in Tabuk. Moreover, education also emerges as a powerful tool in
fostering an understanding of our culture, traditions, customs, and values. In the story, Abeong's
interactions with his new classmates became an opportunity to share their Cordilleran traditions and
values. It is important that when advocating for our culture, we also acknowledge the significance of
cultural preservation in maintaining the vibrancy and resilience of indigenous communities.
Conclusion:

In conclusion, culture is crucial since it shapes who we are and functions as a kind of
distinctive way of life. The tale of "The Magic Bahag" demonstrates how maintaining our culture aids
in maintaining our identity, particularly for indigenous tribes like the Cordilleran. Moving away from
your hometown might cause you to rethink who you are, as Abeong's experience tells us. But you
can gain confidence and a sense of belonging by learning about your culture and embracing it, as
Abeong did. Therefore, it is crucial to preserve and honor our culture to maintain our identity. The
tale of Abeong teaches us all that we must become aware of, accepting of, practicing of,
appreciative of, and proud of our own cultural history. Appreciating the significance of cultural
diversity in a growing interconnected world is crucial, for as we celebrate our shared heritage, we
pave the road for a more peaceful and culturally rich future by valuing and preserving it. The short
piece reminds us to be guardians of our own culture, to treasure diversity that brings color to our
societies, and to defend the values of cooperation, identification, and pride inherent in our cultural
identities. By doing this, we promote the preservation of our past and the development of a
diversified and culturally richer future for coming generations.