Though the occurrence of Karangaya is accepted and practiced as a tradition, there are still Maranaos who choose to stand on their principles and refused to obey the will of their parents. Just like Minang Sharief, an English professor from the Mindanao State University, who refused to marry his uncle back when she was only thirteen years old.
“Condo” by Jay Taruc
This episode is not new to Filipinos, the commonness of the scenario makes its spectators to ignore the fact that our nation is rapidly sinking in the dark, gloomy sea of drought and poverty. I had realized through this episode of how the world is in need of a stable government, officials who will not sit on the earnings of its people, while the majority of masses cannot even stretch their arms at home, otherwise there will be no space for other family members to move.
Jay Taruc on this episode experienced living in a squatter housing known as “condos” scattered beneath the Makati Bridge. For several days he became one of the family members who manages to fit themselves in houses built one on top of the other. Less of a size of four balikbayan boxes, condos here do not offer windows and doors and allow only a minimal space for rats, cockroaches to freely roam.
The condos are surrounded by a river overflowing with stagnant garbage and factory waste. And though I was not there, I know for one that the whole place terribly stinks!
I don't' know how these people manage to survive living for years in this kind of homes. Well, actually it's obvious, there's no other place to live. Maybe I just can't stand the fact that couples in this status still find time to produce and add to the increasing rate of population yet they cannot even provide safer homes for their families. The lives of the children will remain at risk each time large vehicles pass by and shake up the entire homes as if there was a calamity.
“Mga Batang Hiram” by Kara David
Children are wonderful blessings from God. Priceless as they say. But to my surprise, children in the Aeta community in Zambales tend to have an equivalent price. And seeing this episode awakened in me a feeling of remorse, I guess these kids will be luckier if they were not actually born so that, they will not suffer nor carry a mass of sentiments and angst on their families.
The children who had graduated from elementary school in Lupang Pangako, Zambales in the year 2005 do not even cover the fingers of my hand. Only three of them graduated and the reason behind are dreadful to know. Most of them have gone to school because of work. Their families sent them to work in exchange for allowances and guess what even for a live cow! (how cruel!) Some were even babies when they were sold to other people at very affordable prices, ranging from three to five thousand bucks! (such loving parents!)
William, who was borrowed in exchange for a cow, is currently working in a farm with his superior. He even said that he would rather work away from his family than stay in mountains and be an Aeta! No wonder why this boy earned a feeling of disgrace in his ancestral origin.
“Lukayo: Hindi ito Bastos!” by Howie Severino
I included this episode in my five picks. Since, I was astonished on how Howie's team was able to reach a tradition and culture that were hidden from the eyes of this generation. Airing this episode made a lot of violent reactions and comments, quoting that this is very immoral and offending to the viewers. Well, in fact it's not! Expanding the depth of one's perspective on things is a major need of this country. I'm not saying that you need to leave your values, traditions and culture in mere books of history; rather I'm jut encouraging you to think outside the box, be more open minded on things, and accept the mere fact of a changing world.
In the highlands of Sierra Madre, Howie met typical grandmothers who prioritize their family and work. These “lolas” (grandmothers) shared lots of stories and advices to the youth in their barangay, they even volunteer in other health activities. But, the only peculiar thing about these lolas is during the days of local wedding, wherein they suddenly transform into uninhibited wenches, wearing sort of a clown's costume teasing the newlyweds with wooden male organs. This ritual is known as “Lukayo”.
For several years, “Lukayo” has been one of the various rituals that constitute the research of the National artist for dance, Ramon Obusan. Aside from “Lukayo”, Obusan also has documented several rituals involving phalluses, giant artificial penises that appeared to be the symbols of fertility until Judas.
This age-old custom was of course contradicted by the parish priest. But to think of it, discovery and existence of such tradition enriches the fading Philippine culture.
I hope you had a glimpse of the Philippine culture and tradition, the ups and downs of both worlds. And to end this, documentaries are only means of spreading awareness, “Awareness is only the beginning”, taking some course of actions is still in the hands of its spectators. Ciao!
