Ganito Na Po Kami Ngayon (This is How We Are Now) : A Glimpse of the Philippines at Present

For the Love of Art. This woman willingly embraced
the needle to her skin without a trace of fear.

In 2010, I watched a documentary about the last native tattoo artist named Wang Od. In the said documentary, I found out that the indigenous people in the Philippines already had their culture and rituals even before the Spaniards came. One of which is pagbabatok or tattooing. Tattoos serve as mark of honor or protection for the huntsmen; while for the women, tattoos are symbol of beauty and fertility. Because of this, they were labelled as pintados or painted people.

No Pain, No Gain. In order to have a beautiful tattoo, one must
be willing to embrace the consequence.

At present, there are a lot of Filipinos who have tattoos; not because they are part of a tribe but mainly because for the love of art. I asked people that I know why they decided to have a tattoo and majority of them told me that it is their way of expressing themselves. Some of them also said that their tattoo represents a milestone of their life or a memory of a loved one. Of course, there are other reasons why people want to have a tattoo. Whatever their reason is, we just have to respect their views.

Church in a Subdivision. In 1950's,  all the new Christian converts
were required to construct their houses around the church.
Now,  we are unconsciously practicing the said tradition.  

The New Face of Christianity. Churches today are simpler and
modern in structure.

A Prayer is the most
powerful weapon.

During the Spanish occupation, churches and convents that are made of stone were built in the country. Some of them appear like solid fortress to impress the indios. [1]

If we are to compare, churches today are simple and the architecture is modernized. It is more of a home than a fortress; very welcoming, not intimidating.

Several years ago, the ox cart or kareton, aside from being the people’s means of transportation, also served as a kind of home and social venue. It hauled palay and other produce to the market. When the commuting public began to prefer fast transport to the kareton or the horse-drawn calesa, the driver had to create a substitute. This is where the jeepneys entered. [2]

Ala Cart. No need to go to the market with this
very industrious vendor who sells vegetables
with his very reliable kareton.

Karetons are still alive and kicking. However, they have a new face. Instead of being pulled by an ox, it is now being pushed by a person. At present, it is usually used for selling fruits, vegetables and other produce. It is also used as a shelter for people living in the streets.

What’s unique about Philippines is the jeepney that was originally a U.S. military jeep. An unknown innovator tried to recreate the U.S. military jeep into something that mirrors the Filipino culture and voila!  A combination of two nations was created. Then it was exhibited in the New York World Fair of 1964-1965 as a national image for the Filipinos.

All Piled Up. A terminal located at Santol street in Sta. Mesa
showcases a variety of jeepneys.

Patience. While waiting for a passenger to come, these tricycle
drivers prefer to sit back and relax.

To date, jeepneys are still famous as the primary public transportation of Filipinos. But if jeepneys are said to be the king of the road; tricycles, on the other hand, are labelled as the prince of the road. If you are to enter a subdivision, tricycles will be your convenient partner. They are also considered to be mini-taxi but not always; because there are tricycle terminals that let strangers to be on the same tricycle if they are going to the same place. In this case, the fare will be cheaper.

Forgotten. This is the Sta. Mesa post office at present.

Remember how people used to send letters to their friends, loved ones or relatives who live in the province or abroad? I do. My mother and I used to go in Santa Mesa post office every first Friday of the month to drop letters for our relatives who reside in America. When I was a kid, I enjoy writing letters; sometimes, I also draw stuffs and put some design on the letter especially if there is an occasion. Until now, I still enjoy writing letters for my friends and loved ones. But it no longer passes through Mister Postman; I just personally give the letter to them.

Tech-y Kid. Today's generation of kids are very lucky to
experience the gift of technology.

When cellular phones became available in the country, everything became possible. I started to often hear people saying, “I’m just a text away”, which clearly shows that texting is more convenient than writing letters; besides, It is time and energy saving. No need to look for a payphone. No need to go to the post office. In just a blink of an eye, your message will be received by your friend. In just a snap of your fingers, you will be able to talk to your loved ones.

It’s funny how fast the world changes. Today, you may have the latest smartphone; but when you wake up tomorrow, another smartphone may be released. Just like the generations that keep on evolving.

But there is one thing that I hope Filipinos would not forget.. and that is their nationalism.



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[1] Agoncillo, Teodoro A. (2008). History of the Filipino People. Quezon City: Garo Tech Books
                    Incorporated. (Page 81)

[2] Mercado, Leonardo N. (1994). The Filipino Mind, Philippine Philosophical Studies II. Washington D.C. : The
                   Council for Research in Values and Philosophy. (Page 174)

Sources:

Agoncillo, Teodoro A. (2008). History of the Filipino People. Quezon City: Garo Tech Books Incorporated.

David, Kara. (19 July 2010). I-Witness: Ang Huling Mambabatok [Documentary]. Philippines, GMA Network.

Mercado, Leonardo N. (1994). The Filipino Mind, Philippine Philosophical Studies II. Washington D.C. : The

               Council for Research in Values and Philosophy.