REACTION

PAPER

(BAYANI BA’ TO?)

Being x Becoming

RAS, ABIGAIL I.
101M
PROF. LESTER DIAMPOC
 We often hear the word “bayani” wherever we go. Be it on our history books,
movies or the internet or even in the news. How do people define the word bayani?
“Bayani” is someone who is smart by humility and is one with the nations successes and
downfalls. In the forum last September 3 “Bayani Ba’ To? Being x Becoming” it highlights
the new film Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral directed by Jerrold Tarog which is a sequel of
the blockbuster movie “Heneral Luna” premiered last 2015. Is it appropriate to call our
bayani, heroe? Idol? What does it take to be a bayani in this modern-day society?
As discussed by Mr. Mark Fortaleza in the forum, “bayani” are those people who
have a heart to do everything they can to those who are in need. It always starts within
ourselves. Bravery is not about being courageous but instead it’s about having fear.
Oftentimes we associate bayani to idol. In which an idol means someone who is symbol
of worship or a false god. When we read about our bayani who fought for our
independence what word do we usually associate with them? My guess would be idol.
We fail to understand the deeper context of what a bayani is but instead we admire them
without fully understanding what they did in the past. We admired without understanding
that it became the downfall of the first republic. According to Dr. Zeus Salazara a “bayani”
is a person who takes it upon himself to help others without expecting nothing in return.
The word “bayani”, he said, is related to the Bisaya word “bagani”, which means warrior,
and “wani”, which connotes sacrifice and concern for others. On the other hand, the word
“hero” in dictionaries usually refers to a courageous, wise and strong man. A hero is also
often admired for his morals and respect for others. Exceptionally heroic acts are
possible, and it depends on the people who are courageous enough to do such things.
What about you, who is your hero? Is it Aguinaldo who despite his shortcomings where
he ended the life of Heneral Luna and Bonifacio led the country to its independence? Or
maybe Heneral Luna where he did have his flaws but instead he stand firm for his
principles that led him to his death? Or it is Goyo who at a young age was assigned to a
great task where he was confused on what his responsibilities are? The main point is that
we should see our bayanis as someone who is flawed. History is not a telenova where
we can correct their mistakes but it is something that has already happened in the past
and should serve as a lesson to the generations today. Our history and kabayanihan is
an ongoing process. But their mistakes led us to our freedom, it showed the actuality that
even our heroes are not perfect.
The important key point I learned in the forum is that we should always remember
who we are so that we would know what society are we making. We can be a bayani in
our own ways but in return something must be sacrificed. Knowing who we are and
standing firm to what is right would eventually lead us to where we want to be.