REFLECTION PAPER

IN

PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

BOOK TITLE: AMERICA IS IN THE HEART

AUTHOR: CARLOS BULOSAN
KIND: NOVEL

REFLECTIONS:

Bulosan illustrates his experiences through his tactful imagery

of his childhood, describing in detail of his family and home, which
serves as symbolic markers of his Filipino identity, shaping his goals and
values as a young man.

Through his observations living a life of peasantry in

Binalonan, Pangasinan, he expresses that “I was determined to leave
that environment and all its crushing forces, and if I were successful in
escaping unscathed, I would go back someday to understand what it
meant to be born of the peasantry.” He continues, stating that “I would
go back because I was a part of it, because I could not really escape from
it no matter where I went or what became of me. I would go back to give
significance to all that was starved and thwarted in my life.”

The passages convey a message of his escapism and why he

must leave as it is part of his identity and growth as an individual in
understanding serious global and societal issues. Transitioning the desire
to escape, Bulosan mentions his dreamer-like attitude, exploring his
aspirations to one day get an education to a become a doctor or a
journalist, featuring his goal in migrating to America.

TITLE: FOOTNOTE TO YOUTH

AUTHOR: JOSE GARCIA VILLA
KIND: SHORT STORY

REFLECTION:

Footnote to Youth, was written by Jose Garcia Villa in 1933. When

Dodong decided to marry Teang, his decision was so sudden, and he ended up with
his son doing the same thing. It was like the old stereotypical sayings “History
repeats itself” and “An eye for an eye”.

Dodong did not consider the pessimistic possibilities when he gets

married at early age. He just thought everything would be fine, that he could handle
stuff but the consequences made its way to brag Dodong’s life. You should always
think first before doing or taking on uncertain step in your life to avoid superb
consequences which may come or even get worst due to wrong decision making.

We’ve seen a whole lot of worse or even worst versions of this kind
of mistake in our present society.  Youth now a days are fragile and sensitive. There
are lot of bad things that could influence us. People around us can influence us its
either positively or negatively. Its our decision what choice we will take. As a youth
we should not rush things up. We should enjoy our teenage life first and think
deeper in making decisions in life that could affect our future. We should shout out
or speak out our opinions in life. We should not just keep our opinions especially if
that opinion of ours can change the mistakes of others.

TITLE: MAGNIFICENCE
AUTHOR: ESTRELLA ALFON
KIND: STORY

REFLECTION:

  The story is about the little girl who almost got molested by his tutor. His
name is Vicente. He is a conductor and volunteered as a tutor for extra money. The
father of the family is very busy he usually don’t talk too much with the children. It is
usually the mom who is there but then when it is tutor time they are left by their
mom.It shows here in this story that sometimes you need to give more time for the
children. Maybe if the father is just more observant about the people around him
and not too busy with his job maybe he will notice something.

For me this is what Estrella Alfon wants to tells us. Let’s be observant
with the people that goes inside our hearts. There are people that will try to take
advantage of us. Like in this situation, they didn't even bother to check his
background why he seem so fond with the kids. Maybe he love the kids but is there
something that more that he wants. I can see the urge of the mother to slap Vicente.
As a mother she protected her daughter. She don’t let any mosquito bite her
daughter. Then this guy tried to molest her daughter. But then after that the mother
was still there. He really make sure that her daughter will feel well.  

Overall I can say that this is a good story. This can be read by parents for
them to realize that you need to maybe check on the people that you trust your child
with. You cannot trust everyone around you. Your children are very precious. As  a
parent you want them to be always safe with the people around.  

TITLE: THE MATS

AUTHOR: FRANCSCO ARCELLANA
KIND: SHORT STORY

REFLECTION:

The story entitled “The Mats” was written by Francisco Arcellana, one of the
admirable literary Filipino artists. The story talks about a typical Filipino family
culture, that portrays the close family relationship, respect for the elders and
remembering the family members who passed away.
            The story begins with the homecoming of Mr. Angeles who came from
Mariveles. He wrote a letter for his family about the real weaver artist who make a
marvelous mats. Apparently, he would bring home his family some mats from this
mat weaver.
            Knowing that the rest of the family members will receive their own
personalized sleeping mats, they became excited about the news. It was not just an
ordinary mat that they would receive but a personalized mat with their names and a
color depending on their birthstone. I can sense here, how much joy the kids felt
when they heard the news. Giving gifts is part of our tradition when some come back
home. This shows how much Mr. Angeles love his family.
            The mat plays an important role to Emelia and Mr. Angeles, for Nana Emelia
received a mat by her mother when she got married to Mr. Angeles. It shows in this
story that Filipinos are naturally sentimental. Filipinos always treasure the things we
received from our special someone, family, friends, etc. It shows how Filipinos care
for that certain thing they received from others.
            Finally, Mr. Angeles arrived and the kids were excited to received their
personalized sleeping mats. Mr. Angeles distributed the mats to his children as he
calls the names that’s on the mat. Now they were all done but there are three mats
left. Those mats were for their kids who passed away. This only show that even
though they’re dead they remain in the heart of their father. So, the story taught us
that we should not forget our loved ones no matter how many years had passed. The
sleeping mats used as an outlet to pay as a tribute to his three kids who were not
with them anymore.
TITLE: BREAD OF SALT
AUTHOR: N.V.M GONZALES
KIND: SHORT STORY

REFLECTION:

The story entitled “bread of salt” simply Filipinos call, pan de sal eaten
during breakfast. The story revolves in the reality of the protagonist’s awareness in
his present social class that hinders his adore of a girl named Aida whom is the old
Spaniard’s niece. He’s a boy full of aspirations yet deep and innocent intentions
to Aida, but he was a teenager and still studying.

Just like the pandesal which was still being molded in the bakery shop,
likewise the young boy. There are still many things in life that he must learn and
what should he do is just wait for the right time where he can finally prove himself
worthy.And this story pictures also how our society looks like. It shows how
differences make gaps between individuals where there are poor and rich. Social
status continue to define us for who we are and where we belong.

TITLE : THE WEDDING DANCE

AUTHOR:
KIND: SHORT STORY

REFLECTION:

‘Wedding Dance’ written by Amador Daguio is a story about Awiyao and

Lumnay, a long married couple. They’ve been married for seven harvest periods yet
the couple weren’t able to produce any child. Awiyao, who in spite of being in love
with his wife, Lumnay, feels the need to marry another woman in order to have a
son. Awiyao couldn’t bare the sadness seen in Lumnay’s face anymore. He has to
decide between himself and his beliefs or culture. On the other hand, Lumnay was
very sad because of the situation they’re in. She doesn’t want Awiyao to left her. But
later in the story, as Awiyao have decided to marry another woman just to have a
child, leaving Lumnay behind; Lumnay also decided to let go of him. Even though it’s
painful for her part, Lumnay sets him “free” because she loves him.

    On reading the story, I felt pity for Lumnay. I think it’s not right for
Awiyao to leave Lumnay just for the sake of having a child. But in Awiyao’s part, he
just can’t do anything so he just did the ‘right’ thing- to follow his beliefs and culture,
so he could redeem himself and have a child. It is indeed a complicated thing. Since
the culture of the characters shows that a man should have a child of his bloodline
for the society to accept him and recognize him. But really, Lumnay is the most
affected in the story. She was left by her husband thus she returns again to her
parents. Just letting Awiyao to follow what he has decided. Because in her heart, she
will still love Awiyao.

TITLE: THE VIRGIN

AUTHOR: KERIMA POLOTAN TUVERA
KIND: SHORT STORY

REFLECTION:

The virgin by Kerima Polotan Tuvera is a good story stating the experience of Miss
Mijares, a 34 year old virgin lady who spent most of her life taking care of her family.
Miss Mijares was an independent woman, focusing only on her job and family, with
her world evolving around her independence. She spent most of her time at work,
receiving and hiring contractual employees to get jobs for the company where she
was working. Her world was completely normal for her, until a man came, the man
that changed her principles in life.

The title itself suits the character of Miss Mijares. At 34, she was still unmarried and
childless, completely single. The story was just a little bit unpredictable, since its
ending was not clearly stated. The readers will still have to predict her next move the
moment after the guy confessed to her.

But it was clear that the man made her realize that the life which she thought was
normal was no longer normal for others. The guy made her realize that she needs to
get married. It seems that she finds the guy irresistable, since she was showing
interest towards him. She suddenly switched from female to feminine, the thing that
made the story quite interesting.

TITLE: STUPID IS FORVER

AUTHOR: MIRIAM DEFENSOR SANTIAGO
KIND: POETRY

REFLECTION:

"Stupid is Forever" may elicit a few laughs, perhaps even during the
most depressing and frustrating times. It's a perfect book to read
while sitting on the toilet, taking a bus to school or work, or waiting for
your flight at the airport. Just make sure you don't laugh too hard,
though, to avoid the embarrassment of people looking at you.

Another good thing about the book is that it isn't fiction, so it doesn't
really have a plot. You don't have to really devote your time into
reading it just to understand its content; you can enjoy reading the
book as long as you like.
 

TITLE: LIKE THE MOLAVE

AUTHOR: RAFAEL ZULUETA
KIND: POEM

REFLECTION:

At the beginning of the poem, the poet outlines how the Philippines is
dependent on other nations, and must work towards becoming independent in the
future in order to support its citizens. Like The Molave also highlights the importance
of the younger generation, and how they must fight for their country and improve
the Filipino way of living. The poet believes this will grant the nation freedom. 

    Like The Molave also talks about heroes and how they inspire regular
Filipinos to be great themselves and join them on the quest to make the Philippines
a more prosperous place. The poem states that whilst many Filipinos are achieving
great things for their country, there is still much more to be done and more residents
must contribute to the efforts. In short, Like The Molave is about inspiring the
Filipino nation to improve their country and make it self-sufficient.

TITLE: THE WORLD IS AN APPLE

AUTHOR: ALBERTO FLORENTION
KIND: DRAMA

REFLECTION:
The play "The World is an Apple" is one of the most famous Filipino
play by famed playwright, Alberto S. Florentino. In the story, it was shown how the
main character Mario was forced to choose a path that he has long promised to not
walk through again because of poverty.
The scenario of the story is not far from what's happening with members
of our society now that due to limited educational attainment that would qualify them
for a proper-paying job that would be adequate for their families' needs. 
Mario decided to come back to his old life of crime when he lost his job when he tried
to steal an apple for his daughter. He keeps on insisting that his priority is to provide
what his wife and daughter needs. He left with Pablo, his old crime buddy, even if
Gloria pleaded very hard for him not to go with the man.
This is a sad representation of what is happening in the society today.
Due to lack of better opportunities to heighten one’s standard of living, some become
entangled with the wrong crowd. By doing so, these individuals do not help their
family at all; instead, they end up worsening their family’s problem.
But one major point stands out: no matter what circumstances you are
facing in life (failed marriage, infidelity, illness, poverty) you have a role
and responsibility and you have the power to choose the right thing.