VMarychelle M.

Lumbera

Socorro Cluster

Aiming to educate the public regarding good manners and proper conduct,
especially in public dealings, was given great emphasis by 'Urbana and Feliza:
Two Letters' written by Father Modesto de Castro. This was written many years
ago, but the message still holds today.

The letters were traditionally regarded as a repository of lessons meant not only for
nineteenth-century readers but also for twenty-first-century readers. This literary
piece had such a great appeal and impact on a reader who is hoping for real change
in our society through showing the sincere effort in serving our country and the
endless discipline that everyone possesses.

The first letter of Urbana to Feliza is greatly interesting and satisfying. It is deeply
substantiated and highly spirited, with the essence of good governance. It tackles
the significance of good leadership and building camaraderie with other people.
Being a good and honest leader comes with proper treatment and is devoid of
discrimination and degradation of your constituents. Facing the real situation in our
society, particularly in politics, seems to disregard the good manners and virtues of
a non-traditional politician. "Ang korona ang dapat na humanap ng puputungan at
hindi ang ulo ang maghanap ng mismong ipuputong", as one of the lines stated on
Urbana and Feliza. Many politicians, or soon-to-be politicians, are just like
crocodiles who are craving meat, pork barrels, or whatever else; money is a great
deal. Some of them are not thinking for a better future in the Philippines instead,
their eyes are endlessly staring on the sparks of gold and critically planning for
their own prosperity. How disgusting and greedy it is!

On the other hand, the second letter of Urbana to Feliza is somewhat all people
who loved to go on special or formal occasions can strongly relate to it. I learned
numerous things, say, for instance, the table manners, eating properly and neatly
and with 'class', greeting or praising the people who helped and organized the
occasions. These are some of the manners that we can use in our very simple way.
We the Filipino’s citizen are symbolize as Urbana and Feliza, the good deeds that
we learn from our leaders and parents that up until now is present, We all know
that Filipinos are known for this culture, for being the helping hand of each other.

Urbana, which symbolizes 'urbanity' or good manners; Feliza, which came from
the Spanish word feliz, which means happiness through fulfilling good deeds; and
Honesto, which represents sincerity of heart and neatness of honor, can be the
paragons of good values and manners that we must incorporate in ourselves.
However, after I read the significant piece by Modesto de Castro, a question
directly struck in my mind: Are all Filipinos aware of such a literary piece? If your
mind says no, stand up and let your mind and eyes walk, explore, and know about
it, future youths of righteousness.