Belief and Traditions

What a Filipino is like: Beliefs and Traditions in selected Philippine Plays

Three Rats

“Too much love will kill you”, the song says. Yes. It’s true because in the play Three Rats, Adrian died because he was having an affair with Gonzalo’s wife, Nita. Filipinos give their love more than a hundred percent and is willing to risk their lives for the one they truly love even if the society dictates them not to do so. Giving so much love to a person doesn’t have any assurance that you’ll receive anything from that person also because you’ll never know what lies ahead thereafter. Most Filipino women are unfaithful to their husbands nowadays. They tried to break the God’s commandments. The fact that women are known to be loyal but then the irony happens. “Betrayal” – that’s what we call it. Betrayal which lead to DEATH!

New Yorker in Tondo

Filipinos didn’t want to miss to opportunity when it comes to the important things in their lives. Like in the play New Yorker in Tondo, Kikay went to other country for her personal reason. When she went back home, everything has changed. That’s when acculturation took place. Just like us, whenever we go to other places, slowly our cultures have been changed by theirs; simply because we are captivated by their own way of doing a certain thing. Filipinos are known to be the greatest imitators.

The World is An Apple

Injustice is very evident here in the Philippines. Those people who didn’t do such thing (e.g. putting a single apple on the lunch bag) are being given consequences. Poor people are often mistaken of committing a certain act even though they are not guilty of doing so because of the fact that rich people will always have the power over them. Poor people live with fear of receiving consequences which they do not deserve since rich people is using their riches and wealth to protect their own selves not knowing people on the low class is being deprived of their rights. Pablo, an old friend of Mario tries to help them in a dishonest way which mirrors an evil one. When a problem arises, the evil then comes in but we are having our strong faith that God will provide everything for us under this world.

Sabina

“LOVE CONQUERS ALL”, Filipinos believe so but the truth is, love has nothing to do when it crosses the boundary of the law. Once a girl fell in love with a guy, they give all what they have – their love, their soul and would be very brave enough to fight for the love they feel for each other but the law and society tries to break this including one’s family. Following your heart would also mean following the norms of the society and the world.

Sepang Loca

Filipinos strongly believe in a patron or saint. Such act is having a ritual dance to a saint to grant a wish like having a baby. Yes, we really believe in miracles but we should do it in a direct way of asking. Filipinos are religious enough that they are relying on praying for a miracle rather than exerting an effort for the things they really wanted. We always believe that God would help us but having faith is not the key for granting your wish, sometimes you just have to consider God’s answer; whether is it a Yes, No, Wait and Maybe. It also depends upon the situation and intention. Religion, therefore, greatly affect one’s life.