Since time in memoriam, women in our country have always been regarded with respect and authority. According to scholars, even before the Spaniards colonized us, women play pivotal roles in both society and religion. The most popular example are what we call the "babaylan" - religious leaders within the tribe. However, the whole concept changed when these European colonizers forced us into accepting the "patriarchal system"; thus, this why the friars, governor generals (gobernadorcillo), and the like dominated our culture and society.
In her studies, Dr. Luis Camara Dery, author of the book "WHEN THE WORLD LOVED THE FILIPINOS AND OTHER ESSAYS ON PHILIPPINE HISTORY" mentioned that "babaylanism" remains one of the most powerful institutions regarded in many parts of our country until present time. "The priestly class in precolonial Philippines was a priestly preserve. Men were accepted but subject to the condition that must wear female garb and behave like women" said Dr. Dery.
Furthermore, the importance of women have already been mentioned in the old Filipino literature in different provinces. According to Dr. Dery, if the westerners believed in one god who is predominantly male, different groups of tribes in the Philippines considers a god with female characteristics side by side with a male god. "The Gaddangs of the Cordillera have a god named Amanobay with a wife name Dalingay. The Ilamuts and Altabanes believe that Buhan is the wife of their god Kabiga. The Ifugao god Hinumbian has a wife named Dakawe," said Dr. Dery in her research. If the Chirstians have a story about Noah's Ark, the Mandaya's also have one. Unlike the bible, the storm only left one survivor - a pregnant woman to whom a new race and a new hope was born.
The Philippine history is filled with all sorts of stories that portray strong and courageous women fighting against the western colonizers. "A woman named Caquenca was the co-leader of the 1607 rebellion in Malagueg, Cagayan. Sumuroy's mother rallied the inhabitants of Palapag Samar resisting the Spaniards in 1649-50. Iraete, wife of bankaw, did the same in Leyte in 1621-22 and for this she suffered a horrible punishment. She was tightly wrapped in a buri may with weights and was thrown into the sea", said Dr. Dery.Of course, we have already studied the roles of Gabriela Silang, and Melchora Aquino (Tandang Sora) played in our history.Today, we have the Proclamation 1017 and the wire-tapping issue; back in the year 1872 during the Cavite Mutiny,(specifically) filipino women where put under surveillance by the Spaniards whom they believe were acting behind their backs. And who would expect that the person who spearheaded an attempt to rescue the GOMBURZA martyrs, was a woman? It needed a strong Clarita Rubio de Celis to encourage the men to help her out in the rescue.. oh by the way, who stopped her from saving the martyr priests? Fellow, male priests..
Something to be proud of, that's what Im trying to point out. Not all citizens in this country recognize the real facts why Filipinas stand out in the world. Allow me to close this entry by quoting what Amanda Bartolome, a character in a book by Luwalhati Bautista entitled "Dekada 70", "..ngayon naniniwala na ako. Hindi mahirap ang maging babae. Tayo lang nagpaphirap... sa totoo lang, 'Its a man's world too'.. "
On a more personal note.. I myself was overwhelmed upon reading Dr. Dery's work. Before, I used to believe that "It is a Man's World" But as you become more knowledgeable and wiser, your perspective widens and your reasoning expands... especially when there's an outside force driving you. Here in college, Unyx (a friend of mine) introduced me to the side of being a women. Though it was hard for me to accept what she always wants me to believe in, it never happened that at the end, I won't affirm what she's trying to say. She gave me a bird's eye view regarding things in life. And when it comes to being a woman, she gives me the whole concept of how it feels to live one... and she never fails to have me believe in her. Pag d kami nagkasundo, naku.. away lang ang mangyayari. haha. But I just want to give credit to her for constantly reminding me how it feels to live a life of a woman. Because of those reminders, nagiba pananaw ko sa mga kapatid kong babae, sa friends na babae and most especially to my mom.
Thanks U!In return, i will always be here for you u.
+Leo (hindi pa ako sigurado ngayon. pro sooner or later, you will know how i feel.)
3 comments:
Helo.
Im proud of you, for having this essay. But I will comment more after LINALGE exam.
Just want to say this, It's not true that I am against men, in fact I also recognize how hard it is to be one - and sometimes, I feel lucky to be a lady. Sobrang sarap maging babae, kaso mahirap lang kumilos kasi mas kontrolado ng lipunan. Pero, kung iisipin mo parehas namang kontrolado.
Sabi nga e, kapag ang babae nangaliwa - mababa lipad, pag ang lalaki - macho. Kapag ang babae, nagpakamaton, astig - kapag ang lalaki nagpaganda, bakla. Parehas mahirap d ba? Yun dpat ang marealize ng bawat isa, same lng naman kung tutuusin.
I just feel sad for some people who dont recognize their potentials as individuals, regardless of gender.
I'm proud to be a person. I am a living being - that's the important thing.
And I'm so sorry if sometimes, I go over the line, and have to always question most of what you say. Dont worry, it doesnt mean anything, sometimes - I'm just being "radically" feminist / unfair - and some things I say might have offended you. Don't worry, I'm really trying to keep quiet just so to control my tactless words. Actually, ikaw nga lang nagaganto ko (besides from my dad/friends/tita) kasi palaban ka rin.
Anyway, I'm most proud of those people regardless of gender who dont conform to society - meaning wala siyang paki if panbabae/panlalaki ginagawa niya as long as sigurado siya sa sarili niya. Or is proud to be what she/he is.
Sabi ko nga sa' yo, mahirap talaga akong pakisamahan, wala pa akong nakakahanap na katapat. Haha.
stereotypes of how men and women should be is somehow linked to morality and cultural revolution...
it somehow hinders us from being ourselves, but atleast we're less promiscuous (given our tendecies).
I know not of such thing as a patriarchal society or A Man's World. In fact, I grew up in a matriarchal world so I don't find my thinking having any resemblance with yours apropos gender and society.
Very informative, Leo. :)
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