BAYANIHAN

Among the things that can transform the Philippines to great heights, is the propagation, promotion and practice of the Bayanihan spirit. Bayanihan comes from the word bayan meaning town, country or community and also related to the word bayani or hero. It means unity and cooperation in specific activities towards a common goal.

The Filipino bayanihan was depicted in a masterpiece by National Artist Francisco "Botong' Francisco displayed at the UNILAB Manlla Office. It has been a favorite subject among artists and shown here is Blanco's Bayanihan displayed in Angono, Rizal

Men joined forces to carry a nipa hut to move from its original spot to another area. This could be a short distance to over a few kilometers years back. Those days’ big trucks were not readily available and homes were mostly built of light materials. Now that most Filipinos reside in urban areas and in more durable homes, seeing a nipa hut being moved is no longer a common sight.

Will the bayanihan spirit remain? Bayanihan overlaps with other Filipino traits like 1) malasakit (concerned), 2) matulunging ( helpful) and 3) makipagkapuwa tao ( human relations),

It should remain and must be strengthened.

For Filipinos abroad the Bayanihan spirit thrives in ways more than one:

CAYUGA LAKE, CORNELL FILIPINO ASSOCIATION WELCOME PICNIC 2003 ITHACA NEW YORK

In Ithaca New York, it seems like we have a tiny barangay where Filipinos and Filipino Americans help each other 1) sharing basic starter stuff for new students in town who wants them 2) moving homes or apartments 3) raising money for charity, sick and those in grief , and 4) promoting Filipino art and culture through regular conduct of events and performances.

Others all over the world have a special community away for the motherland. Many would say, para ka ring nasa Pilipinas (it’s like you are also in the Philippines).

We live in great times because most off us don’t have tragic memories of wars like our forefathers did. Technologies have allowed easier access to our basic needs although sadly many still remain very poor. There are only few careers that will allow us to be heroes and other don’t even consider being a fireman or police heroic because it is part of their job and means to live to protect the citizenry.

The way to go is to inculcate bayanihan spirit and join forces with people who share our common love for the country and our communities.

LIBRARY MAKEOVER AND GIFT GIVING IN A PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, MARIKINA CITY 5 Dec 2009
With some members of CORNELL CLUB OF THE PHILIPPINES

Each of us find organizations we are comfortable with but signing up for activities in service oriented or volunteers oriented groups for specific durations is another. It means one can even just be transient or a guest in the area but be able to share his time like what people do in Gawad Kalinga and Operation Sagip Pasig.

What activities need more volunteering?

1) Environmental, educational and nutritional programs
2) Building of schools, homes, gardens and parks
3) Cleaning of waterways and natural areas
4) Reforestation
5) Conduct of cultural events
6) Health and sports programs, and more.

I have seen big gardens abroad, which are manned by lean staff but are made to respond to the public’s need through an army of unpaid volunteers.

SUBIC,ZAMBALES PHILIPPINES

Subic is a place where volunteerism allowed for the faster recovery from a catastrophe and closure of the American military base. So how can we teach those with time esp., the youth and the ageing population do more volunteer work?

Glad to get your inputs my friends.

AMIHAN'S UNIVERSE

A person’s world should not be confined to what his eyes can only see. There is so much to learn, discover, imagine, or even fantasize. My life goes beyond the walls and fences and I try to understand issues openly, subject to proof within reasons and hunch. I don’t box myself to a concrete philosophical, ideological or of any religious bias. I decide case to case in line with my basic principles. I respect human rights and want a society that has a rule of law and justice. Hardships and sufferings are not required for good living. The chance to give all human liberty, dignity, and opportunities to better himself and be happy in the society he lives in should be the goal.

SIX MILE CREEK, WILDFLOWER PRESERVE ITHACA, NEW YORK, USA

I am among those who has the habit of imagining how things could have been, should be and how parts can be put together to make something useful and beautiful. What I see are so vivid and detailed and seem so true and even in color. If Lea Salonga sang “A movie in my mind…” that it how it is for me for a long time. Interaction with thinkers and movers who shape the future made me feel capable of doing the same. I can easily think of possible scenarios and the best things that could happen say 25,50 or 100 years from now. I should have been a good architect or an urban planner. It’s not just about the environment but the world where human will not be too restricted on what he can do. I know the difference in capabilities but am for optimum recognition and use of human resources and skills.

CARAMOAN PENINSULA, CAMARINES SUR, PHILIPPINES

I am a Filipino citizen but I am more of a universal citizen and appreciate living in a cosmopolitan city where people of different race and background can live in harmony.

AMIHAN’S UNIVERSE WILL NOT JUST BE: MY WORLD, MY THOUGHTS, and MY ASPIRATIONS.

It could be about anything that matters with people from all walks of life. I did not make this blog to glorify myself but to share what I can. For what? The purpose are mainly as follows: TO EDUCATE, MOTIVATE, CHALLENGE, ORGANIZE, REVIEW, and ENTERTAIN.

YOSEMITE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, USA

My life, career, travel and experiences are not ordinary. My interest is wide but also highly specialized. I will write about surprising and interesting topics when able.

AMIHAN

Why call me Amihan? It’s my legal name, given by my loving Filipino parents for their first-born who arrived in this world on a windy, stormy night in December. Amihan is often heard in weather forecast as the northeast wind, the opposite of Habagat, which is the southwest wind. Others refer to it as a windy breeze, monsoon or simply the wind or Hanging Amihan. In Tagalog mythology, Amihan is a bird and one of the first creatures that helped the first human Malakas (Strong) and Maganda (Beautiful).

BELLAGIO HOTEL, LAS VEGAS NEVADA


Now, it seems there are a few of us that bears the name. Most seems younger than me. I still have to meet one in person that bears my name. But, I remember one of my mother’s patients who said she named her child after me. I love my name because it is: 1) distinctly Filipino, 2) easy to remember, 3) describes part of me who likes to be felt but not always seen 4) associated with royalty in Filipino shows e.g. Princesa Amihan played by beautiful actresses and 5) close to nicknames like Amy or Ami meaning beloved and a friend.

I was a college freshman in my Animal Science class at UPLB when my teacher said Amihan, a beautiful name and a big white horse was my namesake. It was resting near the classroom window when it happened.

BOTONG FRANCISCO'S AMIHAN, ANGONO, RIZAL, PHILIPPINES

What else bears the name? a) A boat in Bohol b) wing of cottages in an upscale resort c) a vinegar brand) a sculpture by a national artist e) a painting and poetry f) a communist alias I found in the net g) a song “Hanging Amihan –Hanging Habagat and more for me to find out.

SMITHSONIAN, WASHINGTON DC, USA



My name is part of my fate, life and destiny. I lived and studied in New York for many years, which is part of the Northeast America. I work with orchids many of which are epiphytes or air plants. I study coastal flora and beach gardens. I am committed to spend my time in a beautiful windy island, Siargao popular for surfers. I teach how plants can be used more to clean the air in urban areas and interioscapes. Lastly, I spend my time in environmental advocacy for a cleaner environment and a clean air for all.

This is my first blog, my way to reach out beyond my circle. Thanks and Good day!