Bawat tao ay may iba’t ibang  kultura, identidad na ginagawa silang bukod tangi. Nararapat lamang na pangatawanan natin ito dahil isa ito sa mga pundasyon na bumubuo sa kani kanilang pagkatao. Maraming tradisyon ang mga pinoy ngunit iisa ang nakapukaw ng aking atensyon, at ito ay ang pagbibigay natin ng pasalubong

Pasalubong salitang nagdadala ng ngiti sa kung sino man ang masabihan nito. Maari nitong paligayahin ang araw mo kung sabihin nating kakagaling mo lang sa isang malungkot na pangyayari. Isang salita na kayang pumukaw ng magagandang emosyon. Mga dahilan kung paano at kailan ito nagsimula ay hindi matukoy

Pero bago muna natin talakayin kung ano nga ba ito,atin munang talakayin kung ano ang ibig sabihin nito, binubuo ito ng dalawang salita sa tagalog. Ang salitang ugat nito ay salubong na ang ibig sabihing ay malugod na pagbabalik sa isang tao at panlaping ‘pa naman na pinaikling bersion ng pang. Saan nga ba natin natin ito maaaring gamitin at kung nararapat ba ito sa sitwasyon.

Marami pang ibat ibang tawag sa pasalubong, para sa mga cebuano ang tawag nila sa pasalubong ay tinabuan, at sa hiligaynon sinugatan, magkaiba man ng salita, magkatulad parin sila ng ibig sabihin 

Ang salitang pasalubong ay puwedeng gamitin ninuman puwede itong sabihin ninuman. Isang halimbawa nito ay isang batang may amang nagtrabaho galing sa ibang bansa,pagdating niya sa kanilang bahay ay niyakap niya ito ng mahigpit at binigyan ng damit na kung saan ay malugod nya itong tinanggap, sinabihan ng “eto pasalubong” na agad namang nagbigay ng ngiti na abot tainga, pwede rin namang ating baliktarin ang sitwasyon at nanghingi ang anak mga ilang araw bago aa pagdating ng ama nito ng pasalubong.

Kilala ang mga pinoy bilang maaruga, Isa itong patunay kung gaano kalalim ang pagmamahal natin sa ating pinakatatanging mga mahala sa buhay

Kung ating mapapansin hindi mahalaga kung magarbo man o hindi ang ating natanggap dahil ang pinaka diwa ng tradisyon nito ay ipagbunyi ang pagiging maaalalahanin natin at ipagbungad ang mga relasyon ng mga nawalay satin

Naaalala ko pa ng parang nangyari ito kahapon noong binisita kami ng aking pinakamamahal na tito na nagmula pa sa ibang bansa. Isa syang seaman kaya’t regular na sa kanya na mawala wala paminsan minsan. Nasanay na ako at Kailangang unawain ang kanyang sitwasyon ng dahil isa ito sa hinihinhing sa kanyang trabaho. Ngunit di ko inaasahan ng isang araw napatagal sya sa ibayong dagat kaysa sa dati. kinailangan nyang patagalin ang kanyang pananatili upang kumita ng mas maraming pera na para rin sa kanyang pamilya sundan pa ng mga kumplikasyon na nag udlot ng kanyang pagbalik. kapus palad nga naman nang mangyari ito, tila wagas ang lumbay na aking nadarama bawat oras,segundo na lumipas. Kay tagal kong hinihintay ang muling pagbalik nito dahil isa sya sa mga taong naghugis sa akin sa kung sino man ako ngayon. Tumayo siya bilang kaibigan at ama noong mga panahon na kinailangan ko, kaya at nung malaman ko na sya ay muling magbabalik ako ay tila ba nasa langit sa sabik na makita sya muli ngunit nang napagtanto ko na baka hindi na tulad ng dati ang aming pagsasama. Dahil sa tagal ng panahon na hindi kami magkasama napaisip ako na maaaring marami nang nangyari na nakapagpabago rito, isang malaking hadlang sa mabuting samahan namin. Mahirap maipaliwanag sapagkat ako ay labis na napuno ng ibat ibang emosyon. Sa natatandaan ko, nang una ko syang muli makita ako ay nalungkot, dahil andami nya nang pinagbago kung paguusapan natin ang kanyang pisikal na itsura. Mas tumanda at mas lalong naging wasto ang kanyang pagiisip. Ngunit nang kami ay nagkausap uli, ikinagalak ko na nanatili parin ang kanyang mga pananaw sa buhay. Bandang huli binigyan nya ako ng pasalubong na agad ko naman tinanggap at ito namang umaliw sa akin dahil sa haba ng panahong nakalipas nagawa nya akong alalahanin

Ang pagbibigay ng regalo ay isa ring instrumento upang paliitin ang distansya na nabuo at patibayin ang mga relasyon nito

Paminsan minsan nakakatulong din na ikaw ay mamuhunan pa lalo sa mga ibibigay mong pasalubong dahil kung binigyan mo ng importansya, oras at panahon ito mas malago ang aanihin mo. Simulan mo ito sa pagiisip ng kung ano ireregalo mo sa kanila, kung ano ang kulay nito, ang hugis, ang lasa, ang laki nito. Kung magagamit ba nila ito sa pang araw araw na buhay o simpleng pang dekorasyon na nagpapaalala ng presensya mo. Maging practikal, Mga simpleng bagay na nagdadala ng malaking diperensya.

Halimbawa kung ang iyong matalik na kaibigan ay mahilig sa mga abubot na kulay pula, edi maghanap ka ng mga bagay na kulay pula, tulad ng pulang alahas, pulang keychain at iba pa. Ito ay isang indikasyon na kung gaano tayo kalapit sa kanila o kung gaano natin sila kakilala bilang isang indibiduwal

Nakakatulong di ang mga pasalubong na ating ibigay upang maglahad ng istorya natin, kung saan tayo galing,kung ano ano ang napagdaanan natin, bale kung paano tayo nabuo ng panahon. Isa itong sangkap upang magpahayag ng isang bagay. Dahil may mga lugar na may  naitakda nang mga kaugalian at tradisyon, sa pamamagitan ng pasalubong kahit hindi man natin ito ipaliwanag ng berbal, nakakatulong parin itong magpahiwatig ng kwento, magpinta ng isang imahe upanh maiparanas at ipakilala kung sino tayo bilang tao

Halimbawa  isa kang probinsyanong galing sa negros occidental at nais mong iparanas ang iyong kultura. Maari nating bigyan abg ating mga mahal sa buhay ng piaya. Dahil kilala ang negros occidental bilang na “sugar capital ng pilipinas at isa sa mga lugar na magaling sa paggawa nitong pagkaing ito. Dahil sa mga dokumentong na nailatha na noon at sa makabagong teknolohiyang  naihandog sa atin ngayon, mabilis lang natin malaman kung saan tayo nanggaling, at kung pa-paano pamumuhay roon.

May mga kilalang produkto ang bawat rehiyon sa pilipinas:

Narito ang iba’t ibang pasalubong na mabibili mo sa pilipinas, para kay Bicolana Ivy Vibar, perpekto ang Pili tart galing sa Bicol dahil 

“Bicol produces the most pili in the country, to the extent that it’s been named the province’s flagship crop. The pili tart, which is just one of the many pili derivatives, is made from pili, flour, milk and sugar. A frequent pasalubong request, it is “crisp and soft, a mixture of textures,” says Bicolana Ivy Vibar.”

Para naman kay Dyan Zarzuela

Sa bulacan

“One of the famed sweet delicacies of Bulacan is the inipit. These are little rectangles of chiffon, made from eggs, milk, sugar and butter, with filling. Custard, caramel and ube are the more popular filling flavors. It’s yummy and surprisingly filling despite its lightweight appearance. You can also buy inipit in Manila.”

SA quezon

“Quezon Province is home to this deadly sounding yet not quite potent pasalubong. The yellow yema is not as sticky as your usual yema, but it still has that sweet kick. The yema acts as the icing and it is topped with grated cheese. The cake is actually just sponge cake which balances the overall taste. A party with this cake isn’t complete without a fight over who gets to have the corner pieces which have the gooiest and cheesiest yema icing.”

Sa bohol naman

“Finally, edible chocolate hills! Though they’re not really made from chocolate, these peanut kisses look like miniature versions of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills. They have nothing to do with Hershey’s but are equally, if not more lovable. Peanut kisses are made from peanuts, egg white, cane sugar and vanilla. Perfect for those who love nuts, its nutty taste is highlighted with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s low cholesterol and goes with parfait, ice cream and fruit salads,”

Sa cagayan de oro

Vjandep (pronounced Vandep) pastel is a dinner bun with yema-like filling. The name is a combination of the names of its inventors, Virgilio Jose and Elena Popera. The bun is made from the usual culprits: flour, sugar, eggs and shortening, but it’s the filling that keeps people coming back for more. You can have the original one made from milk, butter and eggs, or try the other flavors like mango, cheese, langka, macapuno and more.

Makakatulong ito sa pagtatatag ng mas matitibay na koneksyon dahil kahit paano kilala ka nila,dahil sa oras at panahon na inilaan mo sa pagbibigay ng pasalubong mas  magtatagumpay ang mga relasyon ito. Dahil sa simpatiya at empatiya naka bubuo tayo ng mga kumpanyang magtatagal pa sa ating buhay

Kaya at hindi lamang, minamaliit at isinasantabi ang pagbibigay ng regalo

Ang pagbibigay ng regalo ng ating mga mahal sa buhay sa kanilang muling pagbabalik ay hindi sukatan kung gaano nila minimithing makasama tayong muli lalo na’t alam nilang may maibibigay tayo pagdating. Ang konsepto ng pagbibigay ng pasalubong ay isa lamang simbolo ng ating pagiging maaalahanin.

Sabihin natin na oo, nanggaling ito sa isang mabuting tradisyon, lahat  ay isang kasiyahan at paglalaro hanggang ito ay hindi maunawaan ng mabuti

May mga pagkakataon na ito ay lubusang hindi maunawaan ng ibang partido at maging dahilan ng magulong relasyon, kasi kung uunawain mabuti ang konsepto ng pasalubong ay ang pagbibigay ng mga material na bagay upang ipaalala sa mga minamahal nila sa buhay na sila ay mahalaga at parte ng kanilang mundo. May mga taong bumubuo ng pagkahumaling sa mga mahal nila sa buhay hanggang sa punto na hindi nila ito kakayaning pakawalan, mga taong nanhihingi ng atensyon at iba pa. Kung sakaling nahaluan ito ng malisya maaari itong gumawa ng dagok sa kanilang relasyon.

Gagamitin ko muli bilang isang halimbawa yung mag ama, sabihin nating may mga kapatid yung anak at sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon naiisip ng bata na baka mas mahalaga pa ang kanyang kalatid kaysa sa kanya, kaya’t nang pagbalik nito sa trabaho sa ibang bansa pagbigay ng ama ng regalo,sa halip na makuntento sya rito kinumpara nya ang natanggap nyang pasalubong sa kapatid nito. Kung mapapansin, ng dahil nahaluan ng inggit nawala ang saysay ng tradisyon na ito. Sa kagustuhang mapuna ang ating mga panganagailangan, mabilis tayong mabulag sa katotohanan na kung saan naman ay pumipigil sa atin sa paghusga at malawak na pagiisip.

Nais kong balikan ang mga nakapanghihimok kong punto. 

May mga kulturang may mga ipinagbabawal na kasangkapan,

Tulad ng mga taong iglesia ni kristo. Ayon sa kanilang paniniwala bawal sila kumain ng kahit anuman na may kasamang dugo, kaya at kung ikaw ay may pagkakaalam dito, sa tingin mo ba nararapat paring bang mag bigay tayo ng dinuguan sa kanila, alam natin na ang dinuguan ay isang popular na pagkain sa pinas  ngunit kung ito ay sumasalungat sa kanilang paniniwala, mahigpit nilang sinusunod ang mga nasabi sa bibliya at isinasabuhay ito ng husto na kung saan ay dapat nating itong respetuhin. Upang bigyan ng diin ang nasabing pahayag, minarapat kong nilapitan at tinanong ang isa kong kakilalang igesia ni kristo 

Ayon sa kanya:

“we believe kasi that blood is lifeAnd there’s a Bible verse that says we can eat anything BUT blood”

Sinubukan ko maghanap ng mga inpormasyon upang mas lalo pang patibayin ang aking argumento, at sa aking pag ka bigla, marami rami pala ang nakatala patungkol dito. Mayroon akong nakitang tatlong taludtod galing sa bibiya na tinatalakay ang nasabing isyu

Ayon sa genesis 9:1-8

“And God blessed Noah and his sons and sais unto them, be fruitful and multiply and repenish the earth and upon every fowl of the earth,and upon every fishes in the sea, into your hand they are delivered.

Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things

But flesh with the life thereof, which is the bood thereof,shall ye not eat”

Ayon naman sa leviticus 17:10-13

” i will set my face against any israelite or any foreigner residing among them who eats blood, and i will cut them off from the people.for the life of the creature is in the blood, and i have gciven it to you to make attonement for ones life

Therefore i say to the israelites, none of you may eat blood, nor may any foreigner residing among you eat blood

Any israelite or any foreigner who huntd any animal or bird that may be eaten must drain it out the blood and cover it with the earth”

At ang panghuli naman ay ang sa acts 21:25 

“As for the gentile believers we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from foods sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals  and from sexual immorality”

Ating pansinin at maging sensitibo sa mga ganitong bagay bagay, tayo sana ay maging metikuloso sa pagbibigay ng nga regalo dahil maaari nating mabastod ang kaniang pagkatao.

Kung ating inunawa at pinagaralan ang kasaysayan nang ating kultura, mas lalo tayong magkakaroong ng diwa na magkaroon ng responsibilidad na pangalagaan at pangatawanan ito. Ito ay upang bigyan ng saysay ang mga danos na naka akibat dito

Bagay bagay was a showcase of artworks from the grade twelve students from the strand of Multimedia Arts in iACADEMY. The pupils were tasked to create a piece using their identity and local objects for their thematics. The exhibit was an instrument in order to embrace and promote our culture and heritage as filipinos, while the artist’s figure out their personas using the mediums they use in their craft . Strolling along their masterpieces, immense emotions were evoked.

I was pleasantly surprised as i was immediately greeted with a sense of nostalgia. This opportunity has let me, even for a short period of time, to peak at what is like to be in the artist’s shoes understanding how they came to be, looking at the carcasses of the molds from where they were formed. Showcasing their identity and culture was a really broad topic, it was interesting as to how the artists are going to take the task in exhibiting themselves knowing that it lets their audiences witness their vulnerabilitites with a very personal topic. It was pleasant to see the authenticity of each and everones story. They were masters of their craft and it shows. During my time at the exhibit it was very educational and therapeutic exercise for me knowing that one, i can use the experience as a lense for an in depth understanding to newer perspectives. Who knows, maybe there could be some things i could take away in order to improve myself as an individual, right? That aside it also helps me to relate to someone who have a similar story they might have underwent with it. How art can cure ones uneasiness and grants you belongingness.

There were pretty a lot of astonishing artworks. There were dozens of artworks there were displayed at the exhibit for an uknown reason there wad an ongoing trend. The repetitive use of glass and mirrors which stood out for me but what caught my i the most was Beatriz Santiago’s work the one where she used broken glasses then added gold paint to keep it together. At first i was having a rough time since I, myself am confused as to whose artwork will i use as the main topic for my feauture writibg essay.Me knowledgeable of kintsugi, a type of japanese art wherein they tend to repair their pottery with lacquer dusted with gold in order to make it stronger. Every piece was unique because you can never replicate how a ware was broken I personally decided to use Santiago’s since it piqued my interest how she uses the technique I was curious as to how she was able to pull off such a masterpiece knowing that it was high risk, in one way or another everything could go wrong and it would just look like a tragedy, thankfully it seemed to have paid off. The way she integrated her personal flare in order to make it distinguishable while making it personal intrigued me so i decided to ask her some qusestions. Firstly i asked her what was the inspiration for her artwork and what waz the meaning behind it,and she answered with “The artwork is a personal piece in which I attempted to introduce something about myself through the use of everyday materials that I’ve associated with. I took inspiration from my own experiences with objects that I’ve associated with over the years.” It definitely hooked me when she said how she identifies with the laquer and the mirror. Even though the gold paste was viciously running across the broken shards of the mirror and how one’s reflection is shown once they look at it waz very poetic indeed. Looking at it magnificence of its beauty amazes me. “I would always immediately think of what materials I want to use. I don’t often think which materials would work the best for personal artworks” How cool it is to know that there has so much thought and effort that was put into it. how the artists processes happen before actually producing and executing it. Every art piece should not be undermined knowing that every work is a tool that can inspire others to seek for the better. There is beauty in a disaster. It had character, the shards were not blindly placed elsewhere, it created a storyline it was stratigically place in order to see the reflection of the creator. how the mirrors were shattered yet it still exuded beauty what came to her when she decided to chose the materials to use for her artpiece to get a clearer and in depth understanding of things.

kristelle Gangania’s kaleidoscope At first glance you’ll wonder about what is so special with a round pipe covered what it seems like a gift wrapper accented with a ribbon spinning along the curvature of it, one may think that it wasn’t really well thought out but if they took the time to inspect it, they would have to experience the wonders it provides. I do not know how she was able to conceptualize her style it musy be intrinsic and labor intensive although it her work doesnt blatantly tell her characteristic as a person if one took their time to analize every small detail that there is figuratively and literally, then you’ll see how meticulous she must be in terms of her work ethics. As a person i believe she’s also whimsical as she’s able to bring you to a whole other dimension. The artwork was very reliant with oyr senses. It makes you feel something which is what art should do. there was an eerie-ness exuding from it it was simple in a way wherein she uses the 3 of pringles as a funnel then adorned the end part trinkets.

Miss zoe olavides’s archie’s comic inspired betty and veronica’s collage wasalso exquisite. It was a great nod to pop culture. If observed correctly, archie’s comics must have been a part of her childhood, leaving a great impact in her formative years. It was nice to know that as a person even the smallest things like comic books can leave and make a lasting impression in an individual. I would like to quote once again Ms. Santiago “You’d be surprised to think that even the simplest objects could become a big part of your life.” One shoudn’t think lowly of your the small things in life for it can leave a significant impact in their lives should be held dearly and given importance. Environment shapes an indivdual. Every person came from different backgrounds, cultures, social standings and the like the experience was very insightful. The experience that they have grown with will always be a part of their identity.

Understanding each other will greatly help one in acting appropriately and ethically correct by being empathic we learn that everyone is valid and that our world is composed of various colors not just ones and zeroes by embracing this idea we get to be more inclusive in creating a more harmonius environment. We grow to apprciate more hpw much of a big deal this objects that we have in out life. We learn to have appreciation and acceptance with how they were and how they will be in our future endeavors in life

The origin of how money was invented could never really traced.Clearly no matter which lens you look at it, at some point, money was created in order to monopolize others. To control others, a feat of power. Although humankind has evolved and proved itself that they are a superior species, we retain an animalistic and primitive instinct, an indication of how we greatly thirst for power. It is an undeniable fact that our brains are wired with a sense to conquer and to dominate others, this just demonstrates that we still live with our an old saying that one must survive and be deemed as the fittest.                 

One must be grateful that a systematically structured concept was devised in order to solve our seemingly never-ending dilemma. Humans have developed currency in order to address our undying needs. Currency manifests itself in various forms, may it be salt, paper or gold coins, no matter what pattern or mold, it indicates one’s symbol or status and that alone is already a valid reason to consider it as something revered.

Undoubtedly it was odd enough that it serve its purpose and determining the effectivity and efficiency this tool can provide

Money has the ability and the capability to provide us services that we once thought was beyond of our imaginations.

At first it was pleasant that humans have settled with this method in order to resolve our differences whatever culture or background you are a part of, as long as you have access to money, the privileges and benefits that came with it will follow. Our daily needs have become easily accessible for the general public which we owe to money. We could buy ourselves a house to keep us safe and comfortable from the uncertainties of the great unknown, we could pay for our sumptuos meals which we consume saving ourselves from perishing to our untimely doom.  We could purchase clothes to provide comfort shielding us from the harshness of the blazing sun and chilling nights bring. If you ponder at it long and hard, you would quite think that to take hold of such a thing would amount to possessing quite a superpower. Through human ingenuity we were able to unlock and utilize money’s full potential to its highest extent.                                    

Mankind has indeed reached various milestones in the course of its existence. We were able to build Stonehenge, Egypt’s pyramids and travel the moon. Behind all those monumental successes, there was a lot of money involved. Humanity needed a bit of a boost in order to fully realize what was once superficial.

Of course, like every other great thing out there money has its own set disadvantages, after all with the amount of power money possesses the same amount of responsibilities came along with it.  Meticulously assessing the situation at hand, if we are being optimistic, Money in the hands of a great person can do great things but likewise if not then vile and unthinkable disasters would come into reality. Looking back on how we mentally act as vessels who are driven bu our fear for survival, one could easily abuse its majestic abilities and should be held liable to such acts. 

A notable example is senator Jinggoy Estrada’s notion for bail even though he is guilty for graft being approved and will able to reclaim back his autonomy after complying, meanwhile Lavette Mays was arrested for an alleged altercation and wasn’t able to apply for bail due to poverty. The difference in social standings and economic background with these two persons is surreal. Clearly our justice systems solidify my theory that if you have an adequate amount of money, you’ll be able to get through life and will be able to enjoy the pleasantries of life. There are aot of notable injustices happening in the world as we speak and these two are only just a few of them.

Money creates this divide between the wealthy and the poor. From what I said earlier Money grants us access to services and unfortunately and it saddens the fact that money equates into something positive

That once a person has a lot of money one has the more amenities he or she is provided, the toxicity it deals mentally, physically, emotionally is not comparable to anything in this world. Not everyone is born to enjoy the lavish lifestyle. “Kapit sa patalim” We will do whatever it takes no matter how painstaking and hard it is in order to secure a better future.

A person might resolve into doing acts of manipulation, stealing any forbidden activity you can think of as a way to alleviate and address the current problem they are experiencing. It sounds desperation indeed, but one needs to take action knowing their current status would not get better from there. Those who are experiencing poor quality of living has no time to think of what is morally correct, the concept of right or wrong is at the bottom of their priorities. No one in their right mindset would subject themselves through harsh trials and tribulations for the sake of experiencing it. In the end can we really blame those people who chose to stay away from the right path in order to let theirselves taste what it is like to be at the top of the chain to have the liberty and luxury to enjoy life with grandeur.  As sad as it sounds theres no such thing as equality and our advances for equity has only begun.

This just goes to show that money is an entity greater than us it can control in ways unbeknownst to us.

Mainstream media nowadays promotes awfully unattainable standards that almost no one could afford to do so. Our inclination to grandiosity has made us puppets to the extremes. It is a double-edged sword as it can either be a blessing or a curse. It’s capability to move us in ways shaping the future, altering how we were and will be from then on. Who knew that at first what little impact it mads is now one of our pioneers building foundations leaving impressions that will transcend its lifetime.