Module 3: Return to the Roots/Return to Remembrance: Encounters and (Mis) Encounters

Module 3: Return to the Roots/Return to Remembrance:
Encounters and (Mis) Encounters

Author: Daniel-Jay Pascual
Class: IP 411: Ilokano Literature in Translation/English

The entirety of this particular module is composed of a multitude of diverse short stories. Majority of these stories depict an assortment of events that are capable of simulating real life situations. Furthermore, these stories are experiences that exist in the lives of people in the world of today. The stories relate to issues of adulthood, religion, sexuality, ideas of returning home, etc. The reaction of Ilokanos to a chain of specific events can be seen and compared to that of other people. Though there may be similarities, majority of the perceptions in the story are precise facts of the Ilokano people.

In the story, Pimples, by Pelagio A. Alcantara, the main character, Dodo, is a young boy eager to enter the realm of adulthood. Dodo plays the role of a young boy, possibly 12-15 years of age, who believes that his poetry will win him a girl. As described in the story, the pimples on his face signify his transformation from a boy to a man. The same viewpoint can be associated with boys of other cultures as well. The physical change as well as the mental change provides boys of this age to act with less shyness.

Further analysis of the story reveals that, rather than being respectful of his elders, Dodo chooses to drink and engage into “adult conversation” with Manang Pinang, a woman who serves alcohol in her sari-sari store. Dodo expresses poetry to Manang Pinang in hopes of serenading her. Eventually, his actions are taken as insults and he is dismissed from the store. Dodo also speaks of a girl in the story of which he is fond of. All of these events add to the concept of gaining adulthood. Adulthood is a reality in which all people must go through, Ilokanos alike.

The Strangers, by Jeremias A. Calixto, is a story about a family who is socially disconnected from the community in which they had recently inhabited. The family of seven is composed of: the father, the mother, and five children. Unfortunately, the family is not greeted into the community with open arms. Instead, they are scrutinized and stereotyped for their actions. In particular, the manner in which the family occupied the new home raised suspicion amongst the existing community members. The move into the new home was discreet and covert. In relation to Ilokanos, this can be seen as a normal response.

Personally, I tend to make judgments on other people and treat them accordingly. If I were a character in this story, I would have had the same reaction as the members of the community. The sudden occupation of the once abandoned house would raise suspicion on my part. Similar reactions might occur with other actions by Ilokanos. For example, an Ilokano may pass judgment on a person who is mumbling to himself/herself and determine that he/she is a witch/warlock. Of course this could also be compared to the reactions of other people, I have observed that Ilokanos are firm practitioners of this behavior.

The ending of this story is sorrowful. The father of the outcaste family plays the role of a hero when a fire engulfs the neighborhood. The father as well as the family rescued the precious belongings of the community. In the end, the father is caught in the fire and dies. The regret of the members of the community led them to feel guilt and offer to help the once outcaste family. Though, when they reach the home, the family is gone. The ending of this story is very powerful. The conclusion relays the message of ultimate regret. The sacrifice the family of seven made for the members of the community forces the neighbors to look upon them with new light, a light in which they could be accepted and welcomed into the neighborhood. One could perhaps call it a chance. Unfortunately, it was a chance that arrived too late.

*** In order to prevent any repetitive thoughts, an extended analysis/reaction of Rice for the Moon can be found in my previous posts. I have introduced the short story but added more detail to my reaction. ***

Rice for the Moon, by Manuel S. Diaz, is another story of a real life event. The concept of sacrifice for the greater good of the family, the ritual beliefs, and even a little piece of history can be learned from this particular story. The sacrifice Manang Ason had made in the story greatly benefits her family members. Manang Ason’s marriage to Don Gaspar provides her family with the ability to be well nourished and live well.

After analyzing the story, the initial “throwing of the rice ball to the moon” can be seen as a call for help. The war breaking out and forcing the family to move may have been a reaction to the ritual which results in the family moving in with Don Gaspar. Though this is a farfetched idea, it could be a possible assumption by the reader. Also, in comparison with Ilokanos, this is a process which has occurred multiple times.

Arranged marriages, marriages to U.S. citizens, marriages to the wealthy, are all common within the Ilokano language. The inspiration of a few brides/grooms include more than the marriage itself. Unfortunately, in some cases, marriage is a tool used to gain something greater. As stated earlier, people have a wide range of reasons to marry certain people. As a result, marriages tend to be less successful in these cases.

*** In order to prevent any repetitive thoughts, an extended analysis/reaction of The Avocado Tree can be found in my previous posts. I have introduced the short story but added more detail to my reaction. ***

The Avocado Tree, by Marcelino A. Foronda, Jr., is a story of a family of the working class. The family is composed of, the father, the mother, and the son. In this story, the father and son are the central characters. The Avocado Tree itself is a representation of the son’s birth and growth. During the story, the author provides readers with clues suggesting that the son has chosen to live a more feminist life. The father disapproves of his son’s behavior and in the end, kills him, along with the Avocado Tree.

The main point in this story is the father’s wish for his son to live a successful life. A life in which he defined his son as being an engineer married to a woman. In the story, the son is described as, one who “plays with dolls” and “goes out with the boys.” The author may be suggesting that the son is gay. In this case, the father shows in unacceptance of the life his son has chosen, giving him reason to kill.

As stated in my previous reaction to this story, I am usually a firm believer of, “living the life you want to live.” Although, I also see the father’s sacrifices for his family and believe that the son should have shown more respect. In the end, I believe that the father and son should have agreed upon terms in which they both would benefit.

Sing, Cicada, Sing!, by Gregorio C. Laconsay, is a story which serves as an ideal account of a native Filipino returning home from his journey. Dr. Pete is the main character of the story and he is the person who represents the many Filipinos who have journeyed to the United States of America in search of education and a better life. Dr. Pete was given the opportunity to travel overseas and earn a degree in the medical field.

The story describes his return as one that is looked upon by the native Ilokanos with much respect and happiness. Regrettably, the modern day concept of returning to the motherland is not common amongst Ilokanos in the States. Although the story mentions that Pete once stated that there was nothing back home (Philippines), his journey back home awakens many fond memories of his childhood past. The singing of the Cicada, the greetings by fellow neighbors, and the childhood nicknames, Pete finds his visit to be pleasant.

The author describes his wife as a nurse in the medical field. The couple has no children and use birth control to prevent pregnancy. I believe the reason the author has chosen to input this detail into the story is, to increase the reaction of the reader at the end of the story. The end is composed of an intense sex scene which suggests that the couple produces their first child. The purpose of creating a new life in the original environment in which Pete was raised in is a meaningful attribute of the Ilokano heritage.

In the end, the story is one that should set a standard for those who have traveled here from the Motherland (Philippines). A contribution to the land from where a person originated from should be a notion practiced by all people. Ilokanos in particular suit this concept. If it were not for the first Sakadas to Hawaii, Ilokanos would not be able to live and work here in the islands. With that, one should analyze the roots of their culture and their history and never forget where they come from.

Overall, all of these short stories have meaningful messages within them. From returning home to the Motherland to making sacrifices, all of these stories help in providing Ilokanos with a standard of living. An array of ethical and moral issues provides Ilokanos with decisions which may guide them through a path of righteousness or selfishness. Additionally, these stories provide Ilokanos with the ability to pass these concepts to future generations. From my generation to the next, one can only hope that the old traditions and lessons will be passed successfully to those of the future.