“Puhon, puhon;” Language and Resilience of the Filipino | Von Ryan Abrantes | TEDxAvenuesWorldSchool

Summary

The speaker, Von Ryan de Brances, discusses the resilience of Filipinos in the face of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlighting the importance of spirituality, purpose, and community support, he uses the Bisayan language to explore the cultural aspects of resilience, as exemplified by the words 'pujon' (faith and hope), 'padayon' (perseverance), and 'magtinabangan' (helping others). The talk emphasizes the need for an environment that fosters resilience, rather than expecting it as a given, and calls for collective support in overcoming challenges.

Takeaways

• 😋 Lumpia and ube are iconic Filipino foods, representing the rich culinary culture of the Philippines.
• 🏖 The Philippines is known for its beautiful beaches like Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan, making it a popular tourist destination.
• 🌍 The Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which results in frequent typhoons and volcanic activity.
• 😷 The country has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many lives lost and people hospitalized.
• 🔥 In January 2020, Batangas province faced the eruption of Ta'al Volcano and the destruction of Typhoon Ulysses, amidst the pandemic.
• 😊 Despite adversities, Filipinos are often depicted as happy and smiling, showcasing their resilience.
• 📊 The Philippines ranks 61st in the World Happiness Report, being happier than many of its neighbors.
• 🙏 The Filipino concept of 'pujon' or 'pohon' reflects a hopeful and prayerful attitude, contributing to resilience.
• 🚀 The term 'padayon' embodies the idea of perseverance and moving forward, even in the face of setbacks.
• 👫 'Magtinabangan' highlights the importance of community support in building resilience, akin to the Filipino tradition of 'bayanihan'.
• ⚠️ The narrative of Filipino resilience should not be used as an excuse to neglect creating supportive environments for overcoming challenges.

Q & A

What is Lumpia and why is it significant in Filipino culture?

Lumpia is a crunchy, moorish Filipino spring roll filled with pork and vegetables. It is significant in Filipino culture as it is considered the life of every Filipino party, symbolizing the country's love for food and community gatherings.

What is Ube and how is it used in Filipino cuisine?

Ube is a cartoonishly purple yam that is used in various Filipino desserts such as sugar biscuits, cakes, pastries, and ice cream. It has gained popularity and is taking the upper division of avenues by storm.

What are the geographical features of the Philippines that make it prone to natural disasters?

The Philippines is an archipelago located west of the Pacific Ocean in the region known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. This location means it experiences an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually, with 8 to 9 making landfall, and has hundreds of volcanoes, 24 of which are classified as active.

How has the Philippines been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Philippines has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with thousands of lives lost and many more hospitalized. The country has also faced additional challenges such as the eruption of Ta'al volcano and the destruction of Typhoon Ulysses during the pandemic.

What is the estimated population of Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the United States as of 2018?

As of 2018, there are an estimated 4 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the United States.

What does the speaker mean by 'resilience' in the context of the Filipino people?

In the context of the Filipino people, 'resilience' refers to their ability to cope and thrive in difficult situations and sufferings, to bounce back after a setback, and to maintain social order in the middle of a crisis.

What is the significance of the word 'pujon' or 'pohon' in the speaker's personal experience?

The word 'pujon' or 'pohon', which means 'god willing' or 'let's pray', is used by the speaker's mother as a form of hopeful encouragement and a way to build resilience. It represents a sense of spirituality and destiny that helps in coping with stress and maintaining hope for the future.

How does the speaker relate the concept of 'resilience' to the Filipino people's religiosity?

The speaker relates the concept of 'resilience' to the Filipino people's religiosity by highlighting how they turn to their faith during crises, praying and waiting for God's help, which is a factor that builds resilience.

What is the meaning of 'padayon' and how does it contribute to resilience?

'Padayon' roughly translates to 'onward', 'keep going', or 'carry on'. It is a sense of mission and purpose that encourages individuals to keep moving forward, whether they have succeeded or faced setbacks, thus contributing to resilience.

What is the concept of 'magtinabangan' and how does it relate to community resilience?

'Magtinabangan' means 'to help others' and relates to the concept of 'bayanihan', which signifies community support and cooperation. It highlights the importance of neighbors and community in building personal and national resilience during difficult times.

How does the speaker address the potential misuse of the narrative of Filipino resilience?

The speaker addresses the potential misuse of the narrative of Filipino resilience by cautioning that it should not be used as an excuse to expect Filipinos to endure oppression, calamities, or racism without support. Resilience should be a byproduct of overcoming challenges, not a requirement.

What is the speaker's hope for the Filipino people and the concept of resilience?

The speaker hopes that the Filipino people, with their resilient spirit, continue to thrive and live safe and prosperous lives. They also hope that everyone can develop resilience in ways that are supported and that people support those around them to develop it themselves.

Outlines

00:00

🌴 Introduction to Filipino Culture and Resilience

The speaker begins by engaging the audience with familiar Filipino elements such as lumpia and ube, highlighting the country's vibrant culture. They introduce the Philippines as an archipelago in the Pacific Ring of Fire, prone to natural disasters like typhoons and volcanic activity. Despite recent challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural calamities, Filipinos are depicted as a happy and resilient people. The speaker, Von Ryan de Brances, a teacher with personal ties to the country, aims to explore the concept of resilience through the Bisayan language and share insights into the Filipino spirit.

05:02

🙏 Resilience Through Spirituality and Hope

This paragraph delves into the role of spirituality and hope in building resilience among Filipinos. The speaker shares the use of the term 'pujon' or 'pohon', which reflects a hopeful outlook and a form of prayer for a better future. This is linked to the religiosity of the Filipino people, who often turn to faith during crises. The speaker also discusses the importance of having a sense of purpose, as represented by the word 'padayon', which encourages continuous progress despite setbacks. These cultural elements contribute to the nation's collective resilience.

10:05

👫 Community and Support as Pillars of Resilience

The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of community and helping others in fostering resilience. The concept of 'magtinabangan' is introduced, which is about assisting one another, akin to the Filipino tradition of 'bayanihan'. The speaker recounts a personal experience during a typhoon, where neighbors came together to support each other despite the disaster. However, the paragraph also addresses the complexity of resilience, noting that it should not be expected as a default response to every calamity. The speaker advocates for creating environments that support the development of resilience and cautions against using resilience as an excuse to ignore the need for societal support and change.

Keywords

💡Lumpia

Lumpia is a Filipino spring roll that is crunchy and filled with ingredients such as pork and vegetables. It is a staple at Filipino parties and represents the rich culinary culture of the Philippines. In the video, Lumpia is used to introduce the audience to Filipino cuisine and its significance in social gatherings.

💡Ube

Ube is a vibrant purple yam native to the Philippines, which is used in a variety of desserts and sweets such as sugar biscuits, cakes, pastries, and ice cream. Its popularity has been growing internationally. The video script mentions Ube to highlight a unique and beloved aspect of Filipino cuisine that has gained global attention.

💡Resilience

Resilience, in the context of the video, refers to the ability to cope and thrive in difficult situations and to bounce back after setbacks. It is a central theme of the video, illustrating how Filipinos have historically demonstrated strength and adaptability in the face of adversity, such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

💡Pujon/Pohon

Pujon or Pohjon is a Bisayan term that roughly translates to 'God willing' or 'let's pray'. It is used in the script to illustrate the role of spirituality and hope in building resilience among Filipinos. The speaker's mother uses this term to encourage hope and perseverance in the face of challenges.

💡Padayon

Padayon is a term that means 'keep going' or 'carry on'. It is used in the script to emphasize the importance of a sense of purpose and mission in fostering resilience. Whether celebrating success or overcoming failure, 'Padayon' encourages continuous progress and determination.

💡Magtinabangan

Magtinabangan translates to 'to help others' and is related to the Filipino concept of Bayanihan, which signifies community support and cooperation. The video uses this term to highlight the collective strength and mutual assistance that contribute to the resilience of the Filipino people during crises.

💡Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan

These are some of the most famous and beautiful beach destinations in the Philippines, known for their stunning white beaches and crystal-clear waters. They are mentioned in the script to showcase the natural beauty of the country and as potential summer getaways, contrasting with the challenges faced by the nation.

💡Pacific Ring of Fire

The Pacific Ring of Fire is a region around the Pacific Ocean where many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates. The Philippines is part of this region, which means it experiences frequent natural disasters, including typhoons and volcanic activity. This term is used in the script to explain the geographical challenges that contribute to the resilience of the Filipino people.

💡Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano is an active volcano in the Philippines that erupted in January 2020, causing significant disruption and damage. The script refers to this event to illustrate the recent natural disasters that have tested the resilience of the Filipino people.

💡Typhoon Ulysses

Typhoon Ulysses is a tropical cyclone that caused widespread destruction in the Philippines. The video mentions this event to emphasize the series of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, that the country faced in a short period, further demonstrating the resilience of its people.

💡Bayanihan

Bayanihan is a Filipino custom that traditionally refers to the practice of a community coming together to help a neighbor move their house. It symbolizes the spirit of unity and mutual aid. In the script, Bayanihan is used as an example of how community support is a key factor in the resilience of Filipinos.

Highlights

Introduction of Lumpia, a popular Filipino spring roll, as a symbol of Filipino culture.

Ube, the purple yam, as a versatile ingredient in Filipino cuisine and its growing popularity.

The Philippines' stunning beaches as a tourist attraction and their significance in the country's identity.

The large Filipino and Filipino-American population in the United States.

Geographical challenges of the Philippines being in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The impact of natural disasters, such as typhoons and volcanic eruptions, on the Philippines.

The Philippines' struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the population.

The perception of Filipinos as a happy and resilient people despite hardships.

Philippines' ranking in the World Happiness Report and its comparison with neighboring countries.

The concept of 'pujon' or 'pohon' as a form of hope and resilience in Filipino culture.

The role of spirituality and religiosity in building resilience among Filipinos.

The significance of 'padayon' as a driving force for resilience and purpose in Filipino culture.

The importance of a sense of purpose in building resilience, as supported by the American Psychological Association.

The concept of 'magtinabangan' as a form of community support and its role in resilience.

The historical practice of 'bayanihan' as an example of community resilience in the Philippines.

The complexity of resilience and the social and political factors that influence its development.

The potential misuse of the resilience narrative as an excuse for inaction in the face of adversity.

The call for a supportive environment to develop resilience rather than expecting it as a default trait.

The speaker's personal story of resilience during a typhoon and the importance of community support.

The conclusion emphasizing the need for support in developing resilience and the hope for a prosperous future.

Transcripts

raise a hand if you're familiar with

lumpia

crunchy moorish filipino spring roll

filled with pork and vegetable

the life of every filipino party

raise a hand if you're familiar with ube

the cartoonishly purple yam that can be

turned into sugar biscuits cakes

pastries or even ice cream and is taking

the upper division of avenues by storm

come by eight floors south to try some

raise a hand if you're familiar with the

beautiful beaches of boracay cebu and

palawan

stunning white beaches crystal clear

waters perfect summer getaway

or maybe you're in my ninth grade

integrated science class i see some

students here

one way or another you probably had a

connection or an interaction with the

philippines or filipino people

after all there's an estimated 4 million

filipinos and filipino americans in the

united states of america in 2018

but our country is more than its good

food

and to a spot

there's more to the story

of our beautiful nation

the philippines is an archipelago west

of the pacific ocean and in the region

called the pacific ring of fire

being in this location means that

there's an average of 20 tropical

cyclone that will enter the philippine

area of responsibility with eight to

nine of them making landfall annually

being in the pacific ring of fire means

that there are hundreds of volcanoes in

the country with 24 of them classified

as active

recently our country has been one of the

most affected by the kovit 19 pandemic

with thousands of lives lost and many

more hospitalized

in fact in january 2020

the province of batangas had to deal

with the eruption of ta'al volcano

the destruction of typhoon ulysses

all while dealing with the global

pandemic

tough luck

i guess to a more common standard you

might think that we are not the luckiest

nation

you might even assume that the filipinos

would be a miserable bunch

yet for some strange reasons

filipinos are always depicted on media

as happy

and smiling

i don't know how you could smile while

half of your body submerged in flood

water

time and again one word has been used to

describe the filipino people

resilient quick to recover from

sufferings

happy in the middle of their hardships

in fact in the recent world happiness

report the philippines ranks 61st among

149 nations and ranked happier

compared to most of our east and

southeast asian neighbors

surfing flood waters

having a drink with friends in the

middle of the flood

smiling in the middle of all these

devastations

i think i could call that resilient

my name is von ryan de brances and i'm a

teacher at upper division at avenues and

i was born and raised in valenzuela city

philippines but my parents are both from

hindu southern leyte

why am i telling you this

there are actually more than 120

languages in the philippines my siblings

and myself grew up

speaking filipino

but both my parents speak a different

regional language visaya

in this talk i will use the bisayan

language as a lens

to discuss and reflect about the

resilience of the filipino people

i hope that at the end of this talk

we will understand

how the filipinos are this resilient

and develop the resilience that lies

within us

i guess let's start by defining

resilience

resilience is the ability to cope and

thrive in difficult situations and

sufferings

it's the ability to bounce back

after a setback in life

for a whole nation it could be the

ability of a country to maintain social

order in the middle of a crisis

growing up

my mother will always say the word pujon

or pohon

which roughly means god willing we can

wish or let's pray

she will tell me this when i'm stressed

out because i have exams coming up

or when i'm

doing some wishful thinking going i hope

that we can have a bigger house or more

food in our table my mom would say

which translates to when you finish your

studies and find a good job it will

happen

even now in the middle of a global

pandemic when traveling has been very

difficult my mom would say

someday you will be able to come home

for holiday and visit us we will pray

for it

adding puhon to a statement almost

converts it to a form of prayer

this hopeful encouragement

it's almost a form of prayer is an act

of resilience building by my mother

it gives me a hope that someday i'll be

able to buy that house

or someday i'll be able to go home for a

holiday and see them

someday we'll be able to achieve our

dreams

relates to the religiosity of the

filipino people

it correlates to the

studies that relates

a sense of spirituality

destiny or religiosity as a factor that

builds resilience

being a predominantly christian country

filipinos are known to turn to their

faith in the middle of crisis

pray

wait on god's help

it will arrive

personally i've seen more filipinos go

to church

after a storm

or even during a storm

so the first word is

or resilience through a sense of

spirituality

destiny or religiosity

the second word is

which

could roughly translate as onward keep

going or carry on

you would not only hear this from

visayan parents but also if you're a

student or a faculty of the university

of the philippines

padayon

is what you'll hear when you

got good marks on that test and you're

happy and excited to show it to your

parents and this iron parent would go oh

angalinga

which means that's good

onward

or when you're trembling

probably some of my students would

relate

because you didn't do that well on that

test and you're scared to show it to

your parents after a lecture about um

being prepared being proactive a beside

parent would go

i know you can do this

keep going

you've succeeded and achieve your goals

keep moving forward

you struggled and stumbled

pick yourself up

and keep moving forward

padayon

is a sense of mission

the american psychological association

relates

or attributed a sense of purpose as a

strong builder of resilience

adayon is a conceptualization of what is

beyond

what is ahead

a purpose to keep on going because

there's a bigger dream there's a bigger

goal to achieve

last but not the least

is the word magtinabangan

which

roughly translates to to help others

it could be related to the concept or

idea of bayanihan

which is literally the house movers of

philippines in the olden days you

literally had to carry the house

together and transfer it to a different

place

can't do it with by yourself

relates to the sense of community which

not only

is attributed to personal resilience but

also to natural national resilience

when i was in fourth grade

typhoon ising international named olga

devastated the country with huge amounts

of floods and rain

i remember having to stay at the roof of

our studio apartment while water

literally engulfs the whole neighborhood

i remembered praying hard that the books

i placed in designated sealed buckets

are still dry so that i can still use

them the following week when classes

resume i was praying that the bucket

would just float around in the house and

be safe

if you think about it it would been a

traumatic experience for me but i found

some light in it

seeing the situation

our landlord who lives in a bigger house

with the second floor invited all the

kids in the neighborhood in the compound

to stay in the second floor of their

house while the rest of the family

salvage what they can

from the house

thinking about it i i felt a sense of

security as

my neighbors band together so that we

can have some food to eat someone's

potatoes managed to stay dry someone's

rice miraculously remained dry someone's

soy sauce bottle survived someone's cans

of sardines are still available

putting this together

we cooked lunch for everyone and ate it

while still on top of the roof waiting

for the water to subside

magna bangan is a reminder that it's

difficult to build resilience by

yourself

you need to have neighbors to cook that

lunch and eat that lunch with

on top of the roof

on the other hand

it's important to remember

that resilience is not a simple concept

or a simple trait that you develop by

just praying

having a mission having neighbors

like all aspect of human behavior there

are lots of social political elements to

be considered in one's development of

resilience

sadly

the narrative

that filipinos are resilient

oftentimes can be used against them as

an excuse to just put it on the

filipinos to be resilient in the middle

of oppression calamities or even racism

because after all they will survive it

anyway they are a resilient race

it is easy to praise resilience

on people

who are on top of the roof when you are

on your fifth floor of your apartment

we need to remember that talks about

resilience

must come with discussions about

creating a situation or an environment

which helped build resilience in people

we need to remember

that pohon must come with padayon and

magdena bangan

resilience

should be a byproduct of overcoming

challenges not the requirement

people should be expected to be

resilient after

surviving catastrophes

not be expected to be resilient every

time there is a catastrophe

so the three words

are pohon

which is resilience through a sense of

spirituality destiny or religiosity

padayon resilience through a sense of

purpose or mission in magdena bangan

resilience through a sense of community

i hope that we can all develop

resilience in ways

that we are supported

i hope that the filipino people with a

resilient spirit continue to thrive and

live safe and prosperous lives

i hope that we can all develop

resilience and support those around us

to develop it themselves

in the meantime let's continue with our

own personal goals

keep going with our mission

and have faith that we will get there

we will get there

oh

thank you

you